Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
2006
Department
Oceanography
Abstract
Concentrations and isotopic compositions of ethane and propane in cold, deeply buried sediments from the southeastern Pacific are best explained by microbial production of these gases in situ. Reduction of acetate to ethane provides one feasible mechanism. Propane is enriched in 13C relative to ethane. The amount is consistent with derivation of the third C from inorganic carbon dissolved in sedimentary pore waters. At typical sedimentary conditions, the reactions yield free energy sufficient for growth. Relationships with competing processes are governed mainly by the abundance of H2. Production of C2 and C3 hydrocarbons in this way provides a sink for acetate and hydrogen but upsets the general belief that hydrocarbons larger than methane derive only from thermal degradation of fossil organic material.
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Hinrichs, K-U., Hayes, J. M., Bach, W., Spivack, A. J., Hmelo, L. R., Holm, N. G., Johnson, C. G., & Sylva, S. P. (2006). Biological formation of ethane and propane in the deep marine subsurface. PNAS, 103(40), 14684-14689. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0606535103
Available at: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0606535103
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