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Unraveling the Unseen Players in the Ocean - A Field Guide to Water Chemistry and Marine Microbiology
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Ocean Acidification Induces Changes in Virus-Host Relationships in Mediterranean Benthic Ecosystems
Michael Tangherlini1, Cinzia Corinaldesi2, Francesca Ape3
1Fano Marine Centre, Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Viale Adriatico 1-N, 61032 Fano, Italy.
Microorganisms
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Ocean acidification shifts marine microbes from consuming organic matter to autotrophic lifestyles. This change impacts viral activity, favoring chronic infections over cell lysis in these natural laboratories.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Microbial ecology
- Oceanography
Background:
- Naturally acidified marine systems serve as crucial natural laboratories.
- Investigating the effects of ocean acidification on microbial communities is vital for understanding ecosystem function.
- Benthic microbial responses to varying acidification sources and pH levels are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare benthic microbial responses across four naturally acidified sites in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea.
- To investigate the impact of different acidification sources (CO2 emissions, mixed gases, acidified freshwater) on microbial communities.
- To analyze changes in prokaryotic and viral abundance, activity, biodiversity, and infection strategies.
Main Methods:
- Sampling and analysis of microbial communities (prokaryotes and viruses) in sediment samples.
- Assessment of prokaryotic abundance, activity, and biodiversity.
- Quantification of viral abundance and infection dynamics.
- Analysis of sediment organic matter biochemical composition.
Main Results:
- Ocean acidification alters viral life strategies, shifting from lytic to temperate (chronic infection) lifestyles.
- Prokaryotic communities in acidified environments tend towards (chemo)autotrophic assemblages.
- Reduced organic matter consumption by prokaryotic communities was observed under acidified conditions.
- Despite diverse local environmental dynamics, a consistent microbial response to acidification was evident.
Conclusions:
- Ocean acidification significantly controls benthic microbial assemblages.
- Changes in microbial communities under acidification have substantial feedbacks on overall ecosystem functioning.
- The study highlights the sensitivity of marine microbial ecosystems to ocean acidification.
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