Life in the anoxic sub-seafloor environment: Linking microbial metabolism and mega reserves of methane hydrate

Abstract

Sub-seafloor methane hydrate deposits have attracted attention in recent times as an enormous and yet untapped source of alternate energy. It is interesting to note that methane in sub-seafloor methane hydrate deposits is of biogenic origin. The sub-seafloor environment is mostly anoxic and characterized by high pressure and the presence of complex organic matter. Microorganisms adapted to such extreme sub-seafloor environmental conditions may serve as source of novel taxa and industrially valuable biomolecules. Microbial metabolism is responsible for the degradation of complex organic matter and subsequent formation of methane. Various ecophysiological and nutrient conditions have a significant influence on the rate of methane formation and on the conversion of methane into methane hydrate deposits. Understanding the kinetics of methanogenesis is of utmost importance in predicting the rate and extent of methane hydrate deposits in sub-seafloor environments. This review illustrates the diversity of anaerobes in deep-sea sediments associated with methane hydrates and their metabolism leading to methane generation.