Multi-Scale Environmental Gradients Govern Microbial Succession and Structure Functional Gene Divergence in Element...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Microbiology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Lake littoral zones are crucial aquatic-terrestrial transition areas with significant biogeochemical gradients.
• These zones play a key role in regulating microbial communities and their functions within ecosystems.
• Understanding microbial succession and functional gene distribution in desert lake littoral zones is vital for ecosystem health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how environmental gradients influence microbial succession in desert lake littoral zones.
• To analyze the distribution patterns of functional genes involved in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling.
• To identify key environmental factors regulating microbial communities and gene functions.

Main Methods:

• Microbial alpha-diversity analysis across horizontal and vertical gradients.
• Assessment of microbial functional succession from shore to water's edge.
• Identification of environmental drivers using statistical analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

Main Results:

• Microbial diversity varied horizontally and vertically, with distinct functional shifts from aerobic to anaerobic types.
• The root-intensive layer showed higher microbial network complexity and functional resilience.
• Soil moisture was the primary driver of microbial composition, while pH, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), and Total Nitrogen (TN) regulated specific element cycling genes.

Conclusions:

• Environmental gradients significantly shape microbial succession and functional gene distribution in desert lake littoral zones.
• Soil moisture, pH, TOC, and TN are critical regulators of microbial communities and biogeochemical cycling.
• Findings provide insights into microbial-mediated element cycling and support the conservation of these fragile ecosystems.