Naslov
Microbial community structure of two anchialine caves on Mljet Island (Adriatic Sea)

Autori
Krstulović, Nada ; Šolić, Mladen ; Šantić, Danijela ; Maršić-Lučić, Jasna ; Ordulj, Marin ; Šestanović, Stefanija

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, ostalo

Izvornik
A variety of interactions in the marine environment. Abstracts Volume From 49th European Marine Biology Symposium / - Sankt Peterburg : Zoological Institute Russian Academy of Sciences, 2014, 71-72

Skup
49th European Marine Biology Symposium

Mjesto i datum
Sankt Peterburg, Ruska Federacija, 08.09.2014. - 12.09.2014

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
Anchialine caves ; Cyanobacteria ; Bacteria ; Viruses ; Heterotrophic nanoflagellates

Sažetak
The microbial abundances, including bacteria, viruses, and heterotrophic nanoflagellates, was determined for two anchialine caves located on the Island of Mljet (Adriatic Sea): Bjejajka Cave and Lenga Pit. Both caves are situated approximately 100 m from the coast with extensive subterranean connections to the sea, resulting in noticeable marine and terrestrial, influences. Because of the shallow settings of the studied caves, they represent habitats with a minimal light or complete darkness where photosynthesis is minimal or not possible. Thus, during the surveys there was no evidence of cyanobacterial cells in either caves, but the presence of bacteria, viruses and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) was established. Further, bacterial abundance was higher in caves in comparison to surrounding open seawater. In the surrounding seawater the predominance of the LNA group over HNA is determined, which also indicates the differences in relation to the studied caves. In fact, the dominance of HNA group of bacteria in caves together with higher total bacterial abundance indicates that the caves are of higher trophic level than the surrounding seawater. With regard to bacterial diversity, both caves had a unique makeup of bacterial populations and low diversity, with the chemolithoautotrophic Epsilonproteobacteria representing the most abundant taxonomic group. To examine the mechanisms regulating bacterial abundance in these habitats, we observed the relationship between bacteria and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) and between bacteria and viruses. The importance of predation in controlling bacteria (top down control) and, consequently, the domination of bottom up control of HNF were observed in both caves.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA