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Sulfur Cycling in Laminated Marine Microbial Ecosystems

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Biogeochemistry of Global Change

Abstract

Depth profiles of organic and inorganic sulfur compounds were measured in the top 50 mm of a mature marine microbial mat during three growth seasons. Similarly, the vertical distribution of sulfate-reducing bacteria, colorless sulfur bacteria, and anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria was also measured. In combination with profiles of important physico-chemical parameters, which define the mat environment, and laboratory studies, sources and sinks of volatile sulfur compounds were evaluated. Calculations show that consumption of dimethyl sulfide potentially can balance its production, minimizing the flux from the sediment to the atmosphere.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Miami, Florida, 33149-1098, USA

    Pieter T. Visscher

  2. Department of Microbiology, University of Groningen, 9715 NN Haren, The Netherlands

    Hans van Gemerden

Authors
  1. Pieter T. Visscher
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  2. Hans van Gemerden
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  1. ISEB, Menlo Park, California, USA

    Ronald S. Oremland (Chairman) (Chairman)

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Visscher, P.T., van Gemerden, H. (1993). Sulfur Cycling in Laminated Marine Microbial Ecosystems. In: Oremland, R.S. (eds) Biogeochemistry of Global Change. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2812-8_37

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2812-8_37

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-6215-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-2812-8

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