Insight into the coupling process of antibiotic resistance gene
dissemination and nitrogen retention across various fractions in Plateau
lakes
Abstract
Plateau lakes are often pristine and less disturbed ecosystems. Studying
the interactions among microbial diversity, resistance genes, and
nitrogen metabolism processes in these environments can provide profound
insights into natural processes. This study investigated eight typical
Plateau lakes and explored the distribution patterns of microbial
communities and functional diversity across different fractions (pore
sizes). It was found that particle-attached (PA) fractions exhibited
significantly higher community diversity, while free-living (FL)
fractions showed significantly higher functional diversity.
Multiresistance, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS), and
tetracycline resistance genes are the predominant types of ARGs in
Plateau lakes. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) play a crucial role in the
dissemination and risk transmission of resistance genes. A total of 64
potential hosts for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were identified,
with Limnohabitans, Aestuariivirga, and Stenotrophomonas being the
primary carriers of ARGs in both fractions. Furthermore, it was
discovered that the dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA)
process dominates nitrogen metabolism in Plateau lakes, indicating a
potential risk of nitrogen retention. The abundance of DNRA-related
genes demonstrated a strong positive correlation with ARGs.
Gammaproteobacteria were identified as the main hosts for the co-hosts
of DNRA-related genes and ARGs. This research significantly contributes
to understanding the ecological risks posed by the interaction between
microbially-driven nitrogen metabolism and antibiotic resistance in less
impacted Plateau lake ecosystems.