FIGURE 8.

Schematic representation of the fate of methane. (1) No action leads to methane-GHG release to the atmosphere (red arrow). (2) Methane can be neutralized into CO₂, a less harmful GHG (in a short timescale) (yellow arrow). Methane oxidation can occur aerobically or anaerobically depending on the availability of electron acceptors and the microorganisms present. (3) Methane can be collected and used as a biogas for heat and electricity production (green arrow). (4) Methane can enter bio-based and circular economy models through the application of aerobic methanotrophs for the production of various chemicals, biodiesel, bioplastics, protein, and even the potential recovery of precious metals (blue arrows).