Ecological and molecular approach to the assessment of oil pollution: a comparative study between two coastal marine (Mediterranean and Patagonian) ecoregions

Zappalà G.; Caruso G.; Denaro R.; Crisafi F.; Monticelli L.S.;

Microorganisms are considered as sentinels of environmental changes, but microbial response to the presence of contaminants, such as hydrocarbons, is still not fully understood. This study aimed at assessing the response of the microbial community to the presence of oil pollution, by comparison of two ecosystems, Milazzo Gulf (Sicily, Italy) and Caleta Cordova (Argentina), as representative of two different temperate Mediterranean and cold-temperate Patagonian ecoregions, respectively. Water and sediments were sampled at coastal stations characterized by different levels of hydrocarbon contamination and analyzed for their microbial enzymatic activity rates; the presence of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria was also determined. The study approach allowed to determine that microbial metabolism was significantly reduced at the polluted stations, suggesting the detrimental effects of contaminants on organic matter degradation process. The isolation of strains of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria confirmed that the oil contamination favoured the growth of strains specifically adapted to metabolize hydrocarbons and actively involved in the remediation processes.

2020 - Journal article

WIT transactions on ecology and the environment (Online) 242 (2020): 85–96. doi:10.2495/WP200081

Keywords: oil pollution, microbial response, enzyme activities, hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria

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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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