Characterization of Microbial Communities with Nitrogen Presence
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Authors
Bold, Katherine
Date of Issue
2025
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Characterization of Microbial Communities in Relation to Nitrogen in Montana Lake Sediments
Abstract
As water safety is becoming an increasingly important issue, it is critical to understand the influence of nutrient input on water resources. Nitrogen compounds from agricultural and industrial runoff commonly accumulate in aquatic environments and impact microbial growth. Microbial communities are foundational to food webs and affect ecosystem health and function; thus, nitrogen contamination affects both the environment and our future sources of safe drinking water. This study aimed to characterize the relationship between nitrogen levels and microbial communities in eight small lakes and reservoirs across Central and Northwest Montana. Nitrogen levels were hypothesized to be associated with altered microbial community composition and diversity. Water and sediment samples were collected for chemical and microbial analysis over three years (fall of 2022, fall of 2023, and spring of 2024). Water samples were analyzed for combined nitrate and nitrite concentrations via colorimetry. Genomic DNA was extracted from sediment samples, followed by PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene and Oxford Nanopore sequencing to determine the relative composition of bacterial taxa in each sampling location. Here, findings are presented on the patterns of microbial communities among Montana water sources in relation to nitrogen levels across the three years of sample collection to address increased concerns regarding the quality of our water sources.