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Microbial community dynamics during assays of harbour oil spill bioremediation: a microscale simulation study.
- Source :
-
Journal of applied microbiology [J Appl Microbiol] 2007 Jan; Vol. 102 (1), pp. 184-94. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Aims: Microcosm experiments simulating an oil spill event were performed to evaluate the response of the natural microbial community structure of Messina harbour seawater following the accidental load of petroleum.<br />Methods and Results: An experimental harbour seawater microcosm, supplemented with nutrients and crude oil, was monitored above 15 days in comparison with unpolluted ones (control microcosms). Bacterial cells were counted with a Live/Dead BacLight viability kit; leucine aminopeptidase, beta-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, lipase and esterase enzymes were measured using fluorogenic substrates. The microbial community dynamic was monitored by isolation of total RNA, RT-PCR amplification of 16S rRNA, cloning and sequencing. Oil addition stimulated an increase of the total bacterial abundance, leucine aminopeptidase and phosphatase activity rates, as well as a change in the community structure. This suggested a prompt response of micro-organisms to the load of petroleum hydrocarbons.<br />Conclusions: The present study on the viability, specific composition and metabolic characteristics of the microbial community allows a more precise assessment of oil pollution. Both structural and functional parameters offer interesting perspectives as indicators to monitor changes caused by petroleum hydrocarbons.<br />Significance and Impact of the Study: A better knowledge of microbial structural successions at oil-polluted sites is essential for environmental bioremediation. Data obtained in microcosm studies improve our understanding of natural processes occurring during oil spills.
- Subjects :
- Alcanivoraceae classification
Alcanivoraceae enzymology
Alcanivoraceae isolation & purification
Biodegradation, Environmental
Colony Count, Microbial methods
Heterotrophic Processes physiology
Hydrocarbons chemistry
Hydrocarbons toxicity
Leucyl Aminopeptidase metabolism
Oxygen metabolism
Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases metabolism
Phylogeny
Proteobacteria classification
Proteobacteria enzymology
Proteobacteria isolation & purification
Disasters
Petroleum toxicity
Seawater microbiology
Water Microbiology
Water Pollutants, Chemical toxicity
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1364-5072
- Volume :
- 102
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of applied microbiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 17184334
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03071.x