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Acetate-utilizing bacteria at an oxic-anoxic interface in the Baltic Sea
Carlo Berg1, Sabrina Beckmann, Günter Jost
1Section Biological Oceanography, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Rostock, Germany.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|March 26, 2013
Summary
Active heterotrophic bacteria, particularly Arcobacter spp., were identified in Baltic Sea redoxclines. These microbes are crucial for biogeochemical cycling and manganese reduction in these unique marine environments.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Biogeochemistry
- Environmental science
Background:
- Pelagic redoxclines exhibit high microbial activity and drive major biogeochemical cycles.
- The role of heterotrophic microorganisms in these environments remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify active heterotrophic bacteria in Baltic Sea pelagic redoxclines.
- To investigate their biogeochemical roles, particularly in metal cycling.
Main Methods:
- Stable isotope probing using (13)C-acetate and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Stimulation experiments with organic matter, manganese(IV), and iron(III).
- Activity measurements of metal reduction.
Main Results:
- Gammaproteobacteria (Colwellia, Neptunomonas) and Epsilonproteobacteria (Arcobacter) were identified as active heterotrophs.
- Arcobacter spp. and Colwellia spp. were stimulated by organic and metal additions.
- Arcobacter dominated in samples with high manganese(IV) reduction.
Conclusions:
- This study reveals the heterotrophic bacterial communities in Baltic Sea pelagic redoxclines.
- Arcobacter spp. are suggested to play a significant role in manganese cycling within these redoxclines.
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