B37: Exploring Soil Microbial Diversity and Topography Across Local Transects

Presenter(s)

Juliet Ainsley

Abstract or Description

The soil microbiome, which is the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms in the soil, influences the human gut microbiome. As humans interact with the soil, bacteria in their gut is exposed to bacteria in the soil. A more diverse microbiome is associated with resiliency, better functionality, and improved health in the host (soil or human). The multi-year REACH project examines the impact of flooding and the soil microbiome on the human gut microbiome. While some soil samples were collected at points in the communities of focus (sites), many soil samples were collected along transects. Transects were determined by flood modeling based on exposure and experience.

I am curious about the spatial relationships of soil microbes along the transect. Particularly, how does the relative abundance of phyla change across a transect? Are similar patterns of alpha diversity observed in a comparison of multiple transects? Finally, what is the impact of climate and topographical features along the transect that may influence the soil microbiome? I will focus on soil samples from a neighborhood and channel transect in southwestern Illinois, that were collected in September, 2023. Broadly speaking, this analysis explores spatial relationships of the soil microbiome along transects. This research will set the stage for a future focus, which will explore the relationship between biological and heavy metal (lead) contaminants in the soil and its impact on the human gut microbiome.