Transfer of singlet oxygen from senescent irradiated phytoplankton cells to attached heterotrophic bacteria: Effect of silica and carbonaceous matrices

The effect of silica and carbonaceous matrices (charged mineral surfaces) in phytoplankton cells on the transfer of singlet oxygen from irradiated phytodetritus to their attached bacteria was investigated under controlled laboratory conditions. Our results indicate that a silica matrix (i.e. as in diatom frustules) inhibits the transfer of singlet oxygen and limits the induced photodegradation of cis-vaccenic acid (a fatty acid generally considered as specific to bacteria). In contrast, a carbonaceous matrix (i.e. as in coccoliths) does not seem to inhibit the transfer probably due to the release of coccoliths upon cell death. As a consequence, bacteria associated with phytodetritus from diatoms should be in a healthy state and biodegradation of organic matter associated with these particles should be favoured. These results should contribute to a better understanding of photosensitized degradation processes and to a better estimation of the balance between degradation and preservation of organic material during sedimentation in seawater.