Prokaryoties in metal deposits on the deep seafloor (original) (raw)

Approximately 70% of the surface of Earth is the bottom of the ocean (seabed or seafloor), about 80% of the seafloor is the deep seafloor (at deeper than 200 m below the sea-surface). Metal deposits accumulated on the seafloor have been found in various areas. Sulfide deposits containing metals such as Fe, Cu and Zn, called chimneys or mounds, and iron-silica-rich deposits occur in deep-sea hydrothermal fields. Ferromanganese deposits rich in Co, Cu, Ni and Zn, in addition to Fe and Mn, are found on the deep seafloor of both hydrothermal and non-hydrothermal fields. Previous studies have revealed that diverse prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea) are present on and within the seafloor metal deposits. Some species of prokaryotes can utilize Fe, Mn and S¬ in respiration and fix inorganic carbon producing organic carbon. Others can accelerate dissolution or precipitation of metals. Metals such as Fe and Zn are essential for growth of almost all living organisms. Considering the wide distr...

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