This Science News article describes some of the harmful effects of microbes that live within rocks beneath the Earth's surface. In some cases, these microbes may be contributing to major environmental problems such as acid mine drainage and contamination of groundwater. In other cases, microbes play a role in breaking down sulfide minerals in the ocean crust. The author presents a very general overview of the metabolism responsible for the production of harmful wastes. The article features links to papers used as references as well as related articles.
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Subject: Biology:Ecology:Habitats:Within Rock, Biology:Biogeochemistry, Microbiology Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work Grade Level: General Public, College Lower (13-14), High School (9-12), Middle (6-8) Extreme Environments: Acidic Topics: Biosphere:Biogeochemistry, Ecology:Habitats:Within Rock, Biosphere:MicrobiologyKeywords: endolith, acid mine drainage
