Climate Change-Driven Extreme Weather EventsClimate-Driven Extreme Weather: Unraveling the Microbial and Water Quality Consequences

Qi Dong^1*Junfeng Yu¹Ke Fan¹Zhijian Wang¹Shouli Hao¹Yanjun Qiao²

• ¹State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Company Limited, Xi'an, China
• ²Shouyao Holdings Beijing Co Ltd, Beijing, China

Systematic studies of extreme weather events (EWEs) on microbial and water quality consequences during the clime-driven conditions are limited, therefore, this systematic review was conducted to comprehensively analyze the impacts of extreme weather events on microbial communities and water quality, highlighting critical knowledge gaps and identifying potential mitigation strategies. Extreme weather events (EWEs), including severe storms, catastrophic floods, prolonged heatwaves, and extended droughts, are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change. These events have significant impacts on hydrological systems, microbial ecosystems, and public health. EWEs can lead to increased microbial contamination in water sources, potentially causing outbreaks of waterborne diseases. They also disrupt nutrient cycles and alter microbial community structures, affecting ecosystem stability and resilience. Additionally, EWEs can mobilize pollutants such as microplastics, antibiotic-resistant genes, and PFAS, further degrading water quality. Despite these challenges, microbial communities can play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of EWEs by degrading pollutants and stabilizing nutrient cycles. Real-time monitoring techniques, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) profiling, can help identify contamination sources and inform targeted interventions. Integrating microbial insights into ecosystem management and public health strategies is essential for developing resilient and adaptive approaches to address the escalating impacts of climate change on water quality and public health.