Microbial metabolic responses in alluvial subsurface sediments and upon environmental changes

In this study, we examined microbial diversity and metabolic potential of microorganisms in alluvial cave sediments. We sampled seven sediments deposited in four caves along the Postojnsko-planinski cave system (Slovenia), including sediment deposited by a palaeoriver. We assessed microbial diversity of the sediments and established their metabolic potential at three different temperatures and in the presence/absence of oxygen.