A Comprehensive Metagenomic Analysis Framework Revealing Microbiome Profile and Potential for Hydrocarbon Degradation and Carbohydrate Metabolism in a Himalayan Artificial Lake

Abstract

The high-altitude lakes are ecological habitats accommodating a vast diversity of microbial populations. These microbes are efficient sources for a variety of enzymes. The objective of this study is to perform in-depth metagenomic profiling of an artificial lake ecosystem located in the Sikkim Himalayan region, deciphering the hydrocarbon degradation potential of this site and mining biocatalysts of industrial importance. In the present study, metagenomic analysis of an artificial Himalayan lake, located in North Sikkim, India, was performed. A comprehensive taxonomic and functional profiling revealed gene mapped to pathways for degradation of hydrocarbons such as toluene, benzoate, ethylbenzene, etc. This site was rich in iron, and the metagenomic investigation revealed genomic signatures of the iron-reducing bacterium; Geothrix fermentans. The appraisal of the carbohydrate metabolic potential of this site divulged the predominance of β-galactosidase genes. The artificial lake metagenome was further compared to publicly available saline and freshwater lakes. At the taxonomic, as well as functional levels, it was found to be closer to freshwater lake metagenome, e.g., Medonta Lake, US, and freshwater Vanda Lake, Antarctica. The microbial community profiling and functional contribution of the artificial Himalayan lake would be beneficial for mining genes encoding various industrially relevant enzymes.

Metagenomic Analysis Reveals the Response of Microbial Communities and Their Functions in Lake Sediment to Environmental Factors

“…In particular, the abundance of carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism was significantly higher for JP5 than in the other four groups, indicating a more eutrophic state of JP5 compared to the other sites. Flavobacterium , the largest family of the Bacteroidetes phylum, are heterotrophs that utilize complex carbohydrates and proteins due to the high frequency and diversity of genes involved in the utilization of peptides, proteins and the metabolism of carbohydrates [ 65 , 66 , 67 ]. For example, Flavobacteria had a relatively large complement to both carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and peptidases, playing an important role in the mineralization of organic matter [ 64 ].…”

Biorefinery for the Sustainable Biochemicals Production: Process Design and Technological Advances

“…The hydrocarbon degradation potential of an artificial lake in the Sikkim Himalayan region was examined through metagenomic analysis, revealing the presence of genes for the degradation of hydrocarbons and iron-reducing bacteria. The site was also found to be rich in β-galactosidase genes and similar to freshwater lakes at taxonomic and functional levels, which could have industrial significance in the mining of genes encoding relevant enzymes [18].…”