Photosynthetic isotope biosignatures in laminated micro-stromatolitic and non-laminated nodules associated with modern, freshwater microbialites in Pavilion Lake, BC RID B-8520-2011

TitlePhotosynthetic isotope biosignatures in laminated micro-stromatolitic and non-laminated nodules associated with modern, freshwater microbialites in Pavilion Lake, BC RID B-8520-2011
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsBrady, AL, Slater, GF, Omelon, CR, Southam, G, Druschel, G, Andersen, DT, Hawes, I, Laval, B, Lim, DSS
JournalChemical Geology
Volume274
Issue1-2
Pagination56-67
ISSN0009-2541
Abstract

The influence of microbial activity on carbonate precipitation was investigated within micro-stromatolitic nodules associated with modem, freshwater microbialites located in Pavilion Lake, B.C. Observed carbonate delta(13)C values enriched by up to +3.6 parts per thousand as compared to predicted abiotic carbonate delta(13)C values from measured dissolved inorganic carbon (mean -1.2 parts per thousand, n=13) were consistent with microbial photosynthetic influence on in situ precipitation within the nodule microenvironment. Estimated carbonate precipitation temperatures within the nodules based on delta(18)O were consistent with recorded summertime temperatures, indicative of precipitation during the period of highest levels of photosynthetic activity. Low delta(13)C values of organic matter within the nodules (-30.6 to 21.1 parts per thousand) and an average inorganic to organic carbon Delta delta(13)C value of 26.8 parts per thousand reflected the preferential uptake of (12)C during non-CO(2) limited photosynthesis, supporting the generation of (13)C-enriched DIC. Microelectrode profiles through the nodules showed oxygen supersaturation of up to similar to 275%, elevated pH compared to ambient water and a lack of any observable dissolved sulphide, Mn or Fe further indicated that photosynthetic activity was the predominant metabolic process within the nodule during light exposure. Microbial phospholipid fatty acid profiles of the nodule communities were indicative of bacteria rather than eukaryotes and PLFA delta(13)C values were depleted relative to the bulk cell by 2.6-6.6 parts per thousand, consistent with a predominance of photosynthetic microbes. Scanning electron microscopy images of the relationship between carbonate minerals and filaments indicated that carbonate precipitation had occurred in situ due to microbial influences on the geochemistry within the nodule microenvironment rather than due to cell surface effects or trapping and binding. The observation of photosynthetically induced (13)C-enrichment of in situ precipitated carbonate within the nodule microenvironment is thus a biosignature of the activity of these surface communities and is consistent with the hypothesized role of biology in the formation of microbialites. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI10.1016/j.chemgeo.2010.03.016