Identification and phylogenetic analysis of sulfate-reducing bacteria isolated from toxic element-contaminated sediments in the Philippines

Issue Date

12-2015

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) generated by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) has been noted as a potential solution to eliminate toxic elements from highly impacted sites. SRB cultures obtained from toxic element-contaminated sites [Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System (MMORS) in Bulacan and Mogpog River in Marinduque, Philippines] were identified by molecular methods. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene using universal bacterial primers and conventional characterization showed the pure cultures to be Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Mixed cultures revealed the presence of unclassified bacteria and representatives of the Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Abundant uncultured and unclassified bacteria and some bacteria with sulfatereducing physiology were detected from 16S rDNA amplified from community DNA obtained from toxic element-contaminated sites of MMORS and Mogpog River. Moreover, bacteria with sulfate-reducing physiology were found not limited to the Proteobacteria group. Phylogenetic analysis showed microorganisms from the two sites can be classified into two major groups: bacteria belonging to known/established groups and bacteria which were unclassified. It is highly possible that some isolates from the mixed cultures represent new species of SRB which are still unreported in literature. Thus, this study expands the current information about the microbial diversity present in toxic element-contaminated sites with emphasis on SRB.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Science

ISSN

0031-7683

Volume

144

Issue

2

Page

129-137

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

map, tables, diagram

Language

English

Subject

16S rRNA gene, Bulacan, Marinduque, Sulfate-reducing bacteria, Toxic elements

Digital Copy

yes

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