Biogeosciences
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Articles | Volume 21, issue 22
Articles | Volume 21, issue 22
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5305-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5305-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 21, issue 22
Research article
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27 Nov 2024
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 27 Nov 2024

Microbial response to deliquescence of nitrate-rich soils in the hyperarid Atacama Desert

Felix L. Arens, Alessandro Airo, Christof Sager, Hans-Peter Grossart, Kai Mangelsdorf, Rainer U. Meckenstock, Mark Pannekens, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Jenny Uhl, Bernardita Valenzuela, Pedro Zamorano, Luca Zoccarato, and Dirk Schulze-Makuch

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Editorial statement
This study, pertinent to astrobiology, utilizes the Atacama Desert as an analog for conditions on Mars. The findings indicate that nitrate-rich environments on Mars may preserve potential biosignatures and provide insights into the boundaries of life. This relationship supports the objectives of ongoing and upcoming Mars missions.
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Short summary
We studied unique nitrate-rich soils in the hyperarid Atacama Desert that form brines at night under high relative humidity. Despite providing water for microorganisms, these soils exhibit extremely low microbial activity, indicating that the high nitrate levels inhibit microbial life. On the other hand, enriched organic matter indicates their potential preservation. This research helps to understand the limits of life in extreme environments and aids in the search for signs of life on Mars.
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