Proliferation of purple sulphur bacteria at the sediment surface affects intertidal mat diversity and functionality.

TitleProliferation of purple sulphur bacteria at the sediment surface affects intertidal mat diversity and functionality.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsHubas, C, Jesus, B, Ruivo, M, Meziane, T, Thiney, N, Davoult, D, Spilmont, N, Paterson, DM, Jeanthon, C
JournalPLoS One
Volume8
Issue12
Paginatione82329
Date Published2013
ISSN1932-6203
KeywordsAquatic Organisms, Carbon Dioxide, Chromatiaceae, Microbiota
Abstract

There is a relative absence of studies dealing with mats of purple sulphur bacteria in the intertidal zone. These bacteria display an array of metabolic pathways that allow them to disperse and develop under a wide variety of conditions, making these mats important in terms of ecosystem processes and functions. Mass blooms of purple sulphur bacteria develop during summer on sediments in the intertidal zone especially on macroalgal deposits. The microbial composition of different types of mats differentially affected by the development of purple sulphur bacteria was examined, at low tide, using a set of biochemical markers (fatty acids, pigments) and composition was assessed against their influence on ecosystem functions (sediment cohesiveness, CO2 fixation). We demonstrated that proliferation of purple sulphur bacteria has a major impact on intertidal mats diversity and functions. Indeed, assemblages dominated by purple sulphur bacteria (Chromatiaceae) were efficient exopolymer producers and their biostabilisation potential was significant. In addition, the massive growth of purple sulphur bacteria resulted in a net CO2 degassing whereas diatom dominated biofilms represented a net CO2 sink.

DOI10.1371/journal.pone.0082329
Alternate JournalPLoS ONE
PubMed ID24340018
PubMed Central IDPMC3855458