Microbial community dynamics during assays of harbour oil spill bioremediation: a microscale simulation study.
OBJECTIVE
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.


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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Cappello
S
S
Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero (IAMC) IST-CNR Section of Messina, Messina, Italy. simone.cappello@iamc.cnr.it
Caruso
G
G
Zampino
D
D
Monticelli
L S
LS
Maimone
G
G
Denaro
R
R
Tripodo
B
B
Troussellier
M
M
Yakimov
M
M
Giuliano
L
L
D053521:Alcanivoraceae / Q000145:classification / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial / Q000379:methods; D004190:Disasters; D052836:Heterotrophic Processes / Q000502:physiology; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D007931:Leucyl Aminopeptidase / Q000378:metabolism; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D010578:Petroleum / Q000633:toxicity*; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D010802:Phylogeny; D020560:Proteobacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012623:Seawater / Q000382:microbiology*; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
D006838:Hydrocarbons; D010578:Petroleum; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases; D007931:Leucyl Aminopeptidase; D010100:Oxygen