Data for figures

This dataset compiles original data from a study investigating microbial iron reduction in sediments of Tibetan Plateau lakes with varying salinity (e.g., Erhai Lake, Tuosu Lake). The research hypothesis posits that sediment physicochemical properties (e.g., salinity, pH, total organic carbon) significantly influence microbial iron reduction kinetics and mineralogical transformations, driving biogeochemical cycles in extreme environments.
The data includes:
1) Sediment physicochemical characteristics: Measurements of salinity, pH, TOC, TN, TP, and ion concentrations from lake sediments.
2) Iron reduction kinetics: Time-course data on Fe(II) production during anaerobic incubations, reflecting microbial activity.
3) Mineralogical analysis: X-ray diffractograms (XRD) identifying iron oxides (e.g., goethite, hematite) and other minerals.

Key findings reveal that high-salinity lakes (e.g., KeKe Lake) exhibit suppressed iron reduction rates, indicating salinity inhibition of microbial processes. Iron reduction is coupled with sulfur cycling, as evidenced by XRD-based mineral transformations. These insights highlight salinity as a critical regulator of iron biogeochemistry.

Data were gathered through field sediment sampling, laboratory anaerobic incubations with spectrophotometric Fe(II) analysis, and XRD mineral identification. The data can be interpreted using kinetic models (e.g., first-order fitting) to quantify reduction rates and correlated with environmental parameters to assess drivers of iron cycling. Researchers may use this dataset for comparative studies on saline lake biogeochemistry, modeling efforts, and understanding microbial-mineral interactions.