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Changes in Bacteria Recoverable from Subsurface Volcanic Rock Samples during Storage at 4 degrees C
D L Haldeman1, P S Amy, D C White
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-4004.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Microbial abundance in deep volcanic rocks increased after perturbation and cold storage, but community diversity decreased. Some bacteria proliferated, while others may have been resuscitated from dormancy.
Area of Science:
- Geomicrobiology
- Microbial Ecology
Background:
- Deep subsurface volcanic rocks harbor diverse microbial communities.
- Understanding microbial responses to environmental changes is crucial for geomicrobiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of rock perturbation and cold storage on microbial communities from deep subsurface volcanic rocks.
- To characterize changes in microbial abundance, diversity, and metabolic capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Microbial abundance, diversity, and evenness were assessed before and after storage.
- Isolates were characterized using fatty acid methyl ester (MIDI) analysis and API rapid NFT strips.
- MIDI cluster analysis was used to determine community composition changes.
Main Results:
- Microbial abundance increased significantly after perturbation and storage at 4°C.
- Bacterial community diversity and evenness generally decreased.
- Isolates recovered after storage exhibited enhanced carbohydrate utilization and faster growth rates.
Conclusions:
- Changes in microbial community composition were observed after rock sample storage.
- Proliferation of specific bacterial types with enhanced nutritional versatility and faster growth rates likely contributed to community shifts.
- Resuscitation of dormant microorganisms during sample perturbation and storage is also a possibility.