Progress in studying microbially-driven sulfur cycling in mangrove sediments

Abstract:

Mangrove forest is a special coastal wetland ecosystem and formed by the periodic mixing of freshwater and seawater. The sediment of mangrove wetland is rich in organic matters, accelerating nutrient cycling driven by resident microbes. Due to high concentrations of sulfate and a variety of sulfide in mangrove sediment, mangrove wetland has been considered as an ideal ecosystem to explore sulfur cycling. This review aims to understand the microbially-driven sulfur cycling, especially sulfur oxidation and sulfate reduction processes in the sediment of mangrove wetland. The major environmental factors affecting sulfur oxidation and sulfate reduction are also discussed. Moreover, future research expectations for microbially-driven sulfur cycling in mangrove ecosystem are indicated.

Key words:mangrove forest;sediment;microbial community;sulfur oxidation;sulfate reduction;coupling process