Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2000/01435

Carbon-isotope biogeochem of acetogenesis & methanogenesis in deeply buried sediments:insights into biogenic & thermogenic process that fuel deep bios

Principal Investigator:: Professor RJ Parkes, Cardiff University, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor ERC Hornibrook, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus
Co-Investigator:: Professor RP Evershed, University of Bristol, Chemistry
Grant held at:: Cardiff University, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences

Abstract:: The recent discovery of bacterial populations to depths of several kilometres in sedimentary environments poses the fundamental question of how micro-organisms can survive on ancient and deeply buried organic matter. We have previously shown that acetate and other volatile fatty acids (VFAs) increase to mM concentrations in porewaters because high burial temperatures increase the lability of organic matter. Acetate and VFAs are important bacterial substrates which may serve as energy sources for life in the deep subsurface. We propose to explore the mechanisms of acetate and CH4 generation in deeply buried sediments using sequentially heated model sediment systems, together with natural abundance level measurements of 13C/12C ratios in acetate, CH4 and CO2 and incubations involving 14C-labelled substrates and selective inhibition of specific groups of anaerobic micro-organisms. New insights will be gained into pathways of carbon flow in deeply buried sediments and the processes that control the delta 13C values of biogenic acetate, CH4 and CO2 in the deep biosphere.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £54,637

Total - T&S	Total - Staff	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs
£2,771	£24,043	£16,763	£11,060

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