Open AccessComposition dynamics of epilithic intertidal bacterial communities exposed to high copper levels
Author(s) -
De la Iglesia Rodrigo,
ValenzuelaHeredia Daniel,
Andrade Santiago,
Correa Juan,
González Bernardo
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
fems microbiology ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.377
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1574-6941
pISSN - 0168-6496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2011.01254.x
Subject(s) - microcosm , intertidal zone , rocky shore , copper , biology , ecology , species richness , shore , environmental chemistry , chemistry , fishery , organic chemistry
Copper has a dual role for organisms, both as micronutrient and toxic element. Copper mining activities have an enormous ecological impact because of the extraction process and the consequent release of copper‐containing waste materials to the environment. In northern C hile, mainly in the C hañaral coastal area, this phenomenon is clearly evident. The released waste material has caused a strong modification of the area, and copper enrichment of beaches and rocky shores has provoked a decrease in the richness and diversity of many species of macroorganisms. However, the effects that copper enrichment has on microbial (e.g. bacterial epilithic) communities associated with the rocky shore environment are poorly understood. Using a culture‐independent molecular approach, field sampling and laboratory microcosm experiments, we determined the effects of copper enrichment on bacterial communities inhabiting the rocky shore environment. Field samples showed a strong effect of copper on the structure of the natural bacterial epilithic communities, and microcosm experiments demonstrated rapid changes in bacterial community when copper is added, and reversibility of this effect within 48 h after copper is removed.