1. Impact of wildfire ash on skin and gut microbiomes and survival of Rana dybowskii.
- Author
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Xu, Ming-da, Dong, Wen-jing, Long, Xin-zhou, Yang, Xue-wen, Han, Xiao-yun, Cui, Li-yong, and Tong, Qing
- Subjects
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RANA , *WILDFIRES , *GUT microbiome , *WILDFIRE prevention , *WATER quality , *AMPHIBIANS - Abstract
Climate change and human activities escalate the frequency and intensity of wildfires, threatening amphibian habitats and survival; yet, research on these impacts remains limited. Wildfire ash alters water quality, introduces contaminants, and may disrupt microbial communities, impacting gut and skin microbiota; however, the effects on gut and skin microbiota remain unclear. Rana dybowskii were exposed to five concentrations (0 g L-1, 1.25 g L-1, 2.5 g L-1, 5 g L-1, and 10 g L-1) of aqueous extracts of wildfire ashes (AEAs) for 30 days to assess AEAs' metal content, survival, and microbiota diversity via Illumina sequencing. Our results showed that the major elements in ash were Ca > K > Mg > Al > Fe > Na > Mn, while in AEA they were K > Ca > Na > Mg > As > Al > Cu. A significant decrease in amphibian survival rates with increased AEA concentration was shown. The beta diversity analysis revealed distinct shifts in microbiota composition. Notably, bacterial genera associated with potential health risks showed increased abundance in skin microbiota, emphasising the potential for ash exposure to affect amphibian health. Functional prediction analyses revealed significant shifts in metabolic pathways related to health and disease, indicating that wildfire ash exposure may influence amphibian health through changes in microbial functions. This study highlights the urgent need for strategies to mitigate wildfire ash impacts on amphibians, as it significantly alters microbiota and affects their survival and health. [Display omitted] • Wildfire ash alters water quality, introducing contaminants to amphibian habitats. • R. dybowskii survival significantly declines with increased AEA concentrations. • Gut microbiota diversity changes after ash exposure, revealing resilience and vulnerability. • Skin microbiota shows robustness, with minor changes in composition after ash exposure. • Exposure influences metabolic pathways, suggesting health implications for amphibians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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