Our research revealed a new type of microbial interaction on Fe0 between methanogens (positively affected) and acetogens (negatively affected). Methanogens that were otherwise ineffective at metabolizing Fe0-electrons, become effective when co-existing with acetogens. We hypothesize methanogens do so by taking advantage of H2-evolving enzymes released by methanogens. We note the necessity to study the effects of associations between physiological groups on Fe0-corrosion, and not solely the effects of cultured isolates.
Photo rights: Paola Palacios