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Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors
Published on: December 6, 2018
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Temperature-Dependent Regulation of Denitrification Intermediates in High-Temperature Ecosystems.
Li Ma1,2, Liuqin Huang3, Yuanguo Xie4
1School of Ocean Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|June 16, 2025
Summary
High temperatures in hot springs alter microbial communities, shifting denitrification from complete nitrogen conversion to incomplete pathways producing nitrogen intermediates. This temperature-dependent regulation impacts ecosystem nitrogen cycling.
Area of Science:
- Microbial Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Incomplete denitrification produces nitrogen intermediates, affecting ecosystem nitrogen redox dynamics.
- Temperature-dependent denitrification mechanisms in high-temperature environments are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how temperature influences denitrification pathways and microbial communities in hot springs.
- Elucidate the genetic and metabolic mechanisms regulating temperature-dependent denitrification.
Main Methods:
- Enrichment cultures using hot spring water and defined media with varying carbon and nitrate ratios.
- Multiomics analyses (genomics, transcriptomics) to identify microbial communities and gene expression.
- Systematic analysis of denitrification product profiles across a temperature gradient (37–75 °C).
Main Results:
- Denitrification products shifted with temperature: NO2- (>60 °C), NO2- and N2O (55 °C), and N2 (<45 °C).
- Microbial communities showed temperature-driven succession: Thermus (>60 °C), Tepidimonas (55 °C), and Thauera/Uliginosibacterium (<45 °C).
- Gene expression patterns revealed temperature-specific regulation of denitrification, with incomplete pathways favored at high temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Temperature is a key driver of denitrification pathways and microbial community structure in hot springs.
- High temperatures favor incomplete denitrification by dominant microbes, with minor species reducing intermediates.
- Findings advance understanding of nitrogen cycling in thermally dynamic ecosystems.
Keywords:
Denitrification accessory geneDenitrification intermediatesHigh temperature ecosystemsHot springsThermal gradientsMore Related Videos
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