Formation of bacterial communities dominated by colorless sulfur bacteria Thioploca in surface sediments near a hydrothermal vent in Frolikha Bay, Northern Baikal, is shown by geochemical, microbiological, and isotopic methods. The bottom sediments are characterized by intense sulfate reduction and methane production. The organic matter is mostly used for methane synthesis. Abundance of light carbon in the isotopic composition of the sediments and the fauna (to –68.3‰) points at the biogenic methane consumed by methanotrophic bacteria as a metabolic base of the Frolikha Bay bottom sediment ecosystem. The intensity of methane oxidation is high, reaching 1180.4 µl CH4/kg⋅day.
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