Biochemical and ultrastructural evidence for the origin of whitings: A biologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation mechanism

Research Article| May 01, 1992 Biochemical and ultrastructural evidence for the origin of whitings: A biologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation mechanism L. L. Robbins; L. L. Robbins 1Department of Geology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar P. L. Blackwelder P. L. Blackwelder 2Marine Geology and Geophysics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information L. L. Robbins 1Department of Geology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620 P. L. Blackwelder 2Marine Geology and Geophysics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1992) 20 (5): 464–468. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0464:BAUEFT>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation L. L. Robbins, P. L. Blackwelder; Biochemical and ultrastructural evidence for the origin of whitings: A biologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation mechanism. Geology 1992;; 20 (5): 464–468. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1992)020<0464:BAUEFT>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract We propose that Bahamian whitings, floating patches of lime mud, are in part the result of biological precipitation of calcium carbonate induced by picoplankton and cellular components. The cells may act as nucleation sites for crystallization from seawater supersaturated with CaCO3. Our model represents a new hypothesis concerning Bahamian whiting formation and is based on several lines of evidence. Biochemical data suggest that the macromolecules from carbonate suspended in Bahama Banks whitings are distinct from those found in the lime mud sediment producer Penicillus and from bottom sediment. Direct ultrastructural evidence indicates that mineralization occurs on the surfaces of picoplankton cells and degrading organic cellular components. The organic constituents include, but are not restricted to, whole and fragmented algal cells and composite structures ∼20-30 μm in diameter. The observed calcium carbonate crystals are distinct from skeletal debris. Because of the magnitude of the whiting phenomenon, calculations of carbonate sediment production budgets should include the potential contribution of calcium carbonate produced by epicefular precipitation. Knowledge of carbonate mud genesis is critical to interpretation of ancient occurrences of lime mud as well as to understanding ancient and global carbon cycles. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.