Effect of organic forms of phosphorus and variable concentrations of sulfide on the metabolic generation of soluble-reactive phosphate by sulfur chemolithoautotrophs: a laboratory study

ISME J. 2007 Oct;1(6):545-50. doi: 10.1038/ismej.2007.61. Epub 2007 Sep 13.

Abstract

In aquatic systems, recycling of phosphorus (P) is strongly influenced by microbial metabolic responses. This study was designed to look at the generation of P (as soluble-reactive phosphate (SRP)) from organic P-enriched sediments by benthic sulfur chemolithoautotrophs. The study revealed that microbial density was greater in organic P-enriched sediments when compared to sediments without added organic P and the presence of organic P significantly influenced mobilization of SRP from sediment. Generation of SRP by sediment microbes was cumulative, dependent on time. The results indicated dissolved sulfide (S(2-)) to be necessary for initiation of the metabolism-related mobilization of P: there was no statistically significant effect of variations in ambient concentrations of sulfide (S(2-)). The results elucidate possible outcomes of addition of organic P in aquatic ecosystems.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / chemistry
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Chlorophyll / analysis
  • Chlorophyll A
  • Geologic Sediments / microbiology*
  • Organophosphates / metabolism*
  • Phosphates / metabolism*
  • Sulfides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Organophosphates
  • Phosphates
  • Sulfides
  • Chlorophyll
  • Chlorophyll A