Document of bibliographic reference 396615

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

Seasonal dynamics of bacterial community structure and function in the surf zone seawater of a recreational beach in Ostend, Belgium

Abstract

Despite the importance of bacteria in surf zone water quality, detailed insights into their community composition, functions, and seasonal dynamics at recreational beaches are scarce. This study conducted year-long, weekly monitoring of bacterial communities and environmental factors at a recreational beach in Ostend, Belgium. Using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we correlated bacterial composition and predicted functions with environmental factors to identify potential drivers. Bacterial communities were significantly affected by seasonal variations in chlorophyll a (Chl a), net primary productivity (NPP), and seawater temperature (SWT), with minimal influence from faecal inputs due to human activities. Spring showed distinct abundances of Planktomarina, Amylibacter, and Sulfitobacter, positively correlated with Chl a and related to sulphur oxidation potential. Summer had higher abundances of Cryomorphaceae, likely enhancing chemoheterotrophy. Beginning in mid to late fall and extending into winter, bacterial communities underwent substantial changes. Fall featured a distinctive enrichment of Thioglobaceae, inversely correlated with Chl a. Winter was dominated by Methylophilaceae (OM43 clade), negatively correlated with Chl a, NPP, and SWT. Both seasons exhibited elevated levels of potentially pathogenic phenotypes and predicted functions related to methanol oxidation and methylotrophy. This study provides a baseline for understanding how surf zone bacterial communities respond to environmental changes and impact health.

Bibliographic citation

Li, Y.; Hablützel, P.I.; Liu, Z.; Van Acker, E.; Janssen, C.R.; Asselman, J.; De Rijcke, M. (2024). Seasonal dynamics of bacterial community structure and function in the surf zone seawater of a recreational beach in Ostend, Belgium. Environmental Microbiology Reports 16(6): e70031. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1758-2229.70031

Topic

Marine

Is peer reviewed

true

Access rights

open access

Is accessible for free

true