天美传媒

Abstract

Tropical soda lakes are extreme environments characterized by high salinity and alkalinity, where microbial communities thrive despite harsh conditions. This review explores the crucial roles played by these microbial communities in biogeochemical cycles and greenhouse gas emissions within such ecosystems. Microbes in tropical soda lakes are diverse and specialized, contributing significantly to carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. They are involved in primary production through photosynthesis and chemosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and sulfur metabolism. Furthermore, these microbial communities produce and consume greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, influencing local and global climate dynamics. Recent advances in genomic and environmental studies have enhanced our understanding of microbial diversity, metabolic pathways, and ecological interactions in tropical soda lakes. Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding these unique ecosystems and their microbial diversity, ensuring their resilience in the face of environmental changes. Further research is needed to elucidate microbial responses to anthropogenic impacts and climate change, providing insights into sustainable management practices and potential biotechnological applications of extremophile microorganisms. Understanding the function of microbial communities in tropical soda lakes is essential for comprehending ecosystem dynamics and their implications for global biogeochemical cycles.