Effect of bioemulsificant exopolysaccharide (EPS₂₀₀₃) on microbial community dynamics during assays of oil spill bioremediation: a microcosm study.
Microcosms experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of bioemulsificant exopolysaccharide (EPS₂₀₀₃) on microbial community dynamics. An experimental seawater microcosm, supplemented with crude oil and EPS₂₀₀₃ (SW+OIL+EPS₂₀₀₃), was monitored for 15 days and compared to control microcosm (only oil-polluted seawater, SW+OIL). Determination of bacterial abundance, heterotrophic cultivable and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were carried out during all experimentation period. The microbial community dynamic was monitored by isolation of total RNA, RT-PCR amplification of 16S rRNA, cloning and sequencing. Oil degradation was monitored by GC-MS analysis. Bioemulsificant addition stimulated an increase of the total bacterial abundance, change in the community structure and activity. The bioemulsificant also increased of 5 times the oil biodegradation rate. The data obtained from microcosm experiment indicated that EPS₂₀₀₃ could be used for the dispersion of oil slicks and could stimulate the selection of marine hydrocarbon degraders thus increasing bioremediation process.
Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero-IAMC-CNR of Messina, Messina, Italy. simone.cappello@iamc.cnr.it
Simone
S
Cappello
Maria
M
Genovese
Camilla
C
Della Torre
Antonella
A
Crisari
Mehdi
M
Hassanshahian
Santina
S
Santisi
Rosario
R
Calogero
Michail M
MM
Yakimov
D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D017753:Ecosystem; D045703:Emulsifying Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D052836:Heterotrophic Processes; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D010578:Petroleum / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D059392:Petroleum Pollution; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000633:toxicity*; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
D045703:Emulsifying Agents; D006838:Hydrocarbons; D010578:Petroleum; D011134:Polysaccharides; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical