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Players of climate change submerged

The world’s focus on climate change has predominantly revolved around well-known factors such as fossil fuels and deforestation; however, a new group of players has surfaced from the depths of the ocean—marine viruses. Although minuscule, these powerful entities are stealing the limelight as scientists unearth their profound influence on our planet’s climate. Marine viruses are estimated to have an army of 1030 virus particles, ruling the vast expanse of the ocean with their astonishing diversity. Their profound impact on biogeochemical cycles is anything but subtle.

Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, are found in abundance in the ocean and play a dominant role in the marine carbon cycle. Upon infection of their bacterial hosts, phages cause viral lysis, which releases nutrients and organic matter into the seawater. This phenomenon, known as viral shunting, diverts microbial biomass from secondary consumers in the food web, such as plankton and fish, into the pool of dissolved organic matter (DOM), primarily consumed by heterotrophic bacteria. When bacteria die and undergo decomposition, the resulting organic matter can contribute to the pool of particulate organic matter (POM) or DOM. POM consists of complex structures that are not easily broken down by marine microbes, making it a food source for organisms at higher trophic levels. However, DOM is more readily digestible by microbes and is incorporated into their biomass, promoting bacterial respiration that retains carbon in the oceans instead of releasing them into the atmosphere. Phages indirectly help sequester approximately 3 gigatons of carbon each year.

Viral lysis also drives nutrient cycling in marine microbes, releasing essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous into the ocean’s microbial food web.

Marine algae, with their photosynthetic prowess, play a vital role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. However, algal blooms that frequently occur lead to oxygen depletion, food web disruptions, and the production of harmful toxins. Lytic viruses that can infect marine algae play a critical role in the demise of algal blooms, releasing DOM that fuels the growth of heterotrophic bacteria. Scientists are exploring the possibility of using viruses to naturally control and remove algal blooms; however, implementing viral intervention on a large scale presents logistical and environmental challenges.

In conclusion, marine viruses and phages have a significant impact on global climate change. Further research is needed to uncover the full extent of viral diversity in the oceans and their interactions with different microbial communities under varying environmental conditions. The discovery of giant viruses that possess large genomes and infect a wide range of eukaryotic hosts could significantly influence marine ecosystems and biogeochemical processes, warranting further investigation. Understanding the mechanisms behind viral-mediated nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration can pave the way for innovative approaches to mitigate algal blooms and enhance carbon sequestration efficiency in the oceans. Research into the roles and interactions of marine microorganisms will undoubtedly contribute to efforts to mitigate environmental challenges and promote the health and resilience of marine ecosystems in the face of a changing world.

 

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