Subsurface biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen in the actively serpentinizing Samail Ophiolite, Oman.

ABSTRACT: Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for life. N compounds such as ammonium ( NH4+ ) may act as electron donors, while nitrate ( NO3- ) and nitrite ( NO2- ) may serve as electron acceptors to support energy metabolism. However, little is known regarding the availability and forms of N in subsurface ecosystems, particularly in serpentinite-hosted settings where hydrogen (H₂) generated through water-rock reactions promotes habitable conditions for microbial life. Here, we analyzed N and oxygen (O) isotope composition to investigate the source, abundance, and cycling of N species within the Samail Ophiolite of Oman. The dominant dissolved N species was dependent on the fluid type, with Mg²⁺- HCO3- type fluids comprised mostly of NO3- , and Ca²⁺-OH^-

SUBMITTER: Rempfert KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10160414 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature