The production of H2, abiotic hydrocarbons, and likely formate during serpentinization reactions and the subsequent mixing of these reduced fluids with oxic seawater provide metabolic energy for chemolithoautotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Development of an ecosystem depends on the availability and renewal of carbon and nutrient sources, electron donors (such as H2, CH4, H2S, and Fe2+), and electron acceptors (particularly O2, NO3-, and SO4 2-). In ultramafic environments, electron donors are generally unlimited in the form of H2 and CH4, whereas electron acceptors will depend greatly on the fate of sulfate, which is 1–4 mM in Lost City fluids, as well as seawater recharge and mixing with serpentinizing fluids.