Deciphering taxonomic and functional diversity of fungi as potential bioindicators within confluence stretch of Ganges and Yamuna Rivers, impacted by anthropogenic activities.

Deciphering taxonomic and functional diversity of fungi as potential bioindicators within confluence stretch of Ganges and Yamuna Rivers, impacted by anthropogenic activities.

Chemosphere. 2020 Mar 16;252:126507

Authors: Samson R, Rajput V, Shah M, Yadav R, Sarode P, Dastager SG, Dharne MS, Khairnar K

Abstract
River confluences are interesting ecological niche with limited information in respect of the structure and the functions of diverse microbial communities. Fungi are gaining global attention as promising biological spectacles for defining the trophic status of riverine systems. We condense existing knowledge in confluence diversity in two Indian rivers (i.e. Ganges and Yamuna), by combining sediment metagenomics using long read aided MinION nanopore sequencing. A total of 63 OTU’s were observed, of which top 20 OTU’s were considered based on relative abundance of each OTU at a particular location. Fungal genera such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Kluveromyces, Lodderomyces, and Nakaseomyces were deciphered as potential bio indicators of river pollution and eutrophication in the confluent zone. In silico functional gene analysis uncovered hits for neurodegenerative diseases and xenobiotic degradation potential, supporting bioindication of river pollution in wake of anthropogenic intervention.

PMID: 32200181 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Source: Industry