Microorganisms in the methane cycle in four temperate lakes

Lakes play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by being active sites for carbon transport, transformation and sequestration. Serving as a sink for substantial amounts of organic matter and contributing significantly to the emissions of methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, lakes are becoming increasingly interesting as indicators of environmental change. As a part of this study we investigated two different lake systems in Croatia: one oligotrophic with unique geomorphological, hydrological and biological processes forming tufa barriers (Plitvice Lakes) and one mesotrophic with seasonal anoxia and salinization in the bottom of the lake (Bacina Lakes). The objectives were to investigate spatial and temporal variability of methane cycling microorganisms in the water column of four lakes in Croatia and their relation to environmental conditions. Sequencing was performed at the Joint Microbiome Facility of the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna under the project IDs JMF-2112-10, JMF-2301-04, and JMF-2304-04.