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Missouri Wetlands Could Hold Smallest Weapon For Fighting Climate Change

By Steve Kraske,

Reginald David, Chris Young

Published August 25, 2021 at 7:06 AM CDT

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In Missouri wetlands like this one at the Kendzora Conservation Area researchers are finding bacteria that trap carbon dioxide in wetland sediment.

Microbes living in these aquatic environments consume carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.

Known as photoferrotrophs, these microscopic organisms are plentiful in our oceans.

But the discovery that they are also in fresh water wetlands could open the door to a natural means of sequestering carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming.

Members of a research team at Washington University made the discovery and are now studying the microbes to determine just how effective they could be in fighting climate change.

Arpita Bose, associate professor of biology, Washington University
Emily Davenport, candidate, plant & microbiology PhD program, Washington University

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Up To Date Podcast science environmental science Climate Change global warming research Washington University in St. Louis

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Reginald David

As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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