Microbial threat to fossil repository

• Published in: Current science (Bangalore) Vol. 98; no. 10; pp. 1292 - 1293
• Main Author: De, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Current science Association 25.05.2010
• Subjects: Algae; Aquifers; Bacteria; Fossils; Lichens; Limestones; Microorganisms; Microscopes; Minerals; SCIENTIFIC CORRESPONDENCE; Sediments; Soils
• ISSN: 0011-3891

Earth's geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere are intimately tied together through microbial links. Due to their ubiquitous presence on earth, microbes, especially bacteria, extract critical chemical compounds from sediments (rocks and minerals) to produce cellular energy that alters mineral textures and compositions, affects geochemistry of surrounding microenvironments of soil and ground-water, and reproduces in trillions in clement to harsh conditions across all spheres super(1-6). Biogeochemical roles of bacteria have been identified as both constructive and destructive. Biogenic production of methane in the earth's deep subsurface super(7), hydrocarbon gases in ancient fissure water super(8), pure diatomaceous silica deposits in the deep ocean floor super(9,10) and in situ biodegradation of benzene, toluene and xylenes in petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated aquifers super(5) are a few recent examples of constructive roles of microbes. Biogeochemical role of Fe super(3+)-reducing stable bacterial consortium in As-contamination of shallow aquifers in the Gangetic Delta Complex super(11,12) - is the most recent concern of disastrous microbial role in south-east Asian countries.