Microbial diversity and proxy species for human impact in Italian karst caves
Author(s)
Date Issued
2023
Type
article
Volume
13
Issue
1
Start Page
1
End Page
13
Journal
Abstract
To date, the highly adapted cave microbial communities are challenged by the expanding
anthropization of these subterranean habitats. Although recent advances in characterizing
show-caves microbiome composition and functionality, the anthropic effect on promoting the
establishment, or reducing the presence of specific microbial guilds has never been studied in detail.
This work aims to investigate the whole microbiome (Fungi, Algae, Bacteria and Archaea) of four
Italian show-caves, displaying different environmental and geo-morphological conditions and one
recently discovered natural cave to highlight potential human-induced microbial traits alterations.
Results indicate how show-caves share common microbial traits in contrast to the natural one;
the first are characterized by microorganisms related to outdoor environment and/or capable of
exploiting extra inputs of organic matter eventually supplied by tourist flows (i.e. Chaetomium and
Phoma for fungi and Pseudomonas for bacteria). Yet, variation in microalgae assemblage composition
was reported in show-caves, probably related to the effect of the artificial lighting. This study
provides insights into the potential microbiome cave contamination by human-related bacteria
(e.g. Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus) and commensal/opportunistic human associated fungi (e.g.
Candida) and dermatophytes. This work is critical to untangle caves microbiome towards management
and conservation of these fragile ecosystems.
Subjects