Bacteria as part of bioluminescence emission at the deep ANTARES station (North-Western Mediterranean Sea) during a one-year survey. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martini, S.; Michotey, V.; Casalot, L.; Bonin, P.; Guasco, S.; Garel, M.; Tamburini, C.
• Is Part Of: Deep sea research. Volume 116(2016)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: In situ observatory -- ANTARES -- Mediterranean Sea -- Prokaryotic activities -- Bioluminescence; Oceanography -- Periodicals; Océanographie -- Périodiques; 551.4605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2016.07.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-0637

Abstract

Abstract: Bioluminescent bacteria have been studied during a one-year survey in 2011 at the deep ANTARES site (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea, 2000 m depth). The neutrino underwater telescope ANTARES, located at this station, has been used to record the bioluminescence at the same depth. Together with these data, environmental variables (potential temperature, salinity, nutrients, dissolved organic carbon and oxygen) have been characterized in water samples. The year 2011 was characterized by relatively stable conditions, as revealed by minor variability in the monitored oceanographic variables, by low bioluminescence and low current speed. This suggests weak eukaryote participation and mainly non-stimulated light emission. Hence, no processes of dense water have affected the ANTARES station during this survey. Abundance of bioluminescent bacteria belonging to Photobacterium genus, measured by qPCR of the lux F gene, ranged from 1.4×10 2 to 7.2×10 2 genes mL −1 . Their effective activity was confirmed through mRNA lux F quantification. Our results reveal that bioluminescent bacteria appeared more active than the total counterpart of bacteria, suggesting an ecological benefit of this feature such as favoring interaction with macro-organisms. Moreover, these results show that part of the bioluminescence, recorded at 2000 m depth over one year, could be due to bioluminescent bacteria in stable hydrological conditions. Highlights: A survey of bioluminescent bacteria at the ANTARES station under low environmental variability is proposed The main contribution during low bioluminescence and stable conditions is due to bacteria Bioluminescent bacteria appear more active than the total counterpart of bacteria Similar investigations are needed during a convection event impacting this station