Dryland cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides show protection against acid deposition damage

Soil surface-dwelling cyanobacteria constitute an important part of the dryland ecosystem. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrix they establish plays multiple roles in helping cells cope with harsh environments and also improves soil physicochemical properties. Anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen or sulfur depositions have arisen as an important environmental change in drylands. The acid moisture derived from the depositions will be absorbed by cyanobacterial EPS matrix and thus may pose a threat to cells. In this communication, we evaluated this potential impact in a dryland cyanobacterium, Nostoc flagelliforme, which is a representative polysaccharide-rich species and shows remarkable resistance to desiccation stress. A strong and resilient pH buffering property was found for the EPS matrix, mainly of the polysaccharide's role, and this could protect the cells from acid damage of pH 4–6, a general acidity range of rainwater in the world. Unlike in acid aquatic environments, terrestrial xeric environments ensure N. flagelliforme unlikely to undertake lasting severe acidification. Thus, protection of the EPS matrix for dryland cyanobacteria would be conducive to sustain their growth and ecological roles in face of atmospheric acid pollution.