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Analysis of the microbial community and geochemistry of a sediment core from Great Slave Lake, Canada.

Authors :
Lim J
Woodward J
Tulaczyk S
Christoffersen P
Cummings SP
Source :
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek [Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek] 2011 Feb; Vol. 99 (2), pp. 423-30. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Aug 29.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Sediment cores taken from Great Slave Lake, Canada, were analysed to investigate their metabolically active microbial populations and geochemistry. The amplification of cDNA detected metabolically active bacterial (50 separate bands) and archaeal (49 separate band) communities. The bacterial communities were further resolved indicating active actinobacterial and γ-proteobacterial communities (36 and 43 individual bands respectively). Redundancy discriminate analysis and Monte Carlo permutation testing demonstrated the significant impact of geochemical parameters on microbial community structures. Geochemical analyses suggest that the upper 0.4 m represents soil weathering and erosion in the lake catchment. An increase in organic carbon in the lower core suggests either more primary productivity, indicating warmer climate conditions, associated with Holocene Climatic Optimum conditions pre 5,000 years BP or change from a reducing environment in the lower core to an oxidizing environment during more recent deposition. Drivers for bacterial, archaeal and actinobacterial community structures were sediment particle size, and its mineral composition. Depth also significantly affected γ- proteobacterial community structure. In contrast the organic carbon content did not significantly shape the microbial community structures within the sediment. This study indicates that geochemical parameters significantly contribute to microbial community structure in these sediments.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1572-9699
Volume :
99
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
20803250
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10482-010-9500-y