In this study, we examined the bacterial accumulation in the filter feeder polychaete Branchiomma luctuosum GRUBE (Sabellidae). Analyses were performed on worm homogenates from unstarved and starved individuals, and seawater from the same sampling site (Gulf of Taranto, Western Mediter- ranean, Italy). Densities of culturable heterotrophic bacteria (22 °C), total culturable bacteria at 37 °C and halophilic vibrios at 22 and 35 °C were measured on Marine Agar 2216, Plate Count Agar and thiosulphate-citrate-bile-salt-agar (TCBS) plus 2% NaCl, respectively. Total and faecal coliforms as well as faecal streptococci were determined by the Most Probable Number method. Results showed that B. luctuosum is able to accumulate all the considered six microbiological groups with a higher efficiency for autochthonous bacteria. The analysis also indicated that bacterial groups differ in their resistance to digestion by B. luctuosum. Our data suggest the potential of B. luctuosum as an useful bioindicator to assess low levels of microbiological water pollution as well as bioremediator of microbial polluted waters.
Bacterial accumulation by Branchiomma luctuosum (Annelida: Polychaeta): a tool for biomonitoring marine systems and restoring polluted waters
Stabili L;Cavallo RA
2007
Abstract
In this study, we examined the bacterial accumulation in the filter feeder polychaete Branchiomma luctuosum GRUBE (Sabellidae). Analyses were performed on worm homogenates from unstarved and starved individuals, and seawater from the same sampling site (Gulf of Taranto, Western Mediter- ranean, Italy). Densities of culturable heterotrophic bacteria (22 °C), total culturable bacteria at 37 °C and halophilic vibrios at 22 and 35 °C were measured on Marine Agar 2216, Plate Count Agar and thiosulphate-citrate-bile-salt-agar (TCBS) plus 2% NaCl, respectively. Total and faecal coliforms as well as faecal streptococci were determined by the Most Probable Number method. Results showed that B. luctuosum is able to accumulate all the considered six microbiological groups with a higher efficiency for autochthonous bacteria. The analysis also indicated that bacterial groups differ in their resistance to digestion by B. luctuosum. Our data suggest the potential of B. luctuosum as an useful bioindicator to assess low levels of microbiological water pollution as well as bioremediator of microbial polluted waters.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
