New Microbial Phylum Discovered in Deep Soil with Potential for Pollutant Degradation
CSP1-3, a dominant microbial group in Earth's deep Critical Zone, has been found to play a vital role in groundwater purification and may hold promise for addressing environmental pollution.
- Scientists have identified CSP1-3, a previously unknown microbial phylum, in soil samples from Iowa and China, at depths of up to 70 feet.
- CSP1-3 microbes dominate their deep soil environments, comprising over 50% of microbial communities in some cases, a phenomenon not seen in surface soils.
- Genetic analysis reveals that CSP1-3 evolved from aquatic ancestors, adapting over millions of years to thrive in nutrient-limited deep soil environments.
- These microbes actively purify groundwater by metabolizing carbon and nitrogen that filters down from the topsoil, completing the natural filtration process.
- Current research focuses on culturing CSP1-3 in laboratories to explore their unique physiologies and potential applications in breaking down tough environmental pollutants.
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