@misc{10481/112249,
year = {2026},
month = {3},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10481/112249},
abstract = {Kerogen, insoluble macromolecular organic matter in sedimentary rocks, is
the most abundant form of organic carbon on Earth and plays a role in deep
biosphere processes. It is classified into four types (I–IV) based on origin
and chemical composition, yet its influence on microbial communities and
carbon cycling remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined how
kerogen-rich shales and coals, each containing a distinct kerogen type,
shape anaerobic microbial community development and activity. CFU
counts showed that kerogen types I and II did not significantly alter overall
microbial abundance, while type III-rich rocks inhibited growth, and type IVrich rocks enhanced it. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that type II-rich
rocks selectively enriched for Burkholderiaceae, whereas type IV-rich rocks
promoted the proliferation of Cellulomonadaceae and
Pleomorphomonadaceae. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
showed that CO₂ production occurred only in the presence of type II-rich
rocks, likely driven by Burkholderiaceae activity. These findings suggest
that kerogen structure and geochemical properties drive microbial
community assembly and organic matter mobilization in the deep
subsurface. Beyond Earth, kerogen type IV-like material is widespread in
extraterrestrial environments. Our results indicate the enhancement of the
habitability of these environments, offering new insights into the potential
for life.},
organization = {NERC Doctoral Training Partnership (NE/L002558/1)},
organization = {NWO GoSpace (R/010809)},
organization = {Science and Technologies Facilities Council (ST/Y001788/1)},
organization = {Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (BG23-00132)},
publisher = {Springer Nature},
title = {Kerogen-rich rocks influence growth and composition of an anaerobic microbial community},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-42062-5},
author = {Waajen, Annemiek C. and Wit, Wessel and Sánchez-Román, Mónica and Edgar, John O. and Telling, Jon and Cockell, Charles S.},
}