Microbial activity in the terrestrial subsurface |
| |
Authors: | J -P Kaiser J -M Bollag |
| |
Institution: | (1) Laboratory of Soil Biochemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, 16802 University Park, Pennsylvania, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Summary Little is known about the layers under the earth's crust. Only in recent years have techniques for sampling the deeper subsurface been developed to permit investigation of the subsurface environment. Prevailing conditions in the subsurface habitat such as nutrient availability, soil composition, redox potential, permeability and a variety of other factors can influence the microflora that flourish in a given environment. Microbial diversity varies between geological formations, but in general sandy soils support growth better than soils rich in clay. Bacteria predominate in subsurface sediments, while eukaryotes constitute only 1–2% of the microorganisms. Recent investigations revealed that most uncontaminated subsurface soils support the growth of aerobic heteroorganotrophic bacteria, but obviously anaerobic microorganisms also exist in the deeper subsurface habitat. The microorganisms residing below the surface of the earth are capable of degrading both natural and xenobiotic contaminants and can thereby adapt to growth under polluted conditions. |
| |
Keywords: | Aquifers groundwater deep subsurface microorganisms eukaryotes prokaryotes microbial metabolism oligotrophic conditions xenobiotic compounds |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|