Detection of a microbial consortium, including type 2 methanotrophs, by use of phospholipid fatty acids in an aerobic halogenated hydrocarbon-degrading soil column enriched with natural gas

Technical Report · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6216919

Nichols, P D; Henson, J M; Antworth, C P; Parsons, J; Wilson, J T

The phospholipid ester-linked normal and lipopolysaccharide-layer hydroxy fatty acids from microbes in a natural gas (85% methane)-stimulated soil column capable of degrading halogenated hydrocarbons were analyzed in detail by capillary column GC-MS. Microbial biomass, calculated from phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) concentrations to be 5.6 x 10/sup 9/ bacteria/g (dry weight), was greater in the hydrocarbon-degrading column than in either an azide-inhibited soil column or an untreated surface soil. Microbial community structure information, using GC-MS analysis of derivatized monounsaturated PLFA, indicated that the major component (16 to 18%) of the PLFA in the hydrocarbon-degrading column was the PLFA 28:1 delta 10c. The novel PLFA has been reported as a major component in type II methanotrophs. Based on these differences, the potential exists to use these methods to monitor shifts in microbial biomass and community structure in aquifers where indigenous bacteria are stimulated to biotransform pollutant compounds.

• Research Organization: Florida State Univ., Tallahassee (USA). Dept. of Biological Science
• OSTI ID: 6216919
• Report Number(s): PB-87-203386/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ALKANES
AQUIFERS
BACTERIA
BIODEGRADATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
DETECTION
HYDROCARBONS
METHANE
METHANOTROPHIC BACTERIA
MICROORGANISMS
MONITORING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SOILS
WATER POLLUTION