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Research and Reviews: A Journal of Microbiology and Virology Review Article

An Overview of Microbial Diversity in the Functions of Wetland Ecosystems

  1. Jyautsana Gausianga Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
  2. Khushbu Singhal Department of Botany, U.S. Ostwal P.G. College, Mangalwad, Chittorgarh

Abstract

Wetlands serve as abundant reservoirs of biodiversity, crucial for the well-being of both humanity and the natural world. They represent the most critical and fertile ecosystem, where water predominantly dictates the environment and the plant and animal species that inhabit it. Wetlands have diverse microbial flora and fauna, which play essential roles in ecosystems. Soil and aquatic microorganisms mediate many processes, such as biogeochemical cycles, waste decomposition, symbiotic relationships, and climate regulation, that regulate ecosystem functioning and feedback to influence wetlands ecosystems. Technological advancements in metagenomics contribute significantly to understanding the diversity of unculturable wetland bacteria. Despite numerous ecological studies being conducted on various wetlands globally, including in India, this detailed review consolidates existing knowledge regarding the diversity and functional roles of microbes, particularly those linked with soil and aquatic environments, besides their interactions with other organisms and responses to human impacts. The importance of symbiotic relationships like mutualism and commensalism in wetland ecosystem stability, and the dual role of bacteria in greenhouse gas dynamics and climate regulation. We examine the functions of soil and aquatic microbes in nutrient cycles. Wetland ecosystems provide a variety of critical functions that benefit environmental health, economic stability, and human well-being. Understanding and appreciating the ecosystem services supplied by wetland is critical for understanding conservation strategies, sustainable land-use planning, and policy formulation. Additionally, this review discusses the important environmental impact on microbial ecosystems, as well as how wetland conservation is approached in India. It highlights some challenges and suggests prospects, focusing on interdisciplinary strategies to engage the public in protecting and utilizing wetland microbial ecosystems for environmental sustainability.

Keywords

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