Preliminary assessment of microbial mats in seawater metal remediation.

Microbial mats have a special role in the removal of metals in marine environment. This study aimed to experimentally determine the efficiency of Cr removal from seawater by microbial mats. The effect of Cr on the microphytobenthic community and the influence of an aerated condition on the removal of metal and microorganisms were also considered.

Epibenthic microbial mats behavior as phosphorus sinks or sources in relation to biological and physicochemical conditions.

Microbial mats are complex microecosystems that have shown promise as possible green filters to remediate polluted seawater. This usage would possibly require changing the natural conditions under which these microbial mats prosper in order to maximize their contact with the water. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the adaptation of the mats to different environmental conditions, while monitoring their short-term efficiency at nutrient removal.

Short-term efficiency of epibenthic microbial mat components on phosphorus sorption.

Microbial mats may be an alternative tool for phosphorus (P) remediation of eutrophic coastal waters. The main objective of this work was to determine the importance that the living and non-living components of the mats have on P short-term sorption. Microbial mats were collected in the Paso Seco coastal flat, Argentina (40°38'3.