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Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle01:29

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Sulfur is a vital element in Earth's biogeochemical systems. It transitions through various inorganic states, including sulfate (SO₄²⁻), elemental sulfur (S⁰), and sulfide (S²⁻). Abiotic and biological mechanisms across oxic and anoxic environments intricately mediate these transformations. Sulfate, the most oxidized form of sulfur, is predominantly stored in rocks, marine sediments, and oceanic waters, acting as a long-term reservoir in the global sulfur cycle.In oxic environments,...
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PRODUCTS OF THE OXIDATION OF THIOSULFATE BY BACTERIA IN MINERAL MEDIA.

R L Starkey1

  • 1Department of Soil Microbiology, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, New Brunswick.

The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
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Summary

This study investigated thiosulfate oxidation by various bacterial cultures, identifying heterotrophic, facultative autotrophic, and strict autotrophic pathways. Findings reveal diverse oxidation products and energy assimilation strategies in these microorganisms.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Bacterial Metabolism

Background:

  • Thiosulfate oxidation is a key microbial process in sulfur cycling.
  • Understanding bacterial metabolism of thiosulfate is crucial for various environmental and industrial applications.
  • Previous studies have described cultures that oxidize thiosulfate, but detailed product analysis and metabolic classification were needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the oxidation products of sodium thiosulfate by different bacterial cultures.
  • To classify these cultures as heterotrophic, autotrophic, or facultative autotrophic based on their metabolic activities.
  • To analyze the energy yield and carbon assimilation during thiosulfate oxidation.

Main Methods:

  • Culturing bacteria in mineral media with sodium thiosulfate.
  • Chemical analysis to identify oxidation products (e.g., tetrathionate, sulfate, elemental sulfur).
  • Measurement of pH changes, carbon assimilation, and energy recovery during bacterial growth.

Main Results:

  • Cultures B, T, and K are heterotrophic, producing tetrathionate, hydroxide, and secondary products like tri-/pentathionates, sulfate, and sulfur, with an initial pH rise followed by a drop.
  • Thiobacillus novellus is a facultative autotroph, oxidizing thiosulfate to sulfate and sulfuric acid, with a significant carbon assimilation ratio (56:1 sulfate-sulfur to carbon) and 5.1% energy recovery.
  • Thiobacillus thioparus is a strict autotroph, producing sulfate, sulfuric acid, and elemental sulfur (3:2 ratio), with a 125:1 sulfate-sulfur to carbon ratio and 4.7% energy recovery, and a consistent pH decrease.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial thiosulfate oxidation pathways vary significantly, leading to diverse end products and distinct metabolic strategies.
  • The classification of bacteria as heterotrophic, facultative autotrophic, or strict autotrophic is supported by their thiosulfate oxidation products and energy assimilation efficiency.
  • This research contributes to understanding microbial roles in sulfur cycling and the metabolic diversity within sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.