Methane consumption in African lakes

A study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications on September 29, 2026, found that bacteria known as methanotrophs in African lakes consume about 74% of the methane in surface waters, with the rest escaping into the atmosphere.

Methane production and consumption

Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is produced at the bottom of lakes and rises to the surface, where it is consumed by methanotrophs. These bacteria use methane for survival, effectively destroying the gas before it can escape into the atmosphere.

Impact of bacteria on methane levels

Without the action of these bacteria, a much larger quantity of methane could end up in the air. This mechanism plays a crucial role in reducing the amount of methane that contributes to climate change.

Study locations in Africa

The study focused on 79 African lakes, including Lake Victoria, shared between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as Lakes Albert and Edward, located between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Expert perspective on the study

Robillard Kouekam, a fisheries engineer and ecological monitoring officer at the Cameroonian non-governmental organization Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity, notes that forests are often highlighted in climate change discussions because trees absorb carbon dioxide. Kouekam, who did not participate in the study, says the research highlights another natural mechanism for regulating greenhouse gases—bacteria activity in lakes.

Higher methane consumption in Tumba lakes

The researchers observed higher methane consumption activity in the Tumba lakes, indicating that certain regions may have more effective natural methane regulation processes than others.