Microbial metabolism mediates interactions between dissolved organic matter and clay minerals in streamwater.

ABSTRACT: Sorption of organic molecules to mineral surfaces is an important control upon the aquatic carbon (C) cycle. Organo-mineral interactions are known to regulate the transport and burial of C within inland waters, yet the mechanisms that underlie these processes are poorly constrained. Streamwater contains a complex and dynamic mix of dissolved organic compounds that coexists with a range of organic and inorganic particles and microorganisms. To test how microbial metabolism and organo-mineral complexation alter amino acid and organic carbon fluxes we experimented with (13)C-labelled amino acids and two common clay minerals (kaolinite and montmorillonite). The addition of (13)C-labelled amino acids stimulated increased microbial activity. Amino acids were preferentially mineralized by the mic

SUBMITTER: Hunter WR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4969585 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature