Desulfobacterota

Desulfobacterota is a phylum of bacteria that are anaerobic and often found in environments with high sulfate concentrations. They are known for their ability to reduce sulfate to sulfide, a process that can be important in biogeochemical cycling. This group includes a diverse range of species, many of which have been isolated from marine sediments, freshwater environments, and even the guts of animals.

Members of Desulfobacterota are metabolically versatile, with some species capable of utilizing a variety of organic compounds as electron donors. Their sulfate reduction capabilities are particularly significant, as this process can influence the availability of sulfur compounds and contribute to the formation of minerals like pyrite. Some Desulfobacterota species are also involved in the degradation of complex organic matter.

The phylum has been classified based on ribosomal RNA gene sequences. While many species are obligate anaerobes, some have shown tolerance to oxygen under specific conditions. Research into Desulfobacterota continues to uncover their roles in various ecosystems, including their potential impact on environmental processes such as metal mobility and greenhouse gas production. Their ubiquity in anoxic environments highlights their ecological importance.