A Depth Resolved Insight into Benzoyl CoA Reductase and Benzoate Dioxygenase Gene Copy Numbers within a Marine Sediment Associated with Methane Seepage

A marine sediment core obtained from a methane seepage site off the northern coast of Irelandwas analysed, at 3 depths, for catabolic genes associated with the aerobic and anaerobic degradation of aromatic compounds. Catabolic gene copy numbers varied through the core peaking at 2.1 meters below sediment surface (mbsf)-just above the sulphate boundary. Beyond the sulphate boundary gene copy numbers fell considerably, suggesting the boundary may be a critical factor in the degradation of aromatic compounds within marine sediments. At the 2.1 mbsf depth our data also suggest that known benzoyl CoA reductase utilizing bacteria are readily detectable.