Glacial microbial-environmental interactions on the Tibetan Plateau: A review

Abstract

The glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau are important climate regulators and recharge sources for many rivers and lakes, which are of great ecological value. However, actions to protect glacier-associated habitats are urgent, as human activities have led to increased glacier retreat and may have an impact on climate and downstream environmental balance. Glaciers contain a variety of habitats (ice, snow, cryoconite, deglaciated soil, etc.) that harbor rich microbial communities (the main bearers of glacial life activities). To provide scientific support for the development of glacier protection strategies on the Tibetan Plateau from a microbial perspective, this review reveals the interactions between glacial microorganisms and glacial ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau. In addition to describing the origin, diversity, adaptability and biogeochemical cycles of microorganisms, we emphasized the roles of environmental pollutants and climate change. It has been shown that exogenous microorganisms can be deposited on the glacier by atmospheric circulation. The special geo-climatic characteristics of glaciers may have prompted these microorganisms to adapt to this extreme environment through evolution and cooperation. These microorganisms are involved in the cycling of biogenic elements in glaciers, providing feedback to the Earth's ecosystem. However, increased environmental pollution may affect the glacier microorganisms. Some pollutants synergize with climate warming to accelerate glacial melting, with meltwater carrying microorganisms, nutrients, and pollutants into downstream ecosystems, which may have far-reaching impacts on downstream ecosystems and the global climate. Reducing source pollution, strengthening international cooperation, implementing long-term monitoring, developing predictive models, and tapping into special microorganisms are the way forward in guarding the clean land of the Tibetan Plateau glaciers in the future.