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Bacterial Succession on Sinking Particles in the Ocean's Interior
Erik A Pelve1, Kristina M Fontanez2, Edward F DeLong3
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology-Molecular Evolution, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|December 12, 2017
Summary
Sinking ocean particles host distinct microbial communities, revealing reproducible bacterial successions involved in nutrient cycling and the biological carbon pump in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Biogeochemistry
- Oceanography
Background:
- Sinking particles are crucial for deep ocean nutrient transport and the biological carbon pump.
- Microbial communities on sinking particles differ from surrounding waters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize bacterial community succession during the processing of sinking particles.
- To identify specific bacterial groups associated with sinking particles in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.
Main Methods:
- Single cell genomics and metagenomics were used to analyze microbial communities.
- Sinking particles were collected using sediment traps at Station Aloha.
- Bacterial genomes were sequenced from particle-associated and planktonic cells.
Main Results:
- Microbial communities in live vs. poisoned traps showed significant differences.
- Specific bacterial genera (Arcobacter, Vibrio campbellii, Idiomarina, Kangiella) were identified on particles.
- Eukaryote-associated bacteria were consistently found on sinking particles across different times.
Conclusions:
- Particle remineralization involves reproducible bacterial succession events.
- Host-associated bacteria play a consistent role in sinking particle processing.
- These findings enhance understanding of the biological carbon pump in oligotrophic oceans.
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