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Simulation of Early Earth Hydrothermal Chimneys in a Thermal Gradient Environment
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Published on: February 27, 2021

Diffuse flow environments within basalt- and sediment-based hydrothermal vent ecosystems harbor specialized microbial

Barbara J Campbell1, Shawn W Polson, Lisa Zeigler Allen

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Life Science Facility, Clemson University Clemson, SC, USA.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|July 31, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Microbial communities in deep-sea hydrothermal vents vary significantly based on location and geochemistry. This study reveals distinct bacterial and archaeal populations at the East Pacific Rise and Guaymas Basin vents, highlighting unique adaptations to these environments.

Keywords:
16S rRNAdiffuse flowhydrothermal ventsmicrobial diversitypyrosequencing

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Area of Science:

  • Deep-sea microbiology
  • Hydrothermal vent ecosystems
  • Geochemistry

Background:

  • Hydrothermal vents exhibit diverse geochemistry and surface inputs, influencing their microbial communities.
  • Understanding these microbial communities is crucial for comprehending deep-sea ecosystem functioning.
  • Previous studies have identified key microbial taxa in deep-sea environments, but their distribution in relation to vent type remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the alpha and beta diversity of microbial communities in diffuse flow from basalt-based (East Pacific Rise) and sediment-based (Guaymas Basin) hydrothermal systems.
  • To compare microbial community structures between geographically distinct hydrothermal environments using universal 16S rRNA gene primers.
  • To identify factors influencing the diversity and composition of diffuse flow-associated microbial communities.

Main Methods:

  • High-throughput 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing was employed to analyze bacterial and archaeal communities.
  • Samples were collected from diffuse flow and surrounding seawater at two distinct hydrothermal vent systems: East Pacific Rise and Guaymas Basin.
  • Universal 16S rRNA gene primers were used to characterize total and diffuse flow-specific microbial communities.

Main Results:

  • Microbial communities were geographically distinct and segregated by hydrothermal system type (basalt vs. sediment).
  • East Pacific Rise vents were dominated by chemolithoautotrophic-associated taxa, while Guaymas Basin showed a prevalence of heterotrophic-related taxa in diffuse flow.
  • Community diversity and richness correlated with Epsilonproteobacteria abundance, macrofauna proximity, and hydrothermal system type. Archaeal diversity was notably high in some Guaymas Basin samples.

Conclusions:

  • Hydrothermal diffuse flow harbors unique microbial communities shaped by geochemical and geographical factors.
  • The type of hydrothermal system (basalt-based vs. sediment-based) is a significant driver of microbial community structure.
  • Epsilonproteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and hyperthermophilic Archaea are key players in specific hydrothermal vent environments.