Methanotrophy Under Extreme Alkalinity In A Serpentinizing System

[Nature] Serpentinization produces hyperalkaline, H₂– and CH₄-rich fluids that support microbial life and serve as analogs for ocean worlds such as Enceladus.

While methane production in these systems has been well studied, methane consumption-especially under high pH-remains poorly understood. Here, we present isotopic, geochemical, and genomic evidence for hyperalkaliphilic (pH > 11) methanotrophy in the Samail ophiolite of Oman.

Using models that account for fluid mixing and gas exsolution, we identify δ¹³CH₄ enrichment that cannot be explained by abiotic processes alone. The enrichment of ¹³CH₄ co-occurs with methanotroph 16S rRNA gene sequences, particularly in fluids formed by mixing CH₄ -rich, reduced fluids with oxidant-rich waters.

Shotgun metagenome sequencing reveals a metagenome-assembled genome affiliated with Methylovulum, encoding a complete methane oxidation pathway, multiple carbon assimilation routes, and Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters-adaptations likely enabling growth above pH 11.

Our findings highlight the viability of methanotrophy under extreme high pH conditions and provide a framework for interpreting δ¹³CH₄ signals in serpentinizing environments on Earth and beyond.

Overview of the field location, Qafifah. The sampling locations and corresponding geochemistry, methane isotopes and biology are shown by the sampling site IDs: 140111G, 140111H, 140111I and 140111F. — Nature