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Microbes participated in macrophyte leaf litters decomposition in freshwater habitat
Biying Zhao1,2,3, Peng Xing1, Qinglong L Wu1,4
1State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|September 30, 2017
Summary
Aquatic microbes drive macrophyte decomposition in freshwater lakes. Bacterial and fungal communities shift over time, influenced by nutrients and litter carbon, impacting aquatic ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Microbiology
- Limnology
Background:
- Aquatic microbes' role in macrophyte decomposition is poorly understood in freshwater lakes.
- Macrophyte litter decomposition is crucial for nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the decomposition rates of different macrophyte leaf litters (Zizania latifolia, Hydrilla verticillata, Nymphoides peltata) over 150 days.
- To analyze the associated bacterial and fungal community dynamics during decomposition.
- To determine the environmental factors influencing microbial communities and their enzymatic activities.
Main Methods:
- In situ decomposition experiments using three macrophyte species.
- Monitoring of microbial community structure (bacteria and fungi) and diversity over time.
- Analysis of water chemistry (total phosphorus) and leaf litter stoichiometry (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus content, N/P ratio).
- Measurement of enzyme activities (cellulase, xylanase).
Main Results:
- Nymphoides peltata litter decomposed fastest; Zizania latifolia was slowest.
- Significant increases in bacterial and fungal alpha diversity and temporal shifts in community structure.
- Shifts in bacterial phyla (decrease in Gammaproteobacteria, increase in others) and a significant increase in the fungal phylum Cryptomycota.
- Microbial communities correlated with water total phosphorus and litter carbon content.
- Litter nutrient dynamics (N, P, N/P ratio) had a greater impact on fungal than bacterial communities.
- Enzyme activities correlated with specific microbial groups, indicating niche differentiation and cooperation.
Conclusions:
- Microbial communities play a significant role in macrophyte decomposition and nutrient cycling in freshwater ecosystems.
- Litter quality and environmental factors like nutrient availability shape microbial community structure and function.
- Cooperation and niche differentiation between bacteria and fungi are essential for efficient litter decomposition.
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