The distribution of a model mirco-organism along an estuarine gradient

• Main Author: Hawkins, Robert James
• Published: University of Reading 2008
• Subjects: 579.17786
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.501330

Using the genus Desulfobulbus as an indigenous model microbial distribution along an estuarine gradient was investigated. Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis indicated a sequential change in Desulfobulbus genotypes along the estuary with marine, brackish and freshwater genotypes detected. RNA-DGGE analysis showed the genotypes in the distribution were active. The differential distribution was significantly correlated with porewater concentrations of chloride, sulphate and nitrate. Temporal analysis indicated that there was a shift in the whole Desulfobulbus community towards to marine end of the estuary by the end of the winter compared to the late summer. This distribution pattern is similar to those seen with other estuarine organisms and given the correlation with chloride and sulphate is indicative of classic niche separation within this genus driven by gross environmental factors such as salinity.