Microbial Responses and Adaptations to Environmental Changes

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 589

Special Issue Editor

College of Environmental Science and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Interests: wastewater treatment plant; microbial community; denitrification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental changes, such as climate shifts, pollution, and habitat disruption, pose significant challenges to microbial communities, which are integral to the stability and functioning of ecosystems. As the most ancient and ecologically diverse life forms on Earth, microorganisms have evolved exceptional abilities to sense and respond to these dynamic changes, ensuring their survival and continued role in various biogeochemical processes. The microbial response to environmental changes is a multifaceted process, involving integrated genetic, metabolic, and ecological mechanisms that are fine-tuned to cope with fluctuating conditions.

This Special Issue aims to bring together research focused on the molecular, genetic, and physiological processes that enable microorganisms to adapt to environmental stressors. We invite submissions that explore the complex interplay between microbes and the changing environments, including but not limited to, responses to temperature fluctuations, nutrient availability, pollutants, and antimicrobial agents. Contributions may include original research articles, reviews, and short communications that highlight microbial adaptation strategies, the underlying molecular and biochemical pathways, and the ecological consequences of these adaptations. By fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange around microbial resilience, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how microorganisms navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The findings from this collection will contribute valuable insights into the mechanisms that govern microbial adaptability, with potential implications for ecosystem management, environmental conservation, and the development of innovative biotechnological solutions.

Dr. Qian Chen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • microbial adaptation
  • environmental stressors
  • microbial ecology
  • biogeochemical processes

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 4278 KB  
Article
Changes in Eukaryotic Phytoplankton Community Structure Induced by a Typhoon Event: A Case Study in Zhanjiang Bay, China
by Hui Huang, Junze Wu, Zhangxi Hu, Fuyuan Zeng, Menghan Gao, Yu Luo, Shafira Citra Desrika Putri and Yulei Zhang
Microorganisms 2025, 13(11), 2609; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112609 - 16 Nov 2025
Viewed by 422
Abstract
The Zhanjiang Bay ecosystem, frequently influenced by typhoons, represents a highly dynamic coastal environment where elucidating phytoplankton responses to extreme disturbances is essential for sustainable management. This study investigated the impacts of Typhoon Prapiroon on phytoplankton community composition and distribution by employing high-throughput [...] Read more.
The Zhanjiang Bay ecosystem, frequently influenced by typhoons, represents a highly dynamic coastal environment where elucidating phytoplankton responses to extreme disturbances is essential for sustainable management. This study investigated the impacts of Typhoon Prapiroon on phytoplankton community composition and distribution by employing high-throughput sequencing of the 28S rDNA D1–D2 regions. A total of 137 species belonging to 46 genera was identified, with the ten dominant genera collectively contributing more than 85% of the total abundance, exhibiting substantial shifts in community structure following the typhoon. Salinity was identified as the predominant environmental driver shaping phytoplankton distribution, while temporal analyses revealed lagged community responses to post-typhoon conditions. Moreover, biotic interactions among taxa further influenced patterns of community restructuring. These findings enhance the understanding of phytoplankton resilience mechanisms under extreme climatic disturbances. The integration of phytoplankton monitoring into coastal early warning systems is recommended to inform adaptive management strategies and mitigate ecological risks associated with the increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons, thereby supporting the sustainable use and conservation of estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Responses and Adaptations to Environmental Changes)
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