Pressure effects On marine prokaryoTES (POTES)

The ANR POTES program (Pressure effects On marine prokaryoTES) project concerns the role of marine micro-organisms in the mineralization of particulate (POM) and dissolved (DOM) organic matter and on the regeneration of biogenic compounds (silicates, carbonates) in the meso- and bathypelagic zones of the Ocean. Nowadays, most of the information regarding these processes comes from the epi-pelagic zone and/or does not take into account the effect of increasing pressure with depth. Yet, it is essential integrate effects of hydrostatic pressure forcing (as well as the associated decrease in temperature) when studying oceanic organic matter (OM) mineralization. POTES participants have not only a thorough knowledge but also the required equipment (hyperbaric bottles and samplers, sinking particles simulator) developed in collaboration with a private society (Métro-Mesures SA) that make it one of the international leader laboratories on hyperbaric topics.