Distribution of class 1 integrons in a highly impacted catchment.
Polluted compounds into freshwater sediments may select and enrich bacteria carrying specific genetic compositions. Here we examine the possible use of class 1 integrons as bioindicators in freshwater environments. Samples were collected from various sediments in an urban area (Zhangye, Gansu province, China), specifically within the city, in the industrial zone, in the surrounding agricultural area and in a nearby national park. Integrons void of gene cassettes were present in all human-impacted sampling sites. A higher diversity of class 1 integrons with various gene cassettes was found in the agricultural area. Class 1 integrons and related gene cassettes were not detected in the national park. These results suggest that the prevalence and composition of class 1 integrons could be further developed as bioindicators in polluted freshwater environments.
Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy.
Luigimaria
L
Borruso
Centre for GeoGenetics, National History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.
Klaus
K
Harms
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.
Pål Jarle
PJ
Johnsen
Department of Life Sciences and Health Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Genøk-Centre for Biosafety, Tromsø, Norway.
Kaare Magne
KM
Nielsen
Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy. Electronic address: lorenzo.brusetti@unibz.it.
Lorenzo
L
Brusetti
D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002681:China; D000072480:Farms; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000382:microbiology*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000382:microbiology*; D032023:Integrons; D000072499:Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities; D000068316:Parks, Recreational; D014876:Water Pollution
Bioindicator; Class 1 integron; Freshwater; Gene cassettes; Pollution; Sediments