PRJDB2815 The spatial distributions of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) community along a N pollution gradient The distinct structures of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) community has been extensively detected among sites, but details regarding the relative contribution of geographic distance and their sensitivity to nitrogen (N) pollution remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the spatial distributions of AOA community along a N pollution gradient in the East China Sea, specifically identified AOA indicators to characterize such pollution. Our results showed dramatic changes in AOA diversities and communities, and function under N pollution. More geographically distant sites had more dissimilar communities (r = -0.477, P = 0.036). with the turnover rate of 0.017. Geographic distance, sea depth, NH4+, SO42- and TP were driving factors in shaping the variation of AOA community, with geographic distance constrained more variation than any other factor. In particular, 9 core taxa were screened, and their abundances were significantly correlated with pollution levels. This study provides direct evidence that the spatial distribution of AOA community followed the distance-decay for similarity pattern, and sensitive taxa are potentially bio-indicators for evaluating coastal pollution. Ningbo University