Bacterial Consortia in a Ground Water Plume from Acid Generating Tailings

摘要

Culture conditions to identify the presence of microbes in highly contaminated ground water plumes are difficult to define and to be maintained in the laboratory. Bacterial populations are affecting ground water conditions and they are instrumental in in-situ treatment of contaminated ground water. The presence of bacteria and their effective classification in highly metal contaminated and reactive ground water has been addressed through the use of molecular analysis using 16S rDNA sequencing. This method was tested on a ground water plume originating from a pyritic tailings deposit containing up to 2110 mg/1 Fe, 1350mg/l S and 148 mg/1 Zn. The results revealed the usefulness of the application of 16S rDNA and an unexpected diversity with 105 different bacterial DNA sequences were identified. 18 sequences are highly probable candidates inhabiting this harsh ground water plume environment.