Work

Effects of Priestia megaterium A20 on the Aggregation Behavior and Growth Characteristics of Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-912

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Microcystis aeruginosa formed in natural water bodies grow in aggregate particles, while Microcystis aeruginosa commonly used in scientific research grow in a single-celled discrete state during cultivation. To elucidate the factors and mechanisms of Microcystis aeruginosa entering the “cell-aggregate” survival state in the natural environment, we focused on studying the influence of biological factors in their living environment (coexisting bacteria) on the aggregation behavior and growth characteristics of Microcystis aeruginosa. The bacterial strain A20, which can promote the aggregative behavior of Microcystis aeruginosa, was isolated from the water of Taihu Lake, where a cyanobacterial bloom broke out. A20 was identified as Priestia megaterium. Results showed that A20 could significantly drive Microcystis aeruginosa to form sac-like aggregate structures and promote the increase of aggregate particle size from 3–7 μm to 180 μm. The coexistence of bacteria and algae exhibited a dynamic stage adaptation strategy, with A20 promoting the transition of Microcystis aeruginosa from “high-chlorophyll, low-photochemical efficiency growth and proliferation” to “stable survival and maintenance of chlorophyll and photochemical efficiency in fluctuating changes” adaptation strategies. The coexistence of bacteria and algae significantly intensified the release of humic acid-like, fulvic acid-like, and protein-like substances from Microcystis aeruginosa, with the most significant increase in small-molecule fulvic acid-like substances. This is probably related to the endogenous metabolic stress response of Microcystis aeruginosa during A20 invasion, as well as the utilization and transformation of autotrophic Microcystis aeruginosa metabolites by heterotrophic bacteria A20. This study contributes to the study of microbial interactions underlying bloom outbreaks and can be useful for developing community-targeted algal control technologies.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17233434

Authors: Feng Sun, Xin Deng, Lei Wu, Chaoyang Zhang, Tong Wang

Institution: Yangzhou University

Language: English

Topic: Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China