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Effect of pumping on the spatio-temporal distribution of microbial communities in a water well field.

Effect of pumping on the spatio-temporal distribution of microbial communities in a water well field.

Authors :
Medihala PG
Lawrence JR
Swerhone GD
Korber DR
Source :
Water research [Water Res] 2012 Mar 15; Vol. 46 (4), pp. 1286-300. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Dec 26.
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

A water well field adjacent to the North Saskatchewan River (City of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada) with a history of rapid deterioration of both well water quality and yield was selected to study the spatial and temporal distribution of subsurface microbial communities and their response to water pumping. A range of conventional cultural, microscopic and molecular techniques, including confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), Biolog, qPCR and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), was used during this study. Redox data and water and sediment chemistry showed that the aquifer was anoxic and harbored substantial amounts of Fe and Mn. CLSM analyses of incubated coupons indicated extensive biofilm growth in the zone immediately surrounding the well and was coincident with reduced water well yield. PCR screening and qPCR analyses showed that the potential for iron- and sulfate-reducing activity increased with proximity to the well. Bacterial communities inhabiting the zone closest to the well showed the greatest changes and differences in metabolic activities and composition as revealed by PCA (Principal Components Analysis) of the Biolog and DGGE data. The sequence analysis of all the samples revealed that Sulfuricurvum spp., Methylobacter spp., Geobacter spp. and Rhodobacter spp. were most commonly detected in this aquifer. Overall the findings demonstrated that the microbial numbers, metabolic activities and the community composition changed in response to water pumping but effects did not extend beyond 1-2m zone from the well.<br /> (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-2448
Volume :
46
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Water research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
22227241
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2011.12.036