Resolving colocalization of bacteria and metal(loid)s on plant root surfaces by combining fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with multiple-energy micro-focused X-ray fluorescence (ME μXRF).
Metal(loid)-contamination of the environment due to anthropogenic activities is a global problem. Understanding the fate of contaminants requires elucidation of biotic and abiotic factors that influence metal(loid) speciation from molecular to field scales. Improved methods are needed to assess micro-scale processes, such as those occurring at biogeochemical interfaces between plant tissues, microbial cells, and metal(loid)s. Here we present an advanced method that combines fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with synchrotron-based multiple-energy micro-focused X-ray fluorescence microprobe imaging (ME μXRF) to examine colocalization of bacteria and metal(loid)s on root surfaces of plants used to phytostabilize metalliferous mine tailings. Bacteria were visualized on a small root section using SytoBC nucleic acid stain and FISH probes targeting the domain Bacteria and a specific group (Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, or Actinobacteria). The same root region was then analyzed for elemental distribution and metal(loid) speciation of As and Fe using ME μXRF. The FISH and ME μXRF images were aligned using ImageJ software to correlate microbiological and geochemical results. Results from quantitative analysis of colocalization show a significantly higher fraction of As colocalized with Fe-oxide plaques on the root surfaces (fraction of overlap 0.49±0.19) than to bacteria (0.072±0.052) (p<0.05). Of the bacteria that colocalized with metal(loid)s, Actinobacteria, known for their metal tolerance, had a higher correlation with both As and Fe than Alphaproteobacteria or Gammaproteobacteria. This method demonstrates how coupling these micro-techniques can expand our understanding of micro-scale interactions between roots, metal(loid)s and microbes, information that should lead to improved mechanistic models of metal(loid) speciation and fate.
Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 210038, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States. Electronic address: linneah@email.arizona.edu.
Linnea K
LK
Honeker
Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 210038, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States. Electronic address: rroot@email.arizona.edu.
Robert A
RA
Root
Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 210038, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States. Electronic address: chorover@email.arizona.edu.
Jon
J
Chorover
Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 210038, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States. Electronic address: rmaier@ag.arizona.edu.
Raina M
RM
Maier
D039903:Actinobacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis / Q000379:methods; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D020563:Gammaproteobacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D010802:Phylogeny; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D017356:Synchrotrons / Q000295:instrumentation; D014965:X-Rays
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D008670:Metals; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; D012989:Soil Pollutants
FISH; Phytostabilization; Root iron plaques; Root-colonizing bacteria; XRF; iTag sequencing
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