Microbial community structure and sulfur biogeochemistry in mildly‐acidic sulfidic geothermal springs in Yellowstone National Park

Researchers identified a new archaeal isolate (strain WP30) belonging to the order Thermoproteales, which thrives in mildly-acidic sulfidic geothermal springs of Yellowstone National Park. This strain produces sulfide during growth, contributing to the formation of sulfur phases like orpiment, stibnite, and pyrite under specific solution conditions. The study integrated geochemical analysis with molecular techniques, revealing that high-temperature, hypoxic sulfur sediments in these springs are dominated by Crenarchaeota, particularly Desulfurococcales and Thermoproteales. These microorganisms require complex carbon sources and respire elemental sulfur, playing a crucial role in the biogeochemistry of sulfur species such as thiosulfate and arsenite. The findings highlight the interplay between microbial metabolism and geochemical processes in extreme environments.

Macur, R. E., Jay, Z. J., Taylor, W. P., Kozubal, M. A., Kocar, B. D., & Inskeep, W. P. (2012). Microbial community structure and sulfur biogeochemistry in mildly‐acidic sulfidic geothermal springs in Yellowstone National Park. Geobiology, 11(1), 86–99. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.12015