Geochemistry of reduced fluids from shallow cold vents hosting chemosynthetic communities (Comau Fjord, Chilean Patagonia, ∼42°S)

•Shallow “cold-vents” are evidenced in the vicinities of a volcano’s hot springs in a Chilean fjord.•Meteoric water influences the chemistry of venting fluids, especially after the melting ice season.•High methane and sulfide concentrations in fluids support dense mats of chemosynthetic bacteria.•Reduced compounds from vent fluids probably caused massive mortalities of cold water coral colonies.•Low fluid flow rates and a fast oxidation of elements limit the vent influence in adjacent bottom waters.

Reduced fluids from shallow-marine vents sustain chemosynthetic bacterial mats located at the base of the volcano Barranco Colorado in Comau Fjord (X-Huinay; 42°23.279′S, 72°27.635′W). We characterized the chemical environment in which these bacteria thrive. To this end, we analyzed CH4, ∑H2S, O2, DIC, and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ2H and δ18O) and compared them with readings taken at a control station (which lacks evidence of fluid venting and mat-forming bacteria). In addition, CTD measurements, chlorophyll-a, and nutrient analyses were performed. At depths of approximately 5–7 m, the water column exhibited a pycnocline that formed under the influence of fresh water discharges, especially during the summer season, which also affected the surface temperature. Bacterial mats and elemental sulfur flocs were observed in the vicinity of the vents (X-Huinay station), and higher concentrations of reduced compounds (CH4 and ∑H2S) were found in the vent fluids, in particular at a depth of 36 m. No significant differences in the temperatures of vent and ambient waters were detected. The bottom water close to the vents possessed notably low concentrations of reduced compounds, indicating a rapid and large-quantity dilution of the chemicals from vents. The surface water featured light isotopic values of δ2H and 18O due to the freshwater input from melting ice and precipitation. A linear mixing trend was observed between the freshwater (negative isotopic values) and the fjord bottom water (positive values) that was not influenced by vent fluid. This trend suggests that the venting water corresponds to the mixing among local meteoric water, spring water, and seawater. This result is relevant to understanding how freshwater and meteoric water influence the chemical composition of seawater and how this mixing could impact the marine biota in the vicinities of the vents.