16S rRNA amplicon sequences from deep-sea polymetallic nodule sediments
This study aimed to elucidate the vertical stratification, assembly mechanisms, and environmental drivers of microbial communities in sediments from the Western Pacific polymetallic nodule region, a key area for deep-sea mining. By analyzing the diversity, composition, and co-occurrence networks of prokaryotic communities across sediment depths, the research sought to uncover the ecological processes that sustain these ecosystems. Its relevance is paramount, as it provides critical baseline data on the structure and function of the microbial communities that form the foundation of deep-sea ecosystem productivity. These insights are essential for forecasting the potential ecological consequences of deep-sea mining activities and for informing future environmental impact assessments and strategies for ecological restoration.