Microbial diversity of internal environment of Johann Gregor Mendel Station, Antarctica

Abstract

During January and February 2011 two sets of microbiological samples were collected inside the main building of Johann Gregor Mendel station located at the James Ross Island near the coast of Antarctica. The aim was to examine the changes of microbial profile of the antarctic station environment. The first set of samples was collected from the station environment before the staff entry, i.e. after 10 months of quiescent state when nobody was present at the station. The second set of samples was collected from the same places before the Antarctic expedition staff left the station after 45 days of the stay. The cultivation of samples was focused on mesophilic bacteria. Twenty-three strains were obtained from the Set No. 1 and 27 strains were obtained from the Set No. 2. However, 8 strains from each set were not reliably identified by mass spectrometry. Altogether 13 strains of Gram-positive bacteria were identified in the Set. No. 1, while only 7 in the Set No. 2. Contrastingly, Gram-negative bacteria were much more abundant in the Set No. 2 (12 strains) than in the Set No. 1 (2 strains). Bacillus sp. was the most common Gram-positive strain (9 isolations from the first set, 2 isolations from the second set). Pantoea agglomerans was the most common Gram-negative strain (2 isolations from the first set, 7 isolations from the second set). The first experience with the microbial profile of the research station showed that we were able to detect mainly bacteria commonly present in the outer environment that could survive under extreme conditions. We did not isolate any microbes related to human colonisation except of enterococci and Escherichia vulneris. For further investigation of the station environment, it will be necessary to choose alternative way of collection and storage of samples to ensure survival of all present bacteria.