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A biogeochemical–hydrological framework for the role of redox-active compounds in aquatic systems

Nature Geoscience volume 14, pages 264–272 (2021)Cite this article

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Abstract

Redox-driven biogeochemical element cycles play a central role in converting organic matter in aquatic ecosystems. They also perform key functions such as removing nitrate, mitigating the formation of greenhouse gases and weakening the effects of contaminants. Recent research has revealed the presence of redox-active compounds in these ecosystems with hitherto unknown redox properties. These substances are metastable (that is, non-equilibrium solid phases), which can both donate and accept electrons. They are highly redox reactive and recyclable and may act as biogeobatteries by temporarily storing electrons. Their lifetime, however, is limited, and with time they become more crystalline and less reactive. In this Review, we argue that these redox-active metastable phases require activation by fluctuating redox conditions to maintain their high reactivity. In aquatic ecosystems, switching between oxidizing and reducing conditions can be achieved only through hydrological perturbations at hydrological interfaces (for example, water level fluctuations). We present a novel framework that links microscale biogeochemical processes to large-scale hydrological processes, and discuss implications and future research directions for biogeochemical element cycles in aquatic systems exposed to frequent hydrological disturbances.

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Fig. 1: Schematic of RAMP ripening.
Fig. 2: Hot spots of dissolved Fe(II) concentration in pore waters of a wetland following water level fluctuations and rainfall events.
Fig. 3: Influence of hydrological fluctuations on RAMPs.

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Acknowledgements

This article is the outcome of discussions that took place in a series of workshops organized by the authors on the role of redox-active compounds in aquatic ecosystems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hydrology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany

    S. Peiffer

  2. Geomicrobiology, Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

    A. Kappler, C. Schmidt, J. M. Byrne & C. Bryce

  3. Environmental Mineralogy, Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

    S. B. Haderlein

  4. Microbial Ecology, Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

    S. Kleindienst

  5. Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany

    C. Vogt & H. H. Richnow

  6. Experimental Biogeochemistry, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany

    M. Obst

  7. Environmental Biotechnology Group, Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

    L. T. Angenent

  8. Bayerisches Geoinstitut, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany

    C. McCammon

  9. Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany

    B. Planer-Friedrich

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All authors participated in generating the concept. S.P., C.S. and M.O. drafted the first versions of the figures. All authors contributed to writing and editing.

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Peiffer, S., Kappler, A., Haderlein, S.B. et al. A biogeochemical–hydrological framework for the role of redox-active compounds in aquatic systems. Nat. Geosci. 14, 264–272 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-021-00742-z

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