Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria
Published on: July 24, 2016
Active microbial sulfur disproportionation in the Mesoproterozoic
David T Johnston1, Boswell A Wing, James Farquhar
1Department of Geology and Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. dtj@geol.umd.edu
Sulfur compound disproportionation was active by 1300 million years ago, earlier than previously thought. New sulfur isotope data suggest Earth
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Paleoclimatology
- Isotope Geochemistry
Background:
- Previous studies linked sulfur compound disproportionation to atmospheric oxygen increases between 640 and 1050 million years ago (Ma).
- These links were based on changes in sulfur-34 over sulfur-32 (34S/32S) isotope fractionations between sulfate and sulfide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a Proterozoic seawater sulfate isotope record incorporating the sulfur-33 (33S) isotope.
- To refine the timeline for sulfur compound disproportionation and its relationship to early Earth oxygenation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Proterozoic seawater sulfate using sulfur isotope ratios, including 34S/32S and 33S/32S.
- Reconstruction of the sulfur cycle based on isotopic fractionation patterns.
Main Results:
- Sulfur compound disproportionation was active in the sulfur cycle as early as 1300 Ma.
- The inclusion of 33S data provides a more robust record of sulfur cycling.
Conclusions:
- The Mesoproterozoic Era likely saw progressive Earth surface oxygenation.
- The timing of sulfur compound disproportionation is earlier than previously established, impacting models of early Earth environments.
More Related Videos
09:31Preparation of Authigenic Pyrite from Methane-bearing Sediments for In Situ Sulfur Isotope Analysis Using SIMS
Published on: August 31, 2017
13:11Using Flexible Gold-Titanium Reaction Cells to Simulate Pressure-Dependent Microbial Activity in the Context of Subsurface Biomining
Published on: October 5, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Marine Microbial Ecology
Deep Sea Microbial Ecology
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium