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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1980 April; 39(4): 877-881

Tracer Analysis of Methanogenesis in Salt Marsh Soils

Gary M. King and W. J. Wiebe

Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602

ABSTRACT

Differences in paths of carbon flow have been found in soils of the tall (TS) and short (SS) Spartina alterniflora marshes of Sapelo Island, Ga. Gaseous end products of [U-¹⁴C]glucose metabolism were ¹⁴CO₂ and ¹⁴CH₄ in the SS region and primarily ¹⁴CO₂ in the TS region. Sulfate concentration did not demonstrably affect glucose catabolism or the distribution of end products in either zone. [U-¹⁴C]acetate was converted to ¹⁴CO₂ and ¹⁴CH₄ in the SS soils and almost exclusively to ¹⁴CO₂ in the TS soils. Sulfate concentration did not affect acetate metabolism in the SS soils; however, a noticeable effect of sulfate dilution was seen in TS soils. Sulfate dilution in TS samples resulted in increased methane formation. Total glucose and acetate metabolism were similar in TS and SS soils despite differences in end products. A microbial community characterized by fermentative/sulfate-reducing processes has developed in TS soils as opposed to the fermentative/methanogenic/sulfate-reducing community found in SS soils.

Present address: Kellogg Biological Station, Hickory Corners, MI 49060.

Present address: CSIRO Division of Fisheries and Oceanography, P.O. Box 20, North Beach, W.A. 6020, Western Australia.

Contribution 413 from the University of Georgia Marine Institute.