Volume 54

Stochastic and deterministic processes in the response of microbial to pressure gradients in deep-sea environments Song Zhong, Jing-Chun Feng, Yongji Huang, Si Zhang, Zhifeng Yang

Abstract

Marine microorganisms play a vital role in the ocean’s cycling of organic matter and nutrients. Here, we conducted a 150-day simulation experiment to investigate cold seep sedimentary microbial diversity under different pressure conditions (0.1-14 MPa) and the roles of various influencing factors. The results showed that the level of pressure affected the reaction rates of metabolic processes, especially those involved in the carbon cycle. The microbial diversity tended to decrease and then increase with increasing pressure. An environmental pressure of 7 MPa was the dividing line between stochastic and deterministic processes. The microbial community diversity was primarily influenced by sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻), total organic carbon (TOC), and total inorganic carbon (TIC).

Keywords microbial, species coexistence, incubation, different pressure conditions