Metabolic Influence of Psychrophilic Diatoms on Travertines at the Huanglong Natural Scenic District of China

Psychrophilic diatoms of the genus Cymbella, thriving in extremely cold conditions at Huanglong's travertine deposits, significantly influence mineralization processes. These diatoms form biofilms with extracellular polysaccharide substances (EPS), which protect travertine from etching and serve as templates for its formation during water re-flowing seasons. Research using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) revealed biogenic distortions in the crystal lattice of travertine calcite, indicating metabolic mediation by these diatoms. This study highlights the crucial role of psychrophilic diatoms in promoting both the formation and dissolution of travertine in cold environments, offering insights into the ecological and geological dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sun, S., Dong, F., Ehrlich, H., Zhao, X., Liu, M., Dai, Q., Li, Q., An, D., & Dong, H. (2014). Metabolic Influence of Psychrophilic Diatoms on Travertines at the Huanglong Natural Scenic District of China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(12), 13084–13096. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph111213084