Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10141347 | Organic Geochemistry | 2018 | 37 Pages |
Abstract
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are unique ecosystems that may release chemically distinct dissolved organic matter to the deep ocean. Here, we describe the composition and concentrations of polar dissolved organic compounds observed in low and high temperature hydrothermal vent fluids at 9°50â²N on the East Pacific Rise. The concentration of dissolved organic carbon was 46â¯ÂµM in the low temperature hydrothermal fluids and 14â¯ÂµM in the high temperature hydrothermal fluids. In the low temperature vent fluids, quantifiable dissolved organic compounds were dominated by water-soluble vitamins and amino acids. Derivatives of benzoic acid and the organic sulfur compound 2,3-dihydroxypropane-1-sulfonate (DHPS) were also present in low and high temperature hydrothermal fluids. The low temperature vent fluids contain organic compounds that are central to biological processes, suggesting that they are a by-product of biological activity in the subseafloor. These compounds may fuel heterotrophic and other metabolic processes at deep-sea hydrothermal vents and beyond.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Authors
Krista Longnecker, Stefan M. Sievert, Sean P. Sylva, Jeffrey S. Seewald, Elizabeth B. Kujawinski,