Search

Observational evidence supports the presence of methane (CH 4 ) in the martian atmosphere on the order of parts per billion by volume (ppbv). Here, we assess whether aerobic methanotrophy is a potentially viable metabolism in the martian upper regolith, by calculating metabolic energy gain rates under assumed conditions of martian surface temperature, pressure, and atmospheric composition. Using kinetic parameters for 19 terrestrial aerobic methanotrophic strains, we show that even under the imposed low temperature and pressure extremes (180-280 K and 6-11 hPa), methane oxidation by oxygen (O 2 ) should in principle be able to generate the minimum energy production rate required to support endogenous metabolism ( i.e. , cellular maintenance). Our results further indicate that the corresponding metabolic activity would be extremely low, with cell doubling times in excess of 4000 Earth years at the present-day ppbv-level CH 4 mixing ratios in the atmosphere of Mars. Thus, while aerobic methanotrophic microorganisms similar to those found on Earth could theoretically maintain their vital functions, they are unlikely to constitute prolific members of hypothetical martian soil communities.

Life and element cycling on Earth is directly related to electron transfer (or redox) reactions. An understanding of biogeochemical redox processes is crucial for predicting and protecting environmental health and can provide new opportunities for engineered remediation strategies. Energy can be released and stored by means of redox reactions via the oxidation of labile organic carbon or inorganic compounds (electron donors) by microorganisms coupled to the reduction of electron acceptors including humic substances, iron-bearing minerals, transition metals, metalloids, and actinides. Environmental redox processes play key roles in the formation and dissolution of mineral phases. Redox cycling of naturally occurring trace elements and their host minerals often controls the release or sequestration of inorganic contaminants. Redox processes control the chemical speciation, bioavailability, toxicity, and mobility of many major and trace elements including Fe, Mn, C, P, N, S, Cr, Cu, Co, As, Sb, Se, Hg, Tc, and U. Redox-active humic substances and mineral surfaces can catalyze the redox transformation and degradation of organic contaminants. In this review article, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of biogeochemical redox processes and their impact on contaminant fate and transport, including future research needs.

Nitrogen transformations and their response to salinization were studied in bottom sediment of a coastal freshwater lake (Haringvliet Lake, The Netherlands). The lake was formed as the result of a river impoundment along the south-western coast of the Netherlands, and is currently targeted for restoration of estuarine conditions. Nitrate porewater profiles indicate complete removal of NO(3)(-) within the upper few millimeters of sediment. Rapid NO(3)(-) consumption is consistent with the high potential rates of nitrate reduction (up to 200 nmol N cm(-3) h(-1)) measured with flow-through reactors (FTRs) on intact sediment slices. Acetylene-block FTR experiments indicate that complete denitrification accounts for approximately half of the nitrate reducing activity. The remaining NO(3)(-) reduction is due to incomplete denitrification and alternative reaction pathways, most likely dissimilatory nitrate reduction to NH(4)(+) (DNRA). Results of FTR experiments further indicate that increasing bottom water salinity may lead to a transient release of NH(4)(+) and dissolved organic carbon from the sediment, and enhance the rates of nitrate reduction and nitrite production. Increased salinity may thus, at least temporarily, increase the efflux of NH(4)(+) from the sediment to the surface water. This work shows that salinity affects the relative importance of denitrification compared to alternative nitrate reduction pathways, limiting the ability of denitrification to remove bioavailable nitrogen from aquatic ecosystems.