Microorganisms Involved in Nitrogen Cycling in Reservoirs

This study analyzed the diversity of aquatic microbial communities in reservoirs using 18S rRNA gene sequencing, identifying 1887 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and 367 genera. Microbial species diversity was higher in sediments than in water, with significant differences in community composition. Environmental factors influencing microbial communities in water samples were ranked as total phosphorus (TP) > total nitrogen (TN) > nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) > chemical oxygen demand (CODcr) > dissolved oxygen (DO). In sediment samples, the influence order was TP > CODcr > DO > TN > ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). Pearson correlation analysis showed microbial richness was negatively correlated with DO and positively correlated with COD. TN and TP were strongly correlated with nitrate nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen, while DO was negatively correlated with most diversity indices.These findings indicate that the composition and diversity of microbial communities are largely influenced by water quality parameters and environmental factors, providing a scientific basis for understanding the interactions between microorganisms and their environment in reservoir ecosystems.