Biofilms and Nutrients

BIOFILMS AND NUTRIENT CYCLING

Biofilms are the fundamental source of energy in aquifers where there is no sunlight and plants. The unique metabolism of these fungus and bacteria convert toxic sulfides to sulfates to create energy to support biodiverse food webs.  Similar biofilms exist in deep sea vents to process nutrients on the ocean floor.

Webpage authored by Thomas Ryan, M.S., Aquatic Resources, Texas State University and The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.