Evaluation of the Influence of Habitat Heterogeneity and Human Activities on the Distribution of Microbial Diversity in a High Elevation Drop River

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the microbial diversity characteristics and driving factors in a high elevation drop river and to analyze the potential risks of river microorganisms to human health. In March 2019, we analyzed the microbial diversity characteristics in surface water and sludge from the Huotong River using high-throughput sequencing. The Huotong River is of great importance to the production and life of the people living along this river. The sampling points were set at the estuary of the river, on a downstream section of the river, on an upstream section of the main river, at one tributary flowing through a town, at one tributary with a barrage, and at the source of one tributary. The results showed significant differences in bacterial diversity in different areas of the river. For example, actinomycetes were less abundant in water samples from the headwaters of tributaries and more abundant upriver. The results revealed that different intensities of human activities had significant different effects on functional flora. Anthropogenic disturbance and human activities reduced the abundance of probiotic bacteria and increased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria in the river. The changes in functional floral diversity may pose potential threats to human health.