Bacterial community response to petroleum contamination and nutrient addition in sediments from a temperate salt marsh

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Ribeiro, H (Author) Other; Mucha, AP (Author) Other; Marisa M R Almeida (Author) FCUP; Adriano Bordalo (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Science of the Total Environment

Vol. 458

Pages: 568-576

ISSN: 0048-9697

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 60 Citations

Scopus - 66 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-006-8ZG

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.04.015

Abstract (EN): Microbial communities play an important role in the biodegradation of organic pollutants in sediments, including hydrocarbons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of temperate salt marsh microbial communities to petroleum contamination, in terms of community structure, abundance and capacity to degrade hydrocarbons. Sediments un-colonized and colonized (rhizosediments) by Juncus maritimus, Phragmites australis and Triglochin striata were collected in a temperate estuary (Lima, NW Portugal), spiked with petroleum under variable nutritional conditions, and incubated for 15 days. Results showed that plant speciation emerged as the major factor for shaping the rhizosphere community structure, overriding the petroleum influence. Moreover, when exposed to petroleum contamination, the distinct salt marsh microbial communities responded similarly with (i) increased abundance, (ii) changes in structure, and (iii) decreased diversity. Communities, particularly those associated to J. maritimus and P. australis roots displayed a potential to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, with degradation percentages between 15% and 41%, depending on sediment type and nutritional conditions. In conclusion, distinct salt marsh microbial communities responded similarly to petroleum contamination, but presented different pace, nutritional requirements, and potential for its biodegradation, which should be taken into account when developing bioremediation strategies.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9