Evaluation of a eukaryote phylogenetic microarray for environmental monitoring of marine sediments. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lekang, Katrine; Lanzén, Anders; Jonassen, Inge; Thompson, Eric; Troedsson, Christofer
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 154(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Biodiversity -- Monitoring -- Sediment -- Microarray -- Microorganisms -- Ecosystem; 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.2020.111102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Increased exploitation of resources in sensitive marine ecosystems emphasizes the importance of knowledge regarding ecological impacts. However, current bio-monitoring practices are limited in terms of target-organisms and temporal resolution. Hence, developing new technologies is vital for enhanced ecosystem understanding. In this study, we have applied a prototype version of a phylogenetic microarray to assess the eukaryote community structures of marine sediments from an area with ongoing oil and gas drilling activity. The results were compared with data from both sequencing (metabarcoding) and morphology-based monitoring to evaluate whether microarrays were capable of detecting ecosystem disturbances. A significant correlation between microarray data and chemical pollution indicators, as well as sequencing-based results, was demonstrated, and several potential indicator organisms for pollution-associated parameters were identified, among them a large fraction of microorganisms not covered by traditional morphology-based monitoring. This suggests that microarrays have a potential in future environmental monitoring. Highlights: The microarray tested in this study is capable of profiling eukaryotic community structure. Biodiversity profiles obtained by microarrays can be used to detect ecosystem disturbance. DNA based methods such as microarrays can target a broad fraction of the fauna. A substantial proportion of indicator organisms identified in this study were microorganisms. Microarray is a promising method for environmental monitoring.