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Gutierrez‐Patricio S, Osman JR, Gonzalez‐Pimentel JL, Jurado V, Laiz L, Concepción AL, Saiz‐Jimenez C, Miller AZ. Microbiological exploration of the Cueva del Viento lava tube system in Tenerife, Canary Islands. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13245. [PMID: 38643985 PMCID: PMC11033209 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Cueva del Viento, located in the Canary Islands, Spain, is the Earth's sixth-longest lava tube, spanning 18,500 m, and was formed approximately 27,000 years ago. This complex volcanic cave system is characterized by a unique geomorphology, featuring an intricate network of galleries. Despite its geological significance, the geomicrobiology of Cueva del Viento remains largely unexplored. This study employed a combination of culture-dependent techniques and metabarcoding data analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cave's microbial diversity. The 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding approach revealed that the coloured microbial mats (yellow, red and white) coating the cave walls are dominated by the phyla Actinomycetota, Pseudomonadota and Acidobacteriota. Of particular interest is the high relative abundance of the genus Crossiella, which is involved in urease-mediated biomineralization processes, along with the presence of genera associated with nitrogen cycling, such as Nitrospira. Culture-dependent techniques provided insights into the morphological characteristics of the isolated species and their potential metabolic activities, particularly for the strains Streptomyces spp., Paenarthrobacter sp. and Pseudomonas spp. Our findings underscore the potential of Cueva del Viento as an ideal environment for studying microbial diversity and for the isolation and characterization of novel bacterial species of biotechnological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge R. Osman
- Instituto de Geología Económica Aplicada (GEA)Universidad de ConcepciónConcepciónChile
| | - José Luis Gonzalez‐Pimentel
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS‐CSIC)SevillaSpain
- Laboratorio HERCULESUniversidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
| | - Valme Jurado
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS‐CSIC)SevillaSpain
| | - Leonila Laiz
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS‐CSIC)SevillaSpain
| | | | - Cesareo Saiz‐Jimenez
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS‐CSIC)SevillaSpain
| | - Ana Zélia Miller
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS‐CSIC)SevillaSpain
- Laboratorio HERCULESUniversidade de ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
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Turrini P, Chebbi A, Riggio FP, Visca P. The geomicrobiology of limestone, sulfuric acid speleogenetic, and volcanic caves: basic concepts and future perspectives. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1370520. [PMID: 38572233 PMCID: PMC10987966 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1370520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Caves are ubiquitous subterranean voids, accounting for a still largely unexplored surface of the Earth underground. Due to the absence of sunlight and physical segregation, caves are naturally colonized by microorganisms that have developed distinctive capabilities to thrive under extreme conditions of darkness and oligotrophy. Here, the microbiomes colonizing three frequently studied cave types, i.e., limestone, sulfuric acid speleogenetic (SAS), and lava tubes among volcanic caves, have comparatively been reviewed. Geological configurations, nutrient availability, and energy flows in caves are key ecological drivers shaping cave microbiomes through photic, twilight, transient, and deep cave zones. Chemoheterotrophic microbial communities, whose sustenance depends on nutrients supplied from outside, are prevalent in limestone and volcanic caves, while elevated inorganic chemical energy is available in SAS caves, enabling primary production through chemolithoautotrophy. The 16S rRNA-based metataxonomic profiles of cave microbiomes were retrieved from previous studies employing the Illumina platform for sequencing the prokaryotic V3-V4 hypervariable region to compare the microbial community structures from different cave systems and environmental samples. Limestone caves and lava tubes are colonized by largely overlapping bacterial phyla, with the prevalence of Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota, whereas the co-dominance of Pseudomonadota and Campylobacterota members characterizes SAS caves. Most of the metataxonomic profiling data have so far been collected from the twilight and transient zones, while deep cave zones remain elusive, deserving further exploration. Integrative approaches for future geomicrobiology studies are suggested to gain comprehensive insights into the different cave types and zones. This review also poses novel research questions for unveiling the metabolic and genomic capabilities of cave microorganisms, paving the way for their potential biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Turrini
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alif Chebbi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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Lange-Enyedi NT, Németh P, Borsodi AK, Spötl C, Makk J. Calcium carbonate precipitating extremophilic bacteria in an Alpine ice cave. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2710. [PMID: 38302670 PMCID: PMC10834452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53131-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive research has provided a wealth of data on prokaryotes in caves and their role in biogeochemical cycles. Ice caves in carbonate rocks, however, remain enigmatic environments with limited knowledge of their microbial taxonomic composition. In this study, bacterial and archaeal communities of the Obstans Ice Cave (Carnic Alps, Southern Austria) were analyzed by next-generation amplicon sequencing and by cultivation of bacterial strains at 10 °C and studying their metabolism. The most abundant bacterial taxa were uncultured Burkholderiaceae and Brevundimonas spp. in the drip water, Flavobacterium, Alkanindiges and Polaromonas spp. in the ice, Pseudonocardia, Blastocatella spp., uncultured Pyrinomonadaceae and Sphingomonadaceae in carbonate precipitates, and uncultured Gemmatimonadaceae and Longimicrobiaceae in clastic cave sediments. These taxa are psychrotolerant/psychrophilic and chemoorganotrophic bacteria. On a medium with Mg2+/Ca2+ = 1 at 21 °C and 10 °C, 65% and 35% of the cultivated strains precipitated carbonates, respectively. The first ~ 200 µm-size crystals appeared 2 and 6 weeks after the start of the cultivation experiments at 21 °C and 10 °C, respectively. The crystal structure of these microbially induced carbonate precipitates and their Mg-content are strongly influenced by the Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio of the culture medium. These results suggest that the high diversity of prokaryotic communities detected in cryogenic subsurface environments actively contributes to carbonate precipitation, despite living at the physical limit of the presence of liquid water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Tünde Lange-Enyedi
- Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budaörsi út 45, Budapest, 1112, Hungary
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budaörsi út 45, Budapest, 1112, Hungary.
- Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, Nanolab, University of Pannonia, Egyetem út 10, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary.
| | - Andrea K Borsodi
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina út 29, Budapest, 1113, Hungary
| | - Christoph Spötl
- Institute of Geology, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Judit Makk
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
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Lange-Enyedi NT, Borsodi AK, Németh P, Czuppon G, Kovács I, Leél-Őssy S, Dobosy P, Felföldi T, Demény A, Makk J. Habitat-related variability in the morphological and taxonomic diversity of microbial communities in two Hungarian epigenic karst caves. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2023; 99:fiad161. [PMID: 38066687 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The physical and chemical characteristics of the bedrock, along with the geological and hydrological conditions of karst caves may influence the taxonomic and functional diversity of prokaryotes. Most studies so far have focused on microbial communities of caves including only a few samples and have ignored the chemical heterogeneity of different habitat types such as sampling sites, dripping water, carbonate precipitates, cave walls, cave sediment and surface soils connected to the caves. The aim of the present study was to compare the morphology, the composition and physiology of the microbiota in caves with similar environmental parameters (temperature, host rock, elemental and mineral composition of speleothems) but located in different epigenic karst systems. Csodabogyós Cave and Baradla Cave (Hungary) were selected for the analysis of bacterial and archaeal communities using electron microscopy, amplicon sequencing, X-ray diffraction, and mass spectroscopic techniques. The microbial communities belonged to the phyla Pseudomonadota, Acidobacteriota, Nitrospirota and Nitrososphaerota, and they showed site-specific variation in composition and diversity. The results indicate that morphological and physiological adaptations provide survival for microorganisms according to the environment. In epigenic karst caves, prokaryotes are prone to increase their adsorption surface, cooperate in biofilms, and implement chemolithoautotrophic growth with different electron-donors and acceptors available in the microhabitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Tünde Lange-Enyedi
- Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budaörsi út 45, H-1112 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea K Borsodi
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina út 29, H-1113 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budaörsi út 45, H-1112 Budapest, Hungary
- Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, Nanolab, University of Pannonia, Egyetem út 10, H-8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - György Czuppon
- Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budaörsi út 45, H-1112 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ivett Kovács
- Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budaörsi út 45, H-1112 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Leél-Őssy
- Department of Physical and Applied Geology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Dobosy
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina út 29, H-1113 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Felföldi
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Aquatic Ecology, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Karolina út 29, H-1113 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Demény
- Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budaörsi út 45, H-1112 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Makk
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
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Martin-Pozas T, Fernandez-Cortes A, Cuezva S, Cañaveras JC, Benavente D, Duarte E, Saiz-Jimenez C, Sanchez-Moral S. New insights into the structure, microbial diversity and ecology of yellow biofilms in a Paleolithic rock art cave (Pindal Cave, Asturias, Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165218. [PMID: 37419360 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of sunlight, caves harbor a great diversity of microbial colonies to extensive biofilms with different sizes and colors visible to the naked eye. One of the most widespread and visible types of biofilm are those with yellow hues that can constitute a serious problem for the conservation of cultural heritage in many caves, such as Pindal Cave (Asturias, Spain). This cave, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its Paleolithic parietal art, shows a high degree of development of yellow biofilms that represents a real threat to the conservation of painted and engraved figures. This study aims to: 1) identify the microbial structures and the most characteristic taxa composing the yellow biofilms, 2) seek the linked microbiome reservoir primarily contributing to their growth; 3) seed light on the driving vectors that contribute to their formation and determine the subsequent proliferation and spatial distribution. To achieve this goal, we used amplicon-based massive sequencing, in combination with other techniques such as microscopy, in situ hybridization and environmental monitoring, to compare the microbial communities of yellow biofilms with those of drip waters, cave sediments and exterior soil. The results revealed microbial structures related to the phylum Actinomycetota and the most characteristic bacteria in yellow biofilms, represented by the genera wb1-P19, Crossiella, Nitrospira, and Arenimonas. Our findings suggest that sediments serve as potential reservoirs and colonization sites for these bacteria that can develop into biofilms under favorable environmental and substrate conditions, with a particular affinity for speleothems and rugged-surfaced rocks found in condensation-prone areas. This study presents an exhaustive study of microbial communities of yellow biofilms in a cave, which could be used as a procedure for the identification of similar biofilms in other caves and to design effective conservation strategies in caves with valuable cultural heritage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Martin-Pozas
- Department of Geology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Soledad Cuezva
- Department of Geology, Geography and Environment, University of Alcala, Campus Cientifico-Tecnologico, 28802 Alcala de Henares, Spain.
| | - Juan Carlos Cañaveras
- Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of Alicante, Campus San Vicente del Raspeig, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - David Benavente
- Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences, University of Alicante, Campus San Vicente del Raspeig, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Elsa Duarte
- Department of History, University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Cesareo Saiz-Jimenez
- Department of Agrochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Soil and Water Protection, Institute of Natural Resources and Agricultural Biology (IRNAS-CSIC), 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Sergio Sanchez-Moral
- Department of Geology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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Tsouggou N, Oikonomou A, Papadimitriou K, Skandamis PN. 16S and 18S rDNA Amplicon Sequencing Analysis of Aesthetically Problematic Microbial Mats on the Walls of the Petralona Cave: The Use of Essential Oils as a Cleaning Method. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2681. [PMID: 38004693 PMCID: PMC10673238 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of microbial communities on cave walls and speleothems is an issue that requires attention. Traditional cleaning methods using water, brushes, and steam can spread the infection and cause damage to the cave structures, while chemical agents can lead to the formation of toxic compounds and damage the cave walls. Essential oils (EOs) have shown promising results in disrupting the cell membrane of bacteria and affecting their membrane permeability. In this study, we identified the microorganisms forming unwanted microbial communities on the walls and speleothems of Petralona Cave using 16S and 18S rDNA amplicon sequencing approaches and evaluated the efficacy of EOs in reducing the ATP levels of these ecosystems. The samples exhibited a variety of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, the SAR supergroup, Opisthokonta, Excavata, Archaeplastida, and Amoebozoa. These phyla are often found in various habitats, including caves, and contribute to the ecological intricacy of cave ecosystems. In terms of the order and genus taxonomy, the identified biota showed abundances that varied significantly among the samples. Functional predictions were also conducted to estimate the differences in expressed genes among the samples. Oregano EO was found to reduce ATP levels by 87% and 46% for black and green spots, respectively. Consecutive spraying with cinnamon EO further reduced ATP levels, with reductions of 89% for black and 88% for green spots. The application of a mixture solution caused a significant reduction up to 96% in ATP levels of both areas. Our results indicate that EOs could be a promising solution for the treatment of microbial communities on cave walls and speleothems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Tsouggou
- Laboratory of Food Quality Control & Hygiene, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece; (N.T.); (P.N.S.)
| | - Alexandra Oikonomou
- Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology and Speleology, Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture and Sports, Ardittou 34b, 11636 Athens, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Papadimitriou
- Laboratory of Food Quality Control & Hygiene, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece; (N.T.); (P.N.S.)
| | - Panagiotis N. Skandamis
- Laboratory of Food Quality Control & Hygiene, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece; (N.T.); (P.N.S.)
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Nicolosi G, Gonzalez-Pimentel JL, Piano E, Isaia M, Miller AZ. First Insights into the Bacterial Diversity of Mount Etna Volcanic Caves. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:1632-1645. [PMID: 36750476 PMCID: PMC10497698 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
While microbial communities in limestone caves across the world are relatively understood, knowledge of the microbial composition in lava tubes is lagging behind. These caves are found in volcanic regions worldwide and are typically lined with multicolored microbial mats on their walls and ceilings. The Mount Etna (Sicily, S-Italy) represents one of the most active volcanos in the world. Due to its outstanding biodiversity and geological features, it was declared Natural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO in 2013. Despite the presence of more than 200 basaltic lava tubes, the microbial diversity of these hypogean systems has never been investigated so far. Here, we investigated bacterial communities in four lava tubes of Mount Etna volcano. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was carried out for the morphological characterization and detection of microbial features. We documented an abundant presence of microbial cells with different morphotypes including rod-shaped, filamentous, and coccoidal cells with surface appendages, resembling actinobacteria reported in other lava tubes across the world. Based on 16S rRNA gene analysis, the colored microbial mats collected were mostly composed of bacteria belonging to the phyla Actinomycetota, Pseudomonadota, Acidobacteriota, Chloroflexota, and Cyanobacteria. At the genus level, the analysis revealed a dominance of the genus Crossiella, which is actively involved in biomineralization processes, followed by Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Chujaibacter, and Sphingomonas. The presence of these taxa is associated with the carbon, nitrogen, and ammonia cycles, and some are possibly related to the anthropic disturbance of these caves. This study provides the first insight into the microbial diversity of the Etna volcano lava tubes, and expands on previous research on microbiology of volcanic caves across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Nicolosi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Centro Speleologico Etneo, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Elena Piano
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Isaia
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ana Z Miller
- HERCULES Laboratory, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal.
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales Y Agrobiologia de Sevilla (IRNAS-CSIC), Seville, Spain.
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Addesso R, Baldantoni D, Cubero B, De La Rosa JM, González Pérez JA, Tiago I, Caldeira AT, De Waele J, Miller AZ. A multidisciplinary approach to the comparison of three contrasting treatments on both lampenflora community and underlying rock surface. BIOFOULING 2023; 39:204-217. [PMID: 37092276 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2023.2202314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Removing lampenflora, phototrophic organisms developing on rock surfaces in tourist cavities due to the artificial lighting, is a challenge for sustainable and appropriate long-term management of caves. Photosynthetic-based biofilms usually cause rock biodeterioration and an ecological imbalance in cave ecosystems. In this work, a detailed investigation of the effects of the 3 most commonly used lampenflora cleaning operations (NaClO, H2O2 and UVC) was carried out in Pertosa-Auletta Cave (Italy). The application of NaClO showed good disinfection capability over extended periods of time without causing any appreciable rock deterioration. The H2O2 treatment showed to be corrosive for the rock surfaces covered with vermiculation deposits. The chemical alteration of organic and inorganic compounds by H2O2 did not remove biomass, favoring biofilm recovery after three months of treatment. Both NaClO and H2O2 treatments were effective at removing photoautotrophs, although the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes as well as Apicomplexa and Cercozoa among the Eukaryotes, were found to be resistant to these treatments. The UVC treatments did not show any noticeable effect on the biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Addesso
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Daniela Baldantoni
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Beatriz Cubero
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla, IRNAS-CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Maria De La Rosa
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla, IRNAS-CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Igor Tiago
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Jo De Waele
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ana Z Miller
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla, IRNAS-CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
- HERCULES Laboratory, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
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9
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Bogdan DF, Baricz AI, Chiciudean I, Bulzu PA, Cristea A, Năstase-Bucur R, Levei EA, Cadar O, Sitar C, Banciu HL, Moldovan OT. Diversity, distribution and organic substrates preferences of microbial communities of a low anthropic activity cave in North-Western Romania. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:962452. [PMID: 36825091 PMCID: PMC9941645 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.962452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Karst caves are characterized by relatively constant temperature, lack of light, high humidity, and low nutrients availability. The diversity and functionality of the microorganisms dwelling in caves micro-habitats are yet underexplored. Therefore, in-depth investigations of these ecosystems aid in enlarging our understanding of the microbial interactions and microbially driven biogeochemical cycles. Here, we aimed at evaluating the diversity, abundance, distribution, and organic substrate preferences of microbial communities from Peștera cu Apă din Valea Leșului (Leșu Cave) located in the Apuseni Mountains (North-Western Romania). Materials and Methods To achieve this goal, we employed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) paralleled by the assessment of environmental parameters of cave sediments and water. Results and Discussion Pseudomonadota (synonym Proteobacteria) was the most prevalent phylum detected across all samples whereas the abundance detected at order level varied among sites and between water and sediment samples. Despite the general similarity at the phylum-level in Leșu Cave across the sampled area, the results obtained in this study suggest that specific sites drive bacterial community at the order-level, perhaps sustaining the enrichment of unique bacterial populations due to microenvironmental conditions. For most of the dominant orders the distribution pattern showed a positive correlation with C-sources such as putrescine, γ-amino butyric acid, and D-malic acid, while particular cases were positively correlated with polymers (Tween 40, Tween 80 and α-cyclodextrin), carbohydrates (α-D-lactose, i-erythritol, D-mannitol) and most of the carboxylic and ketonic acids. Physicochemical analysis reveals that sediments are geochemically distinct, with increased concentration of Ca, Fe, Al, Mg, Na and K, whereas water showed low nitrate concentration. Our PCA indicated the clustering of different dominant orders with Mg, As, P, Fe, and Cr. This information serves as a starting point for further studies in elucidating the links between the taxonomic and functional diversity of subterranean microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Felicia Bogdan
- Doctoral School of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Applied Natural Sciences, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,*Correspondence: Diana Felicia Bogdan, ✉
| | - Andreea Ionela Baricz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iulia Chiciudean
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul-Adrian Bulzu
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Hydrobiology, Department of Aquatic Microbial Ecology, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Evolution, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Adorján Cristea
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ruxandra Năstase-Bucur
- Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Cluj-Napoca Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Erika Andrea Levei
- INCDO-INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Oana Cadar
- INCDO-INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Sitar
- Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Zoological Museum, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Horia Leonard Banciu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Centre for Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Horia Leonard Banciu, ✉
| | - Oana Teodora Moldovan
- Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Cluj-Napoca Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, CENIEH, Burgos, Spain
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10
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Chiciudean I, Russo G, Bogdan DF, Levei EA, Faur L, Hillebrand-Voiculescu A, Moldovan OT, Banciu HL. Competition-cooperation in the chemoautotrophic ecosystem of Movile Cave: first metagenomic approach on sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2022; 17:44. [PMID: 35978381 PMCID: PMC9386943 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-022-00438-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Movile Cave (SE Romania) is a chemoautotrophically-based ecosystem fed by hydrogen sulfide-rich groundwater serving as a primary energy source analogous to the deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystems. Our current understanding of Movile Cave microbiology has been confined to the sulfidic water and its proximity, as most studies focused on the water-floating microbial mat and planktonic accumulations likely acting as the primary production powerhouse of this unique subterranean ecosystem. By employing comprehensive genomic-resolved metagenomics, we questioned the spatial variation, chemoautotrophic abilities, ecological interactions and trophic roles of Movile Cave's microbiome thriving beyond the sulfidic-rich water. RESULTS A customized bioinformatics pipeline led to the recovery of 106 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes from 7 cave sediment metagenomes. Assemblies' taxonomy spanned 19 bacterial and three archaeal phyla with Acidobacteriota, Chloroflexota, Proteobacteria, Planctomycetota, Ca. Patescibacteria, Thermoproteota, Methylomirabilota, and Ca. Zixibacteria as prevalent phyla. Functional gene analyses predicted the presence of CO2 fixation, methanotrophy, sulfur and ammonia oxidation in the explored sediments. Species Metabolic Coupling Analysis of metagenome-scale metabolic models revealed the highest competition-cooperation interactions in the sediments collected away from the water. Simulated metabolic interactions indicated autotrophs and methanotrophs as major donors of metabolites in the sediment communities. Cross-feeding dependencies were assumed only towards 'currency' molecules and inorganic compounds (O2, PO43-, H+, Fe2+, Cu2+) in the water proximity sediment, whereas hydrogen sulfide and methanol were assumedly traded exclusively among distant gallery communities. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the primary production potential of Movile Cave expands way beyond its hydrothermal waters, enhancing our understanding of the functioning and ecological interactions within chemolithoautotrophically-based subterranean ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Chiciudean
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Giancarlo Russo
- EMBL Partner Institute for Genome Editing, Life Sciences Center–Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Diana Felicia Bogdan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Doctoral School of Integrative Biology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Erika Andrea Levei
- National Institute for Research and Development for Optoelectronics, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation Subsidiary, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Luchiana Faur
- Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Geospeleology and Paleontology Department, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Hillebrand-Voiculescu
- Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Biospeology and Edaphobiology Department, Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Teodora Moldovan
- Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Cluj-Napoca Department, Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Horia Leonard Banciu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Centre for Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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11
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Abstract
Exogenic deposits are an important source of rare earth elements (REEs), especially heavy REEs (HREEs). It is generally accepted that microorganisms are able to dissolve minerals and mobilize elements in supergene environments. However, little is known about the roles of microorganisms in the formation of exogenic deposits such as regolith-hosted REE deposits that are of HREE enrichment and provide over 90% of global HREE demand. In this study, we characterized the microbial community composition and diversity along a complete weathering profile drilled from a regolith-hosted REE deposit in Southeastern China and report the striking contributions of microorganisms to the enrichment of REEs and fractionation between HREEs and light REEs (LREEs). Our results provide evidence that the variations in REE contents are correlated with microbial community along the profile. Both fungi and bacteria contributed to the accumulation of REEs, whereas bacteria played a key role in the fractionation between HREEs and LREEs. Taking advantage of bacteria strains isolated from the profile, Gram-positive bacteria affiliated with Bacillus and Micrococcus preferentially adsorbed HREEs, and teichoic acids in the cell wall served as the main sites for HREE adsorption, leading to an enrichment of HREEs in the deposit. The present study provides the first database of microbial community in regolith-hosted REE deposits. These findings not only elucidate the crucial contribution of fungi and bacteria in the supergene REE mineralization but also provide insights into efficient utilization of mineral resources via a biological pathway. IMPORTANCE Understanding the role of microorganisms in the formation of regolith-hosted rare earth element (REE) deposits is beneficial for improving the metallogenic theory and deposit exploitation, given that such deposits absolutely exist in subtropical regions with strong microbial activities. Little is known of the microbial community composition and its contribution to REE mineralization in this kind of deposit. Using a combination of high-throughput sequencing, batch adsorption experiments, and spectroscopic characterization, the functional microorganisms contributing to REE enrichment and fractionation are disclosed. For bacteria, the surface carboxyl and phosphate groups are active sites for REE adsorption, while teichoic acids in the cell walls of G+ bacteria lead to REE fractionation. The above-mentioned findings not only unravel the importance of microorganisms in the formation of supergene REE deposits but also provide experimental evidence for the bioutilization of REE resources.
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12
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Jurado V, Del Rosal Y, Jimenez de Cisneros C, Liñan C, Martin-Pozas T, Gonzalez-Pimentel JL, Hermosin B, Saiz-Jimenez C. Microbial communities in carbonate precipitates from drip waters in Nerja Cave, Spain. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13399. [PMID: 35529484 PMCID: PMC9074860 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on cave microorganisms has mainly focused on the microbial communities thriving on speleothems, rocks and sediments; however, drip water bacteria and calcite precipitation has received less attention. In this study, microbial communities of carbonate precipitates from drip waters in Nerja, a show cave close to the sea in southeastern Spain, were investigated. We observed a pronounced difference in the bacterial composition of the precipitates, depending on the galleries and halls. The most abundant phylum in the precipitates of the halls close to the cave entrance was Proteobacteria, due to the low depth of this sector, the direct influence of a garden on the top soil and the infiltration of waters into the cave, as well as the abundance of members of the order Hyphomicrobiales, dispersing from plant roots, and other Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, common soil inhabitants. The influence of marine aerosols explained the presence of Marinobacter, Idiomarina, Thalassobaculum, Altererythrobacter and other bacteria due to the short distance from the cave to the sea. Nineteen out of forty six genera identified in the cave have been reported to precipitate carbonate and likely have a role in mineral deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valme Jurado
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiologia (IRNAS-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | - Cristina Liñan
- Departamento de Ecologia y Geologia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | | | | | - Bernardo Hermosin
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiologia (IRNAS-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
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13
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Addesso R, Bellino A, Baldantoni D. Underground Ecosystem Conservation Through High-resolution Air Monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 69:982-993. [PMID: 35190855 PMCID: PMC8860376 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In cave ecosystems tourists represent moving sources of discontinuous disturbances, able to induce transient system responses whose knowledge is crucial in defining appropriate conservation measures. Here we propose an approach to evaluate the amplitude and scales of cave alterations based on high-resolution air monitoring, through the use of purposely developed low-cost monitoring stations and a consistent analytical framework for information retrieval based on time series analysis. In particular, monitoring stations adopt a modular structure based on physical computing platforms acquiring data through several sensors, with means of preventing humidity damages and guaranteeing their continuous operation. Data are then analyzed using wavelet periodograms and cross-periodograms to extract the scales of tourism-induced alterations. The approach has been exemplified in the Pertosa-Auletta Cave, one of the most important underground environments in Southern Italy, highlighting the development of monitoring stations and the information obtainable with the proposed analytical workflow. Here, 2 monitoring stations acquiring data for 1 year at 1' sampling time on temperature, relative humidity, CO2, VOCs, and particulate matter were deployed in trails subjected to different levels of tourism. In terms of Pertosa-Auletta Cave air dynamics, the approach allowed estimating the temporal and spatial scales of tourism-induced alterations in the order of minutes and meters, respectively, with parameter-dependent variations. On more general terms, the approach proved reliable and effective, with its modularity and low-cost fostering its straightforward adoption in other underground ecosystems, where it can support the development of tailored management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Addesso
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Alessandro Bellino
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Daniela Baldantoni
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
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14
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Ai J, Guo J, Li Y, Zhong X, Lv Y, Li J, Yang A. The diversity of microbes and prediction of their functions in karst caves under the influence of human tourism activities-a case study of Zhijin Cave in Southwest China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:25858-25868. [PMID: 34854002 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17783-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms, sensitive to the surrounding environment changes, show how the cave environment can be impacted by human activities. Zhijin Cave, featured with the most well-developed karst landform in China, has been open to tourists for more than 30 years. This study explored the microbial diversity in a karst cave and the impacts of tourism activities on the microbial communities and the community structures of bacteria and archaea in three niches in Zhijin Cave, including the mixture of bacteria and cyanobacteria on the rock wall, the aquatic sediments, and the surface sediments, using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. It was found that Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria were the dominant bacteria in the cave and Crenarchaeota and Thermoplasmatota were the dominant archaea. The correlation between microorganisms and environmental variables in the cave showed that archaea were more affected by pH and ORP than bacteria and F-, Cl-, NO3-, and SO42- were all positively relevant to the distribution of most bacteria and archaea in the cave. PICRUSt's prediction of microbial functions also indicated that abundance of the bacteria's functions was higher than that of the archaea. The intention of this study was to improve the understanding, development, and protection of microbial resources in caves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ai
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 500025, China
| | - Jianeng Guo
- Management Office of Zhijin Cave Scenic Area, Bijie, 552100, Guizhou, China
| | - Yancheng Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 500025, China.
- Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiong Zhong
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 500025, China
| | - Yang Lv
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 500025, China
| | - Jiang Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 500025, China
- Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Aijiang Yang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 500025, China
- Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
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15
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Farda B, Djebaili R, Vaccarelli I, Del Gallo M, Pellegrini M. Actinomycetes from Caves: An Overview of Their Diversity, Biotechnological Properties, and Insights for Their Use in Soil Environments. Microorganisms 2022; 10:453. [PMID: 35208907 PMCID: PMC8875103 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental conditions of caves shape microbiota. Within caves' microbial communities, actinomycetes are among the most abundant bacteria. Cave actinomycetes have gained increasing attention during the last decades due to novel bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. However, their potential role in soil environments is still unknown. This review summarises the literature dealing with actinomycetes from caves, underlining for the first time their potential roles in soil environments. We provide an overview of their diversity and biotechnological properties, underling their potential role in soil environments applications. The contribution of caves' actinomycetes in soil fertility and bioremediation and crops biostimulation and biocontrol are discussed. The survey on the literature show that several actinomycetes genera are present in cave ecosystems, mainly Streptomyces, Micromonospora, and Nocardiopsis. Among caves' actinomycetes, Streptomyces is the most studied genus due to its ubiquity, survival capabilities, and metabolic versatility. Despite actinomycetes' outstanding capabilities and versatility, we still have inadequate information regarding cave actinomycetes distribution, population dynamics, biogeochemical processes, and metabolisms. Research on cave actinomycetes needs to be encouraged, especially concerning environmental soil applications to improve soil fertility and health and to antagonise phytopathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rihab Djebaili
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (B.F.); (I.V.); (M.D.G.)
| | | | | | - Marika Pellegrini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (B.F.); (I.V.); (M.D.G.)
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16
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Kajan K, Cukrov N, Cukrov N, Bishop-Pierce R, Orlić S. Microeukaryotic and Prokaryotic Diversity of Anchialine Caves from Eastern Adriatic Sea Islands. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 83:257-270. [PMID: 33903927 PMCID: PMC8891109 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01760-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Anchialine ecosystems in the eastern Adriatic Sea are diverse both morphologically and biologically. In this study, for the first time, we explored the microeukaryotic and prokaryotic community of anchialine caves in the Mediterranean region using high-throughput sequencing. Four anchialine caves located on nearby islands with a well-pronounced salinity gradient were sampled at the surface freshwater area, halocline area, and seawater area. Sequencing revealed a surprisingly wide diversity of the microeukaryotic and prokaryotic community with the relative abundance of major phyla differing within the salinity gradient and between the caves. Interestingly, microeukaryotic and prokaryotic communities clustered into four groups based on location, pointing out that sampled anchialine caves have different microbial community patterns and high microbial endemism. Our results indicate that even with the halocline acting as a selecting barrier, the salinity is not the only community structuring factor. Despite the short geographical distance, the isolation of anchialine caves facilitated high microbial community adaptation and endemism. Our study suggests that anchialine caves represent reservoirs of new biodiversity, maintaining unique and complex microbial diversity influenced by biotic interactions and abiotic environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Kajan
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM), Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Neven Cukrov
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nuša Cukrov
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Sandi Orlić
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM), Zagreb, Croatia.
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17
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Into the Unknown: Microbial Communities in Caves, Their Role, and Potential Use. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020222. [PMID: 35208677 PMCID: PMC8877592 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Caves have been an item of amateur and professional exploration for many years. Research on the karst caves has revealed great diversity of bacteria, algae, and fungi living on stone walls and speleothems, in mud puddles or sediments. They have become the source of interest for various research groups including geologists, chemists, ecologists, or microbiologists. The adaptations of cave-dwelling organisms applied to their survival are complex and some of their properties show potential to be used in various areas of human life. Secondary metabolites produced by cave’s bacteria show strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or anticancer properties. Furthermore, bacteria that can induce mineral precipitation could be used in the construction industry and for neutralization of radioisotopes. In this review we focus on bacteria and algae present in cave ecosystems, their role in shaping such specific environment, and their biotechnological and medical potential.
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18
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Kelly H, Spilde MN, Jones DS, Boston PJ. Insights into the Geomicrobiology of Biovermiculations from Rock Billet Incubation Experiments. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010059. [PMID: 33467599 PMCID: PMC7830032 DOI: 10.3390/life11010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Biovermiculations are uniquely patterned organic rich sediment formations found on the walls of caves and other subterranean environments. These distinctive worm-like features are the combined result of physical and biological processes. The diverse microbial communities that inhabit biovermiculations may corrode the host rock, form secondary minerals, and produce biofilms that stabilize the sediment matrix, thus altering cave surfaces and contributing to the formation of these wall deposits. In this study, we incubated basalt, limestone, and monzonite rock billets in biovermiculation mixed natural community enrichments for 468–604 days, and used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess surface textures and biofilms that developed over the course of the experiment. We observed alteration of rock billet surfaces associated with biofilms and microbial filaments, particularly etch pits and other corrosion features in olivine and other silicates, calcite dissolution textures, and the formation of secondary minerals including phosphates, clays, and iron oxides. We identified twelve distinct biofilm morphotypes that varied based on rock type and the drying method used in sample preparation. These corrosion features and microbial structures inform potential biological mechanisms for the alteration of cave walls, and provide insight into possible small-scale macroscopically visible biosignatures that could augment the utility of biovermiculations and similarly patterned deposits for astrobiology and life detection applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Kelly
- Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801, USA;
| | - Michael N. Spilde
- Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Daniel S. Jones
- Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801, USA;
- National Cave and Karst Research Institute, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
- Correspondence: (P.J.B.); (D.S.J.)
| | - Penelope J. Boston
- Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801, USA;
- National Cave and Karst Research Institute, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Correspondence: (P.J.B.); (D.S.J.)
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