Wisconsin researchers study air bubbles’ role in methane release

University of Wisconsin researchers are investigating the role that bubbles from fresh water play in the release of methane gas, according to a release from the university. They say their work could influence calculations of greenhouse gas budgets.

Scientists outfitted four Wisconsin streams with bubble traps to capture those rising off the water. The air bubbles were then pumped through gas chromatographs to determine the amount of methane they contained.

As much methane was found in the bubbles as has been recorded in other wetland and lake environments, researchers say. And by taking those concentrations into account, greenhouse gas models worldwide can be made more accurate.