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Manganese reduction and associated microbial communities in Antarctic surface sediments
Lea C Wunder1, Inga Breuer1, Graciana Willis-Poratti1,2,3
1Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|July 18, 2024
Summary
Microbes in Antarctic sediments, particularly Desulfuromonadales, are key players in manganese oxide reduction. This process is vital for nutrient cycling in polar marine environments experiencing rapid glacial melt.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Geochemistry
- Polar science
Background:
- Polar regions face accelerated warming and glacial melting.
- Glacial melt increases nutrient input, including metal oxides, into marine sediments.
- Microbial manganese oxide reduction in Antarctic sediments is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microbial manganese oxide reduction in Antarctic marine sediments.
- To identify microbial communities involved in this process.
Main Methods:
- Geochemical measurements of in situ sediment pore water.
- Slurry incubation experiments with sediment samples.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbial community analysis.
Main Results:
- Members of the genus Desulfuromusa were the primary responders to manganese oxide and acetate.
- Other identified genera linked to manganese/acetate utilization include Desulfuromonas, Sva1033, and unclassified Arcobacteraceae.
- Distinct members of the order Desulfuromonadales showed high activity in organotrophic manganese reduction.
Conclusions:
- Members of Desulfuromonadales are significantly involved in organotrophic manganese reduction in Antarctic sediments.
- This study provides strong evidence for the relevance of these microbes in manganese cycling in permanently cold Antarctic environments.
Keywords:
AntarcticArcobacteraceaeDesulfuromusaPotter CoveSva1033manganese reductionmarine surface sedimentorganic carbon degradationMore Related Videos
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