Biogeochemistry Of Microbial Mats From A Hypersaline Pond And Reef Biofilm From A Modern Coral Reef, The Bahamas

Author

Mary Keith Puckett

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

McNeal, Karen S.

Committee Member

Kirkland, Brenda L.

Committee Member

Dewey, Christopher

Date of Degree

12-11-2009

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Geosciences

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

Biofilm communities host complex biogeochemical processes and play a role in the formation of many carbonate rocks by influencing both carbonate precipitation and dissolution. In this study, the biogeochemistry of microbial mats from a hypersaline pond and biofilm from a coral reef are described using SEM, microelectrode profiling, Biolog, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and carbon nitrogen analysis. Results show that the microbial mats are distinctly layered, having an oxic upper portion and an H2S-rich lower portion. The most significant conclusions are that the mats have exceptionally high TOC values and display significant differences in microbial communities present, both between layers and between cores. Additionally, organic matter is abundant in microbial mat and biofilm samples, but evidence of precipitation is surprisingly lacking.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/17434

Recommended Citation

Puckett, Mary Keith, "Biogeochemistry Of Microbial Mats From A Hypersaline Pond And Reef Biofilm From A Modern Coral Reef, The Bahamas" (2009). Theses and Dissertations. 881.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/881