Research progress of microbes and related biogenic element cycle in Antarctic subglacial ecosystems

Abstract:

The liquid water under the ice sheet of Antarctic continent consists of subglacial lakes, subglacial rivers/streams, ice-covered lakes, and water bodies under ice shelf. The subglacial aquatic ecosystems are featured with low temperature, darkness, and oligotrophy, and are dominated by microbes characteristic of complex community composition, diverse functions, and unique adaptation mechanisms. These microbes play important roles in biogeochemical cycling of elements. Hence, it is of great significance to clarify the microbial characteristics and their roles in biogeochemical cycles of elements in the subglacial aquatic ecosystems of Antarctic, which avails to reveal the evolution of life on the early Earth and explore life in the extraterrestrial planets. This review summarized the extreme environment conditions, microbial diversity, adaptation mechanisms, and microbial functions related to biogeochemical cycles of elements in subglacial aquatic ecosystems of the Antarctic. Moreover, we summed up the future research trends on Antarctic subglacial microbes.