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Depth significantly affects plastisphere microbial evenness, assembly and co-occurrence pattern but not richness and
Zhiqiang Wu1, Jianxing Sun1, Liting Xu1
1School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, PR China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|November 9, 2023
Summary
Ocean depth significantly impacts microbial communities on microplastics. Deeper waters show more random microbial assembly and simpler interactions, unlike shallower zones, highlighting key bacteria for plastic degradation.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a major global environmental concern.
- The microbial communities colonizing microplastics (plastisphere) are increasingly studied, but assembly mechanisms and depth-related effects remain poorly understood.
- Understanding these microbial dynamics is crucial for marine ecosystem health and bioremediation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of ocean depth on microbial diversity, community composition, assembly processes, and co-occurrence patterns on microplastics.
- To identify key microbial taxa and their roles in different oceanic layers.
- To provide insights into potential plastic-degrading microorganisms and microbial remediation.
Main Methods:
- Collection of microorganisms from microplastics at various ocean depths.
- Analysis of microbial diversity, richness, evenness, and community composition.
- Assessment of microbial community assembly processes (deterministic vs. stochastic).
- Construction and analysis of microbial co-occurrence networks.
Main Results:
- Microbial richness and community composition were similar across ocean layers, but evenness and unique microbes differed.
- Deterministic processes dominated mesopelagic plastisphere microbial assembly, while stochastic processes shaped bathypelagic communities.
- Mesopelagic microbial co-occurrence networks were more complex and stable than bathypelagic ones.
- Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota were identified as key keystone taxa in both layers.
Conclusions:
- Ocean depth is a critical factor influencing the assembly mechanisms and co-occurrence patterns of plastisphere microbial communities.
- Distinct microbial assembly processes operate in different oceanic zones, affecting community structure and stability.
- The study identifies key microbial groups and provides foundational knowledge for exploring plastic degradation and bioremediation.
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