Investigation of neutrophilic iron bacteria communities in Tierra del Fuego wetlands

SCHMIDT B; SANCHEZ L. A; KREPS G.; FRETSCHNER T.; FERRERO, M; SIÑERIZ F.; SZEWZYK U.

Copenhagen

Congreso; ISME - The power of the small; 2012

International Society for Microbial Ecology ISME

Iron bacteria have been in focus of microscopists and microbiologists for a long time due to their capability to form eye-catching reddish brown ochre deposits. Microscopic examinations led to description of many species of iron bacteria following mainly morphologic features in natural samples or enrichment cultures. Pure cultures and therefore descriptions fulfilling current requirements are lacking. Diversity of available cultivated strains is therefore by far not reflecting the vast diversity which is apparent in environmental samples. In many wetlands of Tierra del Fuego/Argentina large amounts of ochre colored sediments and fluffy layers on underwater surfaces can be found. These phenomena are obviously caused by masses of iron bacteria developing in slow flowing iron rich water with dissolved organic carbon content in particular humic substances. Although open water is typically rich in dissolved oxygen, small-scale contact of aerobic, microaerobic and anaerobic