Metagenomic Features Characterized with Microbial Iron Oxidoreduction and Mineral Interaction in Southwest Indian Ridge
Ying-Wen Zhong, Peng Zhou, Hong Cheng, Yadong Zhou, Jie Pan, Lin Xu, Meng Li, Chunhui Tao, Yue‐Hong Wu, Xue‐Wei Xu
Abstract
Microbial activities and interactions with minerals and venting fluid in active hydrothermal vents remain unclear in the ultraslow-spreading SWIR (Southwest Indian Ridge). Understanding about how minerals influence microbial metabolism is currently limited given the obstacles in cultivating microorganisms with sulfur or iron oxidoreduction functions. Here, comprehensive descriptions on microbial composition and metabolic profile on 2 hydrothermal vents in SWIR were obtained based on cultivation-free metagenome sequencing. In particular, autotrophic sulfur oxidation supported by minerals was presumed, emphasizing the role of chimney minerals in supporting chemosynthesis. Presence of novel heterotrophic iron-oxidizing bacteria was also indicated, suggesting overlooked biogeochemical pathways directed by microorganisms that connected sulfide mineral dissolution and organic carbon degradation in hydrothermal vents. Our findings offer novel insights into microbial function and biotic interactions on minerals in ultraslow-spreading ridges.