Evidence against hydrogen-based microbial ecosystems in basalt aquifers

TitleEvidence against hydrogen-based microbial ecosystems in basalt aquifers
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1998
AuthorsAnderson RT, Chapelle FH, Lovley DR
JournalScience
Volume281
Issue5379
Pagination976-7
Date Published1998 Aug 14
ISSN1095-9203
Abstract

It has been proposed that hydrogen produced from basalt-ground-water interactions may serve as an energy source that supports the existence of microorganisms in the deep subsurface on Earth and possibly on other planets. However, experiments demonstrated that hydrogen is not produced from basalt at an environmentally relevant, alkaline pH. Small amounts of hydrogen were produced at a lower pH in laboratory incubations, but even this hydrogen production was transitory. Furthermore, geochemical considerations suggest that previously reported rates of hydrogen production cannot be sustained over geologically significant time frames. These findings indicate that hydrogen production from basalt-ground-water interactions may not support microbial metabolism in the subsurface.

Alternate JournalScience
PubMed ID9703509