Attack of the Rock-Eating Microbes!
http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20031115/bob9.asp

Sid Perkins, Science News Online


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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: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12), College Lower (13-14), General Public
Extreme Environments: Acidic
Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Ecology, BiogeoscienceKeywords: endolith, acid mine drainage