Thermophilic trace-gas oxidation in volcanic high-alpine environments

In this study we detail a snapshot into the microbial diversity and biogeography of oligotrophic, bare, high-alpine Mt. Tongariro surface and subsurface soils from extinct South, Red and Central Crater vents systems. Over geological history the South, Red and Central Craters, were actively degassing and heated, and undoubtedly some of the organisms detected are relic DNA preserved from the past. Indeed, one of the interesting observations made as part of the soil community surveys was the detection of thermophilic taxa within these cold ecosystems. As little is known about how extremophiles persist outside of their normal growth parameters, we tested whether thermophiles were utilising the oxidation of trace gases H2 and CO as a supplemental source of energy in suboptimal conditions.