This was the subject of a recent study by researchers at Southern Cross University and Monash University. In doing so, they discovered a previously-overlooked function of tree bark in regulating greenhouse gases. Researchers recently undertook a five-year study of melaleuca trees in the forests of north-east New South Wales. They particularly zeroed in on the Tweed Coast, where they discovered the specialized microbial colonies thriving in the bark’s fissures.
Luke Jeffrey, postdoctoral researcher at Southern Cross University recently described bark’s role in air purification. He explained how scientific literature has poorly covered this role. The researchers’ conclusions indicate that these microbial communities play a powerful role in addressing climate change. They sequester, absorb and reduce nasty greenhouse gases.
Uncovering Microbial Diversity
The study, which explored eight different tree species in the Tweed Shire, revealed that each tree hosts trillions of microbial cells in its bark. Bob Leung, a research fellow in microbiology at Monash University, pointed out the importance of these findings. He’s a study co-author.
“Each tree hosts trillions of microbial cells in its bark.” – Bob Leung
Leung highlighted that these microbes are omnipresent. Their existence and roles have been willfully neglected for most of the last half-century. He stated, “These microbes appear to be specialists that are specifically evolved and unique to tree bark,” underlining their potential significance in environmental processes.
The research found a surprising sensitivity of upland trees including eucalypts to these extremes. Though they don’t harbor methane-consuming microbes like M. acetivorans, they do create conditions that allow hydrogen-eating hydrogenophiles to flourish. This important distinction informs conservation strategies to maximize environmental benefits of tree species with specific attributes.
Implications for Climate Change Mitigation
The implications of this research go well beyond the scope of academic interest. Zahra Islam, a microbial biotechnology lecturer and research fellow at the University of Melbourne, described the importance of this study. She emphasized the importance of their work for future climate change mitigation planning.
“It’s a very important study for future climate change mitigation strategies, as well as conservation.” – Zahra Islam
Luke Jeffrey delivered these words with great fervor. Providing constant data on trees with the highest absorption levels for their specific environments could inform better management practices in conservation and forestry, he noted. He expressed enthusiasm about the findings, saying, “We’re just pretty excited about this research because it suggests there’s this hidden ecological and other climate-regulating role of trees, beyond just capturing CO2.”
The scientists hope that their findings will change the way that researchers understand trees’ impact on the formation of Earth’s atmosphere. Damien Maher, the co-leader of the study and researcher at Southern Cross University, called it a major breakthrough. He described this research as “the tip of the iceberg” for our understanding of tree-microbe interactions and their vital role in climate regulation.
Future Directions
The study’s findings invite further exploration into the diverse roles that tree bark and its associated microbes play in environmental health. The research team hopes that a better understanding of these interactions can inspire new, creative conservation solutions. These strategies are designed to get the most ecological benefit from whichever tree species thrive in our built landscapes.
Damien Maher stated, “The diversity of microbes that we found living in the bark of these trees suggests that we may need to rethink how trees and forests control Earth’s climate, now and into the future.”
As research continues, there is much to learn about how these microbial communities can be harnessed in efforts to combat climate change. At top, Luke Jeffrey encapsulated it nicely. As he explained, not only do most wetland trees exude methane, they house microbes that thrive on this greenhouse gas.
“A lot of the wetland trees where methane is produced had microbes that live off methane.” – Luke Jeffrey
