Passed today to great height

2009/12/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Eboluzioa
• Mikrobiologia

Argentine researchers have found intense stromatolites in some salt lakes of the Andes at more than 4,000 meters of altitude. Although fossil stromatolites are found in different parts of the world, it is very difficult to find live stromatolites. There are some at sea, such as in the Australian Shark Bay, or in salty lakes, such as in Yellowston, but it is the first time they find them at such high altitude.

The discovery was made by researchers from the Laboratory of Microbiological Research of the Lakes of the Andes, LIMLA, directed by microbiologist María Eugenia Farías. The lakes are on the plateau of Puna and have very salty water. In addition, at this height, ultraviolet radiation is very large and the oxygen voltage is low. In Farías' words, "there are conditions similar to those of a time when the Earth was young."

In this way, the researchers hope to obtain data to know better the evolution of the Earth through the study of these stromatolites. In fact, scientists believe that stromatolites and other photosynthetic microorganisms have changed the composition of the atmosphere.

In addition, the stromatolites of the lakes of Puna can be valuable for future research. Based on their characteristics, interesting biotech applications can be developed, according to Farías. For example, its ability to fix carbon dioxide in extreme conditions can be useful to create an application against climate change.

Other applications can be ultraviolet radiation filters, antioxidant substances, nitrogen fixation systems in the soil, bioremediation.

The researchers have asked the authorities to implement laws and carry out the necessary infrastructures to protect the lakes. And they are in danger: A well near the town of Tolar Grande is already contaminated, probably with black waters that reach the village and whose stromatolites are dead, while the water of Lake Socompa goes to Chile for mining.