Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 131-140 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 137 7.3 Conservation of microbial diversity The conservation of microbial diversity is essential for the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Microbial diversity underpins the resilience of ecosystems to environmental stressors and disturbances. For instance, diverse microbial communities are better equipped to degrade pollutants and recycle nutrients, thereby maintaining water quality and ecosystem health. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting habitats from pollution, over-extraction of water, and other anthropogenic impacts that threaten microbial diversity. Additionally, integrating microbial indicators into routine water quality monitoring can enhance our understanding of ecosystem health and guide conservation strategies (Gu, 2019; Sagova-Mareckova et al., 2020). The use of advanced molecular techniques and bioinformatics can further aid in the assessment and conservation of microbial diversity in aquatic systems (Sagova-Mareckova et al., 2020). 8 Concluding Remarks This study has highlighted the critical role of microbial life in maintaining the health and functionality of aquatic systems. Microbial communities, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protists, are essential for processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and the maintenance of water quality. The integration of microorganisms into routine freshwater biomonitoring has revealed their potential as bioindicators, providing valuable insights into the ecological status of aquatic environments. Additionally, the decomposition of organic matter by microbial communities, such as the necrobiome of fish, underscores the importance of microbial succession in nutrient cycling and ecosystem health. The impact of environmental stressors, such as fungicides and antibiotics, on microbial decomposers has also been documented, highlighting the potential long-term effects on ecosystem functions. Microbial life forms the backbone of aquatic ecosystems, driving essential processes that sustain life and maintain water quality. Microorganisms play a pivotal role in the decomposition of organic matter, transforming complex compounds into simpler forms that can be utilized by other organisms in the food web. They are also crucial in nutrient cycling, particularly in the transformation and removal of nitrogen compounds, which helps prevent the accumulation of harmful substances such as nitrates. The gut microbiota of aquatic organisms further exemplifies the importance of microbial communities in regulating host health and resilience to environmental pollutants. The dynamic interactions between microbial communities and their environment underscore the need for comprehensive monitoring and management practices that consider microbial diversity and function. Future research should focus on expanding our understanding of microbial community dynamics in various aquatic habitats and under different environmental conditions. This includes investigating the effects of emerging pollutants, such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals, on microbial communities and their ecological functions. There is also a need to develop and implement advanced molecular and bioinformatic techniques to enhance the resolution and accuracy of microbial monitoring programs. Additionally, studies should explore the potential of microbial communities as bioindicators for early detection of ecological disturbances and water quality issues. Practical applications should aim to integrate microbial assessments into routine water quality monitoring and management strategies, ensuring the protection and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Acknowledgments We would like to express our gratitude to Professor Jin from the Institute of Life Science of Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University for his reading and feedback. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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