Diversity of Thraustochytrid Species in Marine Wetlands of Taiwan

Diversity of Thraustochytrid Species in Marine Wetlands of Taiwan

Wan-Rou Lin*, Han-Yun Li, Wan-Ping Chiang, and Sung-Yuan Hsieh 

Bioresource Collection and Research Center (BCRC), Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI), Hsinchu, Taiwan

*Email: inbanban5@gmail.com; wrl@firdi.org.tw

Thraustochytrids are monocentric halophilic protists with either saprophytic or parasitic nutrition. They are widely distributed in marine and mangrove habitats, playing a significant role in decomposition and acting as remineralizers in the marine ecosystem. However, most ecological studies on Thraustochytrids have focused on temperate, sub-Antarctic, and Antarctic regions, with limited research conducted in tropical and subtropical regions. Wetlands, as important ecosystems, are inundated with water and host diverse marine Thraustochytrids that contribute to the organic matter cycle and perform vital biological functions as saprobes, parasites, and commensals. This study investigates the culturable diversity and community structure of Thraustochytrids in subtropical coastal wetlands. The effects of habitats and seasons on Thraustochytrid diversity are also examined. A total of 192 isolates were obtained, representing various species including Aurantiochytrium acetophilum, Botryochytrium sp., Parietichytrium sarkarianum, Ulkenia visurgensis, Ulkenia sp., Thraustochytrium aureum, Thraustochytrium spp, Thraustochytriaceae spp, Sicyoidochytrium minutum and Schizochytrium spp. Seasonal variations in the communities of marine Thraustochytrids were observed. Furthermore, differences in Thraustochytrids isolated from each monitoring site and season were linked to variations in environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity, and nutrient sources. This research highlights the importance of studying Thraustochytrids in tropical and subtropical wetlands, expanding our understanding of their diversity and ecological roles. The findings contribute to our knowledge of marine microbial communities, emphasizing the influence of environmental factors on Thraustochytrid populations. Ultimately, this research enhances our understanding of the functioning and conservation of wetland ecosystems and provides valuable insights into the ecological significance of Thraustochytrids in these environments.