"This is one of the first demonstrations of microbial dissolution of calcium carbonate at a higher pH," said Karrie Weber, professor of biological sciences and Earth and atmospheric sciences.

A research team has shown that methanogens, micro-organisms ubiquitous in low-oxygen environments like aquifers, soil and even permafrost, can propel their growth by dissolving calcium carbonate ...

They expect sodium carbonate and halite will be found in surface ... in the development of planets and moons in the outer solar system. More information: Toru Matsumoto et al, Sodium carbonates ...