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Published on: October 15, 2015
Tributyltin-resistant bacteria from estuarine and freshwater sediments
S Wuertz1, C E Miller, R M Pfister
1Environmental Sciences Program, University of Massachusetts, Boston 02125.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Tributyltin (TBT) resistance varies in aquatic bacteria, with freshwater populations showing increased resistance while estuarine populations are less predictable. This study identified TBT-resistant bacteria, including novel gram-positive species, and noted widespread heavy metal resistance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Ecotoxicology
- Bioremediation
Background:
- Tributyltin (TBT) is a persistent pollutant with known toxicity to aquatic life.
- Understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms is crucial for assessing environmental impact and developing remediation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate TBT resistance in bacterial populations from freshwater and estuarine sediments.
- To identify factors influencing TBT resistance and characterize resistant bacterial isolates.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) for bacterial populations in TBT-polluted and non-polluted sites.
- Isolation and identification of TBT-resistant bacteria from sediments.
- Determination of TBT toxicity in various laboratory media.
- Assessment of co-resistance to heavy metals.
Main Results:
- Freshwater bacterial populations showed increased TBT resistance in polluted sites, while estuarine populations exhibited variable responses.
- EC50s for freshwater populations were significantly higher than those from estuarine populations.
- Ten estuarine and 19 freshwater bacterial isolates were identified, including two Bacillus species, potentially the first gram-positive bacteria isolated from freshwater in high TBT concentrations.
- High incidence of co-resistance to other heavy metals was observed in both estuarine (0.76) and freshwater (0.68) isolates.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial resistance to TBT is influenced by environmental factors beyond direct TBT exposure, particularly in estuarine systems.
- The identification of novel resistant bacteria, including gram-positive species, offers insights into microbial adaptation to pollutants.
- Widespread heavy metal co-resistance suggests complex adaptive mechanisms in bacteria from contaminated environments.
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