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- Title
ISOLATION, DIVERSITY ANALYSIS, AND METABOLIC CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROCARBON-DEGRADING BACTERIA.
- Authors
Makary, Mina S.; Jessen-Marshall, Amy E.
- Abstract
Globally, it is estimated that 0.1% of the total petroleum production (3914.1 million metric tons in 2006) is released into the environment during recovery, transport, refining, and product usage. Because of the negative impact of petroleum hydrocarbons on natural habitat and human health, considerable research on microbial bioremediation has been undertaken to remove these contaminants from ecosystems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the bacterial diversity of local hydrocarbon-contaminated soils, as well as characterize individual hydrocarbon-degraders. Soil samples (N=15) were collected from pristine sites and areas visually contaminated with oil on the Otterbein College campus. Soil samples (N=8) were serially diluted and inoculated onto hexane and minimal salt media plates to allow for the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing microbes and onto rich media to determine the overall bacterial population. Clear zones were observed surrounding the bacteria on hexane media, indicating the ability to degrade the hydrocarbon in the media. Diversity indices of control and hydrocarbon-degrading microbial populations were established to understand the long-term effects of contamination and to determine the presence of hydrocarbon-degraders. Additionally, sixteen different hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial strains were isolated and identified using colony morphology, staining, Enterotube™ biochemical tests, and selective media. Consequent genomic DNA isolation has been successful, and ribosomal DNA sequencing of these strains is underway to identify the species. Further analysis will include the use of gas chromatography to assay the metabolic products of the hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms. This work will contribute to the field by adding to the growing knowledge of microbial bioremediation and its environmental applications.
- Subjects
BACTERIAL diversity; BACTERIAL genetics; BACTERIA classification; HYDROCARBONS; BIOREMEDIATION
- Publication
Ohio Journal of Science, 2008, Vol 108, Issue 1, pA-25
- ISSN
0030-0950
- Publication type
Article