Application of functional metagenomics in the evaluation of microbial community dynamics in the Arabian Sea: Implications of environmental settings.

Ocean microbial communities form the base of marine food webs, facilitating energy transfer and nutrient cycling, thereby supporting higher trophic levels. We investigated their composition and functional profiles across depths (surface waters 0, 29, and 63 m and bottom waters 100, 150, and 200 m) in the central-eastern Arabian Sea (CEAS) using next-generation sequencing. It was hypothesized that the composition and functional diversity of these communities would be influenced by depth and environmental parameters.

Efficacy of amorphous TiOcoated surfaces against micro- and macrofouling through laboratory microcosms and field studies.

In this study, Soda Lime Glass (SLG) and Stainless Steel (SS316L) substrata coated with Titanium oxide (TiOx) were tested for their efficacy in the laboratory microcosms and in field against micro- and macrofouling. Laboratory microcosm studies were conducted for five days using natural biofilms, single-species diatom ( sp.), and bacterial biofilms, whereas field observations were conducted for 30 days.

Ecological Impacts of Aged Freshwater Biofilms on Estuarine Microbial Communities Elucidated Through Microcosm Experiments: A Microbial Invasion Perspective.

Inadvertent introductions of alien species via biofilms as a vector released through ballast water are of environmental importance, yet their consequences are not much known. In the present study, biofilm communities developed in an inland freshwater port under in situ and dark conditions were subjected to long-term dark incubations. Subsequently, the impact of these aged biofilms as vectors on estuarine water column communities were evaluated using microcosm experiments in the laboratory.

Influence of Darkness and Aging on Marine and Freshwater Biofilm Microbial Communities Using Microcosm Experiments.

Ballast tank biofilms pose an additional risk of microbial invasion if sloughed off during ballasting operations, yet their significance and invasion biology is poorly understood. In this study, biofilms developed in marine and freshwater locations were exposed to prolonged darkness and aging by mimicking ballast water conditions in the laboratory. Upon prolonged darkness, the decay of phytoplankton, as indicated by the decrease in chlorophyll a in marine biofilms, led to remineralization and enhanced bacterial and protist populations.