scholarly journals Aerobic methanotrophy within the pelagic redox-zone of the Gotland Deep (central Baltic Sea)

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 4969-4977 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Schmale ◽  
M. Blumenberg ◽  
K. Kießlich ◽  
G. Jakobs ◽  
C. Berndmeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Stable Carbon Isotope ◽  
Carbon Isotope Ratio ◽  
Depth Interval ◽  
Type I ◽  
Gotland Deep ◽  
Redox Zone

Abstract. Water column samples taken in summer 2008 from the stratified Gotland Deep (central Baltic Sea) showed a strong gradient in dissolved methane concentrations from high values in the saline deep water (max. 504 nM) to low concentrations in the less dense, brackish surface water (about 4 nM). The steep methane-gradient (between 115 and 135 m water depth) within the redox-zone, which separates the anoxic deep part from the oxygenated surface water (oxygen concentration 0–0.8 mL L−1), implies a methane consumption rate of 0.28 nM d−1. The process of microbial methane oxidation within this zone was evident by a shift of the stable carbon isotope ratio of methane between the bottom water (δ13C CH4 = −82.4‰ and the redox-zone (δ13C CH4 = −38.7‰. Water column samples between 80 and 119 m were studied to identify the microorganisms responsible for the methane turnover in that depth interval. Notably, methane monooxygenase gene expression analyses for water depths covering the whole redox-zone demonstrated that accordant methanotrophic activity was probably due to only one phylotype of the aerobic type I methanotrophic bacteria. An imprint of these organisms on the particular organic matter was revealed by distinctive lipid biomarkers showing bacteriohopanepolyols and lipid fatty acids characteristic for aerobic type I methanotrophs (e.g., 35-aminobacteriohopane-30,31,32,33,34-pentol), corroborating their role in aerobic methane oxidation in the redox-zone of the central Baltic Sea.

scholarly journals Microbial methane oxidation at the redoxcline of the Gotland Deep (Central Baltic Sea)

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 8783-8805 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Schmale ◽  
M. Blumenberg ◽  
K. Kießlich ◽  
G. Jakobs ◽  
C. Berndmeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Water Depth ◽  
Stable Carbon Isotope ◽  
Depth Interval ◽  
Type I ◽  
Gotland Deep ◽  
Key Species

Abstract. Methane concentrations in the stratified water column of the Gotland Deep (Central Baltic Sea) show a strong gradient from high values in the saline deep water (max. 504nM) to low concentrations in the less dense, brackish surface water (about 4 nM). The steepest gradient is present within the redoxcline (between 115 and 135 m water depth) that separates the anoxic deep part from the oxygenated surface water, implying a methane consumption rate of 0.28 nM d−1. The process of microbial methane oxidation within the redoxcline is mirrored by a shift of the stable carbon isotope ratio of methane between the bottom water (δ13C CH4 = −82.4‰) and the suboxic depth interval (δ13C CH4 = −38.7‰). A water column sample from 100 m water depth was studied to identify the microorganisms responsible for the methane turnover at the redoxcline. Notably, methane monoxygenase gene expression analyses for the specific water depth demonstrated that accordant methanotrophic activity was due to only one microbial phylotype. An imprint of these organisms on the particular organic matter was revealed by distinctive lipid biomarkers showing bacteriohopanepolyols and lipid fatty acids characteristic for aerobic type I methanotrophic bacteria (e.g. 35-aminobacteriohopane-30,31,32,33,34-pentol). In conjunction with earlier findings, our results support the idea that biogeochemical cycles in Central Baltic Sea redoxclines are mainly driven by only a few microbial key species.

scholarly journals Comparative studies of pelagic microbial methane oxidation within two anoxic basins of the central Baltic Sea (Gotland Deep and Landsort Deep)

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 12251-12284 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Jakobs ◽  
G. Rehder ◽  
G. Jost ◽  
K. Kießlich ◽  
M. Labrenz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Methane Concentration ◽  
Vertical Mixing ◽  
Depth Interval ◽  
Type I ◽  
Gotland Deep ◽  
Redox Zone ◽  
Redox Zones

Abstract. Pelagic methane oxidation was investigated in dependence on differing environmental conditions within the redox zone of the Gotland Deep (GD) and Landsort Deep (LD), central Baltic Sea. The redox zone of both deeps, which indicates the transition between oxic and anoxic conditions, was characterized by a pronounced methane concentration gradient between the deep water (GD: 1233 nM, LD: 2935 nM) and the surface water (GD and LD < 10 nM), together with a 13C CH4 enrichment (δ13C CH4 deep water: GD −84‰, LD −71‰ ; redox zone: GD −60‰, LD −20‰ ; δ13C CH4 vs. Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite standard), clearly indicating microbial methane consumption in that specific depth interval. Expression analysis of the methane monooxygenase identified one active type I methanotrophic bacterium in both redox zones. In contrast, the turnover of methane within the redox zones showed strong differences between the two basins (GD: max. 0.12 nM d–1 and LD: max. 0.61 nM d–1), with a four times higher turnover rate constant (k) in the LD (GD: 0.0022 d–1, LD: 0.0079 d–1). Vertical mixing rates for both deeps were calculated on the base of the methane concentration profile and the consumption of methane in the redox zone (GD: 2.5 × 10–6 m2 s–1 LD: 1.6 × 10–5 m2 s–1). Our study identified vertical transport of methane from the deep water body towards the redox zone as well as differing hydrographic conditions within the oxic/anoxic transition zone of these deeps as major factors that determine the pelagic methane oxidation.

scholarly journals Comparative studies of pelagic microbial methane oxidation within the redox zones of the Gotland Deep and Landsort Deep (central Baltic Sea)

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 7863-7875 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Jakobs ◽  
G. Rehder ◽  
G. Jost ◽  
K. Kießlich ◽  
M. Labrenz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Methane Concentration ◽  
Vertical Mixing ◽  
Gotland Deep ◽  
Hydrographic Conditions ◽  
Redox Zone ◽  
Redox Zones

Abstract. Pelagic methane oxidation was investigated in dependence on differing hydrographic conditions within the redox zone of the Gotland Deep (GD) and Landsort Deep (LD), central Baltic Sea. The redox zone of both deeps, which indicates the transition between oxic and anoxic conditions, was characterized by a pronounced methane concentration gradient between the deep water (GD: 1233 nM, 223 m; LD: 2935 nM, 422 m) and the surface water (GD and LD < 10 nM). This gradient together with a 13C CH4 enrichment (δ13C CH4 deep water: GD −84‰, LD −71‰; redox zone: GD −60‰, LD −20‰; surface water: GD −47‰, LD −50‰; δ13C CH4 vs. Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite standard), clearly indicating microbial methane consumption within the redox zone. Expression analysis of the methane monooxygenase identified one active type I methanotrophic bacterium in both redox zones. In contrast, the turnover of methane within the redox zones showed strong differences between the two basins (GD: max. 0.12 nM d−1, LD: max. 0.61 nM d−1), with a nearly four-times-lower turnover time of methane in the LD (GD: 455 d, LD: 127 d). Vertical mixing rates for both deeps were calculated on the base of the methane concentration profile and the consumption of methane in the redox zone (GD: 2.5 × 10–6 m2 s−1, LD: 1.6 × 10–5 m2 s−1). Our study identified vertical transport of methane from the deep-water body towards the redox zone as well as differing hydrographic conditions (lateral intrusions and vertical mixing) within the redox zone of these deeps as major factors that determine the pelagic methane oxidation.

scholarly journals Bacteriohopanepolyols record stratification, nitrogen fixation and other biogeochemical perturbations in Holocene sediments of the central Baltic Sea

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 2725-2735 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Blumenberg ◽  
C. Berndmeyer ◽  
M. Moros ◽  
M. Muschalla ◽  
O. Schmale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Stable Stratification ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Allochthonous Input ◽  
The North ◽  
Water Column Stratification ◽  
Gotland Deep ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Baltic

Abstract. The Baltic Sea, one of the world's largest brackish-marine basins, established after deglaciation of Scandinavia about 17 000 to 15 000 yr ago. In the changeable history of the Baltic Sea, the initial freshwater system was connected to the North Sea about 8000 yr ago and the modern brackish-marine setting (Littorina Sea) was established. Today, a relatively stable stratification has developed in the water column of the deep basins due to salinity differences. Stratification is only occasionally interrupted by mixing events, and it controls nutrient availability and growth of specifically adapted microorganisms and algae. We studied bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs), lipids of specific bacterial groups, in a sediment core from the central Baltic Sea (Gotland Deep) and found considerable differences between the distinct stages of the Baltic Sea's history. Some individual BHP structures indicate contributions from as yet unknown redoxcline-specific bacteria (bacteriohopanetetrol isomer), methanotrophic bacteria (35-aminobacteriohopanetetrol), cyanobacteria (bacteriohopanetetrol cyclitol ether isomer) and from soil bacteria (adenosylhopane) through allochthonous input after the Littorina transgression, whereas the origin of other BHPs in the core has still to be identified. Notably high BHP abundances were observed in the deposits of the brackish-marine Littorina phase, particularly in laminated sediment layers. Because these sediments record periods of stable water column stratification, bacteria specifically adapted to these conditions may account for the high portions of BHPs. An additional and/or accompanying source may be nitrogen-fixing (cyano)bacteria, which is indicated by a positive correlation of BHP abundances with Corg and δ15N.

Biomarkers for aerobic methanotrophy in the water column of the stratified Gotland Deep (Baltic Sea)

2013 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 103-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Berndmeyer ◽  
Volker Thiel ◽  
Oliver Schmale ◽  
Martin Blumenberg
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Gotland Deep

scholarly journals Different methanotrophic potentials in stratified polar fjord waters (Storfjorden, Spitsbergen) identified by using a combination of methane oxidation techniques

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 6461-6491 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mau ◽  
J. Blees ◽  
E. Helmke ◽  
H. Niemann ◽  
E. Damm
Keyword(s):  
Water Column ◽  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Oxidation Potential ◽  
Water Masses ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variability ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Type I ◽  
Turnover Rates ◽  
Arctic Water

Abstract. The bacterially mediated aerobic methane oxidation (MOx) is a key mechanism in controlling methane (CH4) emissions from the world's oceans to the atmosphere. In this study, we investigated MOx in the Arctic fjord Storfjorden (Spitsbergen) by applying a combination of radio-tracer based incubation assays (3H-CH4 and 14H-CH4), stable C-CH4 isotope measurements, and molecular tools (16S rRNA DGGE-fingerprinting, pmoA- and mxaF gene analyses). Strofjorden is stratified in the summertime with melt water (MW) in the upper 60 m of the water column, Arctic water (ArW) between 60–100 m and brine-enriched shelf water (BSW) down to 140 m. CH4 concentrations were supersaturated with respect to the atmospheric equilibrium (∼3 nM) throughout the water column, increasing from ∼20 nM at the surface to a maximum of 72 nM at 60 m and decreasing below. MOx rate measurements at near in situ CH4 concentrations (here measured with 3H-CH4 raising the ambient CH4 pool by <2 nM) showed a similar trend: low rates at the sea surface increasing to a maximum of ∼2.3 nM d−1 at 60 m followed by a decrease in the deeper ArW/BSW. In contrast, rate measurements with 14H-CH4 at elevated CH4 concentrations (incubations were spiked with ∼450 nM of 14H-CH4, providing an estimate of the CH4 oxidation potential) showed comparably low turnover rates (<1 nMd−1) at 60 m, but peaked in ArW/BSW at ∼100 m water depth, concomitant with increasing 14C-values in the residual CH4 pool. Our results indicate that the MOx community in the surface MW is adapted to relatively low CH4 concentrations. In contrast, the activity of the deep water MOx community is relatively low at the ambient, summertime CH4 concentrations but has the potential to increase rapidly in response to CH4 availability. A similar distinction between surface and deep water MOx is also suggested by our molecular analyses. Although, we found pmoA and maxF gene sequences throughout the water column attesting the ubiquitous presence of MOx communities in Storfjorden, deep water amplicons of pmoA and maxF were unusually long. Also a DGGE band related to the known Type I MOx Mehtylosphera was observed in deep BWS, but absent in surface MW. Apparently, different MOx communities have developed in the stratified water masses in Storfjorden, which is possibly related to the spatiotemporal variability in CH4 supply to the distinct water masses.

scholarly journals Biomarkers in the stratified water column of the Landsort Deep (Baltic Sea)

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 7009-7023 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Berndmeyer ◽  
V. Thiel ◽  
O. Schmale ◽  
N. Wasmund ◽  
M. Blumenberg
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Cyanobacterial Bloom ◽  
Methanogenic Archaea ◽  
Water Layer ◽  
Type I ◽  
Anoxic Zone ◽  
Oxic Zone

Abstract. The water column of the Landsort Deep, central Baltic Sea, is stratified into an oxic, suboxic, and anoxic zone. This stratification controls the distributions of individual microbial communities and biogeochemical processes. In summer 2011, particulate organic matter was filtered from these zones using an in situ pump. Lipid biomarkers were extracted from the filters to establish water-column profiles of individual hydrocarbons, alcohols, phospholipid fatty acids, and bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs). As a reference, a cyanobacterial bloom sampled in summer 2012 in the central Baltic Sea Gotland Deep was analyzed for BHPs. The biomarker data from the surface layer of the oxic zone showed major inputs from cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, and ciliates, while the underlying cold winter water layer was characterized by a low diversity and abundance of organisms, with copepods as a major group. The suboxic zone supported bacterivorous ciliates, type I aerobic methanotrophic bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and, most likely, methanogenic archaea. In the anoxic zone, sulfate reducers and archaea were the dominating microorganisms as indicated by the presence of distinctive branched fatty acids: archaeol and pentamethylicosane (PMI) derivatives, respectively. Our study of in situ biomarkers in the Landsort Deep thus provided an integrated insight into the distribution of relevant compounds and describes useful tracers to reconstruct stratified water columns in the geological record.

scholarly journals One year of continuous measurements constraining methane emissions from the Baltic Sea to the atmosphere using a ship of opportunity

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Gülzow ◽  
G. Rehder ◽  
J. Schneider v. Deimling ◽  
T. Seifert ◽  
Z. Tóth
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Gulf Of Finland ◽  
Bornholm Basin ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Gotland Basin ◽  
Methane Fluxes ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Methane Concentrations

Abstract. Methane and carbon dioxide were measured with an autonomous and continuous running system on a ferry line crossing the Baltic Sea on a 2–3 day interval from the Mecklenburg Bight to the Gulf of Finland in 2010. Surface methane saturations show great seasonal differences in shallow regions like the Mecklenburg Bight (103–507%) compared to deeper regions like the Gotland Basin (96–161%). The influence of controlling parameters like temperature, wind, mixing depth and processes like upwelling, mixing of the water column and sedimentary methane emissions on methane oversaturation and emission to the atmosphere are investigated. Upwelling was found to influence methane surface concentrations in the area of Gotland significantly during the summer period. In February 2010, an event of elevated methane concentrations in the surface water and water column of the Arkona Basin was observed, which could be linked to a wind-derived water level change as a potential triggering mechanism. The Baltic Sea is a source of methane to the atmosphere throughout the year, with highest fluxes occurring during the winter season. Stratification was found to promote the formation of a methane reservoir in deeper regions like Gulf of Finland or Bornholm Basin, which leads to long lasting elevated methane concentrations and enhanced methane fluxes, when mixed to the surface during mixed layer deepening in autumn and winter. Methane concentrations and fluxes from shallow regions like the Mecklenburg Bight are predominantly controlled by sedimentary production and consumption of methane, wind events and the change in temperature-dependent solubility of methane in the surface water. Methane fluxes vary significantly in shallow regions (e.g. Mecklenburg Bight) and regions with a temporal stratification (e.g. Bornholm Basin, Gulf of Finland). On the contrary, areas with a permanent stratification like the Gotland Basin show only small seasonal fluctuations in methane fluxes.

scholarly journals Are recent changes in sediment manganese sequestration in the euxinic basins of the Baltic Sea linked to the expansion of hypoxia?

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 4875-4894 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Lenz ◽  
T. Jilbert ◽  
D.J. Conley ◽  
M. Wolthers ◽  
C.P. Slomp
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Water Column ◽  
North Sea ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
The Past ◽  
Gotland Deep ◽  
Carbonate Formation ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Mn Oxides ◽  
Deep Area

Abstract. Expanding hypoxia in the Baltic Sea over the past century has led to the development of anoxic and sulfidic (euxinic) deep basins that are only periodically ventilated by inflows of oxygenated waters from the North Sea. In this study, we investigate the potential consequences of the expanding hypoxia for manganese (Mn) burial in the Baltic Sea using a combination of pore water and sediment analyses of dated sediment cores from eight locations. Diffusive fluxes of dissolved Mn from sediments to overlying waters at oxic, hypoxic and euxinic sites are consistent with an active release of Mn from these areas. Although the present-day fluxes are significant (ranging up to ca. 240 μmol m−2 d−1), comparison to published water column data suggests that the current benthic release of Mn is small when compared to the large pool of Mn already present in the hypoxic and anoxic water column. Our results highlight two modes of Mn carbonate formation in sediments of the deep basins. In the Gotland Deep area, Mn carbonates likely form from Mn oxides that are precipitated from the water column directly following North Sea inflows. In the Landsort Deep, in contrast, Mn carbonate and Mn sulfide layers appear to form independently of inflow events, and are possibly related to the much larger and continuous input of Mn oxides linked to sediment focusing. Whereas Mn-enriched sediments continue to accumulate in the Landsort Deep, this does not hold for the Gotland Deep area. Here, a recent increase in euxinia, as evident from measured bottom water sulfide concentrations and elevated sediment molybdenum (Mo), coincides with a decline in sediment Mn content. Sediment analyses also reveal that recent inflows of oxygenated water (since ca. 1995) are no longer consistently recorded as Mn carbonate layers. Our data suggest that eutrophication has not only led to a recent rise in sulfate reduction rates but also to a decline in reactive Fe input to these basins. We hypothesize that these factors have jointly led to higher sulfide availability near the sediment–water interface after inflow events. As a consequence, the Mn oxides may be reductively dissolved more rapidly than in the past and Mn carbonates may no longer form. Using a simple diagenetic model for Mn dynamics in the surface sediment, we demonstrate that an enhancement of the rate of reduction of Mn oxides is consistent with such a scenario. Our results have important implications for the use of Mn carbonate enrichments as a redox proxy in marine systems.

scholarly journals Bacteriohopanepolyols record stratification, nitrogen fixation and other biogeochemical perturbations in Holocene sediments of the Central Baltic Sea

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 17139-17165
Author(s):  
M. Blumenberg ◽  
C. Berndmeyer ◽  
M. Moros ◽  
M. Muschalla ◽  
O. Schmale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Stable Stratification ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Allochthonous Input ◽  
The North ◽  
Water Column Stratification ◽  
Gotland Deep ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Baltic

Abstract. The Baltic Sea, one of the world's largest brackish-marine basins, established after deglaciation of Scandinavia about 17 000 to 15 000 yr ago. In the changeable history of the Baltic Sea, the initial freshwater system was connected to the North Sea about 8000 yr ago and the modern brackish-marine setting (Littorina Sea) was established. Today, a relatively stable stratification developed in the water column of the deep basins due to salinity differences. Stratification is only occasionally interrupted by mixing events, and controls nutrient availability and growth of specifically adapted microorganisms and algae. We studied bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs), lipids of specific bacterial groups, in a sediment core from the Central Baltic Sea (Gotland Deep) and found considerable differences between the distinct stages of the Baltic Sea's history. Individual BHP structures indicate contributions from as yet unknown redoxcline-specific bacteria (bacteriohopanetetrol isomer), methanotrophic bacteria (35-aminobacteriohopanetetrol), cyanobacteria (bacteriohopanetetrol cyclitol ether isomer) and, through allochthonous input after the Littorina transgression, from soil bacteria (adenosylhopane), whereas the origin of other BHPs in the core has still to be identified. Notably high BHP abundances were observed in the deposits of the brackish-marine Littorina phase, particularly in laminated sediment layers. Because these sediments record periods of stable water column stratification, bacteria specifically adapted to these conditions may account for the high portions of BHPs. An additional and/or accompanying source may be nitrogen-fixing (cyano)bacteria, which is indicated by a good correlation of BHP abundances with Corg and δ15N.

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