Abstract
Background: Shipwrecks serve as a rich source for novel microbial populations that have largely remained undiscovered. Low temperatures, lack of sunlight, and the availability of substrates derived from the shipwreck’s hull and cargo may provide an environment in which microbes can develop unique metabolic adaptations. Methods: To test our hypothesis that shipwrecks could influence the microbial population involved in denitrification when a consortium is grown in the laboratory, we collected samples proximate to two steel shipwrecks in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Then under laboratory conditions, we grew two independent denitrifying microbial consortia. Each consortium was grown by using the BART assay system and analyzed based on growth kinetics, ion chromatography and 16S amplicon sequencing.Results: Both denitrifying consortia were different from each other based on varied growth profiles, rates of nitrate utilization and 16S amplicon sequencing.Conclusions: Our observations conclude that the laboratory grown water column microbial consortia from deep-sea shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico are able to undergo aggressive denitrification.
Highlights
The biogeochemical process that transforms dissolved inorganic nitrogen to nitrogen gas is known as denitrification (DN)
This indicates that both the water samples have varied hydrographic conditions. Denitrifying microbial consortia Both water samples were analyzed for the presence of denitrifying microbial consortia using the commercially available denitrifying Biological Activity Reaction Test (DN-BART) assay
Apart from the unique microbial life detected in the marine dark biosphere, shipwreck sites located in the deep sea serve as a rich source of distinct flora and fauna[6]
Summary
The biogeochemical process that transforms dissolved inorganic nitrogen to nitrogen gas is known as denitrification (DN). This metabolic pathway impacts the nitrogen (N) cycle by returning elemental N to the atmosphere[1,2] It can alternatively be defined as the reduction of more oxidized forms of nitrogen (NO3-, NO2-, NO and N2O) to N2 gas, where it can be linked to the oxidation of iron, sulfur and reduced carbon species[3]. Shipwrecks have been identified as areas from which novel microbial species have been isolated, because of the introduction of foreign material to the area[6] They would be an ideal location to discover unique microorganisms and metabolic activity, as these areas are known to be diverse habitats for macroorganisms in the marine environment[7]. Conclusions: Our observations conclude that the laboratory grown water column microbial consortia from deep-sea shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico are able to undergo aggressive denitrification
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
