Abstract
The bacterial diversity of the surface and deep sediment of the Copper Mining and Smelting Complex Bor, Serbia, was investigated using culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. Sequencing analysis of 16S rDNA libraries revealed greater bacterial diversity in the surface sediment of the mining complex (MS) in comparison to deeper mine sediment (MU). While in the MS sample members of seven different phylogenetic groups were detected, in the MU sample library representatives of only three different groups were detected. The use of a culture-dependent approach revealed the presence of only three bacterial groups in both samples: Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while six isolates exhibiting the highest metal tolerance were members of Arthrobacter and Staphylococcus genera. The most promising isolate, MSI08, was able to grow in the presence of high concentrations of Cd2+ (535 μM), Ni2+(17 mM) and Cr6+ (38.5 mM) and as such this indigenous strain has potential in the bioremediation of the contaminated surrounds of the city of Bor.
Highlights
Hazardous heavy metal pollution, originating from both natural and anthropogenic activities, is one of the most important environmental problems (Guo et al, 2009)
When present in excessive concentrations, heavy metals are highly toxic to microorganisms and affect their community structure by reducing their number, diversity, and biochemical activity
One sample was taken from the surface within the Copper Mining and Smelting Complex (MS) while the other was taken from the underground mine pit (MU)
Summary
Hazardous heavy metal pollution, originating from both natural and anthropogenic activities, is one of the most important environmental problems (Guo et al, 2009). Mining presents one of the major anthropogenic activities resulting in the release of heavy metals into the environment (Passariello et al, 2002). Heavy metals, such as Cd, Hg, Cr, Ni, Zn and Cu, often pose a significant threat to the environment and public health due to their toxicity, accumulation in the food chain, and persistence in nature (Evanko and Dzombak, 1997). Due to selective pressure from the metals in the growth environment, indigenous microorganisms have evolved various mechanisms to resist heavy metal stress and may play a significant role in the restoration of contaminated environments (Rathnayake et al, 2009).
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