Microbial ecology of the atmosphere

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Atmospheric Science
• Ecology

Background:

• The atmosphere facilitates the dispersal of microbial cells, propagules, and biomolecules, connecting diverse habitats across spatial scales.
• Atmospheric microorganisms are involved in various biochemical and biophysical transformations, impacting Earth's systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the ecological aspects of airborne microorganisms, focusing on their dispersal, activity, and contribution to climatic processes.
• To synthesize current knowledge on the biogeography, fluxes, and ecological relevance of atmospheric microbes.

Main Methods:

• Review of latest studies utilizing metagenomic approaches to analyze airborne microbial communities.
• Quantification of microbial cell distributions and fluxes between surface habitats and the atmosphere.
• Evaluation of microbial transformation of atmospheric volatile organic compounds and their role as ice nucleating particles.

Main Results:

• Airborne microbial communities exhibit significant biogeography influenced by biotic and abiotic factors.
• Long-range dispersal of airborne microbes, including pathogens, impacts macroecological outcomes in terrestrial and marine environments.
• Microorganisms in clouds are metabolically active and function as ice nucleating particles, influencing the water cycle.

Conclusions:

• Airborne microorganisms play a crucial role in ecological connectivity and climate regulation.
• Understanding atmospheric microbial ecology is vital for predicting macroecological patterns and climate feedbacks.
• Anthropogenic activities may impact natural atmospheric microbiota, necessitating further research.