The impact of long-term hydrocarbon exposure on the structure, activity, and biogeochemical functioning of microbial mats

2016

Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000384854100023

Aubé J., Senin P., Pringault Olivier, Bonin P., Deflandre B., Bouchez O., Bru N., Biritxinaga-Etchart E., Klopp C., Guyoneaud R., Goni-Urriza M.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2016, 111 (1-2), p. 115-125 ISSN 0025-326X

Photosynthetic microbial mats are metabolically structured systems driven by solar light. They are ubiquitous and can grow in hydrocarbon-polluted sites, Our aim is to determine the impact of chronic hydrocarbon contamination on the structure, activity, and functioning of a microbial mat. We compared it to an uncontaminated mat harboring similar geochemical characteristics. The mats were sampled in spring and fall for 2 years. Seasonal variations were observed for the reference mat: sulfur cycle-related bacteria dominated spring samples, while Cyanobacteria dominated in autumn. The contaminated mat showed minor seasonal variation; a progressive increase of Cyanobacteria was noticed, indicating a perturbation of the classical seasonal behavior. Hydrocarbon content was the main factor explaining the differences in the microbial community structure; however, hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria were among rare or transient Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) in the contaminated mat We suggest that in long-term contaminated systems, hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria cannot be considered a sentinel of contamination.

Ecologie, systèmes aquatiques [036] ; Pollution [038] ; Biotechnologies [084]

FRANCE ; MEDITERRANNEE ; BERRE ETANG

Fonds IRD [F B010068229]

fdi:010068229