A review of manganese-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation

YU Xin; CHENG Cheng; LIU Yu-nan; WANG Yu-qi; CAI Yan-bo; TAO Yuan-hong; HE Qiang

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China Environmental Science ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (3) : 1593-1604.

Environmental Ecology

A review of manganese-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation

YU Xin, CHENG Cheng, LIU Yu-nan, WANG Yu-qi, CAI Yan-bo, TAO Yuan-hong, HE Qiang

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Abstract

Manganese-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (Mn-AOM) is a non-canonical methane sink. Here, we synthesize its conceptual origins, environmental occurrence and activity, microorganisms and electron-transfer routes underpinning the process. Mn-AOM has been reported in sulfur-depleted marine sediments, freshwater environments, and constructed wetlands, with niche-dependent differences in rates and community composition. In marine settings, Mn-AOM is mainly associated with ANME-1 and ANME-2 archaea, whereas freshwater Mn-AOM is dominated by ANME-2d lineages, including Ca. M. manganicus, Ca. M. manganireducens, Ca. M. nitroreducens, and Ca. M. sp. BLZ1. Proposed electron-transfer mechanisms involve multi-heme c-type cytochromes, soluble electron shuttles, and syntrophic interactions with partner bacteria, and may further couple to cryptic sulfur cycling or co-utilization of nitrate as an electron acceptor. Collectively, Mn-AOM expands current frameworks of methane biogeochemistry and holds promise for water and wastewater treatment, warranting future efforts in molecular resolution, quantitative ecological assessment, and engineering translation.

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anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) / ANME Archaea / electron transfer mechanisms / environmental distribution / reaction rates

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YU Xin, CHENG Cheng, LIU Yu-nan, WANG Yu-qi, CAI Yan-bo, TAO Yuan-hong, HE Qiang. A review of manganese-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation[J]. China Environmental Science. 2026, 46(3): 1593-1604

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