New Delhi: A team of Australian researchers has uncovered crucial insights into how microbes help remove vast amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) from the atmosphere, reducing levels of this highly toxic gas.
According to a study published in Nature Chemical Biology, microbes consume nearly 250 million tonnes of CO annually, a significant portion of the two billion tonnes released into the air worldwide. This natural process helps maintain safer CO levels and contributes to atmospheric detoxification.
Led by scientists from Monash University, the research highlights the role of a special enzyme, CO dehydrogenase, which enables microbes to utilize CO as an energy source. Trillions of microbes in soil and water use this enzyme to extract energy from CO, inadvertently purifying the air in the process.
“This enzyme is widespread among microbes in our environment. While they consume CO for survival, they also play a critical role in reducing pollution,” said Ashleigh Kropp from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI).
Dr. David Gillett, another researcher from Monash University, emphasized that these microbes not only help clean the atmosphere but also mitigate air pollution, a major health hazard. Additionally, they aid in combating climate change, as CO indirectly contributes to global warming.
The study underscores the broader importance of microbes in sustaining planetary health. “Microbes are often overlooked, but they are fundamental to making air breathable,” the researchers noted. They contribute nearly half of Earth’s oxygen supply and break down harmful pollutants like CO, making their role indispensable.
Scientists stress the need for greater recognition of microbial contributions to environmental balance and human well-being. “Understanding their role is crucial for appreciating how they support our survival,” they added.
Meanwhile, another recent study by Finnish researchers has identified promising antibiotic-producing microbes deep within the Arctic Sea, further demonstrating the vast, untapped potential of microbial life in protecting human health and the environment.