The characteristics of nutrient removal and inhibitory effect of Ulva clathrata on Vibrio anguillarum 65

To investigate the ecological effect of macroalgae on de-eutrophication and depuration of mariculture seawater, the variation of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphate (DIP), the amount of Vibrio anguillarum, and total heterotrophic bacteria in Ulva clathrata culture, as well as on the algal surface, were investigated by artificially adding nutrients and V. anguillarum strain 65 from February to April 2006. The results indicated that U. clathrata not only had strong DIN and DIP removal capacities, but also showed a significant inhibitory effect on V. anguillarum, although not reducing the total heterotrophic bacteria. Vibrio anguillarum 65 dropped from 5 similar to 8 x 10(7) cfu mL(-1) to 10 cfu mL(-1) (clone-forming units per mL) in 10 g L-1 of fresh U. clathrata culture within 2 days; i.e., almost all of the Vibrios were efficiently eradicated from the algal culture system. Our results also showed that the inhibitory effect of U. clathrata on V. anguillarum strain 65 was both DIN- and DIP-dependent. Addition of DIN and DIP could enhance the inhibitory effects of the algae on the Vibrio, but did not reduce the total heterotrophic bacteria. Further studies showed that the culture suspension in which U. clathrata was pre-cultured for 24 h also had an inhibitory effect on V. anguillarum strain 65. Some unknown chemical substances, either released from U. clathrata or produced by the alga associated microorganisms, inhibited the proliferation of V. anguillarum 65.

Monitoring microbial populations of sulfate-reducing bacteria using an impedimetric immunosensor based on agglutination assay

An impedimetric immunosensor was fabricated for rapid and non-labeled detection of sulfate-reducing bacteria, Desulforibrio caledoiensis (SRB) by immobilizing lectin-Concanavalin A using an agglutination assay. The immobilization of lectin was conducted using amine coupling on the surface of a gold (Au) electrode assembled with 11-Mercaptounclecanoic acid. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to verify the stepwise assembly of the sensor system. The work conditions of the impedimetric immunosensor, such as pH of the buffer solutions and the incubation time of lectin, were optimized. Faradic impedance spectra for charge transfer for the redox probe Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) were measured to determine SRB concentrations. The diameter of the Nyquist diagram that is equal to the charge-transfer resistance (RI) increased with increasing SRB concentration. A linear relationship between R-ct and SRB concentration was obtained in SRB concentration range of 1.8 to 1.8 x 10(7) cfu/ml. The variation of the SRB population during the growth process was also monitored using the impedimetric immunosensor. This approach has great potential for simple, low-cost. and time-saving monitoring of microbial populations. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selective and specific detection of sulfate-reducing bacteria using potentiometric stripping analysis

A fast, sensitive and reliable potentiometric stripping analysis (PSA) is described for the selective detection of the marine pathogenic sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB). Desulforibrio caledoiensis. The chemical and electrochemical parameters that exert influence on the deposition and stripping of lead ion, such as deposition potential, deposition time and pH value were carefully studied. The concentration of SRB was determined in acetate buffer solution (pH 5.2) under the optimized condition (deposition potential of -1.3 V. deposition time of 250 s, ionic strength of 0.2 mol L-1 and oxidant mercury (II) concentration of 40 mg L-1). A linear relationship between the stripping response and the logarithm of the bacterial concentration was observed in the range of 2.3 x 10 to 2.3 x 10(7) cfu mL(-1). In addition, the potentiometric stripping technique gave a distinct response to the SRB, but had no obvious response to Escherichia coli. The measurement system has a potential for further applications and provides a facile and sample method for detection of pathogenic bacteria. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.