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Projects
Results
Investigations revealed the important role of biota in geochemical cycles. Sulphide oxidation by symbiotic bacteria and bacteria associated with sulphide seeps integrate the recycling of sulphate in the water column. Sulphate-reducing bacteria, which can be associated with the shallow burial of recent organic matter, as well as occurring in deeper methane seeps, were confirmed as being major producers of hydrogen sulphide in the environment.
In shallow water areas the macrofauna of soft sulphide-rich sediments maintains contact with the oxic environment above by means of tubes and burrows, or by exhibiting an exceptional tolerance to hypoxia and anoxia by means of both physiological and structural adaptations.