Exploring microbial diversity: Constructing a Winogradsky-inspired model for inland blue holes | Poster Board #836

Winogradsky columns serve as invaluable laboratory models for simulating terrestrial multilayer microbial ecosystems. In a corresponding view, blue holes are natural aquatic sinkholes, found both in oceanic and inland environments, that harbor diverse multilayer microbial ecosystems. These two seemingly distinct environments share significant commonalities, including variable environmental conditions such as high/low salinity levels, high/low oxygen concentrations, absence/presence of sunlight availability, and the absence/presence of various chemical elements. Our research aspires to bridge the gap between these ecosystems by constructing a Winogradsky-type simulation specifically tailored to mimic the unique conditions found in inland blue holes. This endeavor involves the isolation and subsequent sequencing of bacterial DNA, utilizing the 16S rRNA gene as a marker. Through this genetic analysis, we have not only identified and classified the bacterial taxon present but have also conducted an in-depth diversity analysis, shedding light on the complexities of microbial life within this simulated ecosystem.