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Havlena ZE, Hose LD, DuChene HR, Baker GM, Powell JD, Labrado AL, Brunner B, Jones DS. Origin and modern microbial ecology of secondary mineral deposits in Lehman Caves, Great Basin National Park, NV, USA. GEOBIOLOGY 2024; 22:e12594. [PMID: 38700397 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Lehman Caves is an extensively decorated high desert cave that represents one of the main tourist attractions in Great Basin National Park, Nevada. Although traditionally considered a water table cave, recent studies identified abundant speleogenetic features consistent with a hypogenic and, potentially, sulfuric acid origin. Here, we characterized white mineral deposits in the Gypsum Annex (GA) passage to determine whether these secondary deposits represent biogenic minerals formed during sulfuric acid corrosion and explored microbial communities associated with these and other mineral deposits throughout the cave. Powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), scanning electron microscopy with electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and electron microprobe analyses (EPMA) showed that, while most white mineral deposits from the GA contain gypsum, they also contain abundant calcite, silica, and other phases. Gypsum and carbonate-associated sulfate isotopic values of these deposits are variable, with δ34SV-CDT between +9.7‰ and +26.1‰, and do not reflect depleted values typically associated with replacement gypsum formed during sulfuric acid speleogenesis. Petrographic observations show that the sulfates likely co-precipitated with carbonate and SiO2 phases. Taken together, these data suggest that the deposits resulted from later-stage meteoric events and not during an initial episode of sulfuric acid speleogenesis. Most sedimentary and mineral deposits in Lehman Caves have very low microbial biomass, with the exception of select areas along the main tour route that have been impacted by tourist traffic. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that microbial communities in GA sediments are distinct from those in other parts of the cave. The microbial communities that inhabit these oligotrophic secondary mineral deposits include OTUs related to known ammonia-oxidizing Nitrosococcales and Thaumarchaeota, as well as common soil taxa such as Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteria. This study reveals microbial and mineralogical diversity in a previously understudied cave and expands our understanding of the geomicrobiology of desert hypogene cave systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë E Havlena
- Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico, USA
| | - Louise D Hose
- Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | | | | | - J Douglas Powell
- Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Ely Ranger District, Nevada, USA
| | - Amanda L Labrado
- The Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Benjamin Brunner
- Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel S Jones
- Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico, USA
- National Cave and Karst Research Institute, Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA
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Zhou D, Deng Y, Wei X, Li T, Li Z, Wang S, Jiang Y, Liu W, Luo B, Feng J. Behavioral responses of cave-roosting bats to artificial light of different spectra and intensities: Implications for lighting management strategy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170339. [PMID: 38278253 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170339] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial light at night has become an emerging environmental pollutant, posing a serious threat to biodiversity. Cave-roosting animals are vulnerable to light pollution due to long-term adaptation to nocturnal niches, and the problem is especially severe in the context of cave tourism and limestone mining. Mitigating the adverse impacts of artificial light on cave-dwelling animals presents a challenge. This study aimed to assess the relative contributions of spectral parameters and light intensity to the emergence behavior of nine cave-roosting bat species: Rhinolophus macrotis, Rhinolophus pearsonii, Rhinolophus rex, Rhinolophus pusillus, Rhinolophus siamensis, Rhinolophus sinicus, Hipposideros armiger, Myotis davidii, and Miniopterus fuliginosus. We manipulated light spectra and intensities through light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and gel filters at the entrance of bat roost. We monitored nightly passes per species to quantify bat emergence under the dark control and ten lighting conditions (blue, green, yellow, red, and white light at high and low intensities) using ultrasonic recording. Our analyses showed that the number of bat passes tended to be reduced in the presence of white, green, and yellow light, independent of light intensity. In contrast, the number of bat passes showed no pronounced differences under the dark control, blue light, and red light. The number of bat passes was primarily affected by LED light's blue component, red component, peak wavelength, and half-width instead of light intensity. These results demonstrate that spectral parameters of LED light can significantly affect emergence behavior of cave-dwelling bats. Our findings highlight the importance of manipulating light colors to reduce the negative impacts of light pollution on cave-roosting bats as a function of their spectral sensitivity. We recommend the use of gel filters to manage existing artificial lighting systems at the entrance of bat-inhabited caves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, China West Normal University, 1# Shida Road, Nanchong 637009, China; Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, Nanchong 637000, China
| | - Yingchun Deng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, 2555 Jingyue Street, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Xinyi Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, China West Normal University, 1# Shida Road, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Taohong Li
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, China West Normal University, 1# Shida Road, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, China West Normal University, 1# Shida Road, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Sirui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, China West Normal University, 1# Shida Road, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Yunke Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, China West Normal University, 1# Shida Road, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Wenqin Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, 2555 Jingyue Street, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Bo Luo
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, China West Normal University, 1# Shida Road, Nanchong 637009, China; Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, Nanchong 637000, China.
| | - Jiang Feng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, 2555 Jingyue Street, Changchun 130117, China; College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng street, Changchun 130118, China.
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3
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Poli A, Zanellati A, Piano E, Biagioli F, Coleine C, Nicolosi G, Selbmann L, Isaia M, Prigione V, Varese GC. Cultivable fungal diversity in two karstic caves in Italy: under-investigated habitats as source of putative novel taxa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4164. [PMID: 38378919 PMCID: PMC10879487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial diversity of caves is largely understudied and its possible applications are still unknown. Autochthonous fungi, in particular, may have the potential to biomineralize metals and may be used as promising agents for bioremediation of polluted sites; thus, unearthing the fungal diversity in hypogean ecosystems is nowadays of utmost importance. To start addressing this knowledge gap, the cultivable mycobiota of two neighbouring caves-one natural and one exploited for touristic purposes-were characterised and compared by studying fungi isolated from sediments collected at increasing distances from the entrance. Overall, 250 fungal isolates ascribable to 69 taxa (mainly Ascomycota) were found, a high percentage of which was reported in caves for the first time. The sediments of the touristic cave displayed a richer and more diversified community in comparison with the natural one, possibly due to visitors carrying propagules or organic material. Considering that these environments are still poorly explored, chances to detect new fungal lineages are not negligible.
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Grants
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- 2017HTXT2R Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca
- IR0000005 European Commission - NextGenerationEU
- IR0000005 European Commission - NextGenerationEU
- IR0000005 European Commission - NextGenerationEU
- Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca
- European Commission – NextGenerationEU
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Affiliation(s)
- A Poli
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10100, Torino, Italy
| | - A Zanellati
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10100, Torino, Italy
| | - E Piano
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - F Biagioli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - C Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - G Nicolosi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - L Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo Dell'Università, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - M Isaia
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - V Prigione
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10100, Torino, Italy.
| | - G C Varese
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10100, Torino, Italy
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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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Bao Y, Ma Y, Liu W, Li X, Li Y, Zhou P, Feng Y, Delgado-Baquerizo M. Innovative strategy for the conservation of a millennial mausoleum from biodeterioration through artificial light management. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:69. [PMID: 37739940 PMCID: PMC10516906 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial lights can cause critical microbial biodeterioration of heritage monuments by promoting the outbreak of phototrophic microbiomes when they are used for touristic viewing. Here, with the ultimate aim of providing innovative solutions for the conservation and visiting of such monuments, we conducted a pioneering two-year in situ manipulative experiment to evaluate the impacts of different artificial light wavelengths (i.e., blue, green and red lights compared to white light) on the phototrophic microbiome of a millennial Chinese imperial mausoleum. Our results show that artificial light can shape the ecophysiological features of the phototrophic bacteriome in this monument and reduce its potential for further biodeterioration. In general, Cyanobacteria dominated (42.0% of the total relative abundance) the phototrophic bacteriome of this cultural relic; however, they were also very sensitive to the choice of artificial light. Compared to white light, monochromatic light, especially green light, reduced Cyanobacteria abundances (18.6%) by decreasing photosynthetic pigment abundances (42.9%); decreased the abundances of heterotrophic species belonging to Proteobacteria (4.5%) and the proportion of genes (6.1%) associated with carbon (i.e., carbon fixation), nitrogen (i.e., denitrification), and sulfur (i.e., dissimilatory sulfate reduction) cycling; and further decreased organic acid (10.1-14.1%) production of the phototrophic bacteriome, which is known to be involved in biodeterioration. Taken together, our findings constitute a major advancement in understanding how light wavelengths influence the phototrophic microbiome in cultural relics, and we found that artificial lights with certain wavelengths (e.g., green light) can help long-term conservation while allowing tourism activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Bao
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 210037, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yan Ma
- School of Architecture, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, 266237, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 210037, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yonghui Li
- School of Architecture, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Peng Zhou
- Jiangning Cultural Heritage Protection Center, 211100, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Youzhi Feng
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 210037, Nanjing, PR China.
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, 210095, Nanjing, China.
| | - Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad y Funcionamiento Ecosistémico, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC, Av. Reina Mercedes 10, E-41012, Sevilla, Spain
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6
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Xing W, Qi B, Chen R, Ding W, Zhang F. Metagenomic analysis reveals taxonomic and functional diversity of microbial communities on the deteriorated wall paintings of Qinling Tomb in the Southern Tang Dynasty, China. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:140. [PMID: 37202728 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02887-w] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbial colonization on ancient murals attracts more and more attention since the threaten by microorganisms was first reported in Lascaux, Spain. However, the biodeterioration or biodegradation of mural paintings resulted by microorganisms is not clear yet. Especially the biological function of microbial communities in different conditions remained largely unaddressed. The two mausoleums of the Southern Tang Dynasty are the largest group of emperor mausoleums during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in China, which are of great significance to the study of the architecture, imperial mausoleum systems and art in the Tang and Song Dynasties. To make clear the species composition and metabolic functions of different microbial communities (MID and BK), we analyzed the samples from the wall paintings in one of the two mausoleums of the Southern Tang Dynasty with metagenomics method. The result showed totally 55 phyla and 1729 genera were detected in the mural paintings. The two microbial community structure were similar with the dominance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria. However, the species abundance presented a significant difference between two communities at genus level --- MID is Lysobacter, Luteimonas are predominant in MID while Sphingomonas and Streptomyces are popular in BK, which is partially attributed to the different substrate materials of murals. As a result, the two communities presented the different metabolic patterns that MID community was mainly participated in the formation of biofilm as well as the degradation of exogenous pollutants while the BK was predominantly related to the photosynthesis process and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Taken together, these findings indicated the effect of environmental factor on the taxonomic composition and functional diversity of the microbial populations. The installation of artificial lighting needs to be considered carefully in the future protection of cultural relics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xing
- Laboratory of Environment and Health, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Binjie Qi
- Laboratory of Environment and Health, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Rulong Chen
- Laboratory of Environment and Health, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjun Ding
- Laboratory of Environment and Health, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Fang Zhang
- Laboratory of Environment and Health, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China.
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Balestra V, Bellopede R. Microplastics in caves: A new threat in the most famous geo-heritage in the world. Analysis and comparison of Italian show caves deposits. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 342:118189. [PMID: 37210820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution represent a worldwide concern, however, in karst areas is still largely unknown, especially in underground environments. Caves are the most important geological heritage worldwide, rich in speleothems, unique ecosystems custodians of important drinking water reserves, and a significant economic resource. Thank to their relatively stable environmental conditions, they can preserve information for a long time such as paleontological/archaeological remains, however, these characteristics make caves vulnerable environments too, easily damaged by climate variations and pollution. To increase the current knowledge of microplastic pollution, the deposits of different Italian show caves were investigated, improving the method for microplastic separation. Microplastic were identified and characterised using MUPL automated software, observed with and without UV light under a microscope, and verified under μFTIR-ATR, highlighting the importance of combine different methods. Microplastics were present in sediments of all examined caves, and were always greater along the tourist route (an average of 4300 items/kg) than the speleological areas (an average of 2570 items/kg). Microplastics less than 1 mm dominated the samples and the amount increased with the decrease in the size considered. Fibre-shaped dominated the samples and 74% particles was fluorescent under UV light. Analysed sediment samples contained especially polyesters and polyolefins. Our results highlight the presence of microplastic pollution in show caves, giving useful information to assess risks posed by microplastics in show caves and emphasizing the importance of pollutants monitoring in underground environments to define strategies for the conservation and management of caves and natural resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Balestra
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Torino, Italy.
| | - Rossana Bellopede
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Torino, Italy.
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Piano E, Biagioli F, Nicolosi G, Coleine C, Poli A, Prigione V, Zanellati A, Addesso R, Varese GC, Selbmann L, Isaia M. Tourism affects microbial assemblages in show caves. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:162106. [PMID: 36764528 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbance on natural ecosystems is growing in frequency and magnitude affecting all ecosystems components. Understanding the response of different types of biocoenosis to human disturbance is urgently needed and it can be achieved by adopting a metacommunity framework. With the aid of advanced molecular techniques, we investigated sediment communities of Fungi, Bacteria and Archaea in four Italian show caves, aiming to disentangle the effects induced by tourism on their diversity and to highlight changes in the driving forces that shape their community composition. We modelled diversity measures against proxies of tourism pressure. With this approach we demonstrate that the cave tourism has a direct effect on the community of Bacteria and an indirect influence on Fungi and Archaea. By analysing the main driving forces influencing the community composition of the three microbial groups, we highlighted that stochastic factors override dispersal-related processes and environmental selection in show caves compared to undisturbed areas. Thanks to this approach, we provide new perspectives on the dynamics of microbial communities under human disturbance suggesting that a proper understanding of the underlying selective mechanisms requires a comprehensive and multi-taxonomic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Piano
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Federico Biagioli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nicolosi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Anna Poli
- Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Valeria Prigione
- Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Zanellati
- Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Rosangela Addesso
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cristina Varese
- Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Largo dell'Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Marco Isaia
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy.
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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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Djebaili R, Mignini A, Vaccarelli I, Pellegrini M, Spera DM, Del Gallo M, D’Alessandro AM. Polyhydroxybutyrate-producing cyanobacteria from lampenflora: The case study of the “Stiffe” caves in Italy. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:933398. [PMID: 35966678 PMCID: PMC9366245 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.933398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the green formation lampenflora of “Stiffe” caves in order to evaluate their suitability as an isolation source of cyanobacteria useful for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). The cave system was chosen as the sampling site due to its touristic use and the presence of high-impact illuminations. The biofilms and the mats of the illuminated walls were sampled. Samples were investigated by 16S rRNA gene analysis and culturable cyanobacteria isolation. The isolated strains were then screened for the production of PHAs under typical culturing and nutritional starvation. Cultures were checked for PHA accumulation, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) presence (infrared spectroscopy), and pigment production. The 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. Highlighted a considerable extent of the pressure exerted by anthropogenic activities. However, the isolation yielded eleven cyanobacteria isolates with good PHA (mainly PHB)-producing abilities and interesting pigment production rates (chlorophyll a and carotenoids). Under normal conditions (BG110), the accumulation abilities ranged from 266 to 1,152 ng mg dry biomass–1. The optimization of bioprocesses through nutritional starvation resulted in a 2.5-fold increase. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies established the occurrence of PHB within PHAs extracted by cyanobacteria isolates. The comparison of results with standard strains underlined good production rates. For C2 and C8 strains, PHA accumulation rates under starvation were higher than Azospirillum brasilense and similar to Synechocystis cf. salina 192. This study broadened the knowledge of the microbial communities of mats and biofilms on the lightened walls of the caves. These findings suggested that these structures, which are common in tourist caves, could be used to isolate valuable strains before remediation measures are adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihab Djebaili
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Amedeo Mignini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vaccarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Marika Pellegrini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marika Pellegrini,
| | | | - Maddalena Del Gallo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D’Alessandro
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Anna Maria D’Alessandro,
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Microbial Interactions Drive Distinct Taxonomic and Potential Metabolic Responses to Habitats in Karst Cave Ecosystem. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0115221. [PMID: 34494852 PMCID: PMC8557908 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01152-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The geological role of microorganisms has been widely studied in the karst cave ecosystem. However, microbial interactions and ecological functions in such a dark, humid, and oligotrophic habitat have received far less attention, which is crucial to understanding cave biogeochemistry. Herein, microorganisms from weathered rock and sediment along the Heshang Cave depth were analyzed by random matrix theory-based network and Tax4Fun functional prediction. The results showed that although the cave microbial communities have spatial heterogeneity, differential habitats drove the community structure and diversity. Actinobacteria were predominant in weathered rock, whereas Proteobacteria dominated the sediment. The sediment communities presented significantly higher alpha diversities due to the relatively abundant nutrition from the outside by the intermittent stream. Consistently, microbial interactions in sediment were more complex, as visualized by more nodes and links. The abundant taxa presented more positive correlations with other community members in both of the two networks, indicating that they relied on promotion effects to adapt to the extreme environment. The keystones in weathered rock were mainly involved in the biodegradation of organic compounds, whereas the keystone Nitrospira in sediment contributed to carbon/nitrogen fixation. Collectively, these findings suggest that microbial interactions may lead to distinct taxonomic and functional communities in weathered rock and sediment in the subsurface Heshang Cave. IMPORTANCE In general, the constant physicochemical conditions and limited nutrient sources over long periods in the subsurface support a stable ecosystem in karst cave. Previous studies on cave microbial ecology were mostly focused on community composition, diversity, and the relationship with local environmental factors. There are still many unknowns about the microbial interactions and functions in such a dark environment with little human interference. Two representative habitats, including weathered rock and sediment in Heshang Cave, were selected to give an integrated insight into microbial interactions and potential functions. The cooccurrence network, especially the subnetwork, was used to characterize the cave microbial interactions in detail. We demonstrated that abundant taxa primarily relied on promotion effects rather than inhibition effects to survive in Heshang Cave. Keystone species may play important metabolic roles in sustaining ecological functions. Our study provides improved understanding of microbial interaction patterns and community ecological functions in the karst cave ecosystem.
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Liu Y, Pang S, Liang T, Ren R, Lv Y. Degradation of high concentration starch and biocathode autotrophic denitrification using photo microbial fuel cell. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 280:130776. [PMID: 34162090 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the study, a dual-chamber photo MFC was constructed with a photosynthetic bacteria consortium PB-Z and a heterotrophic nitrifier C16 as anode and cathode inoculant, respectively. The electron released from starch degradation in the anode by photosynthetic bacteria was transferred to the cathode, which was utilized by the nitrifying bacteria C16 to realize autotrophic denitrification. Lower resistance was more conducive to the electron transfer and pollutants removal. Comparing with natural light, continuous light greatly promoted starch degradation by the photosynthetic bacteria in the anode and the denitrification by the nitrifying bacteria in the cathode. Under continuous light and external resistance of 500 Ω, high concentration starch was degraded by photosynthetic bacteria PB-Z and the COD removal efficiency reached up to 88.45% within 12 d, and nitrate of 95.8% was removed within 4 d by autotrophic denitrification by heterotrophic nitrifier C16. The study provides some enlightenment and reference for the application of MFC in the field of wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi, 030024, China.
| | - Shaojie Pang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi, 030024, China
| | - Tao Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi, 030024, China
| | - Ruipeng Ren
- Key Laboratory of Coal Science and Technology of Shanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi, 030024, China
| | - Yongkang Lv
- Key Laboratory of Coal Science and Technology of Shanxi Province and Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi, 030024, China
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Lampenflora in a Show Cave in the Great Basin Is Distinct from Communities on Naturally Lit Rock Surfaces in Nearby Wild Caves. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061188. [PMID: 34072861 PMCID: PMC8227912 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In show caves, artificial lighting is intended to illuminate striking cave formations for visitors. However, artificial lighting also promotes the growth of novel and diverse biofilm communities, termed lampenflora, that obtain their energy from these artificial light sources. Lampenflora, which generally consist of cyanobacteria, algae, diatoms, and bryophytes, discolor formations and introduce novel ecological interactions in cave ecosystems. The source of lampenflora community members and patterns of diversity have generally been understudied mainly due to technological limitations. In this study, we investigate whether members of lampenflora communities in an iconic show cave—Lehman Caves—in Great Basin National Park (GRBA) in the western United States also occur in nearby unlit and rarely visited caves. Using a high-throughput environmental DNA metabarcoding approach targeting three loci—the ITS2 (fungi), a fragment of the 16S (bacteria), and a fragment of 23S (photosynthetic bacteria and eukaryotes)—we characterized diversity of lampenflora communities occurring near artificial light sources in Lehman Caves and rock surfaces near the entrances of seven nearby “wild” caves. Most caves supported diverse and distinct microbial-dominated communities, with little overlap in community members among caves. The lampenflora communities in the show cave were distinct, and generally less diverse, from those occurring in nearby unlit caves. Our results suggest an unidentified source for a significant proportion of lampenflora community members in Lehman Caves, with the majority of community members not found in nearby wild caves. Whether the unique members of the lampenflora communities in Lehman Caves are related to distinct abiotic conditions, increased human visitation, or other factors remains unknown. These results provide a valuable framework for future research exploring lampenflora community assemblies in show caves, in addition to a broad perspective into the range of microbial and lampenflora community members in GRBA. By more fully characterizing these communities, we can better monitor the establishment of lampenflora and design effective strategies for their management and removal.
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