The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) is one of the largest deposits of sulphidic minerals on Earth. Río Tinto raises from its core, presenting low a pH and high metal concentration. Several drilling cores were extracted from the IPB’s subsurface, and strain T2.3D-1.1 was isolated from a core at 121.8 m depth. We aimed to characterize this subterranean microorganism, revealing its phylogenomic affiliation (Average Nucleotide Identity, digital DNA-DNA Hybridization) and inferring its physiology through genome annotation, backed with physiological experiments to explore its relationship with the Fe biogeochemical cycle. Results determined that the isolate belongs to the Shewanella putrefaciens (with ANI 99.25 with S. putrefaciens CN-32). Its genome harbours the necessary genes, including omcA mtrCAB, to perform the Extracellular Electron Transfer (EET) and reduce acceptors such as Fe3+, napAB to reduce NO3− to NO2−, hydAB to produce H2 and genes sirA, phsABC and ttrABC to reduce SO32−, S2O32− and S4O62−, respectively. A full CRISPR-Cas 1F type system was found as well. S. putrefaciens T2.3D-1.1 can reduce Fe3+ and promote the oxidation of Fe2+ in the presence of NO3− under anaerobic conditions. Production of H2 has been observed under anaerobic conditions with lactate or pyruvate as the electron donor and fumarate as the electron acceptor. Besides Fe3+ and NO3−, the isolate also grows with Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Trimethyl N-oxide, S4O62− and S2O32− as electron acceptors. It tolerates different concentrations of heavy metals such as 7.5 mM of Pb, 5 mM of Cr and Cu and 1 mM of Cd, Co, Ni and Zn. This array of traits suggests that S. putrefaciens T2.3D-1.1 could have an important role within the Iberian Pyrite Belt subsurface participating in the iron cycle, through the dissolution of iron minerals and therefore contributing to generate the extreme conditions detected in the Río Tinto basin.

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Shewanella sp. T2.3D-1.1 a Novel Microorganism Sustaining the Iron Cycle in the Deep Subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt

Different evolution of tensile and compressive strength in concrete affected by acid mine drainage

The biogeochemical cycles on Earth are intricate processes, facilitated by the remarkable metabolic diversity of microorganisms. These cycles drive complex energy and nutrient flows that are fundamental to the expansion and complexity of ecosystems, ultimately enhancing biodiversity. The seamless operation of these cycles depends on the intricate interplay of biological, geological, and chemical processes connecting the biosphere with the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Notably, autotrophic organisms play pivotal roles as both sources and sinks, efficiently transducing energy and matter between different reservoirs. The equilibrium of these cycles is upheld through multiple feedback mechanisms, and a pertinent example is the carbon cycle, wherein the burial of organic matter leads to a reduction in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The stability of nutrient availability and energy flow, fostered by balanced biogeochemical cycles, creates a conducive environment for the emergence of more complex ecosystems and the development of specialized niches, which drive the process of speciation. The significance of diverse microbial metabolic pathways cannot be understated, as they actively support biodiversity by facilitating crucial redox reactions and elemental transformations. These microbial activities play a vital role in shaping the landscape of life on Earth. However, it is crucial to recognize that human activities, such as pollution, land use changes, and resource exploitation, can have adverse effects on biogeochemical cycles. Such disruptions can alter environmental conditions and nutrient balances, thereby posing a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The interaction between geological phenomena, including volcanism and weathering, is instrumental in releasing essential elements from rocks, making them available for biological uptake. Additionally, some abiotic reactions, like photochemical, contribute to the transformation of compounds, generating electron acceptors essential for biogeochemical processes. Notably, the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis has had a profound impact on global biogeochemical cycles, shaping the conditions for life on Earth as we know it. The interdependence of the carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and iron cycles highlights their intricate regulatory roles in shaping Earth׳s habitable conditions to sustain biodiversity. The interactions between these cycles underscore the delicate balance required to maintain the health and diversity of Earth׳s ecosystems and species. In conclusion, the biogeochemical cycles on Earth exemplify the profound complexity and interconnection of biological, geological, and chemical processes. These processes drive energy and nutrient flows, sustaining ecosystems and promoting biodiversity. However, human-induced disruptions pose a significant challenge to this delicate equilibrium. Understanding and preserving the delicate balance between these natural cycles is imperative for the long-term sustainability of Earth׳s ecosystems and the myriad species that inhabit it. 

Biogeochemical Cycles

Abstract Hundreds of paleolakes have been identified across Mars. Due to their unique morphological features and astrobiological significance, paleolakes have been selected as landing sites of several Mars in situ exploration missions. Tianwen‐3 is China's second Mars mission and plans to launch in 2028 and return at least 500 g Mars samples around the year 2030. Its primary scientific objective is to search for signs of life and evaluate the habitability of Mars. To achieve this goal, choosing suitable landing sites is fundamentally important. Considering the engineering constraints of the mission, we propose that paleolakes in the northwest Arabia Terra, which has a prolonged aqueous history, are ideal candidate landing sites. However, detailed identification and geological characterization of potential paleolakes have not been conducted. In this study, we utilize multi‐source high‐resolution remote sensing data to investigate the geomorphology, mineralogy, and age of the potential paleolakes. A total of 46 potential crater‐hosted paleolakes are identified, with 37 of them being reported for the first time. Sedimentary landforms such as fan‐shaped and layered deposits in the lake basins are mapped, and new outcrops of possible aqueous minerals, including clays and sulfates are discovered. Age determination reveals a long time span of lacustrine activity extending from the Middle Noachian to Amazonian. On these bases, we discuss the geological diversity of the potential paleolakes and propose three high‐value candidate landing regions for Tianwen‐3 mission. Our work provides clues to understand the habitability and geological evolution of Mars, as well as supports the implementation of Tianwen‐3 mission. 

Geological Diversity of Paleolakes in the Northwest Arabia Terra, Mars: Implications for Landing Site Selection of Tianwen‐3 Mission

In the subsurface, the interplay between microbial communities and the surrounding mineral substrate, potentially used as an energy source, results in different mineralized structures. The molecula...

The Molecular Record of Metabolic Activity in the Subsurface of the Río Tinto Mars Analog

The drilling of the Rio Tinto basement has provided evidence of an underground microbial community primarily sustained by the Fe and S metabolism through the biooxidation of pyrite orebodies. Although the gossan is the microbial activity product, which dates back to the Oligocene (25 Ma), no molecular evidence of such activity in the past has been reported yet. A Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) molecular analysis of a subsurface sample in the Pena de Hierro basement has provided novel data of the ancient underground microbial community. It shows that the microbial remains are preserved in a mineral matrix composed of laminated Fe-oxysulfates and K- and Na-bearing sulfates alternating with secondary silica. In such a mineral substrate, the biomolecule traces are found in five different microstructure associations, (1) 200-micron thick layer with N-bearing adducts, and sphingolipid and/or peptide traces. It suggests the mineralization of at least five microbial preserved entities with different metabolic capabilities, including: (1) Acidiphilium/Tessaracoccus-like phosphate mineralizers, (2) microbial patches preserving phosphate-free acylglycerides bacteria, (3) nitrogen oxidizing bacteria (e.g., Acidovorax sp.), (4) traces of heterotrophic ammonifying bacteria, and (5) sphingolipid bearing bacteria (e.g., Sphingomonadales, and δ-Proteobacteria) and/or mineralized biofilms. The primary biooxidation process acted as a preservation mechanism to release the inorganic ions that ultimately mineralized the microbial structures.

Preservation of Underground Microbial Diversity in Ancient Subsurface Deposits (>6 Ma) of the Rio Tinto Basement.

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The Molecular Record of Metabolic Activity in the Subsurface of the Río Tinto Mars Analog

Preservation of Underground Microbial Diversity in Ancient Subsurface Deposits (>6 Ma) of the Rio Tinto Basement.