Biological N2 fixation has been crucial for sustaining early life on Earth. Very negative δ15N values detected in Archean sediments, which are not observed in present-day environments, have been attributed to the low efficiency of proto-nitrogenases. Alternatively, variations in early atmospheric CO2 may also play a role. Here we examine the effects of CO2 concentrations on the biomass δ15N signatures of the diazotrophs Trichodesmium erythraeum and Crocosphaera watsonii, which utilize Mo-Fe nitrogenase (the most common form of the enzyme). Our results show that these organisms produce biomass with δ15N values up to ∼3‰ lower under both decreased and elevated CO2 concentrations compared to modern levels (∼380 μatm). These deviations from modern CO2 levels reduce nitrogenase enzyme efficiency, leading to increased organismal isotopic fractionation during N2 fixation. This study offers an alternative explanation for the observed fluctuations in geological δ15N records and provides new insights into the past nitrogen cycle on Earth.
Key Points
- The effects of CO2 on the biomass δ15N signatures of the diazotrophs Trichodesmium erythraeum and Crocosphaera watsonii are examined
- Both species produce biomass with δ15N values lower under both decreased and elevated CO2 concentrations compared to modern CO2 levels
- CO2-controlled nitrogenase efficiency significantly influences organismal isotopic fractionation during N2 fixation
Plain Language Summary
The isotope effect of biological N2 fixation is crucial for understanding the nitrogen cycle, but its regulation under different atmospheric CO2 levels as appeared in Earth’s history is not well understood. Our research shows that CO2 levels significantly influence the nitrogen isotope composition in the biomass of the diazotrophic cyanobacteria Trichodesmium and Crocosphaera by affecting the nitrogenase efficiency and thus the growth rate. This study sheds light on the geological changes in the δ15N records and provides new insights into the historical nitrogen cycle on Earth.
Wen Z., Jiang R., He T., Browning T. J., Hong H., Kao S.-J., Yang J.-Y. T. & Shi D., 2024. Effects of CO2 on the nitrogen isotopic composition of marine diazotrophic cyanobacteria. Geophysical Research Letters 51(19): e2024GL110599. doi: 10.1029/2024GL110599. Article.
