Oxygen isotopic signature of the skeletal microstructures in cultured corals: Identification of vital effects

In order to identify vital effect on oxygen isotopic ratio, we analyzed at micrometer size scale skeleton microstructures of a scleractinian coral Acropora, cultured under constant conditions. Measurements focused on the two crystalline units highlighted different isotopic signatures. Massive crystals (centers of calcification: COC) exhibit quasi-constant lowest values whereas fibers, the dominant units exhibit scattered distribution with amplitude of up to 5 parts per thousand. Fiber oxygen isotopic ratios (delta O-18) range from values similar to instantaneous deposition to equilibrium value. By comparing data obtained on the Acropora specimen and deep-sea corals grown under well constrained conditions, we infer that the scattered delta O-18 aragonite fibers indicate precipitation through kinetic precipitation. Thus, we argue for inherent biological feature typical to all coral genera. Modalities of COC formation remain ignored. The different isotopic signature of two mineral microstructures present in close proximity in coral skeleton can only be explained by compartment depositions related to different organic environments. Indeed, multiple secondary electron microscopy (SEM) observations favor interaction between mineral and organic matrix surface. Moreover, atomic forcing microscopy (AFM) investigations demonstrated thermodynamic changes induced by mineralization in presence of organic compounds. The combination of our results with previous published ones from biological studies, allows us proposing a consistent model of fiber skeleton formation. The prerequisite step of mineral growth unit precipitation would be initiated by organic matrix secretion, which defines spatial extension. Specific carriers supply ionic compounds of the crystals to ensure local supersaturation. However, possibly controlled by organic molecules, ionic amount would be limited, implying the supersaturation decline over the time. This could explain the progressive decrease of the coral growth rate. In this case, vital effect should not only bias isotopic fractionation through biological activity but the mechanism of skeleton deposition is imposed by specific chemical and/or physical conditions due to the presence of organic molecules. These conclusions derive from observations performed at high resolution. Therefore, isotopic ratio measured on millimeter scale for paleoclimatic purposes, result of the average of strongly heterogeneous values. It could explain vital effects shown by geochemical time series derived from tropical coral skeleton, including the high species and/or colony variability. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.