Amplicon sequencing of Antarctic microphytobenthic communities (Potter Cove, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula)

Aquatic fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and food web dynamics, yet their importance for microphytobenthic communities remains largely unexplored. Particularly in polar regions, coastal habitats harboring these communities are significantly impacted by glacier meltwater due to climate change. This study aimed to investigate fungal diversity in Antarctic benthic habitats, focusing on fungal parasites and their interactions with microalgal hosts. The study was conducted in January and February 2020 and sediment samples were collected following the salinity gradient of glacier meltwater runoff.