Acetogenesis in Deep Subseafloor Sediments of The Juan de Fuca Ridge Flank: A Synthesis of Geochemical, Thermodynamic, and Gene-based Evidence

In deep subsurface sediments of the Juan de Fuca Ridge Flank, porewater acetate that is depleted in 13C relative to sedimentary organic matter indicates an acetogenic component to total acetate production. Thermodynamic calculations indicate common fermentation products or lignin monomers as potential substrates for acetogenesis. The classic autotrophic reaction may contribute as well, provided that dihydrogen (H2) concentrations are not drawn down to the thermodynamic thresholds of the energetically more favorable processes of sulfate reduction and methanogenesis. A high diversity of novel formyl tetrahydrofolate synthetase (fhs) genes throughout the upper half of the sediment column indicates the genetic potential for acetogenesis. Our results suggest that a substantial fraction of the acetate produced in marine sediment porewaters may derive from acetogenesis, in addition to the conventionally invoked sources fermentation and sulfate reduction.