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Published on: November 25, 2020
Microbial resources and interactions across three-dimensional space for a freshwater ecosystem.
Dongliang Chu1, Haohong Zhang1, Zhi Wang2
1Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Molecular-imaging, Center of AI Biology, Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
This study profiles microbial resources in Honghu Lake, revealing surface water as a key source of microbes and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Groundwater acts as a refuge, highlighting the need for integrated freshwater ecosystem management.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Freshwater ecosystems are vital natural resources facing significant threats.
- Microorganisms within these ecosystems play crucial roles in biosynthesis and global biogeochemical cycles.
- Understanding microbial community structure and function in 3D space is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a comprehensive microbial catalog for the Honghu Lake ecosystem.
- To investigate the spatial distribution and sources of microbial species and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).
- To identify the role of groundwater as a potential microbial refuge.
Main Methods:
- Profiling of 131 metagenomic samples.
- Construction of the Honghu Microbial Catalog, including metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), species, and gene clusters.
- Analysis of microbial and ARG distribution between surface water and groundwater.
Main Results:
- The Honghu Microbial Catalog contains 2617 MAGs, 1718 candidate species, over 60 million gene clusters, and 7396 biosynthetic gene clusters.
- Surface water identified as a primary source of microbial species and ARGs.
- Groundwater acts as a microbial refuge, enriched with CPR bacteria and ARGs, with surface water influence extending in an 'influence sphere'.
Conclusions:
- Surface water significantly impacts groundwater microbial communities and ARG distribution.
- Groundwater serves as a critical reservoir for microbial diversity and ARGs.
- Findings are vital for the comprehensive understanding, management, and protection of freshwater ecosystems.
