Benthic foraminiferal community structure and its response to heavy metals revealed using environmental DNA/RNA
Ling Qiao1, Yuqi Wu2, Chengzhe Ren3
1Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan 316021, China.
Abstract:
Foraminifera are among the most important components of benthic communities widely used as indicators of marine environmental changes. Determining the effect of heavy metal pollution on benthic foraminifera is a key requirement for evaluating the health of coastal ecosystems. In this study, environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) metabarcoding was used to evaluate the benthic foraminiferal community structure and diversity in Yueqing Bay, East China Sea. A total of 45 genera were identified, of which Operculina was predominant. eDNA metabarcoding revealed higher species richness and molecular diversity than did eRNA, with higher values being recorded in the Oujiang Estuary and outer bay than in the inner and central bays. Exploring the relationship between the benthic foraminiferal community and heavy metals showed that Cu was a key factor affecting structure and diversity at the eRNA level. Findings suggest that Nummulites, Ammonia, and Haynesina may be sensitive to Cu pollution, while Parasorites may be tolerant to Zn and Pb.
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