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

Abstract

Ratios of 13 C/ 12 C have been measured in methane from a variety of sources in tropical Kenya. Ranges of δ 13 C in CH 4 for 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 δ 13 C of CO 2 gas, and organic carbon in plant material, termite bodies, and termite fungus combs. The implications of these findings are related to the problem of studying the atmospheric methane budget.