Sequencing of Coastal Lagoon Samples from the Piñones Lagoon, Puerto Rico, Reveals Important Role of Bacterial Sulfur Metabolism in the Lagoon Ecosystem

Abstract

This initial microbial analysis of the Piñones lagoon shows a high representation of sulfur-oxidizing Sulfurimonas and sulfur-reducing Sulfurospirillum bacteria. These species are likely responsible for maintaining sulfur homeostasis and prevent the buildup of toxic sulfur components, but may contribute to nitrogen buildup, in the mangrove ecosystem.