MICROIPB · Microbial activities of the sulfur cycle in the subsurface of the Iberian Pyritic Belt
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2011-09-30 → 2013-09-29
- EU contribution
- €166,566
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MC-IEF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Microbial activities of the sulfur cycle in the subsurface of the Iberian Pyritic Belt
The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), located in southwestern Spain is one of the largest sulfide deposits on Earth. It is of tremendous interest due to its high concentrations of metals (As, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni ..), and constant low pH (mean 2.3) in ground and surface waters. These conditions have largely been attributed to mining practices over the last 5,000 years. However, recent evidence has shown that microbes may play a large role in the production and maintenance of these conditions. This study sought to elucidate the role microbes play in the in various environments in the IPB, and the effect of their activities on water geochemistry and geology. To accomplish these objectives, we obtained samples from three distinct environments of the IPB: The subsurface down to 600 m, 3 acidic lakes, and the acidic Tinto river. Samples recovered from the IPB were subjected to detailed biological, geological and chemical analysis to determine the main biogeochemical transformations within these environments. From our results, we were able to conclude that some of the main biogeochemical processes occurring in the IPB: (1) oxidation of sulfur containing minerals, (2) iron reduction, (3) iron oxidation (4) and sulfate reduction. We were also able to identify various groups of microbes capable of carrying out these transformations. Overall, the activities of these organisms contributed to the formation and dissolution of minerals, and the maintenance of water quality in various environmental settings of the IPBSL. The results of this project are expected to contribute to our understanding of the effect of microbial processes in acidic environments.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Microbial processes in subsurface ecosystems are of increasing interest due to their implications for mankind, in regards to energy, climate and health. However, these ecosystems are among the least understood. The Iberian Pyritic Belt (IPB), located in southwestern Spain is one of the largest sulfide deposits on Earth. It is of tremendous interest due to its high concentrations of metals (As, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni ..), and constant low pH (mean 2.3) in ground and surface waters. This has been largely attributed to mining practices over the last 5,000 years. However, recent evidence points to subsurface microbial processes contributing significantly to the oxidative processes that lead anomalous metal concentrations and low pH. Next to nothing is known about microorganisms and the processes they mediate in this system. The sulfur cycle occupies a central role in the biogeochemical pathways that occur in this ecosystem. Therefore, the goal of this project is to conduct a multidisciplinary study into the role microorganisms play in the cycling of sulfur, and implications of this on the local geology and groundwater geochemistry within the IPB. This project will innovatively combine tools that span engineering, geology, geochemistry and microbiology to achieve the following: (1) Identify regions where the oxidation of sulfides, both pyritic and non pyritic and the reduction of sulfate are occurring. (2) Determine the relationship between microbial community structure and underlying geochemical changes. (3) Determine microorganisms, mechanisms, and factors controlling pyrite oxidation, sulfide oxidation and sulfate reduction. (4) Develop a geomicrobial model for the sulfur cycle and it affects on local geology and groundwater geochemistry in the IPB. This project responds to key targets set by FP7: It will contribute to the competiveness of European science by promoting the transfer of knowledge, and by engaging in timely, innovative and novel research.""
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE TECNICA AEROESPACIAL ESTEBAN TERRADAS · TORREJON DE ARDOZ MADRIDCoordinatorSpain
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union