Abrasion of sedimentary rocks as a source of hydrogen peroxide and nutrients to subglacial ecosystems

Abstract

Abstract. Glaciers and ice sheets are renowned for their abrasive power, yet little is known of the mechanochemical reactions which are initiated by abrasion in these environments and their effect on subglacial biogeochemistry. Here, we use sedimentary rocks representative of different subglacial environments and from a previously glaciated terrain, along with subglacial sediments, to investigate the potential for subglacial erosion to generate H2O2 and to release bio-utilisable organic carbon and nutrients (N, Fe). Samples were crushed using a ball mill, water was added to rock powders within gastight vials, and samples were incubated in the dark at 4 ∘C. Headspace and water samples were taken immediately after the addition of water and then again after 5 and 25 h. Samples generated up to 1.5 µmol H2O2 g−1. The total sulfur content, a proxy for the sulfide content, did not correlate with H2O2 generation, suggesting that the pyrite content was not the sole determinant of net H2O2 production. Other factors including the presence of carbonates, Fe-driven Fenton reactions and the pH of the solution were also likely to be important in controlling both the initial rate of production and subsequent rates of destruction of H2O2. Further, we found that erosion can provide previously unaccounted sources of bio-utilisable energy substrates and nutrients, including up to 880 nmol CH4 g−1, 680 nmol H2 g−1, volatile fatty acids (up to 1.7 µmol acetate g−1) and 8.2 µmolNH4+g-1 to subglacial ecosystems. These results highlight the potentially important role that abrasion plays in providing nutrient and energy sources to subglacial microbial ecosystems underlain by sedimentary rocks.