Geochemical characteristics of the carbonate constructions formed during microbial oxidation of methane under anaerobic conditions

Lein, A.Iu.; Ivanov, M.V.; Pimenov, N.V.; Gulin, M.B.

Mikrobiologiia 71(1): 89-102

2002


ISSN/ISBN: 0026-3656
PMID: 11910813
Document Number: 546899
The aragonite constructions of the Black Sea are formed in a stable anaerobic zone and are a perfect object to study the natural mechanism of anaerobic methane oxidation. The most probable pathway of methane oxidation is its methanogen-mediated reaction with bicarbonates, dissolved in seawater, with the formation of water and acetate, which is then consumed by other components of the anaerobic community. Comparison of the delta13C values of carbonate minerals and organic matter once more demonstrated that the formation of the organic matter of biomass is accompanied by intense fractionation of carbon isotopes, as a result of which the total organic matter of biomass acquires an extremely light isotopic composition, characterized by delta13C values as low as -83.8%permill.

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