Microbial dioxygenase gene population shifts during polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation

Article Abstract:

Generic PCR primers are designed targeting the gene fragment encoding the Rieske iron sulphur center common to all PAH dioxygenase enzymes. These Rieske primers were employed to track dioxygenase gene population shifts in soil enrichment cultures following exposure to naphthalene, phenanthrene or pyrene. PAH degradation was monitored by gas chromatograph with flame ionization detection and DNA was extracted from each enrichment culture and an unamended treatment.

Biodegradation, Bacterial genetics, Ribosomal RNA, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Chemical properties

Microbial population dynamics associated with crude-oil biodegradation in diverse soils

Article Abstract:

Seven crude oil contaminated soil types obtained from six geographically distinct areas of United States are used to examine soil bacterial population dynamics, identify the organisms associated with alkane degeneration and to assess patterns in microbial response. This study demonstrates that crude-oil contamination results in the selection of diverse microbial populations across geographically distinct soils.

United States, Environmental aspects, Soil microbiology, Contamination, Microbial populations

Effect of pyocyanin on a crude-oil-degrading microbial community

Article Abstract:

An element called the pyocyanin is identified in an oil degrading culture comprising of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and it is also a redox-active compound, which has the capability to reduce the microbial growth. Thus the addition of pyocyanin to crude oil-degrading cultures in the experiments reduced the expansion of microbial community and also displayed reduction in the degradation of oil.

Microbiology, Microbial adhesion, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Properties