Comparative molecular analysis of bacterial communities inhabiting pristine and polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Black Sea coastal sediments

Mar Pollut Bull. 2014 Jun 15;83(1):231-40. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.03.047. Epub 2014 Apr 20.

Abstract

Molecular analysis was applied to characterize bacterial community structure in sediment samples collected from pristine site and oil-polluted Black Sea harbor. Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) revealed a high similarity in the restriction patterns of both samples thus not demonstrating the effect of the pollutant on the structure of the bacterial communities. Constructed 16S rRNA gene libraries gave more detailed assessment of members. Results showed that α- and γ-Proteobacteria were dominant in the oil polluted site, whereas the pristine site was characterized by prevalence of Actinobacteria. The biodegradative potential of the adapted bacterial community in the oil-polluted sediments was demonstrated by the presence of the aromatic ring hydroxylating dioxygenase genes.

Keywords: 16S rRNA gene; ARDRA; Bacterial communities; Oil pollution; PAH degradative potential; Sediment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Black Sea
  • Gene Library
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry
  • Geologic Sediments / microbiology*
  • Microbiota*
  • Petroleum Pollution*
  • Phylogeny
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons* / analysis
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons* / metabolism
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics*
  • Restriction Mapping
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S