Redox-constrained microbial ecology dictates nitrogen loss versus retention.

ABSTRACT: Microorganisms drive biogeochemical cycling. Therefore, examining environmental change through the lens of microbial ecology is particularly useful for developing a mechanistic understanding of the biogeochemical consequences and feedbacks of perturbations to ecosystems. When aquatic systems with deep anoxic waters undergo eutrophication, the resulting surface productivity impacts the anaerobic microbial community below. The increase in sinking organic carbon can shift the anaerobic community function from inorganic nitrogen (N) loss to N retention, amplifying eutrophication as a positive feedback. However, we lack a mechanistic understanding of this transition, which is critical for anticipating these impacts in aquatic environments where microbial community composition is unknown. Here,

SUBMITTER: Fadum J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12700160 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature