Differential patterns and assembly processes of bacterial communities from distinct microhabitats in a subtropical estuary

Estuarine ecosystems interconnect freshwater and marine environments, comprise multiple highly dynamic complex microhabitats. The resident microbiota in estuary is influenced by contrasting microenvironmental heterogeneity. However, the bacterial patterns assembly processes different microhabitats of estuarine ecosystem are not well studied. Here, we investigated diversity, functions community mechanisms mangrove soil, river sediment overlying water a subtropical estuary. Results showed that similar profiles communities existed soil were dominated Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes Acidobacteria. In terms microhabitats, lowest alpha diversity was found Actinobacteria Bacteroidetes. Meanwhile, functional potential genes associated with carbon metabolisms also substantially three relative abundance connected to aerobic respiration significantly higher than other two Bacterial sediments enriched for methane oxidation. strong environmental heterogeneity nearby shaped taxonomic composition ecosystem. Moreover, plant rhizosphere effect increased proportion dispersal limitation soils compared sediments, while fluid had less selection sediment. construct more clustered network, network highest complexity. Our findings reveal differences distinct ecosystems, provide important insights comprehensive understanding maintain wetland conservation under changes.