Influence of marine and terrestrial environments on microbial composition of Ward Hunt Lake

Ward Hunt Lake is located on Northern Ellesmere Island and represents Canada's northern most Lake. This lake is surrounded by marine and terrestrial habitats, which with the actual climate warming becomes more connected to its watershed by increased hydrological connectivity. Seasonal exchanges during the summer bring nutrients, carbon but also microbes to the lake. However, the incomes of external microbes on Ward Hunt Lake microbial communities and its effect on the current state of the lake are not well understood. This study highlights what is the actual state of the lake and the interactions with the surrounding marine and terrestrial environments.