Spatio-temporal variability of airborne viruses over sub-Antarctic South Georgia: Effects of sampling device and proximity of the ocean

Abstract

AbstractStudying airborne viral diversity in pristine, remote environments like the sub-Antarctic island South Georgia provides crucial insights into viral ecology and their role in sustaining unique ecosystems. Viruses influence microbial dynamics and nutrient cycles, which are vital for ecological balance and long-term ecosystem sustainability. We explored the community composition of airborne viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) of two sites in South Georgia, using various sampling devices and viral metagenomics. The Coriolis µ device (wet collection) was the most effective, yielding 30 viral scaffolds. Two-thirds of the scaffolds were from sea-level samples, indicating that location impacts viral diversity. Protein-based clustering of 39 vOTUs revealed similarities of 15 with known marine viruses, suggesting oceanic influence on the island’s airborne viral community. Genes related to UV damage protection and photosynthesis from two airborne vOTUs were widely distributed in the major oceans, emphasizing the potential resilience in changing climates. Host predictions indicated associations with bacterial genera likeRickettsia,Myroides, and Bacteroidota. Some vOTUs matched viruses from extremophiles, indicating adaptations to harsh environments. This study provides a baseline for understanding the complexity and sustainability of airborne viral communities in remote ecosystems, underscoring the need for continued monitoring in the face of environmental change.Sustainability StatementAntarctic microbes have potentially unique adaptations to extreme cold and harsh conditions. Viruses that infect these microbes may play a pivotal role in shaping these adaptations and thus understanding virus-host interactions is vital for preserving the unique microbial biodiversity of Antarctica. Moreover, investigating the dynamics of viral aerosolization in and around Antarctica is important for understanding the global dispersal of viruses and their potential impacts on distant ecosystems. Monitoring microbial viruses in Antarctica is essential for tracking community changes over time. Since Antarctica is often considered one of the last pristine environments on Earth, understanding the role of microbial viruses is relevant for developing conservation strategies to protect this ecosystem from potential anthropogenic impacts, including unintentional introduction of foreign microorganisms and viruses. Our research aligns with Sustainable Development Goals Life below water (SDG14) and Life on land (SDG15).