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Biogeochemical Stratification and Carbonate Dissolution-Precipitation in Hypersaline Microbial Mats (Salt Pond, San Salvador, The Bahamas)

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Abstract

Microbial mat communities host complex biogeochemical processes and play a role in the formation of most carbonate rocks by influencing both carbonate precipitation and dissolution. In this study, the biogeochemistry of microbial mats from the hypersaline Salt Pond, San Salvador, Bahamas are described using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, microelectrode profiling, fatty acid methyl esters, and carbon and nitrogen analyses. These microbial mats are distinctly layered both chemically and with regard to composition of microbial community, where significant (ρ < 0.05) differences are noted between layers and cores. Furthermore, an oxic upper zone and an H2S-rich lower zone dominate the Salt Pond microbial mats, where H2S concentrations were measured approaching 8 mM. The high H2S concentrations along with the lacking evidence of mineral precipitation in SEM images point to the prevalence of carbonate dissolution. Moreover, the high concentrations of organics (3–9%) reveal that the mats are self-sourcing and can provide ample fuel to sustain the highly active heterotrophic (both aerobic and anaerobic) metabolism. Seasonal differences in sulfide and oxygen concentrations in Salt Pond mats indicate that the carbonate dissolution and precipitation reactions are dynamic in this hypersaline lake.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Geological Society of America Southeastern Division, Gerace Research Centre, and the MSU Sistrunk Endowed Scholarship for support of this research. We would also like to acknowledge Ms. Amanda Lawrence and Mr. Bill Monroe at the MSU Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies as well as Ms. Janet Dewey at the MSU Department of Forestry Soils and Hydrology Laboratory for their expertise and laboratory assistance. Finally, we would like to thank Dr. James Pinckney for providing logistical assistance and advice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, PO BOX 5448, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    Mary K. Puckett, Karen S. McNeal, Brenda L. Kirkland & Margaret E. Corley

  2. Department of Geology, University of Florida, PO BOX 112120, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    John E. Ezell

Authors
  1. Mary K. Puckett
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  2. Karen S. McNeal
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  3. Brenda L. Kirkland
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  4. Margaret E. Corley
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  5. John E. Ezell
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Correspondence to Karen S. McNeal.

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Puckett, M.K., McNeal, K.S., Kirkland, B.L. et al. Biogeochemical Stratification and Carbonate Dissolution-Precipitation in Hypersaline Microbial Mats (Salt Pond, San Salvador, The Bahamas). Aquat Geochem 17, 397–418 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10498-011-9141-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10498-011-9141-4

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