Effects of microbial activity on the δ18O of dissolved inorganic phosphate and textural features of synthetic apatites

Laboratory growth experiments were conducted to investigate the oxygen isotope effects associated with bacterial metabolism of phosphatic compounds commonly available in nature. The observed oxygen isotope fractionations suggest complex patterns of exchange between dissolved inorganic phosphate (P-i) and water, and significant circulation of P-i between intracellular and extracellular locations with extensive recycling of the dissolved P-i pool, even at high concentrations of dissolved P-i. Results of these experiments also support current models for bacterial utilization of phosphate. These results have important implications for the use of delta(18)O values of dissolved P-i to trace sources of P, and bear on integrity of original oxygen isotope compositions of biogenic and sedimentary apatite minerals that have been subjected to processes of recrystallization and diagenesis. SEM images of laboratory synthesized apatite minerals show that similar textural features may be produced by microbially mediated and abiotic reactions, and that spheroidal structures may be produced by processes of dissolution as well as precipitation. The interpretation of certain mineral structures as microbial in origin solely on the basis of morphological and textural features may be misleading.