Geomicrobiological characterization of the evaporitic ecosystem in the
hypersaline lake Laguna Verde (Andean Puna, Northwestern Argentina)
Abstract
Laguna Verde ̵́s dome-shaped structures represent one of the most
important Andean Microbial Ecosystems (AMEs) reported in the Central
Andes. To date, this system lacks any kind of geomicrobiological
research, so the following article represents the first study of these
dome-shaped structures and their associated taxa. For this purpose, a
chemical analysis of the water body, multiscale characterization of the
domes, and analysis of the associated microorganisms were carried out.
The lake’s alkaline waters rich in various minerals and its location at
the margin of the Antofalla salt flat, fed by alluvial fans and
hydrothermal input, provide favorable conditions for mineral
precipitation and support for microorganism’s activity. Laguna Verde´s
dome-shaped structures show an internal heterogeneous mesostructure
composed of three zones: microcrystalline, organic (orange and green
layers) and crystalline. The green layer of the organic zone is
predominantly composed of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and
Cyanobacteria, while the orange layer is mostly inhabited by
Cyanobacteria. The results of the study suggest that oxygenic
photosynthesis performed by Cyanobacteria is the main carbon fixation
pathway in the microbial community, supported by carbon isotopic ratios
of specific biomarkers. This finding highlights the important role that
Cyanobacteria play in this ecosystem.