Research Unit 571 (DFG-FOR 571) |
Aims of the research unit
The DFG research unit 571 works on benthic microbial communities (biofilms) and thin organic veneers (organofilms) involved in mineral precipitation and dissolution. Biofilms and organofilms cover almost any rock-water interface on Earth and influence biogeochemical cycles of mineral forming elements on a global scale. Major objectives of the projects are (1) identification and localisation of microorganisms within biofilms, (2) characterization of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of the organo- and biofilms, and (3) mineral nucleation, crystal growth and microbialite fabric formation. Based on the quantification of processes and mass balances the global impact of organo- and biofilms in the fossil record will be evaluated.
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