Abstract
In this study, we report for the first time an exploration of the physicochemical characteristics and the prokaryotic diversity of three different types of microbial mats from karstic habitats located in Sisal, Progreso and Ría Lagartos, in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our results showed that lift-off mats were found in the lower salinity (2.2%) area (Sisal), while flat and pustular mats were detected in hypersaline (6-9%) sites (Progreso and Ría Lagartos). Notably, some of these microbial mat structures were in close proximity to mangrove forest ecosystems with both degraded and restored regimes. XRD analysis revealed different mineral compositions of the mats; however, aragonite, calcite, and halite were commonly found in all samples studied. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified differences in microbial communities across the different mat types, and statistical analyses revealed that salinity, redox potential, and temperature were significant factors in explaining the variance of the prokaryotic assemblages. Microbial groups identified in this study include those known to be important in the biogeochemical cycling of key elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Interestingly, the community composition of flat and pustular mats from Progreso was similar, with Bacteroidia, Anaerolineae, and Phycisphaerae being the most abundant microbial groups in flat mats; and Bacteroidia, Anaerolineae, and Alphaproteobacteria dominating pustular mats. By contrast, flat mats from Ría Lagartos were dominated by Halobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidota, while Bacteroidia, Gammaproteobacteria and Cyanobacteria dominated lift-off mats from Sisal. This work contributes to understanding the distribution, physicochemical characteristics and microbial diversity of coastal microbial mats, providing valuable new insights into microbial mats that develop in karstic ecosystems. This information is relevant to ongoing and future efforts to manage and preserve coastal ecosystems in the Yucatan Peninsula.