Bacteriological studies on the sulfur cycle in the anaerobic part of the hypolimnion and in the surface sediments of rotsee in Switzerland scientific report of the advanced course of microbial ecology, sponsored by FEMS and the Swiss society for Microbiology, held at Kastanienbaum, Switzerland, 12 Septemberâ9 October 1982

Abstract

The microbial ecology of the sulfur cycle in the anaerobic part of Rotsee (Switzerland) was studied. Almost all the sulfate reduction took place at the sediment surface at a rate of 2 mmol SO2−4 reduced m−2 day−1. Approx. 104 sulfate reducers per ml were present in the surface sediments. The sulfide produced was phototrophically consumed mainly by Thiopedia rosea, Lamprocystis roseopersicina and ‘Pelochromatium roseum’ consortia. Thiopedia rosea migrated diurnally about one meter. Bacterial photosynthesis was limited by light and sulfide rather than by temperature.