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Large-scale sampling of the freshwater microbiome suggests pollution-driven ecosystem changes
Katrin Premke1, Christian Wurzbacher2, Katja Felsmann3
1Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|June 17, 2022
Summary
Freshwater microbes are vital for the carbon cycle. Pollution, including light and chemical, alters these microbial communities, impacting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in lakes and rivers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Ecosystem science
- Global change biology
Background:
- Freshwater microbes are essential drivers of the global carbon cycle.
- Anthropogenic stressors can significantly alter freshwater microbial communities, with unknown ecological consequences.
- Understanding these impacts is critical for predicting the future of freshwater ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between anthropogenic stressors (light and chemical pollution) and freshwater microbial community composition.
- To assess the impact of these stressors on greenhouse gas (CO2) concentrations in various freshwater bodies.
- To determine how pollution affects microbial functions like phototrophy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized field data from a coordinated, nationwide sampling of 617 lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.
- Employed citizen scientists for broad-scale data collection across diverse freshwater ecosystems.
- Analyzed microbial community composition, light pollution levels, chemical stress indicators (e.g., IntI1, blaOX58), and CO2 concentrations.
Main Results:
- All sampled water bodies were net CO2 emitters, with higher concentrations in running waters and at higher latitudes.
- Light pollution was prevalent (75% of sites) and significantly affected microbial alpha diversity.
- Genetic markers for chemical stress and antimicrobial resistance were widespread (85% of sites), particularly in urban rivers and streams.
- Both light pollution and CO2 concentrations were strongly correlated with microbial community composition, with CO2 inversely related to microbial phototrophy.
Conclusions:
- Pollution-driven changes in freshwater microbiomes significantly alter CO2 production in natural waters.
- Running waters exhibit particular vulnerability to anthropogenic stressors.
- Findings underscore the need to mitigate pollution to protect freshwater ecosystem functions and services.
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