Mangroves

From MicrobeWiki, the student-edited microbiology resource

Introduction

An above and below water view of the edge of a mangrove

Mangroves are highly productive ecosystems which cover roughly 60-75% of the world’s tropical coastlines. Distributed over more than 112 countries with a total area near 181,000km2 mangals are a widespread ecosystems. Since mangroves are located on the coast and have highly developed root systems they are a deterent to shoreline erosion and can lessen the damaging effects of tidal waves such as tsunamis and storm surges. Sediment microorganisms play important roles in the mangrove ecosystem and make essential contributions to its productivity. Mangrove litter decomposition and the nutrient release which accompanies it is a vital part of the function of adjacent coastal ecosystems.

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 their most indicative feature. Of the recognized 110 mangrove species, only about 54 species in 20 genera from 16 families constitute the "true mangroves", species that occur almost exclusively in mangrove habitats. These mangrove species have adapted in many different ways, such as limiting salt uptake, surviving in low oxygen conditions, limiting water loss, and even increasing the survival rate of their offspring.

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.

Hydrology

Since mangroves are located in coastal tidal areas, they are usually inundated with water twice a day. Also because they are associated with coastal zones the water they are inundated with has a relatively high salt content.

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.

Subsection 1

Subsection 1a

Subsection 1b

Subsection 2

Microbial processes

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. N-fixation has had increased rates associated with dead and decomposing leaves, but 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 Microorganisms

Phosphate Solubilizers

Nitrogen Fixers

Proteobacteria

Sulfate Reducers

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.