Arctic Bacterium Harnesses Acetone to Convert Carbon Dioxide into Biomass

Researchers sampling seawater from the polar front isolated a bacterium that thrives in cold, nutrient‑poor conditions by employing acetone as a carbon‑carrier molecule. Laboratory analysis showed that the organism converts dissolved acetone and atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds, effectively turning a volatile solvent into a building block for growth. This metabolic route differs from the more common photosynthetic or chemosynthetic pathways observed in marine microbes, suggesting that the Arctic microbial community possesses a broader repertoire of carbon‑fixation strategies than previously recognised.

The discovery emerged from a collaborative effort between oceanographers and microbiologists who were investigating the chemical dynamics of the Arctic’s surface waters. By sequencing the bacterium’s genome, the team identified a suite of enzymes that facilitate the activation of acetone and its subsequent integration with carbon dioxide. These enzymes appear to be unique to this lineage, hinting at evolutionary adaptation to the extreme environment where traditional energy sources are scarce. The researchers caution that the organism’s ecological impact remains to be quantified, but its presence could alter estimates of carbon sequestration in polar seas.

If the bacterium proves widespread, climate models may need to account for this alternative sink of carbon dioxide, especially as Arctic temperatures rise and acetone concentrations shift. The metabolic capability could also inspire biotechnological applications, such as engineered microbes designed to capture industrial carbon emissions using inexpensive solvents. Over the next twelve months, further field studies are planned to map the distribution of this microbe and assess its role in the broader marine carbon cycle.