Scholarlink

<p>Serpentinization produces hyperalkaline, H₂- and CH₄-rich fluids that support microbial life and serve as analogs for ocean worlds such as Enceladus. While methane production in these systems has been well studied, methane <i>consumption</i>—especially under high pH—remains poorly understood. Here, we present isotopic, geochemical, and genomic evidence for hyperalkaliphilic (pH &gt; 11) methanotrophy in the Samail ophiolite of Oman. Using models that account for fluid mixing and gas exsolution, we identify δ¹³CH₄ enrichment that cannot be explained by abiotic processes alone. The enrichment of <sup>13</sup>CH<sub>4</sub> co-occurs with methanotroph 16S rRNA gene sequences, particularly in fluids formed by mixing CH₄-rich, reduced fluids with oxidant-rich waters. Shotgun metagenome sequencing reveals a metagenome-assembled genome affiliated with <i>Methylovulum</i>, encoding a complete methane oxidation pathway, multiple carbon assimilation routes, and Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters—adaptations likely enabling growth above pH 11. Our findings highlight the viability of methanotrophy under extreme high pH conditions and provide a framework for interpreting δ¹³CH₄ signals in serpentinizing environments on Earth and beyond.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Methanotrophy under extreme alkalinity in a serpentinizing system

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月29日

查看全文
  • Alta E. G. Howells,
  • Kirt Robinson,
  • Miguel G. Silva,
  • Ellen Cook,
  • Lucas Fifer,
  • Grayson Boyer,
  • Tori Hoehler,
  • Everett L. Shock

摘要

Serpentinization produces hyperalkaline, H₂- and CH₄-rich fluids that support microbial life and serve as analogs for ocean worlds such as Enceladus. While methane production in these systems has been well studied, methane consumption—especially under high pH—remains poorly understood. Here, we present isotopic, geochemical, and genomic evidence for hyperalkaliphilic (pH > 11) methanotrophy in the Samail ophiolite of Oman. Using models that account for fluid mixing and gas exsolution, we identify δ¹³CH₄ enrichment that cannot be explained by abiotic processes alone. The enrichment of 13CH4 co-occurs with methanotroph 16S rRNA gene sequences, particularly in fluids formed by mixing CH₄-rich, reduced fluids with oxidant-rich waters. Shotgun metagenome sequencing reveals a metagenome-assembled genome affiliated with Methylovulum, encoding a complete methane oxidation pathway, multiple carbon assimilation routes, and Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters—adaptations likely enabling growth above pH 11. Our findings highlight the viability of methanotrophy under extreme high pH conditions and provide a framework for interpreting δ¹³CH₄ signals in serpentinizing environments on Earth and beyond.