Effects of Acid Rock Drainage on Microbial Communities in Alpine Streams of the Pyrenees.

ABSTRACT: Weathering of sulphur-bearing rocks leads to acid rock drainage (ARD), which decreases water pH, mobilizes heavy metals, and forms coloured coatings of metal precipitates on riverbeds. This study assessed the effects of ARD on microbial biofilm biodiversity and community structure in alpine streams across two Pyrenean regions (Núria and Chistau). Biofilms were sampled from acidic (pH < 5.5) and non-acidic (pH > 6.5) streams, and at their confluence, where metal precipitates occur (white-coated streams). We characterised bacterial and eukaryote communities by molecular tools and specifically analysed the diatom communities by morphology approach. Their respective community composition varied with stream category for both bacteria and eukaryotes, but only bacteria exhibited a loss in diversi

SUBMITTER: Guijosa-Ortega JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12790537 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature