Electron Donors Utilized by Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Eutrophic Lake Sediments

Mineralization rates of ¹⁴C-labeled substrates were determined in the presence and absence of Na₂MoO₄, an inhibitor of sulfate reduction, in the profundal sediments of a shallow eutrophic lake. Sulfate reduction was inhibited by Na₂MoO₄ at all concentrations tested (0.2 to 200 mM), whereas methane production was inhibited at Na₂MoO₄ concentrations greater than 20 mM. Initial mineralization rates of glucose were unaffected by Na₂MoO₄; however, Na₂MoO₄ decreased the mineralization rates of lactate (58%), propionate (52%), an amino acid mixture (85%), and acetate (14%). These decreases in the rates of mineralization were attributed to inhibition of sulfate reduction. Hydrogen stimulated the reduction of ³⁵SO₄²⁻ 2.5- to 2.8-fold, demonstrating potential hydrogen oxidation by sulfate-reducing bacteria. These results indicate that sulfate reducers utilize an array of substrates as electron donors and are of potential significance to the in situ mineralization of lactate, propionate, and free amino acids in these sediments.