Bacterial diversity differences along an epigenic cave stream reveal evidence of community dynamics, succession, and stability

摘要: Unchanging physicochemical conditions and nutrient sources over long periods of time in cave karst subsurface habitats, particularly aquifers, can support stable ecosystems, termed autochthonous microbial endokarst communities (AMEC). AMEC existence is unknown for other settings, such as epigenic streams. Conceptually, should not form streams due to faster turnover rates seasonal disturbances that have the capacity transport large quantities water sediment change allochthonous organic matter sources. Our goal was investigate whether could persist hydrologically active, We analyzed bacterial diversity from water, sediments, artificial substrates (Bio-Traps®) placed at upstream downstream locations. Distinct existed Bio-Trap® samplers. Throughout study period, a subset community members persisted regardless hydrological disturbances. Stable habitat based on flow regimes resulted more than one contemporaneous, throughout stream. However, evidence insufficient or sediments. Community succession, specifically predictable exogenous heterotrophic evident decreases richness Bio-Traps®, peak biomass, changes composition communities. The planktonic compositionally similar initial colonizers, but became same location. These results help understanding attached karst, well dynamics, stability, succession during disturbance contamination responses time.