Bacterial Design for Recycling Phosphorous

TNRTB Archive – Retained for reference information

A microbiologist and a geologist in Germany have found some amazing design features in a large sulfur bacterial species that benefits all life. Thiomargarita namibiensis is a colossal bacterium (nearly 1 mm in diameter) that thrives in surface marine sediments under both oxic (containing oxygen) and anoxic conditions. It periodically contacts oxic bottom water to take up nitrate. Such internally stored nitrate allows it to survive for long periods under anoxic conditions. The bacterium’s prime energy source is sulfide oxidation. The sulfide accumulates in anoxic marine sediments when sulfate-reducing bacteria there degrade organic matter. The researchers discovered that aggressive sulfide oxidation by large populations of T. namibiensis is responsible for phosphorite deposits in marine sediments. Such deposits play a critical role in the life-essential phosphorous cycle. The amazing, unique designs and behaviors of T. namibiensis that allow it to take advantage of sulfide produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria so as to sustain Earth’s phosphorous cycle at an ideal rate for the benefit of all life testifies of a supernatural, super-intelligent Creator.

• Heide N. Schulz and Horst D. Schulz, “Large Sulfur Bacteria and the Formation of Phosphorite,” Science 307 (2005): 416-18.
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