Humic-rich peat extracts inhibit sulfate reduction, methanogenesis, and anaerobic respiration but not acetogenesis in peat soils of a temperate bog

To understand why anaerobic ombrotrophic peats can be very low in methane after drainage related afforestation, we analyzed the competition of sulfate reducing, humus reducing, and methanogenic microorganisms by incubating ombrotrophic peats of the Mer Bleue bog, Ontario. Sulfate, sulfide, and sulfate containing peat dissolved organic matter (DOM) from an afforested site were added in reduced and oxidized redox state. Sulfate and acetate concentrations were analyzed, bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) and CO2 and CH4 production quantified, and results analyzed by ANOVA. DOM was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy and analyzed for trace elements. CH4 production (116 nmol cm−3 d−1) and BSR rate (102 nmol cm−3 d−1) were similar in ‘controls’. BSR in treatments ‘sulfate’ (73 nmol cm−3 d−1) and ‘sulfide’ (118 nmol cm−3 d−1) did not significantly differ from ‘controls’ but addition of DOM significantly diminished BSR down to 0.4 nmol cm−3 d−1 (Kruskal Wallis test, p < 0.05). CH4 production decreased with sulfate (16%, not significant) and sulfide addition (40%, p < 0.05) and CO2 production increased (treatment ‘sulfate’, p < 0.05). Addition of all DOM extracts (67 mg L−1) almost completely suppressed methanogenesis and CO2 production (p < 0.05), but acetate accumulated compared to the control (p < 0.05). The DOM applied contained carboxylic, aromatic and phenolic moieties and metal contents typical for peat humic substances. We conclude that a toxic effect of the intensely humified DOM occurred on both methanogenic and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) but not on fermenting microorganisms. As yet it is not clear what might cause such a toxic effect of DOM on SRB and archaea.

Research highlights
► Sulfide addition raises bacterial sulphate reduction rates in peat soil.
► Stimulation of internal sulfur cycling impedes methanogenesis in peat soil.
► Humic rich forest peat extracts inhibit methanogenesis and anaerobic respiration.
► Humic rich forest peat extracts inhibit bacterial sulfate reduction.
► Effect of redox state of peat humics on suppression of anaerobic respiration is small.