Microbial Abundance and Physiology Variation in Carbon Use Patterns Along a Latitudinal Gradient From the UP of Michigan to Chicago
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Location
University Library
Start Date
4-10-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-10-2026 3:15 PM
Description of Program
Microbial abundance and physiology are key parameters of soil ecosystem health, influencing nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and resilience. This study explores the variation in microbial general diversity and carbon use patterns along a latitudinal gradient, with a comparative analysis of mainland and island ecosystems.
Abstract
Microbial abundance and physiology are key parameters of soil ecosystem health, influencing nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and resilience. This study explores the variation in microbial general diversity and carbon use patterns along a latitudinal gradient, with a comparative analysis of mainland and island ecosystems. Soil samples were collected from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to sites South of Chicago. The study aims to characterize microbial community general composition and carbon use by examining how latitude and geographical influence these parameters. It was hypothesized that microbial diversity is not uniformly distributed but varies significantly with latitude and ecosystem type (mainland vs. island influence the microbial ecology in soil environments. Recent research suggests that latitude significantly influences microbial community composition and functional traits, with climate change potentially altering microbial distributions. By comparing mainland soil bacterial and fungal numbers using sample dilutions plated on Petrifilms for specifically culturing and counting aerobic bacteria, coliforms and E. coli, and Yeast/Mold for fungal counts. Data from three locations reveal significant variations in microbial populations, with aerobic bacterial counts ranging from 3.3 x 104 to 2.93 x 105 CFU/g across different soil types. BIOLog Ecoplates were used to determine carbon use patterns by microbial communities in these soils. Differences in the patterns and specific types of carbons metabolized helped define these soils by latitude. Predictive models for microbial diversity patterns and identification of key environmental drivers of community numbers and composition, can contribute to conservation biology and climate change adaptative strategies.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr Timothy C. Gsell
Microbial Abundance and Physiology Variation in Carbon Use Patterns Along a Latitudinal Gradient From the UP of Michigan to Chicago
University Library
Microbial abundance and physiology are key parameters of soil ecosystem health, influencing nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and resilience. This study explores the variation in microbial general diversity and carbon use patterns along a latitudinal gradient, with a comparative analysis of mainland and island ecosystems. Soil samples were collected from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to sites South of Chicago. The study aims to characterize microbial community general composition and carbon use by examining how latitude and geographical influence these parameters. It was hypothesized that microbial diversity is not uniformly distributed but varies significantly with latitude and ecosystem type (mainland vs. island influence the microbial ecology in soil environments. Recent research suggests that latitude significantly influences microbial community composition and functional traits, with climate change potentially altering microbial distributions. By comparing mainland soil bacterial and fungal numbers using sample dilutions plated on Petrifilms for specifically culturing and counting aerobic bacteria, coliforms and E. coli, and Yeast/Mold for fungal counts. Data from three locations reveal significant variations in microbial populations, with aerobic bacterial counts ranging from 3.3 x 104 to 2.93 x 105 CFU/g across different soil types. BIOLog Ecoplates were used to determine carbon use patterns by microbial communities in these soils. Differences in the patterns and specific types of carbons metabolized helped define these soils by latitude. Predictive models for microbial diversity patterns and identification of key environmental drivers of community numbers and composition, can contribute to conservation biology and climate change adaptative strategies.