Species‐sorting and mass‐transfer paradigms control managed natural metacommunities

Abstract

A complex microbial system consisting of six different interconnected localities was thoroughly investigated at full scale for over a year. The metacommunity concept originating from macro-ecology was used to uncover mechanisms of community assembly by observing microbial interrelationships in and between the different localities via correlation and network analysis. The individual-based observation approach was applied using high-throughput microbial community cytometry in addition to next generation sequencing. We found robust α-diversity values for each of the six localities and high β-diversity values despite directed connectivity between localities, classifying for endpoint assembly of organisms in each locality. Endpoint characteristics were based on subcommunities with high cell numbers whereas those with lower cell numbers were involved in dispersal. Perturbation caused abiotic parameters to alter local community assembly with especially the rare cells announcing community restructuration processes. The mass-effect paradigm as part of the metacommunity concept was identified by an increase in interlocality biotic correlations under perturbation which, however, did not unbalance the predominant species-sorting paradigm in the studied full scale metacommunity. Data as generated in this study might contribute to the development of individual-based models for controlling managed multispecies natural systems in future.

Neutral mechanisms and niche differentiation in steady‐state insular microbial communities revealed by single cell analysis

“…Therefore, testing for the strength of interconnections between microorganisms and their environment may reveal situations in which niche differentiation is or is not fulfilled. Recent studies have confirmed that the number of correlations between subcommunities and abiotic parameters can unravel these interconnections (Faust and Raes, ; Günther et al ., ).…”

“…Second, niche differentiating mechanisms were disclosed by the numbers of detected significant correlations. An increased number of positive or negative correlations suggest both increasing interactions between organisms and between organisms and abiotic parameters (Seebacher and Franklin, 2012;Faust and Raes, 2012;Needham and Fuhrman, 2016;Günther et al, 2016). Adaptations to new conditions are known to cause not only changes in cell states, e.g.…”

Estimating the Energy Content of Wastewater Using Combustion Calorimetry and Different Drying Processes

“…Within 2 h after sampling time, the process of drying homogenized wastewater was initiated, and the remaining wastewater was stored at 4°C. (Günther et al, 2016 Remaining wastewater was also homogenized before it was added to the drying setup. Wastewater samples used for the analysis provided by Günther et al (2016) (Table 1) were sampled at the same time.…”

“…(Günther et al, 2016 Remaining wastewater was also homogenized before it was added to the drying setup. Wastewater samples used for the analysis provided by Günther et al (2016) (Table 1) were sampled at the same time. 50 mL of 20 samples (January 2014-July 2014) were stored at −20°C for further experiments (dry weight).…”

“…2): were derived from ion chromatography (see Ion Chromatography). Günther et al (2016), as well as the methods used. The amounts of blackwater and brewery waste were provided by the operators of the sampled WWTPs.…”