Work

Sediment Microbial Community Structure and Mercury Methylation in Mercury-Polluted Clear Lake, California

Year: 2000

Type: article

Abstract: Spatial and temporal variations in sediment microbial community structure in a eutrophic lake polluted with inorganic mercury were identified using polar lipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Microbial community structure was strongly related to mercury methylation potential, sediment organic carbon content, and lake location. Pore water sulfate, total mercury concentrations, and organic matter C/N ratios showed no relationships with microbial community structure. Seasonal changes and changes potentially attributable to temperature regulation of bacterial membranes were detectable but were less important influences on sediment PLFA composition than were differences due to lake sampling location. Analysis of biomarker PLFAs characteristic of Desulfobacter and Desulfovibrio groups of sulfate-reducing bacteria suggests that Desulfobacter-like organisms are important mercury methylators in the sediments, especially in the Lower Arm of Clear Lake.

Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology

DOI: 10.1128/aem.66.4.1479-1488.2000

Authors: J. L. Macalady, E. E. Mack, D. C. Nelson, K. M. Scow

Institution: University of California, Davis

Language: English

Topic: Mercury impact and mitigation studies

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences