Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The assessment of marine microbial biodiversity is crucial for determining either the environmental status (ecological or biodiversity research) or as a first step in the biodiscovery process (biotechnological research). Regardless of the research purpose, the first step in a biodiversity assessment is sampling, which can range from ad hoc sampling expeditions to long-term monitoring campaigns. In spite of its demands for funds, infrastructure, expertise, equipment, and personnel, sampling is often not adequately planned. This results in increased likelihood for biased sampling, which can lead to misinterpretation of results, omission of valuable specimens and an unrepresentative collection of stored samples, all particularly important for the assessment of microbial biodiversity. For these reasons, we are proposing a conceptual framework to assist in better preparation of sampling, consisting of pre-sampling, sampling and post sampling steps. The manuscript guides the reader through all the necessary steps, regardless of the sampling habitat (from water column to sediment), the sampling techniques and the preservation and storage approaches including culture and biorepositories. Such a harmonized approach can be of benefit for (i) researchers in the field of ecology/biotechnology, (ii) industrial companies requiring information on the providers and availability of data, and (iii) governance structures and funders, in the light of open science principles.
Source: Frontiers in Marine Science
Authors: Zrinka Ljubešić, Marija Gligora Udovič, Donata Overlingė, Filip Grgurević, Füsun Akgül, Ariola Bacu, Ana R. Díaz-Marrero, Dragana Drakulović, Stefano Fazi, Susana P. Gaudêncio, Anamarija Kolda, Lucie Novoveska, Ivo Safarik, Joana R. Sousa, Olivier P. Thomas, Maggie M. Reddy, Giovanna Cristina Varese, Marlen Ines Vasquez, Tihomir Makovec, Ana Rotter
Institutions: University of Zagreb, Klaipėda University, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi, University of Tirana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, University of Montenegro, Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Unidade em Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Institute of Soil Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre, Palacký University Olomouc, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway, University of Cape Town, University of Turin, Cyprus University of Technology, National Institute of Biology
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4414341950