Effects of metal contamination with physicochemical properties on the sediment microbial communities in a tropical eutrophic-hypereutrophic urban reservoir in Brazil

Author(s)

Pierangeli, Gabrielle Maria Fonseca ; da Silva, Karine Mirelle Rodrigues ; Coelho, Lucia Helena Gomes ; Benassi, Roseli Frederigi ; Domingues, Mercia Regina ; Gregoracci, Gustavo Bueno

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research; v. N/A, p. 18-pg., 2023-03-07.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of metals and physicochemical variables on the microbes and their metabolisms in the sediments of Guarapiranga reservoir, a tropical eutrophic-hypereutrophic freshwater reservoir located in a highly urbanized and industrialized area in Brazil. The metals cadmium, copper, and chromium showed minor contribution to changes in the structure, composition, and richness of sediment microbial communities and functions. However, the effects of metals on the microbiota are increased when taken together with physicochemical properties, including the sediment carbon and sulfur, the bottom water electrical conductivity, and the depth of the water column. Clearly, diverse anthropic activities, such as sewage discharge, copper sulfate application to control algal growth, water transfer, urbanization, and industrialization, contribute to increase these parameters and the metals spatially in the reservoir. Microbes found especially in metal-contaminated sites encompassed Bathyarchaeia, MBG-D and DHVEG-1, Halosiccatus, Candidatus Methanoperedens, Anaeromyxobacter, Sva0485, Thermodesulfovibrionia, Acidobacteria, and SJA-15, possibly showing metal resistance or acting in metal bioremediation. Knallgas bacteria, nitrate ammonification, sulfate respiration, and methanotrophy were inferred to occur in metal-contaminated sites and may also contribute to metal removal. This knowledge about the sediment microbiota and metabolisms in a freshwater reservoir impacted by anthropic activities allows new insights about their potential for metal bioremediation in these environments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/10355-1 - Relation between limnological variables (abiotic and biotic) and seasonality in CH4 and CO2 gas fluxes in the fluvial regions of the Billings and Guarapiranga dams (São Paulo - SP)
• Grantee: Roseli Frederigi Benassi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/19694-6 - Evaluation of metals in the water and sediment of the Guarapiranga reservoir (São Paulo - SP) and its relationship with soil usage and occupation in the region
• Grantee: Karine Mirelle Rodrigues da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 18/20417-7 - Relation between limnological variables (abiotic and biotic) and seasonality in CH4 and CO2 gas fluxes in fluvial regions of the Billings and Guarapiranga dams (São Paulo - SP)
• Grantee: Nicolas Pereira Andrade
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 19/23767-1 - Relationship between limnological variables (abiotic and biotic) and seasonality in the flow of CH4 and CO2 gases in fluvial regions of the Billings and Guarapiranga dams (São Paulo - SP)
• Grantee: Joice Teixeira Silva Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training