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The metagenomics of biosilicification: causes and effects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2018

L. G. Benning  and
D. J. Tobler
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Abstract

In order to determine the links between geochemical parameters controlling the formation of silica sinter in hot springs and their associated microbial diversity, a detailed characterisation of the waters and of in situ-grown silica sinters was combined with molecular phylogenetic analyses of the bacterial communities in Icelandic geothermal environments. At all but one site, the microorganisms clearly affected, and in part controlled, the formation of the macroscopic textures and structures of silica sinter edifices. In addition, the class and genera level phylogenetic diversity and distribution appeared to be closely linked to variations in temperature, salinity and pH regimes.

Type
Research Article
Information
Mineralogical Magazine , Volume 72 , Issue 1 , February 2008 , pp. 221 - 225
Copyright
Copyright © The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland 2008

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