Methanogens (Methanogenic archaea)
Methanogens
Japanese: メタン生成菌（メタン生成古細菌）
Archaea that produce methane from carbon dioxide and hydrogen or from acetate. Inhabiting anaerobic environments, they play important roles in composting and biogas plants.
Methanogens are archaea that produce methane from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, or from acetate. They are strict anaerobes, unable to survive in the presence of oxygen.
Cow stomachs (rumen), paddy soil, wetlands—methanogens operate in these oxygen-free environments. In biogas plants, they are the key players converting organic waste into methane.
Though their direct connection to food fermentation is limited, methanogens are active in the final stages of composting. Moreover, energy recovery through methane fermentation is becoming an important element of sustainable food production.