16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing Data of the Iron Quadrangle Ferruginous Caves (Brazil) Shows the Importance of Conserving This Singular and Threatened Geosystem

Abstract

The Iron Quadrangle (IQ) is one of the main iron ore producing regions of the world. The exploitation of its reserves jeopardizes the high biological endemism associated with this region. This work aimed to understand the diversity and bacterial potential associated with IQ caves. Floor and ceiling samples of seven ferruginous caves and one quartzite cave were collected, and their microbial relative abundance and diversity were established by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data. The results showed that ferruginous caves present higher microbial abundance and greater microbial diversity compared to the quartzite cave. Many species belonging to genera found in these caves, such as Pseudonocardia and Streptacidiphilus, are known to produce biomolecules of biotechnological interest as macrolides and polyketides. Moreover, comparative analysis of microbial diversity and metabolic potential in a biofilm in pendant microfeature revealed that the microbiota associated with this structure is more similar to the floor rather than ceiling samples, with the presence of genera that may participate in the genesis of these cavities, for instance, Ferrovum, Geobacter, and Sideroxydans. These results provide the first glimpse of the microbial life in these environments and emphasize the need of conservation programs for these areas, which are under intense anthropogenic exploration.

Atividade enzimática e antimicrobiana de microrganismos isolados de uma caverna da região Amazônica

“…According to literature reports, the dominant phyla identified in caves are Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, characterized by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively [27,28], with proteobacteria being detected mainly through molecular tools, while actinobacteria represent most culture-dependent isolates [29]. However, Lemes et al (2021) [30] identified that the phylum Acidobacteria (Gram-negative) was the most abundant in the Canga caves analyzed in the Iron Quadrangle, followed by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria.…”

Potencial Biotecnológico De Bactérias Cultiváveis Obtidas a Partir Da Gruta Martimiano Ii, Parque Estadual Do Ibitipoca – Mg

“…Due to the enormous metabolic diversity, microorganisms actively participate in all biogeochemical cycles and perform the function of recycling much of the matter in the biosphere (Gaylarde, 2005). The abiotic and biotic factors of the environment directly influence the microbial community (Gaylarde, 2005), microbiana (Gaylarde, 2005), o que torna ainda mais importante o conhecimento das condições ambientais para um completo conhecimento sobre a composição microbiana e seu funcionamento metabólico em diferentes ambientes (Lemes, 2018;Lemes, 2021).…”

“…which makes it even more important to know the environmental conditions for a complete understanding of the microbial composition and its metabolic functioning in different environments (Lemes, 2018;Lemes, 2021).…”