Unveiling Aquatic Plant-Animal-Microbe Interactions and Their Industrial Potential Through Mathematical Modeling

Encompassing over two-thirds of our planet, aquatic ecosystems serve as crucial stabilizers of the global climate while providing a vast array of essential services to a rapidly expanding human population. It supports a wide range of organisms, including microorganisms, invertebrates, insects, plants, and fish. This critical review delves into plant-animal-microbe interactions, examining their structural and functional modifications, associated biogeochemical implications, the prevalence of microplastic debris and biofilm assemblages, and the interplay of positive and negative interactions within aquatic ecosystems. There are several types of microbial interactions, which either singly or in combination may influence the functioning of the microbial ecology. While aquatic microbiomes exhibit variations across geographic locations, temperature gradients, depths, and other environmental parameters, core microbial functions, such as primary production, nitrogen cycling, and nutrient metabolism, remain largely conserved throughout aquatic environments. Microbial assemblages often form biofilms around aquatic plants, establishing a symbiotic relationship that hinges on the mutual exchange of nutrients. Additionally, we have compiled a comprehensive catalog of marine mammal and fish microbial genera, highlighting shared compositional and functional patterns across aquatic species. Recent technological advancements have opened up new avenues for exploring microbial diversity in aquatic ecosystems, paving the way for the effective utilization of microorganism-derived enzymes in various industries, including food and detergent production, sustainable agriculture practices, environmental protection, and human and animal health. Additionally, mathematical modeling has emerged as a powerful tool for unraveling the intricate dynamics of microbial communities within aquatic ecosystems.