Spatial Changes in Microbial Communities along Different Functional Zones of a Free-Water Surface Wetland

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are complicated ecosystems that include vegetation, sediments, and the associated microbiome mediating numerous processes in wastewater treatment. CWs have various functional zones where contrasting biochemical processes occur. Since these zones are characterized by different particle-size composition, physicochemical conditions, and vegetation, one can expect the presence of distinct microbiomes across different CW zones. Here, we investigated spatial changes in microbiomes along different functional zones of a free-water surface wetland located in Moscow, Russia. The microbiome structure was analyzed using Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing. We also determined particle diameter and surface area of sediments, as well as chemical composition of organic pollutants in different CW zones. Specific organic particle aggregates similar to activated sludge flocs were identified in the sediments. The highest accumulation of hydrocarbons was found in the zones with predominant sedimentation of fine fractions. Phytofilters had the highest rate of organic pollutants decomposition and predominance of Smithella, Ignavibacterium, and Methanothrix. The sedimentation tank had lower microbial diversity, and higher relative abundances of Parcubacteria, Proteiniclasticum, and Macellibacteroides, as well as higher predicted abundances of genes related to methanogenesis and methanotrophy. Thus, spatial changes in microbiomes of constructed wetlands can be associated with different types of wastewater treatment processes.