Specialists from the International science and technology park of the Academy of sciences of Turkmenistan, led by corresponding member and doctor of chemical sciences Durdymyrat Gadamov and head of the biotechnology laboratory Altyn Rahmanova, have successfully completed the development of a next-generation biopreparation capable of effectively neutralising methane emissions directly in the soil.

The domestic drug is based on natural mechanisms. Scientists used local (native) strains of methane-oxidising bacteria adapted to regional climatic conditions. Bacteria contain the enzyme methanemonooxygenase, which converts methane into safe natural components – carbon dioxide and water. For ease of use, live microbial cultures were combined with locally available materials to form a protective microenvironment.

Methane emissions are a key catalyst for global warming: its short-term impact on the atmosphere is tens of times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Excessive accumulation of this gas destroys natural ecosystems and creates direct risks to human health.

The main advantages of the new development are its high efficiency in localised methane neutralization in industrial zones, its cost-effectiveness and independence from imported analogues due to the use of local raw materials, as well as its complete environmental safety and non-toxicity for humans, animals, and the environment.

The development by Turkmen researchers has become a practical step in implementing the environmental strategy of the country. Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development by formally joining the Global methane commitment and actively implementing advanced environmental standards in the energy sector.