Functional analysis of pristine estuarine marine sediments

Traditional environmental monitoring techniques are well suited to resolving acute exposure effects but lack resolution in determining subtle shifts ecosystem functions resulting from chronic exposure(s). Surveillance with sensitive omics-based technologies could bridge this gap but, date, most studies have focused on previously degraded environments, identifying key metabolic differences anthropogenic perturbations. Here, we apply approaches pristine environments establish blueprints of microbial functionality within healthy estuarine sediment communities. We collected surface sediments (n = 50) four estuaries along the Western Cape York Peninsula Far North Queensland, Australia. Sediment microbiomes were analyzed for 16S rRNA amplicon sequences, central carbon metabolism metabolites and associated secondary via targeted untargeted profiling methods. Multivariate statistical analyses indicated heterogeneity among all sampled estuaries, however, taxa-function relationships be established that predicted community potential. Twenty-four correlated gene-metabolite pathways identified used essential amino acid biosynthesis positively function outputs (2-oxisocapraote, tryptophan, histidine citrulline succinic acid). In addition, an increase 125 KEGG genes related metal homeostasis resistance was observed, although, none detected these specific upon integration. However, there a correlation between abundance functional Fe Zn metabolism. Our results baseline blueprint microbiome, one drives important services which future ecosurveillance can compared.