The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Hydrogen-Driven Nitrate Reduction Networks Across Deep-Sea Cold Seeps and Hydrothermal Sediments
ID:737 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 18:00 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 14 - Microbial connectivity at the deep-sea floor: sediment–water interactions, particles, and benthic–pelagic coupling

Abstract
Hydrogen (H2) is an important electron donor in deep-sea reducing environments, yet its role in regulating nitrate reduction remains poorly understood, particularly across different chemosynthetic ecosystems. Here, we investigated the interactions between H₂ metabolism and nitrate reduction in sediments collected from deep-sea cold seeps, hydrothermal vents, and transitional habitats. Geochemical profiles, metagenomic sequencing, 16S rRNA amplicon analysis, and 15N isotope-tracer incubation experiments were integrated to quantify nitrate reduction pathways, including denitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), anammox, and N2O production. Distinct nitrate reduction patterns were observed among habitats, indicating substantial variability in nitrogen transformation processes under different geochemical settings. By linking H2 distributions with nitrogen transformation rates and microbial community composition, we identified potential microbial groups and metabolic pathways involved in H2-dependent nitrate reduction. Genomic evidence further suggested that hydrogen oxidation is coupled to multiple nitrate reduction pathways through diverse hydrogenases and nitrogen cycling genes, highlighting H₂ as an important energy source supporting nitrogen turnover in deep-sea reducing sediments. Our study provides a process-based framework for understanding how hydrogen availability regulates microbial nitrogen cycling in chemosynthetic ecosystems and offers new insights into the mechanisms controlling nitrogen retention, nitrogen loss, and N2O production in the deep ocean.

 
Speaker
Zian Tong Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Author
子安 佟 上海交通大学

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027