Hydrogen production capabilities of lichens micro-ecosystem under extreme salinity, crystalline salt exposure, and simulated Mars-like conditions

This work aims to demonstrate the extremophilic behavior of the lichen Pleurosticta acetabulum at extreme salinities, while maintaining its metabolic capacity to produce hydrogen. Lichen is a special micro-ecosystem that includes mostly a fungus and a green alga or cyanobacterium, as well as a microbiome. The peculiarity of this symbiotic system is its ability to dry out completely and stay inactive to survive harsh conditions. Lichens that had been dehydrated for six months revived quickly when rehydrated, restoring their photosynthetic efficiency and ability to produce hydrogen. The lichen microbiome was crucial for hydrogen production, especially through dark fermentation. The experiments of this work showed that lichen during its exposure to different salinity conditions (0 %NaCl – control, 3,5 %NaCl – sea salt concentration, 36 %NaCl – saturated salt concentration), but also after exposure to crystalline salt (100 %NaCl) could maintain the structure and the functionality of its photosynthetic apparatus. This was tested using chlorophyll a fluorescence induction measurements. Based on the results from gas chromatography with thermal conductivity detection (GC-TCD) used to determine hydrogen production, it was shown that despite being exposed to extreme salinity conditions, lichens maintained their ability to produce hydrogen. The experimental combination of lichen exposure to extreme salinities (up to 100 % NaCl), with an extreme atmosphere (100 % CO₂) and low atmospheric pressure (<10mbar), simulating Mars conditions, highlighted the functional potential of the lichen for survival in a Mars-like environment. This lichen’s ability to withstand extreme conditions and to produce large amounts of hydrogen, makes it a promising candidate for future biotechnological applications, even in challenging environments like Mars, opening new astrobiological and astrobiotechnological perspectives.