Temporal variability and phylogenetic characterization of planktonic anammox bacteria in the coastal upwelling ecosystem off central Chile

The phylogenetic affiliation and temporal variability in the abundance of planktonic anammox bacteria were studied at a time-series station above the continental shelf off central Chile (∼36°S; bottom depth 93 m), a wind-driven, seasonal upwelling area, between August 2006 and April 2008. The study was carried out by cloning and sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and by using catalyzed reporter deposition-fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD-FISH). Our results showed the presence of a single anammox bacteria-like ribotype during both upwelling and non-upwelling seasons, which was phylogenetically associated with a recently described oxygen-minimum-zone subcluster within the Candidatus Scalindua clade. Moreover, clear differences were observed in the temporal and vertical distribution of anammox cells. During the upwelling season (austral spring–summer), relatively high abundances (∼5500 cells mL−1) and large cells (0.8 μm3–75.7 fg C cell−1) were found below 20 m depth. In contrast, during the non-upwelling season (austral fall–winter), lower abundances (∼600 cells mL−1) and smaller cells (0.1 μm3–22.8 fg C cell−1) were found, predominantly associated with the bottom layer. Overall, our results indicate that the abundance and vertical distribution of anammox planktonic assemblages are related to the occurrence of seasonal, wind-driven, coastal upwelling, which in turn appears to offer favorable conditions for the development of these microorganisms. The dominance of a unique anammox bacteria-like ribotype could be related to the high environmental variability observed in the system, which prevents the establishment of other anammox lineages.

► We studied the diversity and abundance of anammox bacteria at a coastal upwelling station. ► A single phylotype within the Candidatus Scalindua genus was present year-round. ► Higher abundances of anammox bacteria occurred during the upwelling season. ► Ammonium availability and oxygen deficiency appear to regulate their dynamics.