Molecular Analysis of Deep Subsurface Cretaceous Rock Indicates Abundant Fe(III)- and S Degree-reducing Bacteria in a Sulfate-Rich Environment

Abstract

A multilevel sampler (MLS) was emplaced in a borehole straddling anaerobic, sulfate-rich Cretaceous-era shale and sandstone rock formations ~200 m below ground surface at Cerro Negro, New Mexico. Sterile quartzite sand contained in chambers in the sampler allowed in situ colonization and recovery of nucleic acids for molecular analyses. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene cloning results indicated a homogeneously distributed bacterial community across the shale-sandstone interface. δ-Proteobacteria sequences were common at all depths, and were dominated by members of the Geobacteraceae family (Pelobacter, Desulphuromonas and Geobacter). Other members of this group are capable of dissimilatory Fe(III) and/or S° reduction, but not sulfate reduction. RNA hybridization data also suggested that Fe(III)-/S°-reducing bacteria were predominant. These findings are striking considering the lack of significant concentrations of these electron acceptors in this environment. the next most abundant bacterial group indicated was the sulfate reducers, including Desulfobacterium, Desulfocapsa and Desulfobulbus. Sequences related to fermenters, denitrifiers and acetogens were also recovered. the presence of a phylogenetically and functionally diverse microbial community in this deep subsurface environment likely reflects the complex nature of the primary energy and carbon sources, kerogen associated with the shale.

Department(s)

Biological Sciences

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1462-2912; 1462-2920

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2006 Wiley-Blackwell, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2006

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