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Metagenomic profiling of fungal diversity in avian-influenced freshwaters of vedanthangal bird sanctuary
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M. Muralidharan   , S. Vijayaram * , M. Gnaniah Ebbie , M. Venkatesan , M. Gobi |
| Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Thandalam, Chennai- 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India |
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Abstract: (10 Views) |
The microbiome of guano in water bodies includes microbes linked to pathogens, disease transmission, and ecological interactions with soil and water. This study examines the diversity and composition of fungal communities (mycobiomes) in the freshwater ecosystem of Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, originating from bird droppings, especially those of migratory species. Metagenomic analysis using Illumina sequencing identified 114,020 and 226,680 reads from two water samples. Among these microbes, fungi were dominant, making up about 64% of the reads, followed by Viridiplantae (32%), Stramenopiles (0.9%), Ichthyosporea (0.7%), and Metazoa (0.6%). In the water of the bird sanctuary, the phylum Ascomycota (43%) appears to play a significant role in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Basidiomycota (18%) may assist in lignin breakdown and help maintain ecological balance. Rozellomycota (16%), often symbiotic or parasitic, could influence microbial interactions in aquatic environments. However, 1,269 organisational taxonomic units (OTUs) remained unidentified. This aquatic ecosystem hosts a diverse array of fungi. This is the first study from this sanctuary to profile fungal communities through Illumina sequencing. It offers new insights into the variety of fungal populations and their potential ecological roles within the sanctuary. The findings suggest fungal communities in aquatic environments are more complex and diverse than previously recognised, with various phyla contributing to key ecological processes.
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| Keywords: Fungal metagenomics, Bird Sanctuary, ITS region, Water quality parameters, DNA |
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Full-Text [PDF 597 kb]
(10 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/10/12 | Published: 2025/10/12
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