Characteristics of Carbonatogenic Bacteria and Their Role in Enhancing the Stability of Biocrusts in Tropical Coral Islands

Abstract

Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem that leads to land degradation and ecological imbalance, thereby eliciting extensive and profound worldwide concern. Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) play a crucial role in soil stabilization; however, the underlying microbial enzymatic mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to characterize carbonatogenic bacteria and investigate the role of their carbonic anhydrase-induced carbonate crystals in promoting soil shear strength within biocrusts. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the activity of carbonic anhydrase during biocrust formation and development (p p < 0.05). This study provides evidence for the ecological function of biocrusts in promoting soil erosion resistance from the perspective of carbonatogenic bacteria-derived carbonic anhydrase. The functional strains with carbonic anhydrase obtained from this study have significant potential applications in enhancing soil erosion resistance.

Keywords

• biocrusts
• carbonic anhydrase
• shear strength
• sand consolidation