Comparative metagenomic analysis of bacterial communities and functional
profiles in urban-influenced blue carbon ecosystems
Abstract
Mangrove and seaweed ecosystems, as integral components of blue carbon
habitats, play pivotal roles in global carbon sequestration and coastal
protection, showcasing unique environmental dynamics and biological
diversity. This study explores seaweed and mangrove-associated bacterial
communities and their functional dynamics in Goa coastal habitats,
highlighting their critical ecological roles within blue carbon
habitats. Physicochemical analysis revealed contrasting environmental
conditions, with the seaweed ecosystem experiencing stable marine
influences and the mangrove ecosystem subject to dynamic
terrestrial-aquatic interactions. Elevated levels of pathogenic bacteria
in both ecosystems indicate significant pollution from anthropogenic
activities. Advanced metagenomic techniques, including Illumina’s 16S
V3-V4 amplicon sequencing, were employed to assess bacterial diversity.
The seaweed ecosystems were predominated by Proteobacteria,
Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteria, crucial for nutrient cycling and
organic matter decomposition. In contrast, mangrove ecosystems displayed
a more complex microbiota, represented by Firmicutes, adapted to
anaerobic conditions. Core microbiome analysis revealed the prevalence
of the pathogen Pleurocapsa in seaweeds, suggesting ecosystem
health decline, while mangrove microbiomes showed the dominance of
genera such as Bacillus and Clostridium, which are key in
processing organic material under low-oxygen conditions. Notably,
Clostridium levels indicated faecal contamination, underscoring
the impact of external pollution. Functional pathway analysis conducted
with PICRUSt2 analysis elucidated the metabolic specializations of the
microbiomes. Seaweed-associated microbiomes excelled in carbohydrate
metabolism, cellular growth and death and environmental information
processing, whereas mangrove microbiomes showed advanced capabilities in
carbohydrate metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation and complex organic
compound metabolism such as terpenoids and polyketides, reflecting
complex microbial dynamics and pollution in mangroves. The findings
emphasize the urgent need for effective conservation strategies to
protect these vital ecosystems against the rising threats of
anthropogenic pressures pollution, and climate change. An enhanced
understanding of microbial dynamics and functional capabilities is
essential for implementing informed management practices, ensuring the
conservation and restoration of these critical blue carbon ecosystems.