Measurements and interpretation of δ13C of methane from termites, rice paddies, and wetlands in Kenya

摘要

Ratios of13C/12C have been measured in methane from a variety of sources in tropical Kenya. Ranges of δ13C in CH4for termites (most values range from −56 to −64‰, one is at −44‰ one is at ∼−73‰), rice paddies (range −57 to −63‰), and wetlands (range −45 to − 50‰ for Lake Baringo, ∼−55‰ in the Moloi River, ∼−62‰ and ∼−31‰ in two swamp areas) are presented. The data are interpreted with the help of additional measurements of δ13C of CO2gas, and organic carbon in plant material, termite bodies, and termite fungus combs. The implications of these findings are related to the pro