Geology defines microbiome structure and composition in nunataks and valleys of the Sør Rondane Mountains, East Antarctica

• DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1316633
• Publication Date: 2024-02-06T05:05:13Z
• Authors: Valentina Savaglia; Sam Lambrechts; Bjorn Tytgat; Quinten Vanhellemont; Josef Elster; Anne Willems; Annick Wilmotte; Elie Verleyen; Wim Vyverman
• Keywords: Edaphic

Understanding the relation between terrestrial microorganisms and edaphic factors in Antarctic can provide insights into their potential response to environmental changes. Here we examined composition of bacterial micro-eukaryotic communities using amplicon sequencing rRNA genes 105 soil samples from Sør Rondane Mountains (East Antarctica), differing bedrock or substrate type associated physicochemical conditions. Although two most widespread taxa (Acidobacteriota Chlorophyta) were relatively abundant each sample, multivariate analysis co-occurrence networks revealed pronounced differences community structure depending on type. In moraine substrates, Actinomycetota Cercozoa eukaryotic phyla, whereas gneiss, granite marble Cyanobacteriota Metazoa dominant taxa. However, at lower taxonomic level, a distinct differentiation was observed within phylum type, with being dominated by Nostocaceae family Chroococcidiopsaceae family. Surprisingly, metazoans according 18S dataset, even arid sites, such as moraines Austkampane Widerøefjellet (“Dry Valley”). Overall, our study shows that different types support microbial communities, mineral diversity is major determinant inland nunataks valleys.