Fungal communities of submerged fine detritus from temperate peatland and stream habitats

Fine submerged detritus or substrate on or beneath the stream bed were collected from six sites. Fungal cultures were isolated from samples collected in May, July/August and November in 2014 for two sites and for four sites in 2016. Culture-independent analyses were conducted on 42 environmental samples collected in November 2016. Results indicated that peatland and alkaline stream fungal communities were taxonomically diverse, phylogenetically distinct, and harbored many unknown taxa from the Kingdom Fungi. Specifically, stream habitats were more species rich, both in number of species and phylogenetic diversity, as compared to peatland habitats. In addition, fungal species and phylogenetic distribution within most major fungal classes were distinct between peatland and alkaline stream fungal communities. In light of global climate change, habitat loss, and water pollution, it has become increasingly important to examine this understudied and essential fungal community within these ecosystems.