At Site 1272 two samples were collected to characterize the microbial community inhabiting this environment. The rock samples are completely serpentinized harzburgites.
The samples were prepared as described in "Igneous Rocks" in "Microbiology" in the "Explanatory Notes" chapter. The type and extent of contamination caused by drill fluids was evaluated as described in "Contamination Tests" in "Microbiology" in the "Explanatory Notes" chapter. Pieces 17 and 20 were rinsed in nanopure water, and 1 mL of the collected water (34 mL) was filtered and examined under a fluorescence microscope. Microsphere concentration was >940 microspheres/mL of wash. A 0.4-g interior piece of the sample was examined under a fluorescence microscope to detect microsphere penetration. The results showed that the microspheres did not penetrate to the interior of the sample. Perfluorocarbon tracer was not used at this site.
One liter of surface water was collected and prepared for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis and direct counts as described in "Seawater and Water Samples" in "Microbiology" in the "Explanatory Notes" chapter.
Table T12 is a summary of atmospheric and surface water data for the period 5–13 June 2003. For surface water direct count data, 1 mL of water was stained as described in "Surface Seawater" in "Seawater and Water Samples" in "Microbiology" in the "Explanatory Notes" chapter. One milliliter of funnel rinse water was used as a control. Salinity, temperature, and pH values for all surface water values varied; salinity ranged 36.0–37.0 psu, temperature 25.5°–26.1°C, and pH 7.96–7.98. Surface water samples were collected between 1225 and 1345 hr. No surface water sample was collected on 12 June due to relocation of the ship. Air samples were collected for culture-based studies between 0640 and 0704 hr. Air sample volumes ranged 313.2–8856.0 L per sample. Microbial growth (colony forming units) was for the total volume at 48 and >96 hr of incubation (Table T12). Air temperatures, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction ranged 25.3°–26.4°C, 68.8%–82.8%, 4.5–6.7 m/s, and 67°–110°, respectively. Samples for shore-based analysis of bacterial community DNA and bacteria and viral direct counts were collected daily and stored according to protocol.