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Zhang M, Fu L, Ma D, Wang X, Liu A. Effects of Microtopography on Soil Microbial Community Structure and Abundance in Permafrost Peatlands. Microorganisms 2024; 12:867. [PMID: 38792697 PMCID: PMC11124213 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050867] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil microorganisms play crucial roles in the stability of the global carbon pool, particularly in permafrost peatlands that are highly sensitive to climate change. Microtopography is a unique characteristic of peatland ecosystems, but how microtopography affects the microbial community structures and their functions in the soil is only partially known. We characterized the bacterial and fungal community compositions by amplicon sequencing and their abundances via quantitative PCR at different soil depths in three microtopographical positions (hummocks, flats, and hollows) in permafrost peatland of the Greater Xing'an Mountains in China. The results showed that the soil of hummocks displayed a higher microbial diversity compared to hollows. Microtopography exerted a strong influence on bacterial community structure, while both microtopography and soil depth greatly impacted the fungal community structure with variable effects on fungal functional guilds. Soil water content, dissolved organic carbon, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen levels of the soil mostly affected the bacterial and fungal communities. Microtopography generated variations in the soil water content, which was the main driver of the spatial distribution of microbial abundances. This information stressed that the hummock-flat-hollow microtopography of permafrost peatlands creates heterogeneity in soil physicochemical properties and hydrological conditions, thereby influencing soil microbial communities at a microhabitat scale. Our results imply that changes to the water table induced by climate warming inducing permafrost degradation will impact the composition of soil microbes in peatlands and their related biogeochemical functions, eventually providing feedback loops into the global climate system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Zhang
- College of Geographical Sciences, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China; (M.Z.); (L.F.); (X.W.); (A.L.)
- Heilongjiang Wuyiling Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Yichun 153000, China
| | - Lingyu Fu
- College of Geographical Sciences, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China; (M.Z.); (L.F.); (X.W.); (A.L.)
- Heilongjiang Wuyiling Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Yichun 153000, China
| | - Dalong Ma
- College of Geographical Sciences, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China; (M.Z.); (L.F.); (X.W.); (A.L.)
- Heilongjiang Wuyiling Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Yichun 153000, China
| | - Xu Wang
- College of Geographical Sciences, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China; (M.Z.); (L.F.); (X.W.); (A.L.)
- Heilongjiang Wuyiling Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Yichun 153000, China
| | - Anwen Liu
- College of Geographical Sciences, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China; (M.Z.); (L.F.); (X.W.); (A.L.)
- Heilongjiang Wuyiling Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Yichun 153000, China
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Chen X, Xue D, Wang Y, Qiu Q, Wu L, Wang M, Liu J, Chen H. Variations in the archaeal community and associated methanogenesis in peat profiles of three typical peatland types in China. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2023; 18:48. [PMID: 37280702 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00503-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peatlands contain about 500 Pg of carbon worldwide and play a dual role as both a carbon sink and an important methane (CH4) source, thereby potentially influencing climate change. However, systematic studies on peat properties, microorganisms, methanogenesis, and their interrelations in peatlands remain limited, especially in China. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties, archaeal community, and predominant methanogenesis pathways in three typical peatlands in China, namely Hani (H), Taishanmiao (T), and Ruokeba (R) peatlands, and quantitively determine their CH4 production potentials. RESULTS These peatlands exhibited high water content (WC) and total carbon content (TC), as well as low pH values. In addition, R exhibited a lower dissolved organic carbon concentration (DOC), as well as higher total iron content (TFe) and pH values compared to those observed in T. There were also clear differences in the archaeal community between the three peatlands, especially in the deep peat layers. The average relative abundance of the total methanogens ranged from 10 to 12%, of which Methanosarcinales and Methanomicrobiales were the most abundant in peat samples (8%). In contrast, Methanobacteriales were mainly distributed in the upper peat layer (0-40 cm). Besides methanogens, Marine Benthic Group D/Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Euryarchaeotic Group 1 (MBG-D/DHVEG-1), Nitrosotaleales, and several other orders of Bathyarchaeota also exhibited high relative abundances, especially in T. This finding might be due to the unique geological conditions, suggesting high archaeal diversity in peatlands. In addition, the highest and lowest CH4 production potentials were 2.38 and 0.22 μg g-1 d-1 in H and R, respectively. The distributions of the dominant methanogens were consistent with the respective methanogenesis pathways in the three peatlands. The pH, DOC, and WC were strongly correlated with CH4 production potentials. However, no relationship was found between CH4 production potential and methanogens, suggesting that CH4 production in peatlands may not be controlled by the relative abundance of methanogens. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study provide further insights into CH4 production in peatlands in China, highlighting the importance of the archaeal community and peat physicochemical properties for studies on methanogenesis in distinct types of peatlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Zoige Peatland and Global Change Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hongyuan, 624400, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dan Xue
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Zoige Peatland and Global Change Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hongyuan, 624400, China.
| | - Yue Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qing Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Zoige Peatland and Global Change Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hongyuan, 624400, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lin Wu
- School of Forestry and Horticulture, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Institute for Peat and Mire Research, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Jiawen Liu
- SQE Department, COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages (Sichuan) Company Limited, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Huai Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Zoige Peatland and Global Change Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hongyuan, 624400, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China.
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Gámez S, Harris NC. Conceptualizing the 3D niche and vertical space use. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:953-962. [PMID: 35872027 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Spatial partitioning in ecological communities has predominantly been described in two dimensions, yet habitat is complex and 3D. Complex space use mediates community structure and interaction strength by expanding spatial, temporal, and dietary dimensions. Vertical stratification of resources provides opportunities for novel specializations, creating a 3D niche. Competition and predation are mediated by 3D space use, as individuals use the vertical axis to access prey, flee predators, or avoid competitors. The 3D niche is important for long-term conservation strategies as species must navigate tradeoffs in habitat use between strata-specific threats and suboptimal habitat patches. Ultimately, elucidating the 3D niche has implications for protected area management and corridor design that directly influence species persistence and ecosystem function in a rapidly changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siria Gámez
- Applied Wildlife Ecology Lab, Yale School of the Environment, Yale University 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Nyeema C Harris
- Applied Wildlife Ecology Lab, Yale School of the Environment, Yale University 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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Maillard F, Fernandez CW, Mundra S, Heckman KA, Kolka RK, Kauserud H, Kennedy PG. Warming drives a 'hummockification' of microbial communities associated with decomposing mycorrhizal fungal necromass in peatlands. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 234:2032-2043. [PMID: 34559896 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dead fungal mycelium (necromass) represents a critical component of soil carbon (C) and nutrient cycles. Assessing how the microbial communities associated with decomposing fungal necromass change as global temperatures rise will help in determining how these belowground organic matter inputs contribute to ecosystem responses. In this study, we characterized the structure of bacterial and fungal communities associated with multiple types of decaying mycorrhizal fungal necromass incubated within mesh bags across a 9°C whole ecosystem temperature enhancement in a boreal peatland. We found major taxonomic and functional shifts in the microbial communities present on decaying mycorrhizal fungal necromass in response to warming. These changes were most pronounced in hollow microsites, which showed convergence towards the necromass-associated microbial communities present in unwarmed hummocks. We also observed a high colonization of ericoid mycorrhizal fungal necromass by fungi from the same genera as the necromass. These results indicate that microbial communities associated with mycorrhizal fungal necromass decomposition are likely to change significantly with future climate warming, which may have strong impacts on soil biogeochemical cycles in peatlands. Additionally, the high enrichment of congeneric fungal decomposers on ericoid mycorrhizal necromass may help to explain the increase in ericoid shrub dominance in warming peatlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Maillard
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Christopher W Fernandez
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
- Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Sunil Mundra
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (EvoGene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, NO-0316, Norway
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu-Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Randall K Kolka
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, USA
| | - Håvard Kauserud
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (EvoGene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, NO-0316, Norway
| | - Peter G Kennedy
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
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Integrating Decomposers, Methane-Cycling Microbes and Ecosystem Carbon Fluxes Along a Peatland Successional Gradient in a Land Uplift Region. Ecosystems 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-021-00713-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPeatlands are carbon dioxide (CO2) sinks that, in parallel, release methane (CH4). The peatland carbon (C) balance depends on the interplay of decomposer and CH4-cycling microbes, vegetation, and environmental conditions. These interactions are susceptible to the changes that occur along a successional gradient from vascular plant-dominated systems to Sphagnum moss-dominated systems. Changes similar to this succession are predicted to occur from climate change. Here, we investigated how microbial and plant communities are interlinked with each other and with ecosystem C cycling along a successional gradient on a boreal land uplift coast. The gradient ranged from shoreline to meadows and fens, and further to bogs. Potential microbial activity (aerobic CO2 production; CH4 production and oxidation) and biomass were greatest in the early successional meadows, although their communities of aerobic decomposers (fungi, actinobacteria), methanogens, and methanotrophs did not differ from the older fens. Instead, the functional microbial communities shifted at the fen–bog transition concurrent with a sudden decrease in C fluxes. The successional patterns of decomposer versus CH4-cycling communities diverged at the bog stage, indicating strong but distinct microbial responses to Sphagnum dominance and acidity. We highlight young meadows as dynamic sites with the greatest microbial potential for C release. These hot spots of C turnover with dense sedge cover may represent a sensitive bottleneck in succession, which is necessary for eventual long-term peat accumulation. The distinctive microbes in bogs could serve as indicators of the C sink function in restoration measures that aim to stabilize the C in the peat.
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Lamit LJ, Romanowicz KJ, Potvin LR, Lennon JT, Tringe SG, Chimner RA, Kolka RK, Kane ES, Lilleskov EA. Peatland microbial community responses to plant functional group and drought are depth-dependent. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:5119-5136. [PMID: 34402116 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Peatlands store one-third of Earth's soil carbon, the stability of which is uncertain due to climate change-driven shifts in hydrology and vegetation, and consequent impacts on microbial communities that mediate decomposition. Peatland carbon cycling varies over steep physicochemical gradients characterizing vertical peat profiles. However, it is unclear how drought-mediated changes in plant functional groups (PFGs) and water table (WT) levels affect microbial communities at different depths. We combined a multiyear mesocosm experiment with community sequencing across a 70-cm depth gradient, to test the hypotheses that vascular PFGs (Ericaceae vs. sedges) and WT (high vs. low) structure peatland microbial communities in depth-dependent ways. Several key results emerged. (i) Both fungal and prokaryote (bacteria and archaea) community structure shifted with WT and PFG manipulation, but fungi were much more sensitive to PFG whereas prokaryotes were much more sensitive to WT. (ii) PFG effects were largely driven by Ericaceae, although sedge effects were evident in specific cases (e.g., methanotrophs). (iii) Treatment effects varied with depth: the influence of PFG was strongest in shallow peat (0-10, 10-20 cm), whereas WT effects were strongest at the surface and middle depths (0-10, 30-40 cm), and all treatment effects waned in the deepest peat (60-70 cm). Our results underline the depth-dependent and taxon-specific ways that plant communities and hydrologic variability shape peatland microbial communities, pointing to the importance of understanding how these factors integrate across soil profiles when examining peatland responses to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J Lamit
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Karl J Romanowicz
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Lynette R Potvin
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Jay T Lennon
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Susannah G Tringe
- DOE Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Rodney A Chimner
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Randall K Kolka
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA
| | - Evan S Kane
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA.,USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Erik A Lilleskov
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Houghton, Michigan, USA
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St James AR, Lin J, Richardson RE. Relationship Between Peat Type and Microbial Ecology in Sphagnum-Containing Peatlands of the Adirondack Mountains, NY, USA. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 82:429-441. [PMID: 33410936 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-020-01651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Peatland microbial community composition varies with respect to a range of biological and physicochemical variables. While the extent of peat degradation (humification) has been linked to microbial community composition along vertical stratification gradients within peatland sites, across-site variations have been relatively unexplored. In this study, we compared microbial communities across ten pristine Sphagnum-containing peatlands in the Adirondack Mountains, NY, which represented three different peat types-humic fen peat, humic bog peat, and fibric bog peat. Using 16S amplicon sequencing and network correlation analysis, we demonstrate that microbial community composition is primarily linked to peat type, and that distinct taxa networks distinguish microbial communities in each type. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of the active water table region (mesotelm) from two Sphagnum-dominated bogs-one with fibric peat and one with humic peat-revealed differences in primary carbon degradation pathways, with the fibric peat being dominated by carbohydrate metabolism and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, and the humic peat being dominated by aliphatic carbon metabolism and aceticlastic methanogenesis. Our results suggest that peat humification is a major factor driving microbial community dynamics across peatland ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R St James
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Janni Lin
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Ruth E Richardson
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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Gupta PK, Gharedaghloo B, Lynch M, Cheng J, Strack M, Charles TC, Price JS. Dynamics of microbial populations and diversity in NAPL contaminated peat soil under varying water table conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110167. [PMID: 32926889 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite the risks that hydrocarbon contamination from pipeline leaks or train derailments impose on the health of peatlands in hydrocarbon production areas and transportation corridors, assessing the effect of such contaminations on the health and sustainability of peatlands has received little attention. This study investigates the impacts of hydrocarbons on peat microbial communities. Column experiments were conducted on non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminated undisturbed peat core (0-35 cm) under static and fluctuating water table conditions. Water table fluctuations reduced residual NAPL saturation from 8.1-11.3% to 7.7-9.5%. Biodegradation of n-C8 and n-C12 along with oxidation of CH4 together produced high CO2 concentrations in the headspace. Clear patterns in dynamics in the microbial community structure were observed, with a more pronounced population growth. However, a significant loss of microbial richness was observed in contaminated columns. The result indicates that the phylum Proteobacteria benefited most from NAPL; however, their families differed between static and fluctuating water table conditions. This study established strong evidence that peat microbes and water table fluctuation can be an excellent tool for hydrocarbon removal and its control in peatlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kumar Gupta
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Behrad Gharedaghloo
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada; Aquanty Inc., Waterloo, ON, N2L5C6, Canada
| | - Michael Lynch
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada; Metagenom Bio, Waterloo, ON, N2L 5V4, Canada
| | - Jiujun Cheng
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada; Metagenom Bio, Waterloo, ON, N2L 5V4, Canada
| | - Maria Strack
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Trevor C Charles
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada; Metagenom Bio, Waterloo, ON, N2L 5V4, Canada
| | - Jonathan S Price
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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