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Anaerobic ammonium oxidation by anammox bacteria in the Black Sea

Author

Listed:
  • Marcel M. M. Kuypers

    (Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (MPI))

  • A. Olav Sliekers

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Gaute Lavik

    (Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (MPI))

  • Markus Schmid

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Bo Barker Jørgensen

    (Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (MPI))

  • J. Gijs Kuenen

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Jaap S. Sinninghe Damsté

    (Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ))

  • Marc Strous

    (University of Nijmegen)

  • Mike S. M. Jetten

    (University of Nijmegen)

Abstract

The availability of fixed inorganic nitrogen (nitrate, nitrite and ammonium) limits primary productivity in many oceanic regions1. The conversion of nitrate to N2 by heterotrophic bacteria (denitrification) is believed to be the only important sink for fixed inorganic nitrogen in the ocean2. Here we provide evidence for bacteria that anaerobically oxidize ammonium with nitrite to N2 in the world's largest anoxic basin, the Black Sea. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences shows that these bacteria are related to members of the order Planctomycetales performing the anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) process in ammonium-removing bioreactors3. Nutrient profiles, fluorescently labelled RNA probes, 15N tracer experiments and the distribution of specific ‘ladderane’ membrane lipids4 indicate that ammonium diffusing upwards from the anoxic deep water is consumed by anammox bacteria below the oxic zone. This is the first time that anammox bacteria have been identified and directly linked to the removal of fixed inorganic nitrogen in the environment. The widespread occurrence of ammonium consumption in suboxic marine settings5,6,7 indicates that anammox might be important in the oceanic nitrogen cycle.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcel M. M. Kuypers & A. Olav Sliekers & Gaute Lavik & Markus Schmid & Bo Barker Jørgensen & J. Gijs Kuenen & Jaap S. Sinninghe Damsté & Marc Strous & Mike S. M. Jetten, 2003. "Anaerobic ammonium oxidation by anammox bacteria in the Black Sea," Nature, Nature, vol. 422(6932), pages 608-611, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:422:y:2003:i:6932:d:10.1038_nature01472
    DOI: 10.1038/nature01472
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    Cited by:

    1. Ashok K. Singh, 2015. "Aerobic and Anaerobic Transformations in Estrogens and Nutrients in Swine Manure: Environmental Consequences," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-16, August.

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