Flow cytometry discrimination between bacteria and clay-humic acid particles during growth-linked biodegradation of phenanthrene by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 19SJ

Methods that quickly assess microbial density and aggregation in soil and sediments are needed in environmental microbiology. We report a flow cytometry method that uses the green and orange emission of the fluorochrome SYTO-13 to discriminate between bacteria and clay-humic acid particles. This approach distinguishes single or clustered bacteria, and clusters of bacteria and abiotic particles during the growth of the biosurfactant-producing strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa 19SJ on solid phenanthrene in the presence of humic acid-clay complexes.Peer Reviewe

Strategies to increase bioavailability and uptake of hydrocarbons

12 páginas.-- 50 referenciasThe biodegradation of hydrocarbons in the environment is often slow due to restricted bioavailability. Research performed during the last 20 years has shown possible pathways to increase the bioavailability of hydrocarbons without necessarily increasing the risk to the environment. Pollutant solubilization through (bio)surfactants, microbial transport, and attachment to pollutant interfaces can increase bioavailability, which translates into an enhancement of biodegradation rates. These strategies can not only be integrated into optimized bioremediation protocols that lead to lower decontamination endpoints in soils and sediments but also help to improve biodegradation in other environmental contexts, such as wastewater treatment and natural attenuation.This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (CGL2013-44554-R and CGL2016-77497-R), the Andalusian Government (RNM 2337), and the European Commission (LIFE15 ENV/IT/000396).Peer reviewe