Microbes Essential for River Health: New Study

A groundbreaking study by Colorado State University (CSU) has cataloged river microorganisms across 90% of U.S. watersheds, revealing their critical roles in maintaining river health, Earth.com reported yesterday.

Published in Nature, the research highlights that these microbes are vital for nutrient flow, water quality, and environmental health.

The study found that river microbes interact with contaminants like antibiotics and microplastics, demonstrating their ability to degrade harmful substances. However, near wastewater treatment plants, high levels of antibiotic resistance genes were detected, indicating human impact on these ecosystems.

Researchers analyzed over 2,000 microbial genomes from around 100 rivers, emphasizing the interconnectedness of river systems. The findings support the River Continuum Concept, showing that upstream changes affect downstream ecosystems.

This research not only enhances our understanding of river ecosystems but also aims to develop diagnostics for assessing river health, paving the way for improved management strategies and addressing environmental challenges.