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Published on: November 5, 2014
Heterogeneous viral contribution to dissolved organic matter processing in a long-term macrocosm experiment
Xiaowei Chen1, Wei Wei2, Xilin Xiao1
1State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Carbon Sequestration, Xiamen University, 361102 Xiamen, PR China; Joint Lab for Ocean Research and Education (LORE) of Dalhousie University, Canada, and Shandong University and Xiamen University, PR China.
Viruses significantly impact aquatic environments by transforming microbial biomass into dissolved organic matter (DOM). Viral lysis releases DOM, affecting its quantity, quality, and cycling in diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Aquatic Ecology
- Viral Ecology
Background:
- Viruses are globally abundant and crucial components of microbial food webs.
- The specific effects of viral activity on dissolved organic matter (DOM) processing in natural settings are not well understood.
- Understanding viral impacts is essential for comprehending nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate viral dynamics and their influence on microbial mortality.
- To assess the impact of viral activity on DOM quantity and quality in different aquatic conditions.
- To explore the complex relationships between viral lysis and DOM components.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale, long-term macrocosm experiment was conducted.
- Experiments simulated starved and stratified aquatic ecosystems.
- Measurements included viral infection rates, cell lysis, DOM transformation, and DOM component analysis.
Main Results:
- High viral infection and lysis rates were observed in starved seawater macrocosms, converting microbial biomass to DOM.
- In stratified macrocosms, significant DOM release occurred in upper layers, with reduced lysis in mixed zones.
- Viral lysis was stimulated at the bottom of stratified macrocosms, potentially linked to sinking organic carbon.
Conclusions:
- Viruses exert a heterogeneous impact on DOM cycling and fate in aquatic environments.
- Viral lysis contributes to both labile and recalcitrant DOM pools, influencing nutrient availability.
- The study highlights the significant role of viruses in transforming microbial biomass and shaping DOM characteristics.
