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Biogenic Mn-Oxides in Subseafloor Basalts
Magnus Ivarsson1, Curt Broman2, Håkan Gustafsson3
1Department of Palaeobiology and the Nordic Center for Earth Evolution (NordCEE), Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden.
Plos One
|June 25, 2015
Summary
Fossilized fungi found in deep subseafloor basalts are linked to manganese oxide formation. This discovery highlights fungi
Area of Science:
- Deep biosphere research
- Marine geology
- Microbial ecology
Background:
- The deep subseafloor biosphere, particularly within basalts, is a significant frontier in Earth and biological sciences.
- Recent findings indicate the presence of fungi in these environments, challenging previous notions of microbial diversity and ecological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe fossilized fungal communities associated with manganese oxides in subseafloor basalts.
- To investigate the role of fungi in manganese cycling in deep-sea environments.
- To evaluate Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy as a method for identifying biogenic manganese oxides.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fossilized fungal communities in vugs within subseafloor basalts.
- Mineralogical and morphological characterization of associated botryoidal manganese oxides (todorokite).
- Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy analysis of manganese oxides.
Main Results:
- Fossilized fungal communities were identified in subseafloor basalts at 936.65 meters below seafloor.
- These fungal communities were closely associated with botryoidal todorokite manganese oxides.
- EPR analysis provided evidence suggesting a biogenic origin for the manganese oxides.
Conclusions:
- Fungi play a role in manganese cycling within the deep subseafloor biosphere.
- The study provides evidence for the biological origin of manganese oxides associated with deep-sea fungi.
- EPR spectroscopy is presented as an effective tool for identifying biogenic manganese oxides in such environments.
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