Effects of Climate Change on Microbial Community Structure and Function in the Antarctic Glacier Lagoon

Abstract

One of the dramatic effects of global warming is the retreat of glaciers. This phenomenon has intensifi ed in the last two decades. Postglacial areas are quickly colonised by various groups of organisms. Auto-and heterotrophic microorganisms play an especially vital role in these processes. They thrive in shallow glacial lagoons which often form in front of retreating glaciers. These reservoirs are characterised by high dynamics of physicochemical parameters, including: salinity, temperature and concentrations of organic compounds and nutrients. The conducted microbiological studies have revealed rich structural and functional diversity of bacteria occurring in the ecosystem of Ecology Lagoon situated on King George Island. Bacteria found on the surface of algae and stones in the shore zone of the lagoon showed particularly intense metabolic activity. A molecular analysis has indicated that unique taxonomic groups of bacteria occur in the ecosystem of Ecology Lagoon.