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Modification of the interaction betweenEscherichia coli and bacteriophage in saline sediment
1Department of Agricultural Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Abstract:
The effects of sorption phenomena on the interaction between a parasite and its host bacterium have been investigated using anEscherichia coli-bacteriophage-saline sediment system. The sediment contained organic matter and a high proportion of clay, predominantly montmorillonoid. BothE. coli and phage remained firmly sorbed to saline sediments or montmorillonite, but were rapidly desorbed following dilution of the electrolyte below a critical concentration. This desorption coincided with the dispersal of sediment colloids.Escherichia coli was protected from phage attack by the presence of sediment, montmorillonite, or organic matter at salinty levels both above and below this critical point for dispersal and desorption. Evidence is presented indicating thatE. coli is protected from phage attack at low electrolyte concentrations by an envelope of sorbed colloidal materials around the cell, whereas at high electrolyte concentrations protection results both from the colloid envelope around the cells as well as from the sorption of cells and phages to solid particles. The protection ofE. coli and possibly other fecal bacteria may result in their accumulation in saline sediments, producing a possible health hazard in estuaries and lagoons if the bacteria are desorbed following dilution as a result of heavy rainfall.
Insights
Bacterial sorption to sediment protects Escherichia coli from phage attack. Desorption and dispersal occur at low salinity, potentially posing health risks in estuarine environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Colloid Science
Background:
- Parasitism between bacteria and bacteriophages is crucial in aquatic ecosystems.
- Sorption of bacteria to sediment particles influences their ecological interactions.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for assessing microbial risks in water bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how sorption affects the interaction between Escherichia coli and its bacteriophage in saline sediments.
- To determine the role of sediment properties and salinity on bacterial protection from phage attack.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an Escherichia coli-bacteriophage-saline sediment system.
- Examined the effects of sediment composition (organic matter, montmorillonoid clay) and electrolyte concentration on sorption and desorption.
- Assessed bacterial protection from phage predation under varying conditions.
Main Results:
- Escherichia coli and bacteriophages strongly sorbed to saline sediments and montmorillonite.
- Desorption and colloid dispersal occurred below a critical electrolyte concentration.
- Sediment, montmorillonite, and organic matter protected E. coli from phage attack at all tested salinities.
- Protection mechanisms included colloidal envelopes around cells and sorption to particles.
Conclusions:
- Sorption phenomena significantly influence host-parasite dynamics in aquatic environments.
- Colloidal protection and particle sorption shield bacteria from phage predation.
- Accumulation of fecal bacteria in sediments poses potential health hazards in estuaries due to desorption events.
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