Pulses of labile carbon cause transient decoupling of fermentation and respiration in permeable sediments

Dihydrogen (H-2) is an important intermediate in anaerobic microbial processes, and concentrations are tightly controlled by thermodynamic limits of consumption and production. However, recent studies reported unusual H-2 accumulation in permeable marine sediments under anoxic conditions, suggesting decoupling of fermentation and sulfate reduction, the dominant respiratory process in anoxic permeable marine sediments. Yet, the extent, prevalence and potential triggers for such H-2 accumulation and decoupling remain unknown. We surveyed H-2 concentrations in situ at different settings of permeable sand and found that H-2 accumulation was only observed during a coral spawning event on the Great Barrier Reef. A flume experiment with organic matter addition to the water column showed a rapid accumulation of hydrogen within the sediment. Laboratory experiments were used to explore the effect of oxygen exposure, physical disturbance and organic matter inputs on H-2 accumulation. Oxygen exposure had little effect on H-2 accumulation in permeable sediments suggesting both fermenters and sulfate reducers survive and rapidly resume activity after exposure to oxygen. Mild physical disturbance mimicking sediment resuspension had little effect on H-2 accumulation; however, vigorous shaking led to a transient accumulation of H-2 and release of dissolved organic carbon suggesting mechanical disturbance and cell destruction led to organic matter release and transient decoupling of fermenters and sulfate reducers. In summary, the highly dynamic nature of permeable sediments and its microbial community allows for rapid but transient decoupling of fermentation and respiration after a C pulse, leading to high H-2 levels in the sediment.

Automated summary

Dihydrogen (H-2) accumulation and decoupling of fermentation and sulfate reduction were observed in permeable marine sediments during a coral spawning event, suggesting transient decoupling of microbial processes. Laboratory experiments showed that oxygen exposure had little effect on H-2 accumulation, while physical disturbance led to transient H-2 accumulation and release of dissolved organic carbon. The highly dynamic nature of permeable sediments allows for rapid but transient decoupling of fermentation and respiration, leading to high H-2 levels.