Biogeochemistry and microbiology of high Arctic marine sediment ecosystems-Case study of Svalbard fjords

TY - JOUR

T1 - Biogeochemistry and microbiology of high Arctic marine sediment ecosystems-Case study of Svalbard fjords

AU - Jorgensen, Bo Barker

AU - Laufer, Katja

AU - Michaud, Alexander B.

AU - Wehrmann, Laura M.

PY - 2021/1

Y1 - 2021/1

N2 - Fjord ecosystems of the high Arctic are distinct from fjords of temperate latitudes due to the influence of glaciers, icebergs, sea ice, and the permanently low temperatures. The sediment microbiology and biogeochemical processes were analyzed during an international research program with multiple field studies in Svalbard, situated between the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean. We here describe the physical and geochemical setting and the predominant microbiological processes in several fjords. Physiological studies of sediments and pure cultures show how the predominantly psychrophilic bacteria are adapted to the near-zero temperature. The microbial communities include bacteria responsible for organic matter hydrolytic degradation, fermentation, and terminal oxidation to CO2. These processes drive the cycling of carbon, sulfur, iron, and manganese. The balance between the dominant sediment microbial processes changes along transects out through the fjords, reflecting the varying impact of the glacier-derived rock flour, rich in metal oxides at the head, and the plankton-derived, labile, marine organic matter at the mouth. Due to accelerated warming of Arctic ecosystems, glaciers are retreating with impacts on the physical, chemical, and biological functioning of the fjord sediment ecosystems.

AB - Fjord ecosystems of the high Arctic are distinct from fjords of temperate latitudes due to the influence of glaciers, icebergs, sea ice, and the permanently low temperatures. The sediment microbiology and biogeochemical processes were analyzed during an international research program with multiple field studies in Svalbard, situated between the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean. We here describe the physical and geochemical setting and the predominant microbiological processes in several fjords. Physiological studies of sediments and pure cultures show how the predominantly psychrophilic bacteria are adapted to the near-zero temperature. The microbial communities include bacteria responsible for organic matter hydrolytic degradation, fermentation, and terminal oxidation to CO2. These processes drive the cycling of carbon, sulfur, iron, and manganese. The balance between the dominant sediment microbial processes changes along transects out through the fjords, reflecting the varying impact of the glacier-derived rock flour, rich in metal oxides at the head, and the plankton-derived, labile, marine organic matter at the mouth. Due to accelerated warming of Arctic ecosystems, glaciers are retreating with impacts on the physical, chemical, and biological functioning of the fjord sediment ecosystems.

KW - SULFATE-REDUCING BACTERIA

KW - FILAMENTOUS SULFUR BACTERIA

KW - ORGANIC-CARBON BURIAL

KW - SP NOV.

KW - TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENCE

KW - COMMUNITY STRUCTURE

KW - DESULFOTALEA-PSYCHROPHILA

KW - THERMOPHILIC BACTERIA

KW - TIDEWATER GLACIERS

KW - FE(III) REDUCTION

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85089201507&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1002/lno.11551

DO - 10.1002/lno.11551

M3 - Review

SN - 0024-3590

VL - 66

SP - S273-S292

JO - Limnology and Oceanography

JF - Limnology and Oceanography

IS - S1

ER -