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ISSN- 2348-5191 (Print version); 2348-8980 (Online)

A Summary of Some Microbes Identified from Different Indian Caves and Their Possible Role in Mineral Formations



Sushmitha Baskar, Ramanathan Baskar

Abstract

Microbe-mineral interactions in caves can lead to secondary mineral formations such as speleothems, moonmilk etc. In the present review, we provide a summary of geomicrobiological work done so far in some Indian caves. Microbially induced mineralization is documented in cave ecosystems and microbial metabolisms help in mineral formations either through direct/active or indirect/passive processes. Laboratory based experiments conducted on speleothems from Sahastradhara caves (Dehradun); Borra Cave (Andhra Pradesh); Krem Phyllut, Krem Mawsmai, Krem Mawmluh and Rongai Dobhakol (Meghalaya) have clearly demonstrated that bacterial strains isolated from these caves have the capability to precipitate minerals under controlled conditions.


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    • DOI:10.21276/ambi.2014.01.2.rv01

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    Published by: National Cave Research and Protection Organization, India

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