Microbial ecology of the Southern Ocean

• Published in: FEMS Microbiology Ecology
• Main Authors: Castillo, Diego J., Dithugoe, Choaro D., Bezuidt, Keoagile Ignatius Oliver, Makhalanyane, Thulani P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 2023
• Subjects: Archaea; Bacteria; Biogeochemical cycling; Microbial ecology; Phytoplankton; Southern Ocean; Viruses; Antarctic; Arctic; Arctic Ocean; Antarc*; Climate change
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2263/90313; https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiac123

The Southern Ocean (SO) distributes climate signals and nutrients worldwide, playing a pivotal role in global carbon sequestration. Microbial communities are essential mediators of primary productivity and carbon sequestration, yet we lack a comprehensive understanding of microbial diversity and functionality in the SO. Here, we examine contemporary studies in this unique polar system, focusing on prokaryotic communities and their relationships with other trophic levels (i.e. phytoplankton and viruses). Strong seasonal variations and the characteristic features of this ocean are directly linked to community composition and ecosystem functions. Specifically, we discuss characteristics of SO microbial communities and emphasise differences from the Arctic Ocean microbiome. We highlight the importance of abundant bacteria in recycling photosynthetically derived organic matter. These heterotrophs appear to control carbon flux to higher trophic levels when light and iron availability favour primary production in spring and summer. Conversely, during winter, evidence suggests that chemolithoautotrophs contribute to prokaryotic production in Antarctic waters. We conclude by reviewing the effects of climate change on marine microbiota in the SO. https://academic.oup.com/femsec 2023-10-18 hj2023 Biochemistry Genetics Microbiology and Plant Pathology