Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Mud volcanoes are dynamic geological formations that emit mixtures of gases, fluids, and sediments from deep underground. These unique ecosystems, often characterized by extreme physicochemical conditions such as high salinity, temperature fluctuations, and low oxygen levels, harbor a rich diversity of specialized microbial communities. Among them, methanobacteria --- a group of strictly anaerobic archaea --- play a pivotal role in the carbon cycle through methanogenesis, the biological production of methane. Methanobacteria thrive in anoxic niches within mud volcanoes by utilizing hydrogen and carbon dioxide as substrates, a metabolic adaptation well-suited to the harsh and energy-limited environments of subsurface systems. The microbial diversity in mud volcanoes reflects a complex interplay between geochemical gradients and microbial evolution. Methanobacteria demonstrate remarkable physiological adaptations, such as unique membrane lipids, specialized enzymes, and efficient energy conservation strategies that allow them to survive and function in environments toxic to most life forms. These adaptations not only enable their persistence in extreme habitats but also highlight their evolutionary significance. Studying methanobacteria in mud volcanoes provides critical insights into microbial resilience, the origin of life in extreme environments, and the potential for life on other planets. Furthermore, understanding methanogenesis in such natural settings contributes to global climate research, as biogenic methane is a potent greenhouse gas. This review underscores the ecological and biogeochemical importance of methanobacteria, offering a valuable model for exploring microbial life under extreme conditions and its influence on Earth's methane budget.
Authors: Jafarzadeh S.A, Amirova M.F., Iskender E.O, Bakhshaliyeva K.F, Muradov P.Z, MuradovaSM, Alikhanova L.B
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Chemistry
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4411368394