Symbiotic cooperation between freshwater rock-boring bivalves and microorganisms promotes silicate bioerosion
Open Access
- 7 August 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Scientific Reports
- Vol. 10 (1), 1-10
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-70265-x
Abstract
Bioerosion is a process with a high socio-economic impact that contributes to coastal retreat, and likely to increase with climate change. Whereas limestone bioerosion is well explained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pathways, the bioerosion mechanisms of silicates, which are harder and chemically more resistant, remain elusive. Here we investigated the interface between siltstone and freshwater rock-boring bivalves Lignopholas fluminalis (Bivalvia: Pholadidae). Remains of a microbial biofilm were observed only in the poorly consolidated part of the rock within the macroborings created by bivalves. Secondary Mn-bearing minerals identified in the biofilm suggest that microbes promoted silicate rock weathering by dissolving Mn-rich chlorites. Moreover, hard mineral debris found in a biofilm attached to the shells likely contributed to the abrasion of the rock substrate. Thus, beyond the classical view of chemical and/or mechanical action(s) of macroborers, silicate bioerosion may also be facilitated by an unexpected synergistic association between macro- and microorganisms.Funding Information
- Hubert Curien partnership (RFMEFI61619X0114)
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