Cultivable nitrifying bacteria of the limnetic zone of Tota lake, Boyacá, Colombia

Abstract

Fish production activities in Lake Tota, Boyaca are increasing concentrations of ammonium and nitrate, nutrients that are accelerating eutrophication processes. Some of the microbial communities that regulate the entry of allochthonous nitrogen are nitrifying bacteria, and the determination of their abundance in ecosystems is a measure of pollution bioindication. The objective of the study was to quantify and biochemically characterize the cultivable nitrifying bacteria of the limnetic zone of Lake Tota. The most probable number technique (MPN) was used to measure abundance. The samples were taken in the Lago Chico and Lago Grande sectors, in limnetic areas with fish activity and without intervention. Physical and chemical variables were measured in situ and the concentration of nutrients in the laboratory was determined. The highest quantifications of nitrifying bacteria were recorded in the area of influence of fish farming. The group of ammonium oxidizing bacteria (BOA) and nitrite oxidants (BON) was smaller in the central area of Lago Grande compared to fish farms in Hato Laguna and El Tunel. 14 isolates of nitrifying bacteria were obtained, genera Nitrosomonas spp. and Nitrobacter spp. Changes in BOA abundance were related to alkalinity, while BON values correlated with electrical conductivity and dissolved inorganic nitrogen. A greater abundance of nitrifying bacteria was recorded in the lake’s limnetic areas affected by fish farming activity, associated with the increase in nutrients dissolved in the water column.