Editing Thiomargarita namibiensis (section)

== Significance ==
''T. namibiensis'' plays a vital role in the [[sulfur]] and nitrogen cycles. In their [[sulfur]] rich environment, [[oxygen]] is scarcely available and cannot be used as an [[electron acceptor]]. In turn, ''T. namibiensis'' uses nitrate as the [[electron acceptor]], which they consume at the sediment surface and condense in a vacuole. From this, they can [[oxidize]] the toxic hydrogen sulfide that inhabits the sediment into [[sulfide]].<ref name=":1" /> Therefore, ''T. nambiensis'' acts as a detoxifier that removes poisonous gas from the water. This keeps the environment affable for fish and other marine living beings as well as providing [[sulfide]], a crucial nutrient for marine organisms.<ref name=":1" /> These bacteria also play an essential role in the [[phosphorus cycle]] of the sediment. ''T. namibiensis'' can release [[phosphate]] in anoxic sediments at high rates which contribute to the spontaneous [[precipitation]] of phosphorus-containing material. This plays an important role in the removal of phosphorus in the [[biosphere]].<ref name="Schulz 2006 The Genus Thiomargarita"/>