ArticleFrontiers in microbiology2026
Microbial dynamics and metabolic activity during fish decay under aerobic and anaerobic conditions: insights into microbial fossilization.
Article in Frontiers in microbiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Introduction: Understanding how environmental conditions influence early decay processes remains a central challenge in taphonomy, particularly regarding the relative roles of aerobic and anaerobic regimes. Because microorganisms drive soft-tissue decomposition, this study examines how contrasting oxygen conditions affect microbial community structure, metabolic potential, and the minerals formed during fish decay. Methods: Fish decay experiments were conducted under controlled aerobic and anaerobic conditions. O Results: Oxygen availability resulted in markedly distinct microbial assemblages and decay trajectories. Anaerobic conditions were associated with lower pH and elevated hydrogen sulfide concentrations, whereas aerobic conditions maintained higher pH. Predicted metabolic functions were broadly conserved between treatments. Aerobic decay was characterized by higher DIC, lower DOC, and enrichment of genes linked to complete organic matter oxidation, including β-oxidation pathways. In contrast, anaerobic decay exhibited higher DOC, lower DIC, and increased abundances of genes associated with fermentation and carbohydrate metabolism, consistent with incomplete degradation. Mineralogical analyses identified magnesium phosphates and sodium sulfates in both treatments. Discussion: Environmental oxygen availability strongly controls microbial metabolism and decay dynamics. Aerobic microbial communities promoted more extensive tissue decomposition, whereas anaerobic communities favored slower, fermentation-dominated decay. The early mineral phases identified in both treatments likely represent precursors to diagenetic minerals and provide new insights into mineralization pathways that may contribute to exceptional fossil preservation.
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