Co-occurrence and diversity patterns of benthonic and planktonic communities in a shallow marine ecosystem

Marine microorganisms are involved in a variety of biogeochemical cycles and live diverse ecological communities where they interact with each other organisms to guarantee ecosystem functions. The present study focused on shallow marine environment located Ría de Vigo (NW, Spain), sediment size-fractionated plankton samples were collected from 2016 2018. DNA metabarcoding was used describe the eukaryote prokaryote composition diversity sediments depict possible associations among most frequent abundant by co-occurrence network analysis. High indices obtained all compartments. Significant differences found between samples, high percentage exclusive operational taxonomic units (OTUs) associated compartment, especially sediment. Despite these differences, shared taxa water also obtained, suggesting relatively meaningful exchange both environmental co-occurrences mainly prokaryotes (41%), followed eukaryotes–prokaryotes (32%) eukaryotes (27%). strong positive correlations organisms, including representatives column, suggested an essential role biotic interactions as community-structuring factors waters beneficial likely prevail. This provides novel approach for detailed description patterns area, different water-size fractions. detection predominantly coexisting overlying column suggest movement species habitats therefore confirm importance integratively studying ecosystems.