1
|
Della Vedova M, Villafañe PG, Cónsole‐Gonella C, Bahniuk Rumbelsperger A, Fadel Cury L, Horta LR, Farías ME. Disentangling microstructure and environmental conditions in high-altitude Andean microbialite systems (Catamarca, Argentine Puna). ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 15:92-108. [PMID: 36192831 PMCID: PMC10103866 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The study of microbialites development is a key tool to understand environmental pathways during deposition. We provide a detailed analysis of modern Central Andean microbialites from high-altitude lakes. The stratigraphic record of Turquesa Lake shows a significant short-term recolonization by microbialite-producing microorganisms during environmental stress. Far from a crisis paradigm, the coasts and paleocoasts of Turquesa lake exhibit three microbialitic buildups formed along different stages, providing a good study case of biological resilience of these systems in harsh environments. The MI and MII microbialite buildups occupied two paleocoasts. Both are composed of oncoids with micritic to microsparitic textures. Morphological, textural and mineralogical similarities between the two buildups suggest that they were formed at different times, but under very similar environmental conditions. The microorganisms that produced the microbialitic buildup MIII are currently colonizing the coast of this lake. The previous oncoid morphology change to a parallel micritic-spartic lamination. This remarkable changes in the microstructure can be explained by an important environmental change caused by the isolation of the Peinado Lake, and a subsequently microorganism adaptation. This microbialite structures can be proposed as an interesting modern analogue for environmental changes along the geological record.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Della Vedova
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiológicas en Lagunas Andinas (LIMLA)Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI), CONICETSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
- Instituto Superior de Correlación Geológica (INSUGEO), CONICET‐ UNTYerba BuenaTucumánArgentina
| | - Patricio G. Villafañe
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiológicas en Lagunas Andinas (LIMLA)Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI), CONICETSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
- Instituto Superior de Correlación Geológica (INSUGEO), CONICET‐ UNTYerba BuenaTucumánArgentina
| | - Carlos Cónsole‐Gonella
- Instituto Superior de Correlación Geológica (INSUGEO), CONICET‐ UNTYerba BuenaTucumánArgentina
| | | | | | - Luis R. Horta
- Instituto Superior de Correlación Geológica (INSUGEO), CONICET‐ UNTYerba BuenaTucumánArgentina
| | - María E. Farías
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiológicas en Lagunas Andinas (LIMLA)Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI), CONICETSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arumugam K, Mohamad R, Ashari SE, Tan JS, Mohamed MS. Bioprospecting microalgae with the capacity for inducing calcium carbonate biomineral precipitation. ASIA-PAC J CHEM ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/apj.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kavithraashree Arumugam
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia
| | - Rosfarizan Mohamad
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia
- Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing Research Complex Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia
| | - Siti Efliza Ashari
- Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing Research Complex Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia
| | - Joo Shun Tan
- School of Industrial Technology Universiti Sains Malaysia Gelugor Pulau Pinang Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shamzi Mohamed
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia
- Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing Research Complex Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hoffmann TD, Reeksting BJ, Gebhard S. Bacteria-induced mineral precipitation: a mechanistic review. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2021; 167:001049. [PMID: 33881981 PMCID: PMC8289221 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Micro-organisms contribute to Earth's mineral deposits through a process known as bacteria-induced mineral precipitation (BIMP). It is a complex phenomenon that can occur as a result of a variety of physiological activities that influence the supersaturation state and nucleation catalysis of mineral precipitation in the environment. There is a good understanding of BIMP induced by bacterial metabolism through the control of metal redox states and enzyme-mediated reactions such as ureolysis. However, other forms of BIMP often cannot be attributed to a single pathway but rather appear to be a passive result of bacterial activity, where minerals form as a result of metabolic by-products and surface interactions within the surrounding environment. BIMP from such processes has formed the basis of many new innovative biotechnologies, such as soil consolidation, heavy metal remediation, restoration of historic buildings and even self-healing concrete. However, these applications to date have primarily incorporated BIMP-capable bacteria sampled from the environment, while detailed investigations of the underpinning mechanisms have been lagging behind. This review covers our current mechanistic understanding of bacterial activities that indirectly influence BIMP and highlights the complexity and connectivity between the different cellular and metabolic processes involved. Ultimately, detailed insights will facilitate the rational design of application-specific BIMP technologies and deepen our understanding of how bacteria are shaping our world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D. Hoffmann
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Bianca J. Reeksting
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Susanne Gebhard
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Popall RM, Bolhuis H, Muyzer G, Sánchez-Román M. Stromatolites as Biosignatures of Atmospheric Oxygenation: Carbonate Biomineralization and UV-C Resilience in a Geitlerinema sp. - Dominated Culture. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:948. [PMID: 32508777 PMCID: PMC7248245 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern stromatolites are key to the record of past microbial activity preserved in fossil carbonate deposits. Mono-phototrophic cultures dominated by the cyanobacterium Geitlerinema sp. were obtained from a laboratory-maintained, low magnesium-calcite stromatolite originating from Lagoa Vermelha, Brazil. This lagoonal system has been described as a Precambrian analog, illustrating a period of photosynthetically induced atmospheric oxygenation, which created a global sanctuary from shortwave solar radiation and enabled the evolution of modern life on Earth. The enrichment cultures precipitate carbonates in minimal media, suggesting that cyanobacterial photosynthesis and extracellular polymeric substance production may be crucial in the mineralization of the studied stromatolite. We further show that Geitlerinema sp. can build and maintain filamentous mats under long-term UV-C exposure. Our results suggest that present day stromatolites dominated by cyanobacteria may be interpreted as biosignatures of atmospheric oxygenation and have implications for the search for putative biological traces on Mars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabja M. Popall
- Earth Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henk Bolhuis
- Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry Department, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Utrecht University, Den Hoorn, Netherlands
| | - Gerard Muyzer
- Microbial Systems Ecology, Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mónica Sánchez-Román
- Earth Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
White RA, Soles SA, Brady AL, Southam G, Lim DS, Slater GF. Biosignatures Associated with Freshwater Microbialites. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10050066. [PMID: 32429118 PMCID: PMC7281397 DOI: 10.3390/life10050066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Freshwater microbialites (i.e., lithifying microbial mats) are quite rare in northern latitudes of the North American continent, with two lakes (Pavilion and Kelly Lakes) of southeastern BC containing a morphological variety of such structures. We investigated Kelly Lake microbialites using carbon isotope systematics, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and quantitative PCR to obtain biosignatures associated with microbial metabolism. δ13CDIC values (mean δ13CDIC −4.9 ± 1.1‰, n = 8) were not in isotopic equilibrium with the atmosphere; however, they do indicate 13C-depleted inorganic carbon into Kelly Lake. The values of carbonates on microbialite surfaces (δ13C) fell within the range predicted for equilibrium precipitation from ambient lake water δ13CDIC (−2.2 to −5.3‰). Deep microbialites (26 m) had an enriched δ13Ccarb value of −0.3 ± 0.5‰, which is a signature of photoautotrophy. The deeper microbialites (>20 m) had higher biomass estimates (via PLFAs), and a greater relative abundance of cyanobacteria (measured by 16S copies via qPCR). The majority of PLFAs constituted monounsaturated and saturated PLFAs, which is consistent with gram-negative bacteria, including cyanobacteria. The central PLFA δ13C values were highly depleted (−9.3 to −15.7‰) relative to δ13C values of bulk organic matter, suggesting a predominance of photoautotrophy. A heterotrophic signature was also detected via the depleted iso- and anteiso-15:0 lipids (−3.2 to −5.2‰). Based on our carbonate isotopic biosignatures, PLFA, and qPCR measurements, photoautotrophy is enriched in the microbialites of Kelly Lake. This photoautotrophy enrichment is consistent with the microbialites of neighboring Pavilion Lake. This indication of photoautotrophy within Kelly Lake at its deepest depths raises new insights into the limits of measurable carbonate isotopic biosignatures under light and nutrient limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Allen White
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA;
- RAW Molecular Systems (RMS) LLC, Spokane, WA 99218, USA
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Soles
- School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (S.A.S.); (A.L.B.)
| | - Allyson L. Brady
- School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (S.A.S.); (A.L.B.)
| | - Gordon Southam
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | | | - Greg F. Slater
- School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (S.A.S.); (A.L.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-905-525-9140 (ext. 26388)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carbonate Precipitation in Mixed Cyanobacterial Biofilms Forming Freshwater Microbial Tufa. MINERALS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/min9070409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
: Mixed cyanobacteria-dominated biofilms, enriched from a tributary of the Mérantaise (France) were used to conduct laboratory experiments in order to understand the relationship between the morphology of carbonate precipitates and the biological activity (e.g., cyanobacterial exopolymeric substances (EPS) production, photosynthetic pH increases). DNA sequencing data showed that the enriched biofilm was composed predominantly of two types of filamentous cyanobacteria that belonged to the Oscillatoriaceae and Phormidiaceae families, respectively. Microscopic analysis also indicated the presence of some coccoid cyanobacteria resembling Gloeocapsa. Analysis of carbonate precipitates in experimental biofilms showed three main morphologies: micro-peloids with different shapes of mesocrystals associated with Oscillatoriaceae filaments and theirs EPS, lamellae of carbonate formed directly on Phormidiaceae filaments, and rhombic sparite crystals wrapped in EPS. All crystals were identified by FT-IR spectroscopy as calcite. Similar structures as those that formed in laboratory conditions were observed in the microbial-tufa deposits collected in the stream. Microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of laboratory and natural samples indicated a close proximity of the cyanobacterial EPS and precipitated carbonates in both. Based on the laboratory experiments, we conclude that the microbial tufa in the stream is in an early stage of formation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Barbieri R, Cavalazzi B. Microterracettes in Sabkha Oum Dba (Western Sahara, Morocco): Physical and Biological Interactions in the Formation of a Surface Micromorphology. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:1351-1367. [PMID: 30095990 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Small-scale terracing (microterracettes) is a surface geomorphic feature that recurs under a range of environmental settings, such as those existing in high to low temperature geothermal springs and evaporitic environments, through the single or combined action of physicochemical agents and microbiological processes. Such morphology can also be observed in a confined sector of the Sabkha Oum Dba, which is an inland sabkha of the Western Sahara (Morocco), where field and laboratory investigations revealed that they primarily depend on the accumulation of naviculoid diatoms. Through their biofilm production ability, these benthic diatoms are able to stabilize surface morphologies and make organic alveolar frameworks where the precipitation of low Mg calcite occurs in areas subjected to active oxygenic photosynthesis. Because microterracettes arise in a specific set of environmental conditions, they have environmental significance and, thanks to a high fossilization potential due to mineral precipitation, they can be an effective source of biomorphological and chemical evidence for life. The relationship with aqueous environments, considered to be widespread on Mars especially during a period of intense hydrologic activity as in the late Noachian and Hesperian periods, make the understanding of surficial processes useful (such as the formation of microterracettes) whose formation is frequent in terrestrial analogues for martian environments, such as ephemeral saline continental lakes (sabkhas) and related to the products of bacterial and eukaryotic life, as in the case of biofilms, in search for similar life forms beyond Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Barbieri
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna , Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Cavalazzi
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna , Bologna, Italy
- 2 Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg , Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pace A, Bourillot R, Bouton A, Vennin E, Braissant O, Dupraz C, Duteil T, Bundeleva I, Patrier P, Galaup S, Yokoyama Y, Franceschi M, Virgone A, Visscher PT. Formation of stromatolite lamina at the interface of oxygenic-anoxygenic photosynthesis. GEOBIOLOGY 2018; 16:378-398. [PMID: 29573198 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In modern stromatolites, mineralization results from a complex interplay between microbial metabolisms, the organic matrix, and environmental parameters. Here, we combined biogeochemical, mineralogical, and microscopic analyses with measurements of metabolic activity to characterize the mineralization processes and products in an emergent (<18 months) hypersaline microbial mat. While the nucleation of Mg silicates is ubiquitous in the mat, the initial formation of a Ca-Mg carbonate lamina depends on (i) the creation of a high-pH interface combined with a major change in properties of the exopolymeric substances at the interface of the oxygenic and anoxygenic photoautotrophic layers and (ii) the synergy between two major players of sulfur cycle, purple sulfur bacteria, and sulfate-reducing bacteria. The repetition of this process over time combined with upward growth of the mat is a possible pathway leading to the formation of a stromatolite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Pace
- EA 4592, Géoressources & Environnement, Ensegid, Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
- Université Bordeaux Montaigne, Pessac, France
| | - R Bourillot
- EA 4592, Géoressources & Environnement, Ensegid, Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | - A Bouton
- Laboratoire Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 UBFC/CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
- Total, CSTJF, Pau, France
| | - E Vennin
- Laboratoire Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 UBFC/CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - O Braissant
- Center for Biomechanics and Biocalorimetry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - C Dupraz
- Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Duteil
- EA 4592, Géoressources & Environnement, Ensegid, Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | - I Bundeleva
- Laboratoire Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 UBFC/CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - P Patrier
- UMR 7285 CNRS IC2MP, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - S Galaup
- EA 4592, Géoressources & Environnement, Ensegid, Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | - Y Yokoyama
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - M Franceschi
- EA 4592, Géoressources & Environnement, Ensegid, Bordeaux INP, Pessac, France
| | | | - P T Visscher
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mlewski EC, Pisapia C, Gomez F, Lecourt L, Soto Rueda E, Benzerara K, Ménez B, Borensztajn S, Jamme F, Réfrégiers M, Gérard E. Characterization of Pustular Mats and Related Rivularia-Rich Laminations in Oncoids From the Laguna Negra Lake (Argentina). Front Microbiol 2018; 9:996. [PMID: 29872427 PMCID: PMC5972317 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stromatolites are organo-sedimentary structures that represent some of the oldest records of the early biosphere on Earth. Cyanobacteria are considered as a main component of the microbial mats that are supposed to produce stromatolite-like structures. Understanding the role of cyanobacteria and associated microorganisms on the mineralization processes is critical to better understand what can be preserved in the laminated structure of stromatolites. Laguna Negra (Catamarca, Argentina), a high-altitude hypersaline lake where stromatolites are currently formed, is considered as an analog environment of early Earth. This study aimed at characterizing carbonate precipitation within microbial mats and associated oncoids in Laguna Negra. In particular, we focused on carbonated black pustular mats. By combining Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Laser Microdissection and Whole Genome Amplification, Cloning and Sanger sequencing, and Focused Ion Beam milling for Transmission Electron Microscopy, we showed that carbonate precipitation did not directly initiate on the sheaths of cyanobacterial Rivularia, which dominate in the mat. It occurred via organo-mineralization processes within a large EPS matrix excreted by the diverse microbial consortium associated with Rivularia where diatoms and anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria were particularly abundant. By structuring a large microbial consortium, Rivularia should then favor the formation of organic-rich laminations of carbonates that can be preserved in stromatolites. By using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Synchrotron-based deep UV fluorescence imaging, we compared laminations rich in structures resembling Rivularia to putatively chemically-precipitated laminations in oncoids associated with the mats. We showed that they presented a different mineralogy jointly with a higher content in organic remnants, hence providing some criteria of biogenicity to be searched for in the fossil record.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estela C Mlewski
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra (CICTERRA), Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Céline Pisapia
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Synchrotron SOLEIL, DISCO Beamline, Saint Aubin, France
| | - Fernando Gomez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra (CICTERRA), Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Lena Lecourt
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Eliana Soto Rueda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra (CICTERRA), Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Karim Benzerara
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 7590, Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, IRD UMR 206, Paris, France
| | - Bénédicte Ménez
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Stephan Borensztajn
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Emmanuelle Gérard
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Farias ME, Rasuk MC, Gallagher KL, Contreras M, Kurth D, Fernandez AB, Poiré D, Novoa F, Visscher PT. Prokaryotic diversity and biogeochemical characteristics of benthic microbial ecosystems at La Brava, a hypersaline lake at Salar de Atacama, Chile. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186867. [PMID: 29140980 PMCID: PMC5687714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Benthic microbial ecosystems of Laguna La Brava, Salar de Atacama, a high altitude hypersaline lake, were characterized in terms of bacterial and archaeal diversity, biogeochemistry, (including O2 and sulfide depth profiles and mineralogy), and physicochemical characteristics. La Brava is one of several lakes in the Salar de Atacama where microbial communities are growing in extreme conditions, including high salinity, high solar insolation, and high levels of metals such as lithium, arsenic, magnesium, and calcium. Evaporation creates hypersaline conditions in these lakes and mineral precipitation is a characteristic geomicrobiological feature of these benthic ecosystems. In this study, the La Brava non-lithifying microbial mats, microbialites, and rhizome-associated concretions were compared to each other and their diversity was related to their environmental conditions. All the ecosystems revealed an unusual community where Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, Acetothermia, Firmicutes and Planctomycetes were the most abundant groups, and cyanobacteria, typically an important primary producer in microbial mats, were relatively insignificant or absent. This suggests that other microorganisms, and possibly novel pathways unique to this system, are responsible for carbon fixation. Depth profiles of O2 and sulfide showed active production and respiration. The mineralogy composition was calcium carbonate (as aragonite) and increased from mats to microbialites and rhizome-associated concretions. Halite was also present. Further analyses were performed on representative microbial mats and microbialites by layer. Different taxonomic compositions were observed in the upper layers, with Archaea dominating the non-lithifying mat, and Planctomycetes the microbialite. The bottom layers were similar, with Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota and Planctomycetes as dominant phyla. Sequences related to Cyanobacteria were very scarce. These systems may contain previously uncharacterized community metabolisms, some of which may be contributing to net mineral precipitation. Further work on these sites might reveal novel organisms and metabolisms of biotechnological interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Farias
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiológicas de Lagunas Andinas (LIMLA), Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI), CCT-Tucumán, CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
- * E-mail:
| | - Maria Cecilia Rasuk
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiológicas de Lagunas Andinas (LIMLA), Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI), CCT-Tucumán, CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Kimberley L. Gallagher
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Daniel Kurth
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiológicas de Lagunas Andinas (LIMLA), Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI), CCT-Tucumán, CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Ana Beatriz Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiológicas de Lagunas Andinas (LIMLA), Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI), CCT-Tucumán, CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Daniel Poiré
- Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata-Conicet, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Fernando Novoa
- Centro de Ecología Aplicada (CEA), Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pieter T. Visscher
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut, United States of America
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|