Hot Spring Water Samples Research Articles

Natural radioactivity level in Yemen: A systematic review of radiological studies

This paper aimed to conduct a systematic review of 26 published articles from 13 different regions in the Republic of Yemen related to the study of natural radioactivity (NORM) and enhanced artificial radioactivity (TENORM). The study relied on the analysis of various sample types, including air, groundwater, surface water, hot spring water, soil, sand, rocks, building materials, and oil field samples. It also analyzed the study areas, the types of detectors employed, and the study's timeframe. The analytical results raised significant concerns regarding the high levels of radioactivity observed in many of the studied regions. Moreover, some regions indicated the absence of any prior radiological study, despite apparent effects on the population and the environment, which suggest the presence of potential radionuclide concentration. Based on this study, it is strongly recommended that researchers conduct further radiological studies in regions previously studied over extended periods and in areas where no prior radiological studies have been conducted to assess potential radionuclide concentration.

Exploring the Hot Springs of Golan: A Source of Thermophilic Bacteria and Enzymes with Industrial Promise.

In recent years, there has been a surge in research on extremophiles due to their remarkable ability to survive in harsh environments. Extremophile thermophilic bacteria provide thermostable enzymes for biotechnology and industry. Thermophilic bacteria live in extreme environments like hot springs at 45-80°C. This study screens and isolates thermophilic bacteria and thermozymes from the Golan hot springs in Karakocan, Elazig, Turkey. The study also characterizes thermophilic bacteria and their thermozymes to understand their features and applications better. Golan hot spring water samples at 50°C yielded 12 isolates. GKE 02, 07, 08, and 10 produce amylase, GKE 04, 08, and 11 cellulase, and GKE 06 xylanase. One isolate (GKE 08) displayed both amylolytic and cellulolytic activity on agar plates. GKE 02 had the highest plate assay amylolytic index (2.3) and amylase activity (67.87 U/ml). Plate assay indicates GKE 08 has 1.5 amylolytic index, 1.1 cellulolytic index, 38.57 U/ml amylase, and 6.81 U/ml cellulase. GKE 04 had the greatest cellulolytic index (1.7) and cellulase activity (27.46). GKE 06, the only xylanase producer, has 19.67 U/ml activity and 1.4 plate assay index. The investigation also included determining the optimal pH and temperature conditions for each enzyme. 16S rDNA gene sequencing revealed seven thermozyme-producing bacteria Bacillus, Geobacillus, and Thermomonas. Thermomonas hydrothermalis genome annotation showed glycosyl hydrolase genes for amylolytic and cellulolytic activity. The findings of this study on thermophilic bacteria and thermostable enzyme synthesis in the Golan hot springs are promising, particularly for T. hydrothermalis, which has limited research on its potential as a thermozyme producer.

The Hydrogeochemical Model of "YR" Geothermal Field, East Java

The YR Geothermal Field is located in East Java. This field is associated with an active volcano, implying a potential for a high enthalpy geothermal system. This field is still in the exploration phase, but no drilling has been conducted yet. Thus, insights into the geothermal system are obtained through geochemical analyses of geothermal manifestations. Geochemical analyses were performed on hot spring water samples to determine the characteristics, processes, origin, and fluid flow of the geothermal system. The research results indicate that the warm springs have temperatures ranging from 29.4 to 54.8°C, with a nearly neutral pH (6.14-6.44) and high contents of HCO3 (457-1150 mg/kg), Na (77.7-255 mg/kg), and Mg (37.4-110 mg/kg). Therefore, it can be concluded that all the warm springs fall into the bicarbonate type with immature conditions, indicating no direct association with the reservoir. The upflow zone is interpreted to be at the peak of Mount 7, while the outflow zones are in areas A, B, and C. The fluids flow from the upflow zone, then condense and advectively flow down the slope, experiencing dilution and reactions with rocks before emerging as outflows in the western and north-western areas.

Screening and characterization of thermostable enzyme-producing bacteria from selected hot springs of Ethiopia.

Thermostable microbial enzymes play an important role in industries due to their stability under harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures. Despite their huge application in different industries, however, the thermostable enzymes of thermophilic microorganism origin have not yet been fully explored in Ethiopia. Here, we explored thermophilic bacteria and their enzymes from selected hot spring water and sediment samples. Accordingly, thermophilic bacteria were isolated and screened for the production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. Promising numbers of isolates were found as producers of the enzymes. The potent enzyme producers were further identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight-mass spectrometry analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The findings revealed the presence of potential hydrolytic enzyme-producing thermophilic bacteria in hot springs of Ethiopia and necessitate further comprehensive study involving other extreme environments. Our findings also revealed the potential of Ethiopian hot springs in the production of thermostable enzymes of significant application in different industries, including food industries.

Unveiling the Elemental Composition and Categorization of Sikkim Hot-Spring Water with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Advanced Analytical Techniques

The research investigates the elemental composition of hot-spring water in Sikkim, specifically in Yumthang, Tarum, and Reshi, using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. This technique involves exciting the sample with a high-energy laser pulse, causing it to emit light that can be analyzed to determine its elemental composition. The results of the study indicate that the hot-spring water in Sikkim is of meteoric origin, meaning it originated from precipitation. To understand the abundance of elements in the hot-spring water samples, the Sulphur/Nitrogen, Chlorine/Nitrogen, and Sulphur/Chlorine ratios were calculated using the ratiometric method. These ratios were then used to classify the samples using univariate and multivariate statistical tools. The box plot was used for the univariate analysis, while the bivariate normal distribution method was used for the multivariate analysis. We have also discussed the limitations of overlapping emission peaks on the classification of the samples. The study found that the abundance of nitrogen in the samples played a significant role in their classification. Principal component analysis was also employed to classify the samples. This technique involves identifying the most significant variables contributing to the variation in the data and using them to classify the samples. Overall, the study provides important insights into the elemental composition of hot-spring water in Sikkim and highlights the usefulness of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in analyzing such samples.

Comparative analysis of bacterial diversity in two hot springs in Hefei, China

Hot springs are extreme ecological environments of microbes. The study is the first comparative analysis of bacterial diversity of Tangchi and Bantang hot spring water samples collected in Hefei, China, which is conducive to the further development and utilization of microbial resources in hot springs. Illumina MiSeq system was utilized to sequence and analyze the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from hot spring water samples by bioinformatics, to probe into the bacterial abundance and diversity of two hot springs in Hefei. Results revealed that prevalent bacterial phyla in Tangchi hot spring were Bacillota and Aquificota, and the prevalent bacterial genus was Hydrogenobacter; prevalent phyla in Bantang hot spring were Pseudomonadota followed by Actinobacteriota, and prevalent genera were CL500-29_marine_group and Polynucleobacter. More species and higher evenness in Bantang hot spring than those in Tangchi hot spring. In MetaCyc pathway analysis, the major pathways of metabolism existed in the bacteria from the two hot springs were ‘pyruvate fermentation to isobutanol (engineered)’, ‘acetylene degradation’, ‘carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes’, ‘nitrate reduction I (denitrification)’, ‘methanogenesis from acetate’, ‘superpathway of glucose and xylose degradation’, etc.

Hydrogeochemistry of Fault-Related Hot Springs in the Qaidam Basin, China

Hydrogeochemical characterization studies are regarded as an important method for determining the origin of hot springs. The major elements, trace elements, and stable isotopes of four groups of hot spring water samples and two groups of gas samples collected from the intersection of the Altyn Tagh fault zone and the East Kunlun fault belt were investigated in this study. The hot spring water temperature ranged between 6 °C and 14 °C. The water chemistry types of the hot springs were Na·Mg-Cl, Mg·Na-Cl·HCO3, Na-Cl·SO4, and Na-Cl·HCO3. The δD values ranged from −50.00% to −68.60%, while the δ18O values ranged from −6.90% to −8.60%. The hot spring water was recharged mainly by infiltrating precipitation, with a recharge elevation of 3390~3676 m. The heat storage temperature ranged from 66.7 to 164.9 °C. The circulation depth was estimated to range between 1043 and 2679 m. The strontium isotopic composition of the water samples in response to the main weathering sources comprised carbonate and sulfate. CO2 was the main component in the hot spring gas in the study region, and its content was over 95%. The 3He/4He-R/Ra relationship diagram revealed that the mantle-sourced helium from the Yitunbulake spring was 3.06%. In comparison, that from the Aiken spring was 7.38%, which indicated an intrusion of mantle-source material mixed into the hot springs in the study region. The crustal marine limestone contributed significantly to the carbon inventory of the hot spring gas samples (>75%). The dissolution of the marl aquifer resulted in the release of CO2. Carbon was primarily obtained through metamorphism and hydrothermal reactions in the basement lithologies. The Yitunbulake and Aiken hot springs are found near the intersection of the Arjin and East Kunlun fractures, where the water–rock response is relatively strong and the depth of circulation and thermal storage temperature are both high. This causes relatively high ambient pressure to be released from the deep fluid, resulting in microseismic activity in this region. The continuous observation of Aiken spring water chemistry allows for the monitoring of fracture activity in the region. The results of the study could serve as a foundation for further exploration of the relationship between geothermal water and deep faults, shallow geological formations, hydrogeological conditions, and geothermal resource development in the region.

Geochemical features of fluid in Xiaojiang fault zone, Southeastern Tibetan plateau: Implications for fault activity

It is well established that fluid geochemistry in fault zones could provide reliable indicators for fault activity. Along these lines, in this work, Rn and CO2 fluxes were measured for soil gases along the Xiaojiang Fault Zone (XFZ), SW China. The relationship among the soil gas Rn and CO2 fluxes, hydrochemistry of hot springs, and fault activity were thoroughly examined based on the analytical results and regional geology. The water samples from the hot springs in the study area were the primary types of Ca·Mg-HCO3, Ca·Mg-HCO3·SO4, and Ca-SO4. It was believed that these types were probably affected by the interactions between the groundwater and carbonate rocks. Based on the weak correlation between the soil gas Rn and the CO2 fluxes, the existence of distinct sources was suggested. The manifestation of a relatively high temperature and ion concentration of the hot spring water samples, as well as the relatively high soil gas Rn and CO2 fluxes, led to a concentrated distribution in the northern and southern segments of the XFZ, which was consistent with the spatial distribution of the seismic activities and fault slip rate. The intense fault activity in the southern and northern segments could also enhance the permeability and accelerate both the water-rock interactions and soil gas emission within the fault zone. An assessment of the earthquake potential and radioactivity protection is considered of outmost significance for the southern and northern segments of the XFZ.

Hydrogeochemical and Isotopic Characteristics of the Hot Springs in the Litang Fault Zone, Southeast Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Based on the observation of the geochemical characteristics of 19 hot springs in the Litang Fault Zone (LFZ) from 2010 to 2019, the major elements, trace elements, and stable isotopes were investigated, and a conceptual model of ground fluid circulation in the LFZ was established. The main hydrochemical type of hot spring water samples is HCO3−-Na+. The δ2H values range from −157.6‰ to −123.4‰ and δ18O values range from −24.5‰ to −15.4‰. The hot spring water in the Litang fault zone is mainly recharged by infiltrating precipitation, with a recharge elevation of 4062~6018 m. Hydrochemical types of Litang hot springs are mainly controlled by the circulation of groundwater in a deep fault system, and are related to the rock lithology of thermal reservoir and water–rock reaction areas. Hot springs in the Litang fault zone attribute to three different heat sources, belonging to three geothermal systems. The flow direction of groundwater in the LFZ is roughly from northwest to southeast along the Litang fault. The deeper the circulation depth of hot spring water on the fault, the higher the thermal reservoir temperature and the stronger the seismic activity of the segment, which is closely related to the increase in pore fluid pressure, rock weakening, and deep fluid upwelling. This study is helpful for further study on regional hydrogeological environments and provides a scientific basis for revealing geothermal fluid movement in fault zones.

Molecular dissemination of emerging antibiotic, biocide, and metal co-resistomes in the Himalayan hot springs

Growing resistance among microbial communities against antimicrobial compounds, especially antibiotics, is a significant threat to living beings. With increasing antibiotic resistance in human pathogens, it is necessary to examine the habitats having community interests. In the present study, a metagenomic approach has been employed to understand the causes, dissemination, and effects of antibiotic, metal, and biocide resistomes on the microbial ecology of three hot springs, Borong, Lingdem, and Yumthang, located at different altitudes of the Sikkim Himalaya. The taxonomic assessment of these hot springs depicted the predominance of mesophilic organisms, mainly belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria. The enriched microbial metabolism assosiated with energy, cellular processes, adaptation to diverse environments, and defence were deciphered in the metagenomes. The genes representing resistance to semisynthetic antibiotics, e.g., aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, fosfomycin, vancomycin, trimethoprim, tetracycline, streptomycin, beta-lactams, multidrug resistance, and biocides such as triclosan, hydrogen peroxide, acriflavin, were abundantly present. Various genes attributing resistance to copper, arsenic, iron, and mercury in metal resistome were detected. Relative abundance, correlation, and genome mapping of metagenome-assembled genomes indicated the co-evolution of antibiotic and metal resistance in predicted novel species belonging to Vogesella, Thiobacillus, and Tepidimona genera. The metagenomic findings were further validated with isolation of microbial cultures, exhibiting resistance against antibiotics and heavy metals, from the hot spring water samples. The study furthers our understanding about the molecular basis of co-resistomes in the ceological niches and their possible impact on the environment.

Evaluation of Serotyping of Environmental and Clinical Isolates of Legionella pneumophila using MALDI-TOF MS.

Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) is responsible for most Legionnaire's disease cases diagnosed worldwide. The species includes 16 serogroups, but most Legionnaire's disease cases (85.7% in Europe, 87.0% in Japan) are caused by L. pneumophila serogroup 1. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) can be used to identify the L. pneumophila serogroup. In this study, we compared three sample preparation methods that are compatible with MALDI-TOF MS: the direct colony transfer method (DCTM), on-target extraction method (OTEM), and in-tube extraction method (ITEM). The aim was to improve the low identification rates for L. pneumophila, and establish and validate a simple, rapid and robust MALDI-TOF MS-based method for routine use in microbiological laboratories for assignment of L. pneumophila isolates to serogroups and identification of reliable peak biomarkers. Using ITEM, 100.0% (29/29) of hot spring water samples and clinical isolates were correctly identified at the species level. Augmented reference spectra correctly identified all 29 strains at the species level and 29 isolates at the serogroup level, displaying sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 100.0% for serogroup assignment. MALDI-TOF MS is a relatively inexpensive method for assignment of L. pneumophila serogroups that can serve as a first-line tool for rapid prospective typing.

Insights into geochemical characteristics of the geothermal fluids of northwestern algeria: An updated conceptual model

The vigorous tectonic activity that affected the Northwestern part of Algeria has generated a Mio-Plio-Quaternary volcanic activity and led to the emergence of several thermal resurgences. These latter consist of thermal springs, travertine deposits and some hydrothermal alteration zones. The chemistry of twenty-one hot spring water samples highlight the heterogeneity of the water mineralization process in NW Algeria. Four major types of water are described. Na+-Cl− and Na+-SO42− with a high salinity up to 3794 mg/L accompanied by higher concentrations of F−, B, Li+, Br− and Cs. These are probably derived from halite and gypsum rich evaporites from the surrounding environment. The other two types are Ca2+-HCO3− and Na+-HCO3−. Chloride rich waters are associated with local carbonate formations. The stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2 H) reveal a fossil system since a large depletion of both isotopes from present-time meteoric waters cannot only be plausibly explained in terms of "inland" and "altitude" effects, we may suppose their recharge under climatic conditions much colder than the present ones taking place probably during the glacial period. The gas mixing models of N2He*1000-Ar*100 with O2CO2He*1000 demonstrate an unarguable meteoric origin for the thermal waters, displaying air-saturated water (ASW) signatures.The collected thermal waters are ‘immature’ while the deep geothermal reservoir temperatures were estimated to be about at 133 °C. The updated geochemical conceptual model indicates two main processes in the flow path of the fossil meteoric water. 1) In the Bouhdjar geothermal zone, the infiltrated meteoric waters are conductively heated at depth because of the high heat flow (∼120 mW/m2), during their ascent, along hydrothermal conduits and towards the ground surface, they have possibly been influenced by heat advection from the underlying magma chambers and/or a percolation with intrusive bodies beneath spring vents. 2) The meteoric waters are recharged from high altitude areas of the Atlasic lands and are deeply circulated and heated at greater depths, hot waters probably mix with cooler Mg-rich waters and/or leach Mg2+ from the surrounding rocks when rising to the surface. Since the locations of the hot springs are close to populated areas, a direct use of this resource is feasible to supply some energy demands that include electricity generation using binary cycles or direct uses of heat.

Hot Spring Microbial Community Elemental Composition: Hot Spring and Soil Inputs, and the Transition from Biocumulus to Siliceous Sinter.

Hydrothermal systems host microbial communities that include some of the most deeply branching members of the tree of life, and recent work has suggested that terrestrial hot springs may have provided ideal conditions for the origin of life. Hydrothermal microbial communities are a potential source for biosignatures, and the presence of terrestrial hot spring deposits in 3.48 Ga rocks as well as on the surface of Mars lends weight to a need to better understand the preservation of biosignatures in these systems. Although there are general patterns of elemental enrichment in hydrothermal water dependent on physical and geochemical conditions, the elemental composition of bulk hydrothermal microbial communities (here termed biocumulus, including cellular biomass and accumulated non-cellular material) is largely unexplored. However, recent work has suggested both bulk and spatial trace element enrichment as a potential biosignature in hot spring deposits. To elucidate the elemental composition of hot spring biocumulus samples and explore the sources of those elements, we analyzed a suite of 16 elements in hot spring water samples and corresponding biocumulus from 60 hot springs sinter samples, and rock samples from 8 hydrothermal areas across Yellowstone National Park. We combined these data with values reported in literature to assess the patterns of elemental uptake into biocumulus and retention in associated siliceous sinter. Hot spring biocumuli are of biological origin, but organic carbon comprises a minor percentage of the total mass of both thermophilic chemotrophic and phototrophic biocumulus. Instead, the majority of hot spring biocumulus is inorganic material-largely silica-and the distribution of major and trace elements mimics that of surrounding rock and soil rather than the hot spring fluids. Analyses indicate a systematic loss of biologically associated elements during diagenetic transformation of biocumulus to siliceous sinter, suggesting a potential for silica sinter to preserve a trace element biosignature.

Hydrochemical Characteristics of Groundwater at the Epicenter of the 2021 Biru M6.1 Earthquake in Central Tibet

Groundwater is undoubtedly important for water security and eco-environmental protection, especially in areas that experience earthquakes. Analyzing the characteristics and variation of groundwater after an earthquake is significant to obtain a better understanding of the seismic risk and rational management of groundwater resources. This study investigated the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater at the epicenter of the 2021 Biru M6.1 earthquake in central Tibet, southwest China, using 23 water samples. The results showed that: (1) the hydrochemical type, hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios, and SiO2 concentrations of three hot spring water samples in the study area were significantly different from those of samples taken elsewhere, indicating that the hot spring water originates from deeper geothermal reservoirs and has undergone more distant migration and longer fractionation processes; (2) the geochemical characteristics of groundwater from some sampling sites in the epicentral area were apparently distinct from those of other shallow groundwater or surface water samples, suggesting that the groundwater environment in the epicentral area has been affected by the earthquake. Along with the macroscopic groundwater responses in the epicentral area after the earthquake, we investigated the influencing mechanisms of the earthquake on the regional groundwater environment. We conclude that a shorter distance from the epicenter to the seismogenic fault leads to a greater possibility of the generation of new fractures, which then induce macroscopic responses and chemical characteristic variations for groundwater.

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Formation of Low-Temperature Geothermal Waters in Mangbang-Longling Area of Western Yunnan, China

Numerous low-temperature geothermal waters are distributed extensively in Mangbang-Longling of western Yunnan in China, whose formation mechanism has not been completely investigated yet. This study focused on the hydrogeochemical evolution, reservoir temperature, and recharge origin of geothermal waters using hydrogeochemical and deuterium-oxygen (D-O) isotopic studies. The low-temperature geothermal waters were characterized by HCO3-Na type, while shallow cold spring was of the hydrochemical type of HCO3-Ca. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of low-temperature geothermal waters were mainly determined by the dissolution of silicate minerals based on the geological condition and correlations of major and minor ions. The reservoir temperatures of low-temperature geothermal waters ranged from 111°C to 126°C estimated by silica geothermometry and the silicon-enthalpy graphic method. Low-temperature geothermal waters circulated at the largest depth of 1794–2077 m where deep high-temperature geothermal waters were involved. The data points of δD and δ18O of the hot spring water samples in the study area show a linear right-up trend, indicating the δ18O reaction between the water and rock and a possible mixture of magmatic water from below. The low-temperature thermal waters were recharged by meteoric water at the elevation of 2362–3653 m calculated by δD values. Upwelling by heating energy, low-temperature geothermal waters were exposed as geothermal springs in the fault and fracture intersection and mixed by up to 72% shallow cold waters at surface. Based on acquired data, a conceptual model of the low-temperature geothermal waters in the Mangbang-Longling area was proposed for future exploitation.

Geochemical evaluation of geothermal resources in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, based on the chemical and isotopic characteristics of hot spring waters

The chemical compositions, including hydrogen and oxygen isotopes, of 35 hot spring waters in Toyama Prefecture, central Japan, were analyzed to examine their geochemical characteristics and geothermal resources. The hot spring water samples were classified into two groups: low and high chloride (Cl−) concentrations of less than and greater than 2000 mg/L, respectively. The samples in the low-salinity group were determined to be of meteoric origin and Ca2+–HCO3− type. The samples in the high-salinity group were determined to be of Na+–Ca2+–Cl− type and assumed to contain a mixture of fossil seawater and meteoric water. In the eastern area of the study region, the Na+/K+ and SiO2 concentrations were lower and higher, respectively, than those in other areas, which corresponded to high-temperature geothermal resources. Thus, the subsurface information obtained in this study enabled effective use of the low to medium geothermal resources in Toyama Prefecture.

Radon Activity Concentrations in Natural Hot Spring Water: Dose Assessment and Health Perspective.

The world community has long used natural hot springs for tourist and medicinal purposes. In Indonesia, the province of West Java, which is naturally surrounded by volcanoes, is the main destination for hot spring tourism. This paper is the first report on radon measurements in tourism natural hot spring water in Indonesia as part of radiation protection for public health. The purpose of this paper is to study the contribution of radon doses from natural hot spring water and thereby facilitate radiation protection for public health. A total of 18 water samples were measured with an electrostatic collection type radon monitor (RAD7, Durridge Co., USA). The concentration of radon in natural hot spring water samples in the West Java region, Indonesia ranges from 0.26 to 31 Bq L−1. An estimate of the annual effective dose in the natural hot spring water area ranges from 0.51 to 0.71 mSv with a mean of 0.60 mSv for workers. Meanwhile, the annual effective dose for the public ranges from 0.10 to 0.14 mSv with an average of 0.12 mSv. This value is within the range of the average committed effective dose from inhalation and terrestrial radiation for the general public, 1.7 mSv annually.

Genome-based classification of Calidifontibacillus erzurumensis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a hot spring in Turkey, with reclassification of Bacillus azotoformans as Calidifontibacillus azotoformans comb. nov. and Bacillus oryziterrae as Calidifontibacillus oryziterrae comb. nov.

A novel Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming, motile, aerobic bacterium, designated as P2T, was isolated from a hot spring water sample collected from Ilica-Erzurum, Turkey. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons affiliated strain P2T with the genus Bacillus, and the strain showed the highest sequence identity to Bacillus azotoformans NBRC 15712T (96.7 %). However, the pairwise sequence comparisons of the 16S rRNA genes revealed that strain P2T shared only 94.7 % sequence identity with Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis NCIB 3610T, indicating that strain P2T might not be a member of the genus Bacillus. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain P2T and B. azotoformans NBRC 15712T were 19.8 and 74.2 %, respectively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain P2T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an aminophospholipid, five unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified lipids while the predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The draft genome of strain P2T was composed of 82 contigs and found to be 3.5 Mb with 36.1 mol% G+C content. The results of phylogenomic and phenotypic analyses revealed that strain P2T represents a novel genus in the family Bacillaceae, for which the name Calidifontibacillus erzurumensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Calidifontibacillus erzurumensis is P2T (=CECT 9886T=DSM 107530T=NCCB 100675T). Based on the results of the present study, it is also suggested that Bacillus azotoformans and Bacillus oryziterrae should be transferred to this novel genus as Calidifontibacillus azotoformans comb. nov. and Calidifontibacillus oryziterrae comb. nov., respectively.

Analysis of mineral content in Hotspring Water samples in Tubbe and Aramaba Village, Pantar Tengah District, Alor-NTT

Clean water standards are tasteless, colorless and odorless. Hot spring water in Tubbe and Aramaba villages is used by the community for drinking, cooking, washing, bathing and other needs. However, the physical parameters of the water has no longer met the standard because it is slightly colored and has distinctive odor of sulfur. Low quality of water affects the health of people who consume the water. The main problem is clearly seen from the yellow teeth of the people in Tubbe and Aramaba villages. Therefore, it is important to analyzed water quality to determine the levels of iron (Fe), phosphate (PO4)3+ and sulfate (SO4)2- in hot spring water in Tubbe Village and Aramaba Village, Pantar Tengah District. Iron content testing has been carried out using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. UV-Vis spectrophotometer has been used to test the concentration of phosphate and sulfate. The measurement results show that the hot spring water samples in Tubbe Village contain 0.04mg / L iron (Fe), 0.09 mg/L phosphate (PO4)3+ and 11,31mg/L sulfate (SO4)2. This value is below the maximum threshold, according to Minister of Health Regulation No. 149 of 2010. The results of the Aramaba Village are 0.04 mg/L; 0.09 mg/L and 11.31 mg/L for iron (Fe), phosphate (PO4)3+ and sulfate (SO4)2-. This value is above the threshold of calcium content according to Minister of Health Regulation No. 149 of 2010.

Geochemical influences on nonenzymatic oligomerization of prebiotically relevant cyclic nucleotides.

The spontaneous emergence of long RNA molecules on the early Earth, a phenomenon central to the RNA World hypothesis, continues to remain an enigma in the field of origins of life. Few studies have looked at the nonenzymatic oligomerization of cyclic mononucleotides under neutral to alkaline conditions, albeit in fully dehydrated state. In this study, we systematically investigated the oligomerization of cyclic nucleotides under prebiotically relevant conditions, wherein starting reactants were subjected to repeated dehydration–rehydration (DH–RH) regimes. DH–RH conditions, a recurring geological theme that was prevalent on prebiotic Earth, are driven by naturally occurring processes including diurnal cycles and tidal pool activity. These conditions have been shown to facilitate uphill oligomerization reactions. The polymerization of 2′–3′ and 3′–5′ cyclic nucleotides of a purine (adenosine) and a pyrimidine (cytidine) was investigated. Additionally, the effect of amphiphiles was also evaluated. Furthermore, to discern the effect of “realistic” conditions on this process, the reactions were also performed using a hot spring water sample from a candidate early Earth environment. Our study showed that the oligomerization of cyclic nucleotides under DH–RH conditions resulted in intact informational oligomers. Amphiphiles increased the stability of both the starting monomers and the resultant oligomers in selected reactions. In the hot spring reactions, both the oligomerization of nucleotides and the back hydrolysis of the resultant oligomers were pronounced. Altogether, this study demonstrates how nonenzymatic oligomerization of cyclic nucleotides, under both laboratory-simulated prebiotic conditions and in a candidate early Earth environment, could have resulted in RNA oligomers of a putative RNA World.