Concentration effects of 1,2-dichlorobenzene on soil microbiology
The effect of increasing concentrations of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB) on the microbial biomass, metabolic potential, and diversity of culturable bacteria was investigated using soil microcosms. All doses caused a significant decrease in viable hyphal fungal length. Bacteria were more tolerant, only direct total counts in soils exposed to 3,250 {micro}g/g were significantly lower than untreated controls, and estimates of culturable bacteria showed no response. Pseudomonads counts were stimulated by 1,2-DCB concentration of up to 325 {micro}g/g; above this level counts were similar to controls. Fatty acid methyl ester analysis of taxonomic bacterial composition reflected the differential response of specific genera to increasing 1,2-DCB concentrations, especially the tolerance of Bacillus to the highest concentrations. The shifts in community composition were reflected in estimates of metabolic potential assessed by carbon assimilation (Biolog) ability. Significantly fewer carbon sources were utilized by communities exposed to 1,2-DCB concentrations greater than 130 {micro}g/g than control soils; the ability to assimilate individual carbohydrates sources was especially compromised. The results of this study demonstrate that community diversity and metabolic potential can be used as effective bioindicators of pollution stress and concentration effects.
- Research Organization:
- Natural Environment Research Council, Oxford (GB)
- OSTI ID:
- 20006620
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 18, Issue 9; Other Information: PBD: Sep 1999; ISSN 0730-7268
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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