RNA-Seq Virus Fraction in Lake Baikal and Treated Wastewaters

Area of Science:

• Environmental Virology
• Microbial Ecology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Lake Baikal faces potential virological hazards from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges.
• Monitoring allochthonous microorganisms is crucial for biodiversity conservation and human health in Lake Baikal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze viral communities in Lake Baikal and WWTP effluent.
• To identify potential virological risks to aquatic life and humans.

Main Methods:

• High-throughput sequencing of viral RNA and DNA.
• Sanitary and microbiological analyses of water samples.

Main Results:

• dsDNA viruses (Caudoviricetes) were most abundant overall; ssRNA(+) viruses (Leviviricetes) dominated WWTP effluent.
• Diverse RNA viruses, including Nodaviridae and Dicistroviridae, were identified in the lake's pelagic zone.
• WWTPs showed inadequate water purification, but no human pathogenic viruses were found in the lake.

Conclusions:

• WWTP effluent introduces significant viral loads into Lake Baikal.
• While viral diversity is high, current data suggests no immediate human health risk from pelagic viruses in the lake.