Experimental Investigation of High P-T Synthesis and Survivability of Organic Acids in Hydrothermal Environments

本研究的目的是研究有机酸的从头合成和亚稳定性，这些有机酸是栖息在热液喷口环境中的微生物的潜在能源。 这项工作将测试短链羧酸可以在水热条件下通过矿物催化形成matastaly的假设，并且它们可以在这些条件下持续存在，以作为嗜热和超嗜热原核生物的潜在能源。 计算机模拟将用于预测热液流体和海水混合时有利于有机酸亚稳态形成的热力学条件。 然后将在流通式催化反应器容器中模拟的流体成分、温度范围和压力，以凭经验测试热力学预测并确定动力学机制和反应速率。

The goals of this research are to study the de novo synthesis and metastability of organic acids that are potential energy sources for microorganisms inhabiting hydrothermal vent environments. The work will test the hypothesis that short-chain carboxylic acids can form matastaly by mineral catalysis under hydrothermal conditions, and that they can persist under these conditions to serve as potential energy sources for thermophilic and hyperthermophilic prokaryotes. Computer modelling will be used to predict thermodynamic conditions that favor the metastable formation of organic acids when hydrothermal fluid and seawater mix. The modelled fluid composition, temperature ranges, and pressure will then be simulated in a flow-through catalytic reactor vessel to empirically test thermodynamic predictions and to determine kinetic mechanisms and reaction rates.