Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1859
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1859
22 Jul 2024
 | 22 Jul 2024

Microbial response to deliquescence of nitrate-rich soils in the hyperarid Atacama Desert

Felix Leo Arens, Alessandro Airo, Christof Sager, Hans-Peter Grossart, Kai Mangelsdorf, Rainer U. Meckenstock, Mark Pannekens, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Jenny Uhl, Bernardita Valenzuela, Pedro Zamorano, Luca Zoccarato, and Dirk Schulze-Makuch

Abstract. Life in hyperarid regions has adapted to extreme water scarcity by using salt deliquescence. Here, we investigated newly discovered deliquescent soil surfaces in the Atacama Desert, containing substantial amounts of nitrates, to evaluate their habitability for microorganisms. We characterized the environment regarding water availability and biogeochemistry. Microbial abundances and composition were determined by cell cultivation experiments and 16S rRNA gene sequencing while microbial activity was assessed by analyzing ATP, PLFA, and the molecular composition of organic matter. Our findings reveal that while the studied hygroscopic salts provide temporary water, microbial abundances, and activities are lower than in non-deliquescent soil surfaces. Intriguingly, the deliquescent crusts are enriched in geochemically degraded organic matter. We conclude that high nitrate concentrations in the hyperarid soils suppress microbial activity but preserve eolian-derived biomolecules. These insights are important for assessing the habitability and searching for life in hyperarid environments on Earth and beyond.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

27 Nov 2024
| Highlight paper
Microbial response to deliquescence of nitrate-rich soils in the hyperarid Atacama Desert
Felix L. Arens, Alessandro Airo, Christof Sager, Hans-Peter Grossart, Kai Mangelsdorf, Rainer U. Meckenstock, Mark Pannekens, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Jenny Uhl, Bernardita Valenzuela, Pedro Zamorano, Luca Zoccarato, and Dirk Schulze-Makuch
Biogeosciences, 21, 5305–5320, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5305-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5305-2024, 2024
Short summary Co-editor-in-chief
Felix Leo Arens, Alessandro Airo, Christof Sager, Hans-Peter Grossart, Kai Mangelsdorf, Rainer U. Meckenstock, Mark Pannekens, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Jenny Uhl, Bernardita Valenzuela, Pedro Zamorano, Luca Zoccarato, and Dirk Schulze-Makuch

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1859', Anonymous Referee #1, 21 Aug 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC1', Felix Leo Arens, 11 Sep 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1859', Anonymous Referee #2, 09 Sep 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Felix Leo Arens, 11 Sep 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Felix Leo Arens, 11 Sep 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1859', Anonymous Referee #1, 21 Aug 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC1', Felix Leo Arens, 11 Sep 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1859', Anonymous Referee #2, 09 Sep 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Felix Leo Arens, 11 Sep 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Felix Leo Arens, 11 Sep 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (18 Sep 2024) by Tina Treude
AR by Felix Leo Arens on behalf of the Authors (18 Sep 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (02 Oct 2024) by Tina Treude
AR by Felix Leo Arens on behalf of the Authors (08 Oct 2024)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

27 Nov 2024
| Highlight paper
Microbial response to deliquescence of nitrate-rich soils in the hyperarid Atacama Desert
Felix L. Arens, Alessandro Airo, Christof Sager, Hans-Peter Grossart, Kai Mangelsdorf, Rainer U. Meckenstock, Mark Pannekens, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Jenny Uhl, Bernardita Valenzuela, Pedro Zamorano, Luca Zoccarato, and Dirk Schulze-Makuch
Biogeosciences, 21, 5305–5320, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5305-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5305-2024, 2024
Short summary Co-editor-in-chief
Felix Leo Arens, Alessandro Airo, Christof Sager, Hans-Peter Grossart, Kai Mangelsdorf, Rainer U. Meckenstock, Mark Pannekens, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Jenny Uhl, Bernardita Valenzuela, Pedro Zamorano, Luca Zoccarato, and Dirk Schulze-Makuch
Felix Leo Arens, Alessandro Airo, Christof Sager, Hans-Peter Grossart, Kai Mangelsdorf, Rainer U. Meckenstock, Mark Pannekens, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Jenny Uhl, Bernardita Valenzuela, Pedro Zamorano, Luca Zoccarato, and Dirk Schulze-Makuch

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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

This study, pertinent to astrobiology, utilizes the Atacama Desert as an analog for conditions on Mars. The findings indicate that nitrate-rich environments on Mars may preserve potential biosignatures and provide insights into the boundaries of life. This relationship supports the objectives of ongoing and upcoming Mars missions.
Short summary
We studied unique nitrate-rich soils in the hyperarid Atacama Desert that form brines at night under high relative humidity. Despite providing water for microorganisms, these soils exhibit extremely low microbial activity, indicating that the high nitrate levels inhibit microbial life. On the other hand, enriched organic matter indicates their potential preservation. This research helps to understand the limits of life in extreme environments and aids in the search for signs of life on Mars.