Exploring the bacterial diversity and composition with special emphasis on pathogens in ship ballast water and sediments using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 194; no. Pt B; p. 115336
• Main Authors: An, Tingxuan, Lu, Xiaolan, Han, Yangchun, Guo, Chong, Guo, Jingfeng, Zhu, Guorong, Tian, Wen, Lv, Baoyi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2023
• Subjects: 16S rRNA; Bacterial communities; Ballast water; Biodiversity; Pathogens; 16S rRNA; Pathogens; Bacterial communities; Biodiversity; Ballast water
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115336

Accurate detecting bacterial communities in ballast water and sediments supports risk management. This study uses full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the bacterial communities in ballast water and sediments, focusing on detecting pathogens. The results indicate that full-length sequencing more accurately reveals the species diversity. There is a significant difference (P < 0.05) in bacterial communities between ballast water and sediments, despite both being dominated by the Proteobacteria phylum. Thirty human and fish pathogens were identified by full-length sequencing, yet only five pathogens were detected from V3-V4 sequencing. Notably, emerging pathogens such as Citrobacter freundii and Nocardia nova are detected in samples, which are harmful to aquaculture and human health. Several opportunistic pathogens were also identified. In summary, this study provides important insights into the bacterial communities in ballast water and sediments, highlighting the need for strict management. [Display omitted] •Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing promotes the annotation of bacterial community.•The bacterial community in ballast sediments was richer than in water.•More pathogens were found with the support of full-length gene sequencing.•Several emerging pathogens were detected in the ballast water and sediments.