Mangroves

Introduction

Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.

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Legend/credit: Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.
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This template gives you a general idea of the layout of your page. You are not completely restricted to this format, so feel free to try out different things. I'll give you feedback as you work on your pages. Make sure to copy the "code" of this page to your own page before editing. -Prof Kent

In the introduction, briefly describe the habitat that is the topic of this page. Introduce the habitat, its ecological significance, and the importance of microorganisms in this environment. (What processes do they carry out? What functions do they perform?)

Mangroves are highly productive ecosystems. Mangrove swamps cover roughly 60-75% of the world’s tropical coastlines, distributed over more than 112 countries with a total area near 181,000km². In general mangroves are nutrient-deficient. However, mangrove litter decomposition and the nutrient release which accompanies it is a vital part of the function of adjacent coastal ecosystems. Sediment microorganisms play important roles in the mangrove ecosystem and make essential contributions to its productivity.

Physical environment

Describe the physical and chemical characteristics of the environment, using as many sections/subsections as you require. Look at other topics available in MicrobeWiki. Which involve processes similar to yours? Create links where relevant.

Vegetation

The vegetation of the mangrove swamps is likely the most

Sediment

In the sediment of most mangrove swamps there is a distinction between two primary layers. The majority of the sediment is anaerobic where there is a lack of oxygen. On top of that is a thin aerobic layer where oxygen is available.

Biological interactions

Are there important biological interactions that are important in this environment? Do these interactions influence microbial populations and their activities? How do these interactions influence other organisms? Describe biological interactions that might take place in this environment, using as many sections/subsections as you require. Look at other topics available in MicrobeWiki. Create links where relevant.

Microbial processes

What microbial processes define this environment? Describe microbial processes that are important in this habitat, adding sections/subsections as needed. Look at other topics in MicrobeWiki. Are some of these processes already described? Create links where relevant.

Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogen fixation is the process of conversion of gaseous forms of Nitrogen [N₂] into combined forms such as ammonia or organic nitrogen. This process is generally carried out by some bacteria or cyanobacteria. Nitrogen fixation in mangrove sediment is likely to be hindered by a limited supply of energy sources.

Sulfate Reduction

Generally a mangrove sediment consists of anaerobic conditions with an overlying aerobic zone. In the aerobic zone decomposition of organic matter usually follows the pathway of respiration, however in the underlying anaerobic zone decomposition occurs mainly through sulfate reduction. Sulfate reduction accounts for nearly 100% of the total CO₂ emissions from the mangrove sediment.

Phosphate Solubilization

Phosphate usually precipitates in mangroves because of the large amount of cations in the interstitial water of mangrove sediments, which makes phosphorous largely inaccessible to plants. The phosphate solubilizing bacteria are a great advantage for mangrove plants because they are a source of soluble phosphorous. There is little research done on this particular group of bacteria in the marine environment; however it is speculated that the mechanism responsible for phosphate solubilization probably involves the production of organic acids, which could act as chelators displacing metals from phosphate complexes.

Key Microorganisms

What kind of microbes do we typically find in this environment? Or associated with important processes in this environment? Describe key groups of microbes that we find in this environment, and any special adaptations they may have evolved to survive in this environment. Add sections/subsections as needed. Look at other microbe listings in MicrobeWiki. Are some of the groups of microbes from your environment already described? Create links to those pages. Specific microbial populations will be included in the next section.

Examples of organisms within the group

List examples of specific microbes that represent key groups or are associated with important processes found in this environment. Link to other MicrobeWiki pages where possible.

Current Research

Enter summaries of recent research here--at least three required

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Edited by student of Angela Kent at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.