Jones, D.S., Tobler, D.J., Schaperdoth, I., Mainiero, M. and Macalady, J.L. (2010) Community structure of subsurface biofilms in the thermal sulfidic caves of Acquasanta Terme, Italy. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 76(17), pp. 5902-5910. (doi: 10.1128/AEM.00647-10)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/AEM.00647-10
Abstract
We performed a microbial community analysis of biofilms inhabiting thermal (35 to 50°C) waters more than 60 m below the ground surface near Acquasanta Terme, Italy. The groundwater hosting the biofilms has 400 to 830 μM sulfide, <10 μM O2, pH of 6.3 to 6.7, and specific conductivity of 8,500 to 10,500 μS/cm. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene cloning and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), the biofilms have low species richness, and lithoautotrophic (or possibly mixotrophic) Gamma- and Epsilonproteobacteria are the principle biofilm architects. Deltaproteobacteria sequences retrieved from the biofilms have <90% 16S rRNA similarity to their closest relatives in public databases and may represent novel sulfate-reducing bacteria. The Acquasanta biofilms share few species in common with Frasassi cave biofilms (13°C, 80 km distant) but have a similar community structure, with representatives in the same major clades. The ecological success of Sulfurovumales-group Epsilonproteobacteria in the Acquasanta biofilms is consistent with previous observations of their dominance in sulfidic cave waters with turbulent water flow and high dissolved sulfide/oxygen ratios.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Tobler, Dr Dominique |
Authors: | Jones, D.S., Tobler, D.J., Schaperdoth, I., Mainiero, M., and Macalady, J.L. |
Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences |
Journal Name: | Applied and Environmental Microbiology |
Publisher: | American Society for Microbiology |
ISSN: | 0099-2240 |
ISSN (Online): | 1098-5336 |
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