Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 131-140 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 131 Review Article Open Access Clean Water Starts with Decomposers: The Importance of Microbial Life in Aquatic Systems Xing Zhao, Minsheng Lin Tropical Microbial Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: minsheng.lin@hitar.org Molecular Microbiology Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mmr.2024.14.0015 Received: 08 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 20 May, 2024 Published: 06 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhao and Lin, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang X., and Lin M.S., 2024, Clean water starts with decomposers: the importance of microbial life in aquatic systems, Molecular Microbiology Research, 14(3): 131-140 (doi: 10.5376/mmr.2024.14.0015) Abstract Microbial communities, including bacteria and fungi, are essential for the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling in aquatic environments. The absence of sunlight, as seen in underground water storage or under floating solar panels, can significantly alter microbial activity, leading to the accumulation of nitrates due to increased nitrification rates and decreased nitrate assimilation. Additionally, the presence of periphytic algae can stimulate microbial decomposers, enhancing the breakdown of plant litter and organic matter. The study also highlighted the functional variability among aquatic fungal decomposers, which can influence higher trophic levels and overall ecosystem functioning. Furthermore, microbial communities respond to various environmental stressors, such as pollution and changes in water quality, which can affect their composition and function. The findings underscore the importance of microbial decomposers in maintaining water quality in aquatic systems. Microbial communities play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and responding to environmental changes. These insights highlight the need for monitoring microbial activity and composition to ensure the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Keywords Microbial decomposers; Water quality; Nutrient cycling; Organic matter decomposition, Aquatic ecosystems; Microbial communities; Environmental stressors 1 Introduction Aquatic systems, encompassing freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, are vital for sustaining biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem services. These systems are under increasing stress from anthropogenic activities, including pollution, eutrophication, and climate change, which significantly impact water quality and ecosystem health (Sehnal et al., 2021). The conservation and sustainable use of freshwater resources are of global importance, as microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining water quality by participating in various ecological processes. Despite advances in understanding the diversity of freshwater microorganisms, a comprehensive understanding of their ecological roles remains incomplete. Decomposers, particularly microbial communities, are fundamental to the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. They are involved in nutrient cycling, breaking down organic matter, and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem (Mamidala et al., 2021). Microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, and protists, are key players in processes such as nitrogen cycling, oxygen production, and the degradation of pollutants (Sagova-Mareckova et al., 2020; Savenko and Prysiazhniuk, 2022). These microbial processes are essential for the self-cleaning capacity of water bodies, influencing the hydrological and gas regimes and ultimately determining water quality (Savenko and Prysiazhniuk, 2022). The microbial decomposition of organic matter, such as leaf detritus and animal tissues, further underscores the importance of decomposers in nutrient cycling and ecosystem health (Lobb et al., 2020; Liao et al., 2023). This study highlights the critical role of microbial decomposers in aquatic systems and their impact on water quality. By synthesizing current research, we will elucidate the diversity and ecological functions of microbial communities in freshwater habitats, explore the mechanisms by which decomposers contribute to nutrient cycling
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