Abstract
The lipid biomarker composition of microbial mat communities from three meltwater ponds from the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica, was investigated for the first time. Hydrocarbons, ether-linked components, fatty acids (FAs), wax esters, hopanols and sterols from Fresh, Orange and Salt Ponds were analysed. The dominance of cyanobacteria and the presence of bacterial sulfate reducers were confirmed using signature FAs in all three mats. Wax ester analysis suggested the presence of Chloroflexus spp. The dominance of short chain hydrocarbons, wax esters and FAs indicated that microorganisms are the major source of organic matter in these meltwater ponds. A variety of sterols were present in different relative abundances. The greatest diversity of sterols was in Salt Pond, followed by Fresh Pond, which was attributed to differences in the present eukaryotic diversity. Lipid profiles of the three communities were similar despite the presence of a salinity gradient. Analysis of lipid biomarkers allowed the creation of profiles for these unique Antarctic cryo-ecosystems. This will assist in the comparison of present and past microbial communities and in the monitoring of Antarctic biodiversity in response to global climate change and other environmental perturbations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
