Title: Effects of pollution on invertebrate-associated microbiomes across freshwater and marine systems
The predoctoral researcher María Paula Carrillo, from the Marine and Polar Microbes and Pollutants group, will defend her thesis on 19th June at 10:00h in UPC Aula 212 Edificio/módulo C2.
Directors: Maria Vila-Costa and Carlos Barata
Thesis Committee: Carles Borrego, Elienda Balleste and Melissa Faria
Abstract:
Aquatic ecosystems accumulate complex mixtures of legacy and emerging pollutants, yet current ecotoxicological approaches often fail to capture the effects of realistic, chronic exposures. This thesis investigates whether invertebrate-associated microbiomes can serve as sensitive indicators of pollution across freshwater and marine environments. Using laboratory and field studies on diverse invertebrate species, microbiome responses were assessed through 16S rRNA sequencing alongside chemical, physiological, and omics analyses. Pollutant exposure consistently altered host-associated microbiomes, often more strongly than environmental microbial communities. Although no universal microbial indicator was identified, recurring taxa and functional traits emerged within ecological contexts, highlighting microbiomes as promising bioindicators for next-generation aquatic biomonitoring.
