Comparative metagenomics of biofilms proximate to historic shipwrecks
The continuous addition of built structures to the seabed, such as shipwrecks, energy platforms, and pipelines, is contributing to ocean sprawl in coastal and offshore regions. These structures, typically composed of steel or wood, are substrates for microbial attachment and biofilm formation. Success of biofilm growth depends on substrate characteristics and local environmental conditions, though it is unclear which feature is dominant in shaping biofilm microbiomes. The goal of this study was to understand substrate- and site-specific impacts of built structures on short-term biofilm composition and functional potential. This study demonstrates how substrate composition shapes biofilm microbiomes and suggests marine biofilms may contribute to nutrient cycling at depth. Analyzing the marine biofilm microbiome is a first step to understanding the ecological consequences of ocean sprawl.