Microbial biomass and organic nutrients in the deep-sea sediments of the Central Indian Ocean Basin

Citation
C. Raghukumar et al., Microbial biomass and organic nutrients in the deep-sea sediments of the Central Indian Ocean Basin, MAR GEORES, 19(1), 2001, pp. 1-16
Citations number
31
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Geological Petroleum & Minig Engineering
Journal title
MARINE GEORESOURCES & GEOTECHNOLOGY
ISSN journal
1064-119X → ACNP
Volume
19
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1 - 16
Database
ISI
SICI code
1064-119X(200101/03)19:1<1:MBAONI>2.0.ZU;2-J
Abstract
In order to assess the impact of deep-sea mining on the in situ benthic lif e, we measured the microbial standing stock and concentration of organic nu trients in the deep-sea sediments of the Central Indian Ocean Basin in the Indian pioneer ar ea. Sediments were collected using box core and grab samp les during September 1996. The total bacterial numbers ranged from 10(10)-1 0(11) cells per g(-1) dry weight sediment. There was a marginal decrease in the number of bacteria from surface to 30 cm depth, though the subsurface section registered a higher number than did the surface. The highest number s were encountered at depths of 4-8 cm. The retrievable number of bacteria were two orders less in comparison with the direct total counts of bacteria . An almost homogeneous distribution of bacteria, total organic carbon, liv ing biomass, and lipids throughout the depth of cares indicates active micr obial and benthic processes in the deep sea sediments. On the other hand, a uniform distribution of fetal counts of bacteria, carbohydrates, and total organic carbon in all the cores indicates their. stable nature and suggest s that they can serve as useful parameters for long-term monitoring of rite ar ea after the benthic disturbance. Further studies on temporal variabili ty in this legion would not only verify the observed nor ms of distribution of these variables but would also help to understand restabilization proce sses after the simulated benthic disturbance.