Alternative carbon and energy metabolisms linked to hydrocarbon degradation are widely distributed across the different microbial communities from deep-sea sediments of the Gulf of Mexico

Microorganisms are integral to Earth's ecosystems, driving biogeochemical cycles by transforming and recycling organic and inorganic molecules. Particularly in marine sediments, microorganisms play an essential role in biogeochemistry, sparking interest in understanding their metabolism for biotechnological applications such as bioremediation. Genomic techniques have enabled detailed exploration of microbial communities in the GoM, revealing rich diversity and functional potential, particularly in hydrocarbon degradation. Studies have shown depth, temperature, and dissolved oxygen gradients significantly influence microbial community composition and metabolic pathways. Research indicates microbial consortia, rather than individual species, are key in pollutant degradation, emphasizing the importance of community dynamics. Our study evaluated the prokaryotic microbial community in deep-sea GoM sediments, under a depth gradient, in Coatzacoalcos and Perdido regions, two areas influenced by crude-oil efflux and petroleum extraction. Findings showed associations between community composition, depth, and metabolic potential, showcasing microbial adaptation to deep-sea nutrient-limited conditions. Results suggest functional redundancy in amino acid and energy production metabolisms among microbial taxa like Alpha and Deltaproteobacteria. This underlines the importance of microbial community shifts in composition and structure in ensuring environmental resilience. This research contributes to advancing our understanding of alternative carbon and energy metabolisms linked to hydrocarbon degradation that are widely distributed across different microbial communities inhabiting deep-sea marine sediments.