Methanotrophs: promising bacteria for environmental remediation

Methanotrophs are unique and ubiquitous bacteria that utilize methane as a sole source of carbon and energy from the atmosphere. Besides, methanotrophs may also be targeted for bioremediation of diverse type of heavy metals and organic pollutants owing to the presence of broad-spectrum methane monooxygenases enzyme. They are highly specialized group of aerobic bacteria and have a unique capacity for oxidation of certain types of organic pollutants like alkanes, aromatics, halogenated alkenes, etc. Oxidation reactions are initiated by methane monooxygenases enzyme, which can be expressed by methanotrophs in the absence of copper. The present article describes briefly the concerns regarding the unusual reactivity and broad substrate profiles of methane monooxygenases, which indicate many potential applications in bioremediation of heavy metals and toxic organic compounds. Research is needed to develop understanding in plant-methanotrophs interactions that optimize methanotrophs utilization in the field of environmental remediation, while supporting other ecosystem services.