Reductive dissolution of pyrite by methanogenic archaea.

ABSTRACT: The formation and fate of pyrite (FeS₂) modulates global iron, sulfur, carbon, and oxygen biogeochemical cycles and has done so since early in Earth's geological history. A longstanding paradigm is that FeS₂ is stable at low temperature and is unavailable to microorganisms in the absence of oxygen and oxidative weathering. Here, we show that methanogens can catalyze the reductive dissolution of FeS₂ at low temperature (≤38 °C) and utilize dissolution products to meet cellular iron and sulfur demands associated with the biosynthesis of simple and complex co-factors. Direct access to FeS₂ is required to catalyze its reduction and/or to assimilate iron monosulfide that likely forms through coupled reductive dissolution and precipitation, consistent

SUBMITTER: Payne D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8630215 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature