Physiological status and community composition of microbial mats of the Ebro Delta, Spain, by signature lipid biomarkers

Physiological status of microbial mats of the Ebro Delta (Tarragona, Spain) based on the extraction of lipids considered "signature lipid biomarkers" (SLB) from the cell membranes and walls of microorganisms has been analyzed . Data from a day-night cycle show significant differences in viable cells countings (PLFA cells counts) ranging from 1.5 x 10(10) to 5.0 x 10(10) cel ls g(-1) of sediment. Minimum values were observed at 18:00 and 6:00, when physicochemical conditions change drastically. The diversity of the microbi al community was assessed by GC/MS analysis of phospholipid fatty acids (PL FA). The ratio of PLFA, representative of Gram-negative bacteria, comprises 47.8% of the total PLFA of the microbial mat community. The remaining PLFA was representative of Gram-positive (10.0%), anaerobic (5.7%), and eukaryo tic microorganisms (5.7%), and other common lipids. Two different approache s were used as a comparative study to assess the physiological status of th e microbial mats. Two parameters (cyclopropane fatty acids/omega 7c monoeno ic fatty acids, and measurement of the trans/cis monoenoic PLFA ratio) show ed a minimum at midnight, suggesting the highest microbial activity. Higher values were observed at 18:00 and 6:00, coinciding with lower PLFA cell co unts.