Potential for microbial H₂ and metal transformations associated with novel bacteria and archaea in deep terrestrial subsurface sediments.

ABSTRACT: Geological sequestration in deep underground repositories is the prevailing proposed route for radioactive waste disposal. After the disposal of radioactive waste in the subsurface, H₂ may be produced by corrosion of steel and, ultimately, radionuclides will be exposed to the surrounding environment. To evaluate the potential for microbial activities to impact disposal systems, we explored the microbial community structure and metabolic functions of a sediment-hosted ecosystem at the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, Hokkaido, Japan. Overall, we found that the ecosystem hosted organisms from diverse lineages, including many from the phyla that lack isolated representatives. The majority of organisms can metabolize H₂, often via oxidative [NiFe] hydrogenases or

SUBMITTER: Hernsdorf AW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5520028 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature