Microbes Discovered in Amazon Peatlands Could Reshape Global Carbon Cycle

Researchers have uncovered microscopic organisms in the peatlands of Peru’s northwestern Amazon that play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s carbon cycle. According to a study published in Microbiology Spectrum, these microbes—belonging to the Bathyarchaeia group—can either store or release carbon as greenhouse gases, depending on environmental conditions.

Amazonian peatlands hold an estimated 3.1 billion tons of carbon, acting as a critical carbon sink by slowing decomposition. These microbes contribute by consuming carbon monoxide, reducing environmental toxicity, and producing hydrogen and CO₂ for methane generation. Their ability to adapt to fluctuating oxygen levels makes them key players in carbon regulation.

However, deforestation, mining, and climate change threaten this delicate balance, potentially triggering the release of large amounts of CO₂ and methane, intensifying global warming. Hinsby Cadillo-Quiroz, the study’s lead researcher from Arizona State University, has stressed the urgent need for sustainable peatland management to protect their carbon-storing function.

The study underscores the importance of preserving these ecosystems and highlights local research collaborations in the Amazon. Scientists emphasize that ongoing monitoring of microbial activity will be essential for predicting future climate impacts and guiding conservation efforts.

Funded by the National Science Foundation, this research advances understanding of microbial contributions to global carbon regulation, paving the way for future peatland restoration and management strategies.