Eukaryotic opportunists dominate the deep-subsurface biosphere in South Africa

G. Borgonie (), B. Linage-Alvarez, A. O. Ojo, S.O.C. Mundle, L B. Freese, C. Van Rooyen, O. Kuloyo, J. Albertyn, C. Pohl, E. D. Cason, J. Vermeulen, C. Pienaar, D. Litthauer, H. Van Niekerk, J. Van Eeden, B. Sherwood. Lollar, T. C. Onstott and E. Van Heerden
Additional contact information
G. Borgonie: Extreme Life Isyensya (ELI), PB 65, 9050 Gentbrugge, Belgium
B. Linage-Alvarez: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street
A. O. Ojo: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street
S.O.C. Mundle: University of Toronto
L B. Freese: AngloGold Ashanti Kopanang Mine
C. Van Rooyen: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street
O. Kuloyo: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street
J. Albertyn: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street
C. Pohl: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street
E. D. Cason: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street
J. Vermeulen: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street
C. Pienaar: AngloGold Ashanti Kopanang Mine
D. Litthauer: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street
H. Van Niekerk: Sibanye Gold Ltd, Driefontein Operations
J. Van Eeden: Sibanye Gold Ltd, Driefontein Operations
B. Sherwood. Lollar: University of Toronto
T. C. Onstott: Princeton University
E. Van Heerden: Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Swot Street

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Following the discovery of the first Eukarya in the deep subsurface, intense interest has developed to understand the diversity of eukaryotes living in these extreme environments. We identified that Platyhelminthes, Rotifera, Annelida and Arthropoda are thriving at 1.4 km depths in palaeometeoric fissure water up to 12,300 yr old in South African mines. Protozoa and Fungi have also been identified; however, they are present in low numbers. Characterization of the different species reveals that many are opportunistic organisms with an origin due to recharge from surface waters rather than soil leaching. This is the first known study to demonstrate the in situ distribution of biofilms on fissure rock faces using video documentation. Calculations suggest that food, not dissolved oxygen is the limiting factor for eukaryal population growth. The discovery of a group of Eukarya underground has important implications for the search for life on other planets in our solar system.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9952

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