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Characterization of yeast and filamentous fungi isolated from cryoconite holes of Svalbard, Arctic

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Abstract

Cryoconite holes have biogeochemical, ecological and biotechnological importance. This communication presents results on culturable psychrophilic yeast and filamentous fungi from cryoconite holes at Midre Lovénbreen glacier. The identification of these microbes was achieved through conventional and DNA sequencing techniques. Effect of temperature, salt and media on growth of the cultures was studied. Measurements on the bioavailability of nutrients and trace metals were made through different methods including ICPMS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). Colony forming unit (CFU) per gram of sediment sample was calculated to be about 7 × 103–1.4 × 104 and 4 × 103–1.2 × 104 of yeast and filamentous fungi, respectively. Based on morphology and sequence data, these were identified as Cryptococcus gilvescens, Mrakia sp., Rhodotorula sp., Phialophora alba and Articulospora tetracladia. Amongst these, Phialophora alba, Cryptococcus gilvescens and Mrakia sp. zhenx-1 are reported for the first time from Svalbard Arctic, while Rhodotorula sp. (95% gene similarity) is a new species, yet to be described. Rhodotorula sp. expressed high amylase, while Cryptococcus gilvescens showed high lipase activity. Mrakia sp. showed phosphate solubilization between 4 and 15°C, which is a first record. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in substantial amounts in the sediments. Filamentous fungi and yeast in the cryoconite holes drive the process of organic macromolecule degradation through cold-adapted enzyme secretion, thereby assisting in nutrient cycling in these subglacial environments. Further, these cold-adapted enzymes may provide an opportunity for the prospect of biotechnology in Arctic. This is the first report on mycological investigation into cryoconite holes from Midre Lovénbreen glacier.

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Acknowledgments

Author (PS1) is highly indebted to Department of Science & Technology (DST), New Delhi for financial support. Authors are thankful to Dr Rasik Ravindra, Director NCAOR, Director BITS and Dr Jagdev Sharma, NRCG for encouragement and facilities. Thanks are due to Dr C. T. Achuthankutty for improving the English language of the manuscript, Chief Editor and anonymous reviewers for their valuable suggestions.

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  1. Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani-K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Goa, 403726, India

    Purnima Singh

  2. National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Vasco-Da-Gama, Goa, 403804, India

    Shiv M. Singh

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  1. Purnima Singh
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  2. Shiv M. Singh
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Correspondence to Shiv M. Singh.

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Singh, P., Singh, S.M. Characterization of yeast and filamentous fungi isolated from cryoconite holes of Svalbard, Arctic. Polar Biol 35, 575–583 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-011-1103-1

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