Snottites
Introduction
Snottites have captivated cave-goers and scientists alike. These biofilms are found within sulfide-rich cave systems, covering the walls with a thick snot-like film, giving them their highly appropriate name. Two cave systems, the Frasassi cave system in Italy and the Cueva de Villa Luz in Tabasco, Mexico (Cave (Cueva de Villa Luz)) are sites of intense research on these microbial populations. These snottites are exceptionally acidic, with pH 0-1. The composition of these snottites is still unknown, but some species found include Sulfobacillus, Aciditiobacillus, Halothiobacillus, and Acidimicrobium species, protists, filamentous fungi, and a proposed bacterial lineage TM6.
While most limestone caves are traditionally thought to be formed by carbonic acid dissolution of carbonate, these bacterial species are thought to have a large impact on the formation of limestone bedrock caves in the presence of sulfide-rich waters. Sulfur acid-driven speleogenesis, the circulation of sulfidic waters through limestone, is the common mechanism proposed by many studies. Originally this process was thought to occur through nonbiological processes, but has since been modified by the discovery of the interactions of bacteria, specifically Thiobacillus species, in this process. Theses sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are now recognized as essential components in the disintegration of limestone and concrete.
br>Introduce the overall topic of your paper. What microorganisms are of interest? Habitat? Applications for medicine and/or environment?
Role in Cave Formation
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Species identified
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Environmental Characteristics
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Conclusion
Overall paper length should be 3,000 words, with at least 3 figures.
References
Galdenzi, S et al. “Sulfidic Ground-Water Chemistry in the Frasassi Caves, Italy”. Journal of Cave and Karst Studies. 2008. Volume 70(2). p. 94-107.
Hose, L. D., and J. A. Pisarowicz. “Cueva de Villa Luz, Tabasco, Mexico: Reconnaissance study of an active sulfur spring cave and ecosystem”. Journal of Cave and Karst Studies. 1999. Volume 61(1). p. 13-21.
Jones, D, E. Lyon, and J. Macalady. “Geomicrobiology of Biovermiculations from the Frasassi Cave System, Italy”. Journal of Cave and Karst Studies. 2008. Volume 70(2). p. 76-93.
Macalady, J et al. “Dominant Microbial Populations in Limestone-Corroding Stream Biofilms, Frasassi Cave System, Italy”. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 2006. Volume 72(8). p. 5596-5609.
Macalady, J. L., D. S. Jones, and E. H. Lyon. “Extremely acidic, pendulous cave wall biofilms from the Frasassi cave system, Italy”. Environmental Microbiology. 2007. Volume 9(6). p. 1402-1414.
Mulec, Janez. “Microorganisms in hypogean: examples from Slovenian karst caves”. Acta Carologica. 2008. Volume 37(1). p. 153-160.
Northup, D. E., and K. H. Lavoie. “Geomicrobiology of caves: a review”. Geomicrobiology Journal. 2001. Volume 18. p. 199-222.
Vlasceanu, L, S. M. Sarbu, A. S. Engel, and B. K. Kinkle. “Acidic cave-wall biofilms located in the Frasassi Gorge, Italy”. Geomicrobiology Journal. 2000. Volume 17. p. 125-139.
Edited by Paige Roberts, student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 238 Microbiology, 2009, Kenyon College.
