Microbial Community Cohesion Mediates Community Turnover in Unperturbed Aquifers.

ABSTRACT: Microbial ecological processes are frequently studied in the presence of perturbations rather than in undisturbed environments, despite the relatively stable conditions dominating many microbial habitats. To examine processes influencing microbial community structuring in the absence of strong external perturbations, three unperturbed aquifers in Ohio (Greene, Licking, and Athens) were sampled over 2 years and analyzed using geochemical measurements, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and ecological modeling. Redox conditions ranging from highly reducing to more oxidizing distinguished aquifer geochemistry across the three locations. Distinct microbial communities were present in each aquifer, and overall community structure was related to geochemistry, although community composition was more simil

SUBMITTER: Danczak RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6030547 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature