title: Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria and Pyritic Sediments in Antarctica.
abstract: Black lacustrine and marine sediments occur in the McMurdo Sound region of Antarctica. The black color is due to the presence of iron sulfide, precipitated by sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfovibrio) in the presence of decaying organic matter of algal origin. Viability of sulfate-reducing bacteria in the sediments was demonstrated in the laboratory by culturing in anaerobic liquid media. It is probable that sulfate-reducing bacteria are widely distributed in Antarctica.
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Barghoorn
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Nichols