Functional genes of ammonia oxidizing microorganisms in sediments of western Antarctic lakes

In this study, we collected 21 sediment samples from 7 lakes in western Antarctica, to investigate the abundance and niche differentiation of comammox and other ammonia oxidizers in Antarctic lake sediments. Specifically, our main objectives were (1) to investigate the distribution patterns and community structure of comammox and other ammonia oxides (AOA, AOB) in Antarctic lake sediments, (2) to study environmental factors that affect their distribution and community structure, and (3) to investigate the ecological niche preferences of ammonia oxidizers in Antarctic lake sediments. This study will enhance our understanding of nitrogen transformation processes and their distribution patterns in sediments of Antarctic lakes.