Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2026516 | Soil Biology and Biochemistry | 2005 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
In exploring the dynamics of iron and nitrogen cycling in sediments from riparian forests we have observed a redox reaction that has not been previously described. During incubations of soil slurries under strictly anaerobic conditions, we repeatedly measured an unexpected production of both nitrite (NO2−) and ferrous iron [Fe(II)]. Using this indirect evidence we hypothesize that, under anaerobic conditions, there is a biological process that uses ferric iron [Fe(III)] as an electron acceptor while oxidizing ammonium (NH4+) to NO2− for energy production. This NH4+ oxidation under iron reducing anaerobic conditions is thermodynamically feasible and is potentially a critical component of the N cycle in saturated sediments.
Related Topics
Life Sciences
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Soil Science
Authors
Jean-Christophe Clément, Junu Shrestha, Joan G. Ehrenfeld, Peter R. Jaffé,