Millions of Microorganisms Reach Spain from the Sahara Desert and the Sahel Region -- By Flying

Every day, millions of microorganisms reach Spain from the Sahara Desert and the Sahel region -- by flying. For the first time, the international team on the Ecosensor project, funded by the BBVA Foundation, has analyzed these traveling microorganisms using molecular biology techniques.

But how might the advent of these new microorganisms affect local ecosystems? "The increase in dust load in pristine ecosystems, like high-mountain lakes, has major repercussions" explains Reche, "because with it come nutrients that fertilize the lakes and alter their microbial communities." Some of these changes have harmful effects; indeed the dust may already be damaging the fauna and flora of some ecosystems. Caribbean corals, for instance, are suffering decline due to excess dust deposition.

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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100726094751.htm