Metabarcoding analysis reveals hidden eukaryotic plankton biodiversity in the Ross Sea, Antarctica

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a highly sensitive, non-destructive method that enables the detection of various species through DNA shed into environmental samples without requiring direct organism collection. This study sought to investigate the biodiversity and community structure of eukaryotic plankton, including phytoplankton and zooplankton, in the Ross Sea marine protected area (RSR MPA) using eDNA metabarcoding analysis. By examining their spatial and vertical distributions, the study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring for the conservation of the RSR MPA.

We collected 48 seawater samples from 16 sites in the Ross Sea region for eDNA metabarcoding analysis, targeting the 18S rRNA gene region of eukaryotic plankton in Antarctica. Bioinformatic processing and taxonomic classification were conducted to assess the diversity and community composition of phytoplankton and zooplankton.

Phytoplankton communities were primarily composed of six phyla with their distribution patterns and the grouping of samples with similar community structures was found to be shaped by the ocean currents of the RSR MPA and various environmental factors, such as salinity and dissolved oxygen levels. Zooplankton communities consisted of 18 major taxonomic groups, exhibiting distinct horizontal and vertical distribution patterns with differences in taxonomic community structure and species diversity across depth groups. Notably, previously undetected Antarctic species were identified in the Ross Sea region, demonstrating the effectiveness of eDNA in revealing hidden biodiversity.

Analyzing eukaryotic plankton communities in the vast and extreme Antarctic environment based on eDNA has proven to be highly efficient, enabling the detection of a greater number of species, including those that were difficult to identify in previous studies. It was observed that in the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area, various species form distinct community structures such as phytoplankton and zooplankton, each inhabiting the area according to different environmental variables and habitat preferences. As a designated marine protected area, the Ross Sea's unique ecosystem requires continuous monitoring and conservation efforts to address environmental changes. The genetic data obtained in this study contributes to expanding the database of Antarctic-specific species, facilitating more accurate and efficient analyses of Antarctic ecosystems in the future.