Directional long-distance electron transfer from reduced to oxidized zones in the subsurface

Yanting Zhang, Man Tong, Yuxi Lu, Fengyi Zhao, Peng Zhang, Zhenchen Wan, Ping Li, Songhu Yuan (), Yanxin Wang and Andreas Kappler
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Yanting Zhang: China University of Geosciences
Man Tong: China University of Geosciences
Yuxi Lu: China University of Geosciences
Fengyi Zhao: China University of Geosciences
Peng Zhang: China University of Geosciences
Zhenchen Wan: China University of Geosciences
Ping Li: China University of Geosciences
Songhu Yuan: China University of Geosciences
Yanxin Wang: China University of Geosciences
Andreas Kappler: University of Tübingen

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Electron transfer (ET) is the fundamental redox process of life and element cycling. The ET distance is normally as short as nanometers or micrometers in the subsurface. However, the redox gradient in the subsurface is as long as centimeters or even meters. This gap triggers an intriguing question whether directional long-distance ET from reduced to oxidized zones exists along the redox gradient. By using electron-donating capacity variation as a proxy of ET, we show that ET can last over 10 cm along the redox gradient in sediment columns, through a directional long-distance ET chain from reduced to oxidized zones constituted by a series of short-distance electron hopping reactions. Microbial and chemical processes synergistically mediate the long-distance ET chain, with an estimated flux of 6.73 μmol e−/cm2 per day. This directional long-distance ET represents an overlooked but important “remote” source of electrons for local biogeochemical and environmental processes.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50974-x

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