This study is the first to test the iodonitrotetrazolium reduction (INT_R) method for respiration in prokaryotes. The method was successfully used with γ-proteobacteria, α-proteobacteria (including SAR11), actinobacteria and cyanobacteria. We show that the current use of a single conversion from INT_R to oxygen consumption may not be universally applicable but should be determined for each community. The results provide further confidence in the INT method to determine plankton respiration.

Ramped-temperature pyrolysis/oxidation (RPO) has been recently used to measure organic carbon properties in sediments, but the effects of pretreatment approaches on RPO results are unclear. We studied how acid rinsing and fumigation impact RPO analysis of organic carbon properties. Results show both methods and acid strength influence outcomes, with rinsing preserving natural states better. This research highlights the importance of method choice in accurate carbon analysis.

The study highlights the inter-seasonal variability of the carbonate dynamics of the East Frisian Wadden Sea, the world's largest intertidal area. During spring, increased biological activity leads to lower CO₂ and nitrate levels, while total alkalinity (TA) rises slightly. In summer, TA increases, enhancing the ocean's ability to absorb CO₂. Our research emphasizes the vital role of these intertidal regions in regulating carbon, contributing to a better understanding of carbon storage.

In this work, we developed, applied and validated on-site microbiological procedures to study the unique silica stromatolite-like structures present in orthoquartzite caves on venezuelan tepuis. The results prove them as promising terrestrial astrobiological analogues, validate the feasibility of real-time microbial analyses in remote caves and provide novel understanding on the microbiological aspects involved in the formation of silica stromatolites in non-thermal and aphotic environments.