FIG 7.

Conceptual view of the response of the groundwater microbiome to a disturbance by large inputs of necromass derived carbon. ¹³C labeled necromass (orange) is taken up by heterotrophic (green) members of the community that can rapidly thrive on the added OC. By metabolizing, e.g., amino acids contained in necromass, excess nitrogen, and sulfur compounds are being released and can subsequently stimulate the growth of autotrophic (yellow) and mixotrophic (blue) bacteria. Simultaneously, eukaryotes (purple) are taking up necromass-derived ¹³C by feeding on the heterotrophic community members or necromass directly.