Distinctive physiology of polyphosphate-accumulating <i>Beggiatoa</i> suggests an important role in benthic phosphorus cycling

Sulfide-oxidizing bacteria of the genus <i>Beggiatoa</i> occur ubiquitously in marine coastal sediments and have a large potential to influence phosphate fluxes at the sediment-water interface, owing to their ability to accumulate polyphosphate and their large size. However, the extent to which these bacteria can contribute to phosphorus (P) sequestration or release remains poorly assessed. The importance of this study lies in demonstrating the remarkable flexibility in the adaptation of the strain <i>Beggiatoa</i> sp. 35Flor to varying P availability, including prolonged P starvation and its capacity to rapidly uptake and store available phosphate in the form of polyphosphate. When considered on a global scale, these physiological traits could form the basis for <i>Beggiatoa</i>'s role in moderating P fluxes.