Sulfur Cycle Gene Data from Subglacial Lake Whillans Sediments

Subglacial Lake Whillans (SLW) in Antarctica provides gene data for microbial sulfur transformations in sediment cores up to 34 cm deep. The dataset includes sequences for key genes like APS reductase and rDSR, supporting analysis of sulfur oxidation and reduction pathways. It was produced by the SCIOPS organization using samples from this unique Antarctic subglacial environment.

Use Cases

• Analyze the depth-dependent presence of APS reductase gene sequences to model sulfur transformation activity in sediment profiles.
• Cluster APS reductase sequences into 16 distinct OTUs to identify phylogenetic relationships with known sulfur oxidizers like Sideroxydans and Thiobacillus.
• Correlate rDSR and 16S rRNA gene sequence data from the top 2 cm of sediment to confirm the dominance of specific microbial phylotypes.
• Use the presence of Desulfobacteraceae and Desulfotomaculum-related gene sequences to investigate the genetic potential for sulfate reduction.
• Compare gene data with experimentally measured sulfate reduction rates (1.4 pmol cm-3d-1) to validate inferred microbial metabolic processes.

Strengths

• Gene data covers a sediment core profile down to 34 cm depth.
• APS reductase sequences are clustered into 16 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs).
• 74% of APS reductase sequences cluster with known sulfur oxidizers, providing a clear signal.

Limitations

• The sample size and number of sequenced genes are not specified.
• Data is from a single, geographically isolated location (Subglacial Lake Whillans), limiting generalizability.
• The temporal coverage and sampling frequency are unknown.

Provenance

Source

NASA Earthdata via the SCIOPS organization.

Collection Method

Gene sequencing (likely 16S rRNA, APS reductase, rDSR) of sediment samples from Subglacial Lake Whillans.

Geography

Subglacial Lake Whillans, Antarctica.