Aquatic microbial diversity in the glacier-originated Aconcagua basin (Central Chile)

Microorganisms play an important role in maintaining ecosystem functions by transforming and recycling nutrients and biomass. The impact of environmental perturbations on the transformation and loss of aquatic microbial communities is still poorly understood, particularly in the southern hemisphere. We present the diversity of the microbial community inhabiting glacial-originated waters of the Andes affected by intense anthropic activities along the Aconcagua basin.