Using Real-Time PCR to Assess Changes in the Hydrocarbon-Degrading Microbial Community in Antarctic Soil During Bioremediation

• Shane M. Powell ^[1] ; Susan H. Ferguson ^[2] ; John P. Bowman ^[1] ; Ian Snape ^[2]
  1. [1] University of Tasmania

     University of Tasmania

     Australia

     
  2. [2] Department of Heritage and Environment, Australian Antarctic Division. Kingston, Australia
• Localización: Microbial ecology, ISSN-e 1432-184X, ISSN 0095-3628, Vol. 52, Nº. 3, 2006, págs. 523-532
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to quantify the proportion of microorganisms containing alkane monooxygenase was developed and used to follow changes in the microbial community in hydrocarbon-contaminated Antarctic soil during a bioremediation field trial. Assays for the alkB and rpoB genes were validated and found to be both sensitive and reproducible (less than 2% intrarun variation and 25–38% interrun variation). Results from the real-time PCR analysis were compared to analysis of the microbial population by a culture-based technique [most probable number (MPN) counts]. Both types of analysis indicated that fertilizer addition to hydrocarbon-contaminated soil stimulated the indigenous bacterial population within 1 year. The proportion of alkB containing microorganisms was positively correlated to the concentration of n-alkanes in the soil. After the concentration of n-alkanes in the soil decreased, the proportion of alkane-degrading microorganisms decreased, but the proportion of total hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms increased, indicating another shift in the microbial community structure and ongoing biodegradation.