Spatial and seasonal distributions of bacterioplankton in the Pearl River Estuary: The combined effects of riverine inputs, temperature, and phytoplankton. Issue 1 (15th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Jiajun; Jiang, Xin; Jing, Zhiyou; Li, Gang; Chen, Zuozhi; Zhou, Linbin; Zhao, Chunyu; Liu, Jiaxing; Tan, Yehui
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 125:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 207
• Publication Date: 2017-12-15
• Subjects: Bacterioplankton -- Pearl River Estuary -- 16S rRNA sequencing -- Monsoon wind -- Plume; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.08.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, we used flow cytometry and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to investigate bacterioplankton (heterotrophic bacteria and picocyanobacteria) abundance and community structure in surface waters along the Pearl River Estuary. The results showed significant differences in bacterioplankton dynamics between fresh- and saltwater sites and between wet and dry season. Synechococcus constituted the majority of picocyanobacteria in both seasons. During the wet season, Synechococcus reached extremely high abundance at the mouth of the estuary, and heterotrophic bacteria were highly abundant (> 10 6 cells ml −1 ) throughout the studied region. At the same time, bacterioplankton decreased dramatically during the dry season. Pyrosequencing data indicated that salinity was a key parameter in shaping microbial community structure during both seasons. Phytoplankton was also an important factor; the proportion of Synechococcus and Rhodobacteriales was elevated at the frontal zone with higher chlorophyll a during the wet season, whereas Synechococcus were markedly reduced during the dry season. Highlights: The bacterioplankton communities varied along the estuary and between seasons. River plume and temperature variations influenced bacterioplankton distribution. Phytoplankton bloom associated with elevated Synechococcus and Rhodobacteriales .