Microbiology: Current Research

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Short Communication - Microbiology: Current Research (2024) Volume 8, Issue 1

Exploring the ecological drivers of microbial community composition in aquatic ecosystems.

Sorin Delia *

Department of Microbial Biotechnology, University of Oxford, UK

*Corresponding Author:
Sorin Delia
Department of Microbial Biotechnology, University of Oxford, UK
E-mail: sorin21@ox.ac.uk

Received: 01-Feb-2024, Manuscript No. AAMCR-24-135067; Editor assigned: 02-Feb-2024, PreQC No AAMCR-24-135067 (PQ) Reviewed:16-Feb-2024, QC No. AAMCR-24-135067 Revised:23-Feb-2024, Manuscript No. AAMCR-24-135067 (R); Published:28-Feb-2024, DOI:10.35841/aamcr-8.1.188

Citation: Delia S. Exploring the ecological drivers of microbial community composition in aquatic ecosystems. J Micro Curr Res. 2024; 8(1):188

Visit for more related articles at Microbiology: Current Research

Introduction

Aquatic ecosystems, from freshwater lakes to marine environments, host a rich tapestry of microbial life that plays crucial roles in nutrient cycling, food webs, and ecosystem functioning. Understanding the factors that shape microbial community composition in these environments is fundamental to deciphering their ecological dynamics and resilience. While microbial communities are incredibly diverse and dynamic, several key ecological drivers have emerged as influential forces in shaping their composition [1].

The physicochemical properties of water, including pH, salinity, and nutrient availability, significantly influence microbial community structure. For instance, in freshwater systems, variations in pH levels can select for specific microbial taxa adapted to acidic or alkaline conditions. Similarly, the availability of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus shapes the abundance and diversity of microbial populations, with implications for ecosystem productivity and water quality [2].

Temperature exerts a profound influence on microbial communities, influencing metabolic rates, growth rates, and species distributions. Aquatic ecosystems exhibit thermal stratification, with distinct temperature layers influencing microbial activity. Temperature gradients can create niche differentiation among microbial taxa, leading to spatial and temporal variations in community composition [3].

Water movement patterns, driven by currents, tides, and turbulence, play a crucial role in structuring microbial communities by dispersing microbes and their associated nutrients. Mixing regimes influence the connectivity between different habitats within aquatic ecosystems, facilitating the exchange of microbial taxa and promoting biodiversity [4].

The availability and diversity of organic and inorganic substrates shape microbial community composition by providing energy sources and habitats for growth. Microbes exhibit diverse metabolic capabilities, utilizing a wide range of substrates, from dissolved organic matter to complex polymers, influencing the assembly of microbial communities based on resource availability [5].

Microbial communities in aquatic ecosystems engage in complex interactions, including competition, predation, and mutualism, which shape community composition and dynamics. Competitive exclusion, where closely related microbial taxa compete for limited resources, can lead to the dominance of certain groups, while predation by bacterivores and protists regulates microbial abundance and diversity [6].

Aquatic ecosystems are subject to various natural and anthropogenic disturbances, such as nutrient inputs, pollution, and climate change, which can disrupt microbial community dynamics. These disturbances can alter water chemistry, temperature regimes, and substrate availability, leading to shifts in microbial community composition and ecosystem function [7].

Aquatic environments exhibit spatial heterogeneity at multiple scales, from microhabitats within sediment layers to macroscopic features like river channels and coastal zones. Microbial communities display spatial structuring in response to these gradients, with distinct assemblages adapted to different environmental conditions and niches [8].

Seasonal variations in environmental conditions, such as temperature, light availability, and nutrient inputs, drive temporal shifts in microbial community composition. Seasonal succession patterns, characterized by the blooming and decline of specific microbial taxa, reflect the seasonal cycles of primary production and nutrient dynamics in aquatic ecosystems [9].

Transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic environments, such as wetlands, estuaries, and riparian zones, serve as hotspots of microbial activity and diversity. These interfaces facilitate the exchange of organic matter, nutrients, and microbial taxa between land and water, influencing the composition and function of aquatic microbial communities [10].

Conclusion

Understanding the ecological drivers of microbial community composition in aquatic ecosystems is essential for predicting responses to environmental changes and managing ecosystem health. Integrating molecular techniques, such as high-throughput sequencing and metagenomics, with ecological modeling approaches enables researchers to unravel the complex interactions between environmental factors and microbial communities, paving the way for more holistic ecosystem management strategies. By deciphering the intricate web of ecological drivers shaping microbial communities, we gain insights into the hidden world beneath the waves and its vital contributions to aquatic ecosystem function and resilience.

References

  1. Peleg AY, Seifert H, Paterson DL et al. Acinetobacter baumannii: Emergence of a successful pathogen. Clin. Microbiol. 2008;21:538-82.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Falagas ME, Rafailidis PI, et al. Attributable mortality of Acinetobacter baumannii: No longer a controversial issue. Crit Care 2007;11:134.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Oly-Guillou ML. Clinical Impact and Pathogenicity of Acinetobacter. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2005;11:868-73.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Bragoszewska E, Pastuszka JS. Influence of meteorological factors on the level and characteristics of culturable bacteria in the air in Gliwice, Upper Silesia (Poland). Aerobiologia. 2018;34:241-255.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Jaber LR, Salem NM. Endophytes colonization of squash by the fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocrites) for managing zucchini yellow mosaic virus in cucurbits.Bio controls Sci Technol. 2014;24:1096-1109.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Kiarie S, Nyasani JO, Gohole LS, et al. Impact of fungal endophyte colonization of maize (Zea Mays L.) on induced resistance to thrips- and aphid-transmitted viruses. Plants. 2020;9:416.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Van Leeuwen T, Tirry L, Yamamoto A, et al. The economic importance of acaricides in the control of phytophagous mites and an update on recent acaricide mode of action research. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2015;121:12-21.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Sebastian J, Dominguez KV, Brar SK, et al. Fumaric acid production using alternate fermentation mode by immobilized Rhizopus oryzae-a greener production strategy. Chemosphere. 2021;281:130858.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Sasidharan S, Saud agar P, Leishmaniasis: Where are we and where are we heading?Parasitol Res. 2021;12(4):1541-54.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Lago JHG, Chaves MH, Ayres MCC, et al. Evaluation of antifungal and DNA-damaging activities of alkaloids from branches of Porcelain macrocarpa. Planta Med. 2007;73(3):292-95.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App