SBAM

Study of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and heavy metals in Antarctic seawater and sediment samples, and in association with the emerald rockcod

The Antarctic environment is considered a pristine environment, but despite its protection is regulated by the Antarctic Treaty, numerous studies have reported the presence of pollutants of anthropogenic origin. In particular, in polar marine waters the presence of various pollutants has been observed such as microplastics, POPs, hydrocarbons and heavy metals that represent a threat to ecosystems and human health. Among the contaminations present in the sea, that from antibiotics is becoming increasingly worrying, in light of the possible evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains and the possible transfer of resistance genes to the Antarctic bacterial community.

The project intends to study the presence of antibiotic-resistant and metal-resistant and / or tolerant bacteria in water, marine sediments and in specimens of Trematomus bernacchii, an easily found native species; detect antibiotics attached to microplastics ingested by fish and detect levels of heavy metals in sediments and target organs. Bacterial isolates will be tested for resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant strains will be characterized by biomolecular techniques and studies will be performed to trace the genes responsible for antibiotic-resistance. Furthermore, the resistance of the strains to various concentrations of heavy metals will be evaluated. Finally, the search for these metals will also be carried out on sediment and fish samples. The results obtained will provide important information on the spread and transmission of antibiotic resistance and metal resistance within the Antarctic food web, and the presence of heavy metals in both organic and inorganic matrices.

Referent:

Monique Mancuso

Researcher

Messina

SCOPRI DI PIÙ

Programme: PNRA

Duration: September 7, 2020 - September 6, 2023

Budget IRBIM: 57.996,00 €

Areas of Research:

TEAM
Teresa Bottari

Senior Researcher

Messina

Monique Mancuso

Researcher

Messina

Serena Savoca

Associate with Collaboration Assignment

Messina

Research Projects



Research Projects

The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.

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