Microbial Release of Sulphur Ions from Atmospheric Pollution Deposits

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Abstract
Surface of leaves of Acer pseudoplatanus growing in areas exposed to heavy atmospheric pollution were covered with atmospheric pollution deposits (APD). Scanning electron microscopy showed microorganisms growing in intimate association with these deposits. The deposits contained sufficient C and N to support growth of Fusarium solani in culture and in autoclaved and non-sterilized soils and sufficient reduced S for the in vitro growth of Thiobacillus thioparus. When T. thioparus and F. solani were grown in medium supplemented with APD as sole C and N sources, increases in the concentrations of soluble S2O32-, S4O62- and SO42- resulted. Similar increases also occurred when APD was added to complete fungal growth medium. Increases in LiCl2-extractable S ions also occurred in fresh soil amended with APD and in autoclaved soils containing APD and inoculated with spores of F. solani. Arylsulfatase activity increased in fresh soils and in soils autoclaved and inoculated with F. solani when APD was added suggesting S mineralization and S oxidation in the release of S ions from APD. APD supported microbial growth in vitro and in soils when provided as sole C and S source; microorganisms released S ions from this complex substrate. Microbial release of S ions from APD accounted for the increased concentrations of S ions in heavy atmospheric-polluted soils.