Aquatic microorganisms: processes, populations, and molecular solutions to environmental problems

Abstract

Studies on aquatic ecosystems at the trophic level of bacteria include population succession and the movement of species through the water column. Factor and path analysis of environmental parameters and the bacterial profiles indicate that the bacterial populations are under the control of environmental factors. The most important environmental factors in the Canadian study reported here are temperature followed by oxygen levels, nutrient levels, and ion concentrations. A major revolution in investigative approaches has begun in aquatic bacterial population studies using technology based on molecular methods. Finger print analysis of bacterial 16S RNA (molecular phylogeny) has not only changed the classification of bacteria but also the approach to solving environmental problems. The bacterial groups have been placed into species that are more functionally and ecologically aligned. Uncultured mixed biomass can be examined by gene probes for both procaryotes and eucaryotes to identify specific nucleotide sequences. Aquatic ecosystem health is maintained by the balanced biota and the process of biodegradation is an important stage in bioremediation. Control of toxic wastes in the waters and groundwaters can be accomplished by in situ bioremediation using indigenous microorganisms as demonstrated by the field study reported by Litchfield et al. (1990).

Microbiological indicators for assessing hydraulic connection in buried high permeability zones at waste disposal sites : final report : RAC project no. 543G

“…The path analysis indicated that the predominant population was controlled by environmental influences. [Holder-Franklin 1992].…”

Impact of Oil Shale Mine Water on Microbiological and Chemical Composition of North-Eastern Estonian Rivers

“…Abiotic variables, such as availability of nutrients and pollution, may determine bacterial abundance in river water [2]. Evidence is accumulating that bacteria are the pivotal group in the biodegradation and bioremediation of any ecosystem [3]. Thus, the degradation of contaminants in river water is essentially catalyzed by microbes and needs an active microbial community.…”

River bacteria time series analysis: a field and laboratory study which demonstrates aquatic ecosystem health

“…Chemostat experiments were then initiated to study competition between river strains for nutrients (Bell et al, 1982). This was extended to a cause and effect study using path analysis -an algorithm which clearly demonstrated that the bacteria were completely controlled by the environment (Holder-Franklin, 1992). Two tributaries of the St. John River were added to the study sites.…”