In-depth prospection of Avène Thermal Spring Water reveals an uncommon and stable microbial community

Abstract

Background: Avène Thermal Spring Water (TSW) exhibits therapeutic properties in the treatment of skin pathologies. Arising from a dolomitic aquifer system, its physico-chemical properties are well-established and its bacteriological quality regularly monitored. The microbiota of this aquifer have been characterized. Objectives: We aimed to describe the structure of the bacterial community inhabiting the deep aquifer and to examine its dynamics over time. Methods: The Avène TSW was collected at the catchment point and filtered through 0.1 µm pore size filters. The sampling was carried out every 3 months to generate a 4-year time series. The DNA extracted from filters was analysed using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and the microorganisms and their contribution were characterized by the taxonomic assignment of sequence variants generated from each sample. Results: Bacteria were distributed into 39 phyla. Nitrospirae and Proteobacteria were the most prevalent, accounting for 38% and 23% of the total community on average, respectively. A stable pattern was observed throughout the study. A few bacterial species were always detected, forming a core community of likely chemolithoautotrophic organisms which might use energy sources and nutrients produced from water–bedrock interactions. Most of the species were distantly related to organisms described to date. Conclusions: Avène TSW provided by the deep aquifer system harbours a unique microbial community, shaped by the physico-chemical characteristics of the deep environment. Its remarkable stability over time has revealed a high level of confinement of the water resource.