Transparent exopolymer particles in a deep-sea hydrothermal system: Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California
Prieto, L.; Cowen, J.P. (2007). Transparent exopolymer particles in a deep-sea hydrothermal system: Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 150(6): 1093-1101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-006-0430-1
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, meer
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| Abstract |
This is the first report of transparent exopolymer particle (TEP) concentrations within deep-sea hydrothermal vent systems using colorimetric methods, measuring TEP in supernatants of sediments surrounding the vents, in fluids emanating directly from hydrothermal vents and in neutrally buoyant hydrothermal plumes. Samples were collected at Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California), a sedimented hydrothermal system. TEP concentrations within the hydrothermal fluids were significantly greater than the only other report of TEP in deep water. The range of values for TEP abundance were 8–6,451 µg/L of gum xanthan equivalents, the highest values being associated with supernatants of microbial mat-covered sediments. The potential sources and significance of the high concentrations of TEP observed in this deep-sea hydrothermal environment are discussed. |
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