Aquatic Salinity Research Articles

Marinobacter azerbaijanicus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from Urmia Lake, Iran.

A novel moderately halophilic, Gram-stain-negative and facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated as strain TBZ242T, was isolated from water of Urmia Lake in the Azerbaijan region of Iran. The cells were found to be rod-shaped and motile by a single polar flagellum, producing circular and yellowish colonies. The strain could grow in the presence of 0.5-10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.5-5 %). The temperature and pH ranges for growth were 15-45 °C (optimum 30 °C) and pH 7.0-11.0 (optimum pH 8.0) on marine agar. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain TBZ242T belonged to the genus Marinobacter, showing the highest similarities to Marinobacter algicola DG893T (98.8 %), Marinobacter vulgaris F01T (98.8 %), Marinobacter salarius R9SW1T (98.5 %), Marinobacter panjinensis PJ-16T (98.4 %), Marinobacter orientalis W62T (98.0 %) and Marinobacter denitrificans JB2H27T (98.0 %). The 16S rRNA and core-genome phylogenetic trees showed that strain TBZ242T formed a distinct branch, closely related to a subclade accommodating M. vulgaris, M. orientalis, M. panjinensis, M. denitrificans, M. algicola, M. salarius and M. iranensis, within the genus Marinobacter. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain TBZ242T and the type strains of the related species of Marinobacter were ≤85.0 and 28.6 %, respectively, confirming that strain TBZ242T represents a distinct species. The major cellular fatty acids of strain TBZ242T were C16 : 0 and C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c and the quinone was ubiquinone Q-9. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain TBZ242T is 57.2 mol%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic data, strain TBZ242T represents a novel species within the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter azerbaijanicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TBZ242T (= CECT 30649T = IBRC-M 11466T). Genomic fragment recruitment analysis showed that this species prefers aquatic saline environments with intermediate salinities, being detected on metagenomic databases of Lake Meyghan (Iran) with 5 and 18 % salinity, respectively.

Metabarcoding of the Three Domains of Life in Aquatic Saline Ecosystems.

High-throughput amplicon sequencing, known as metabarcoding, is a powerful technique to decipher exhaustive microbial diversity considering specific gene markers. While most of the studies investigating ecosystem functioning through microbial diversity targeted only one domain of life, either bacteria, or archaea or microeukaryotes, the remaining challenge in microbial ecology is to uncover the integrated view of microbial diversity occurring in ecosystems. Indeed, interactions occurring between the different microbial counterparts are now recognized having a great impact on stability and resilience of ecosystems. Here, we summarize protocols describing sampling, molecular, and simultaneous metabarcoding of bacteria, archaea, and microeukaryotes, as well asa bioinformatic pipeline allowing the study of exhaustive microbial diversity in natural aquatic saline samples.

Designing an epoxy composite coating having dual-barrier-active self-healing anti-corrosion functions using a multi-functional GO/PDA/MO nano-hybrid

The graphene oxide, functionalized with polydopamine (PDA) bio-polymers and molybdate (MO) ions, was incorporated into the epoxy coating. The FT-IR, Raman, UV-visible, XRD, and FE-SEM/EDS analyses were utilized for the GO/PDA/MO nanoparticle characterization. The sequence of inhibitors' release from the nano-hybrid and their effect on the electrochemical behavior of the steel sample was explored by the OCP, polarization, and, EIS analyses in the aquatic saline media. EIS analyses revealed inhibition efficiency of 88% for the sample immersed in the GO/PDA/MO-contained solution after 48 h immersion. The polarization results showed a 91% corrosion mitigation index for the sample submerged in the GO/PDA/MO extract-containing solution after 48 h immersion. An increase of the scratched coating Nyquist diameter, the lower corrosion product, and coating blister formation after exposure to the salt spray chamber, as well as the lower adhesion loss in the pull-off test (26%), revealed that the epoxy coating reinforced with GO/PDA/MO nano-hybrids could mitigate the mild steel corrosion by improving the barrier performance and active corrosion protection (self-healing mechanism) behavior.

Anticipating the Effects of Increasing Rivers’ Water Salinity for Sustainable Conservation of Tilapia Resources in Rural Coastal Zone of Benin, West Africa

The current research aimed at using the application of multi-factor models to support fisheries management decisions for successful resources’ conservation. The study was based on the tilapia species Coptodon guineensis, which is among the most widely exploited in Benin coastal zone. In an attempt to suggest conservation strategies, the phenotypic variability of 356 accessions of this species was assessed in relation with water salinity, and several interactions. The fish were collected through small-scale experimental fishing using cast nets and gillnets. The findings indicated that the salinity observed in the sampled rivers is due, at proportions ranging from 0.13% to 47%, to the sea surface salinity (SSS) of the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting a leading inland origin of the salinity of these rivers. The evidence also showed that the tilapia populations have been relatively adapted to the increasing water salinity of the sampled rivers. The fish species*river type and fish species*fish sex interactions had significant effects on phenotypic characteristics rather than river type*fish sex interaction. For an efficient conservation of these populations, two conservation areas (Lake Nokoué and Porto-Novo lagoon vs Lake Toho and Grand-Popo lagoon), could be considered for this tilapia species.
 Keywords: Aquatic salinization, population adaptation, growth parameters, interaction patterns

RNA-seq analyses of Marine Medaka (Oryzias melastigma) reveals salinity responsive transcriptomes in the gills and livers.

Increasing salinity levels in marine and estuarine ecosystems greatly influence developmental, physiological and molecular activities of inhabiting fauna. Marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma), a euryhaline research model, has extraordinary abilities to survive in a wide range of aquatic salinity. To elucidate how marine medaka copes with salinity differences, the responses of Oryzias melastigma after being transferred to different salt concentrations [0 practical salinity units (psu), 15 psu, 30 psu (control), 45 psu] were studied at developmental, histochemical and transcriptome levels in the gill and liver tissues. A greater number of gills differentially expressed genes (DEG) under 0 psu (609) than 15 psu (157) and 45 psu (312), indicating transcriptomic adjustments in gills were more sensitive to the extreme hypotonic environment. A greater number of livers DEGs were observed in 45 psu (1,664) than 0 psu (87) and L15 psu (512), suggesting that liver was more susceptible to hypertonic environment. Further functional analyses of DEGs showed that gills have a more immediate response, mainly in adjusting ion balance, immune and signal transduction. In contrast, DEGs in livers were involved in protein synthesis and processing. We also identified common DEGs in both gill and liver and found they were mostly involved in osmotic regulation of amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism and steroid biosynthesis. Additionally, salinity stresses showed no significant effects on most developmental and histochemical parameters except increased heartbeat with increasing salinity and decreased glycogen after transferred from stable conditions (30 psu) to other salinity environments. These findings suggested that salinity-stress induced changes in gene expressions could reduce the effects on developmental and histochemical parameters. Overall, this study provides a useful resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms of fish responses to salinity stresses.

Pectinase enzyme from Streptomyces coelicoflavus GIAL86 isolated from Meyghan Salt Lake, Arak, Iran

Aquatic saline ecosystems are suitable environments for isolation of microorganisms with high diversity and widely used biotechnology features. The pectinase enzyme is one of the most important commercial enzymes with high potential in food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the discovery of microorganisms with new characteristics has always been a focus of research. As such, a pectinase producing actinomycete Streptomyces coelicoflavus GIAL86 was isolated from Meyghan Salt Lake of Arak located in Markazi Province of Iran. This strain was screened among 35 isolates of halotolerant actinomycetes with the highest production of pectinase enzymes. It was also found that production of pectate lyase, pectin esterase and polygalacturonase increased simultaneously with the logarithmic growth of the strain and its maximum production is at the time of stationary phase beginning. Also, some actinomycete strains with more pectinase activity were identified by molecular identification and their phylogenic relationships were investigated.

Mangrove Spatial Distribution in the Indian Sundarbans: Predicting Salinity-Induced Migration in a Changing Climate

This study contributes to understanding the physical and economic impacts of progressive, climate-driven aquatic salinization on the spatial distribution of mangrove species in the Indian Sundarbans, which accounts for about two-fifths of the 10,200 km2 tidal-wetland forest delta. To estimate future mangrove distribution, a five-step analysis was undertaken, using high-resolution spatial assessments. A current (2015) basemap and overlays of salinity tolerance for major mangrove species and their assemblages and projected location-specific aquatic salinity for 2050 were used to predict salinity-induced migration. The results show gain-and-loss patterns, with salt-tolerant species predominating at the expense of freshwater species. These changes are likely to reduce the flow of ecosystem services, adversely affecting the livelihood options of poor people in adjacent areas. Effective management will require establishing baseline data for monitoring system changes over time, protocols for maintaining species health, and support for mangrove regeneration and restoration. Resources should also be directed to alternative livelihoods for mangrove-dependent households. The study recommends an integrated policy approach, focused on rising salinity, changes in mangrove dynamics, and the welfare of mangrove-dependent communities.

Impact of Aquatic Salinity on Mangrove Seedlings: A Case Study on Heritiera fomes (Common Name: Sundari)

Impact of Aquatic Salinity on Mangrove Seedlings: A Case Study on Heritiera fomes (Common Name: Sundari)

The Impact of Aquatic Salinization on Fish Habitats and Poor Communities in a Changing Climate: Evidence from Southwest Coastal Bangladesh

Fisheries constitute an important source of livelihoods for tens of thousands of poor people in the southwest coastal region of Bangladesh, and they supply a significant portion of protein for millions. Among the various threats fisheries in the southwest coastal region will face because of climate change, adverse impacts from increased aquatic salinity caused by sea level rise will be one of the greatest challenges. This paper investigates possible impacts of climate change on aquatic salinity, fish species habitats, and poor communities using the salinity tolerance ranges of 83 fish species consumed in the region and aquatic salinity in 27 alternative scenarios of climate change in 2050. The results provide striking evidence that projected aquatic salinization may have an especially negative impact on poor households in the region. The estimates indicate that areas with poor populations that lose species are about six times more prevalent than areas gaining species.

The impact of climate change and aquatic salinization on mangrove species in the Bangladesh Sundarbans

This paper investigates the possible impacts of climate change on aquatic salinity and mangrove species in the Bangladesh Sundarbans. The impact analysis combines the salinity tolerance ranges of predominant mangrove species with aquatic salinity measures in 27 scenarios of climate change by 2050. The estimates indicate significant overall losses for Heritiera fomes; substantial gains for Excoecaria agallocha; modest changes for Avicennia alba, A. marina, A. officinalis, Ceriops decandra, and Sonneratia apetala; and mixed results for species combinations. Changes in mangrove stocks are likely to change the prospects for forest-based livelihoods. The implications for neighboring communities are assessed by computing changes in high-value mangrove species for the five sub-districts in the Sundarbans. The results of the impact analysis indicate highly varied patterns of gain and loss across the five sub-districts. Overall, however, the results suggest that salinity-induced mangrove migration will have a strongly regressive impact on the value of timber stocks because of the loss of highest value timber species, Heritiera fomes. In addition, the augmented potential for honey production will likely increase conflicts between humans and wildlife in the region.

Antibiotic resistance profiling of marine halophilic bacteria and haloarchaea

Drug resistance in microorganisms is an emerging phenomenon that poses challenges to public health and treatment. The reservoir of drug resistance genes found in the resistome of environmental isolates in aquatic saline systems has been augmenting continuously. The spread of drug resistance is attributed to the dissemination of drug resistant pathogens occurring in sewage and wastewater released in the marine environments like seas. Halophiles are salt loving organisms that are found naturally in these marine environments, sea water, salterns and lakes. The present study aimed at investigation of the antibiotic resistance profile of halophiles isolated from marine ecosystems of the coastal Maharashtra, India using disk diffusion method. The plausible mechanism of drug resistance in the marine halophiles was investigated by detecting plasmids and antibiotic efflux pumps using EtBr-Cart wheel assay. The haloarchaea, Haloarcula sp. RR14 and Halovivax sp. RT5 showed multidrug resistance and presence of efflux pumps (MICEtBr= 0.5 µg/ml). The resistance of gram positive halophiles was in following order: Salimicrobium salexigens RR5>Salimicrobium flavidumRR2>Alkalibacillus almallahensis RR3. Amongst gram negative halophiles, their resistance was in following order: Halomonas smyrnensis RR7>Halomonas koreensis RR1>Marinobacter oulmenensis RR6. Plasmids were detected in Haloarcula sp., Halomonas sp. and Marinobacter sp. The present study related to antibiotic resistance of halophiles from marine environment is significant as some of the marine halophilic isolates like Halomonas sp. have been reported as potential pathogens in recent times.

Inter-relationship Between Phytoplankton Cell Volume and Aquatic Salinity in Indian Sundarbans

Cell volumes of phytoplankton collected from 12 different stations distributed in western and central Indian Sundarbans were estimated through calculation of similar type of geometric models. 12 geometric shapes have been assigned to calculate the cell volume of 47 phytoplankton species documented during the study period. The cell volume of the observed species was more in the western sector (112.89–269383.60 μm3) compared to the central sector (108.37–225131.20 μm3). Among 47 species recorded during December 2011, cell volumes of 6 species exhibited significant inverse relationships, and 2 species exhibited significant positive relationships with aquatic salinity. Our results suggest that cell volume of certain phytoplankton species can be used as indicator of aquatic salinity.

COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS OF SHRIMPS IN THE OFFSHORE WATERS OF THE MID-SOUTHERN EAST CHINA SEA

Based on the data of the shrimp resources sampled by single trawler as investigation boat in 18 stations in the offshore waters of the Mid-Southern East China Sea (26°00'N—28°30'N,121°00'E—126°00'E) in May,August,November,2006 and February,2007,total catch from each trawler was counted and identified to species in taxonomy,and the spatial variation of the shrimp species composition,index of relative importance (IRI),the diversity and similar characteristics of the community structure were analyzed. 32 species of shrimp were caught in this survey,which belonged to 22 families under 11 genera. Comparison of the amounts of various species in different seasons:there are 22 species in the autumn which are the most; 20 species in winter,17 and 18 species in the spring and the summer respectively. According to the standard of index of relative importance (IRI) (the species with IRI above 1000 were regarded as the dominant species in this paper),there were 10 dominant species:Metapenaeopsis longirostris,Metapenaeopsis dalei,Solenocera alticarinata,Plesionika izumiae,Ibacus novemdentatu,Parapenaeus fissuroides,Solenocera koelbeli,Solenocera crassicornis,Parapenaeopsis hardwickii and Solenocera crassicornis,and 5 of them were major dominant species which were Metapenaeopsis longirostris,Metapenaeopsis dalei,Plesionika izumiae,Parapenaeus fissuroides and Parapenaeopsis hardwickii. Defined the ones with IRI values ranging from 100 to 1000 as common species,we got 7:Metapenaeopsis barbata,Penaeus japonicus,Plesionika dentirostris,Palaemon gravieri,Alpheus japonicus,Parapandalus spinipes and Sicyonia cristata. The abundance of the dominant species was varied with seasons. For example,5 were in May:Metapenaeopsis longirostris,Metapenaeopsis dalei,Parapenaeopsis hardwickii,Solenocera alticarinata and Plesionika izumiae,89.15% of the total catch and 92.14% of the total individuals. In August,there were 7 dominant species:Metapenaeopsis dalei,Plesionika izumiae,Metapenaeopsis longirostris,Parapenaeus fissuroide,Solenocera crassicornis,Ibacus novemdentatus and Solenocera alticarinata,91.82% of the total catch and 95.05% of the total individuals. In November,the number of dominant species increased to 8:Metapenaeopsis longirostris,Plesionika izumiae,Parapenaeus fissuroides,Metapenaeopsis dalei,Solenocera crassicornis,Ibacus novemdentatus,Solenocera koelbeli and Solenocera alticarinata,occupying 95.31% and 97.56% of the total catch individuals,respectively. In February,the number reduced to 5:Metapenaeopsis longirostris,Parapenaeus fissuroides,Metapenaeopsis dalei,Solenocera koelbeli and Plesionika izumiae,88.76% and 94.93% respectively. Based on their adaptability to habitats,all recorded species of shrimps were categorized into the hyperthermal and hysaline community in the Mid-Southern East China Sea. The stations with high abundance were mainly located in the west of the 120m isobaths,and gradually lower toward the autumn to winter,while it reached the lowest in winter. Margalef index (D) and Shannon-Wienner index (H') were higher in summer and autumn than those in winter and spring,Pielou's evenness index (J') in the offshore waters of the Mid-Southern East China Sea was stable through every season. The result indicated that the diversity index west of the 120m isobaths was higher than in the east. By hierarchical cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) assisted analyzing,the types of shrimp assemblage determined by influential factor such as aquatic system,water mass and salinity etc. in the East China Sea in spring were also discussed in the article,two main assemblages were identified in the offshore waters of the Mid-Southern East China Sea,which were deeper costal shrimp assemblage and out shelf sea shrimp assemblage.

DNA-Repair Potential of Halomonas spp. from the Salt Plains Microbial Observatory of Oklahoma

The Great Salt Plains (GSP), an unvegetated, barren salt flat that is part of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Cherokee, Oklahoma, is the site of the Salt Plains Microbial Observatory. At the GSP the briny remains of an ancient sea rise to the surface, evaporate under dry conditions, and leave crusts of white salt. Adaptation to this environment requires development of coping mechanisms providing tolerance to desiccating conditions due to the high salinity, extreme temperatures, alkaline pH, unrelenting exposure to solar UV radiation, and prevailing winds. Several lines of evidence suggest that the same DNA repair mechanisms that are usually associated with UV light or chemically induced DNA damage are also important in protecting microbes from desiccation. Because little is known about the DNA repair capacity of microorganisms from hypersaline terrestrial environments, we explored the DNA repair capacity of microbial isolates from the GSP. We used survival following exposure to UV light as a convenient tool to assess DNA repair capacity. Two species of Halomonas (H. salina and H. venusta) that have been isolated repeatedly from the GSP were chosen for analysis. The survival profiles were compared to those of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Halomonas spp. from aquatic saline environments. Survival of GSP organisms exceeded that of the freshwater organism P. aeruginosa, although they survived no better than E. coli. The GSP isolates were much more resistance to killing by UV than were the aquatic species of Halomonas reported in the literature [Martin et al. (2000) Can J Microbiol 46:180-187]. Unlike E. coli, the GSP isolates did not appear to have an inducible, error-prone repair mechanism. However, they demonstrated high levels of spontaneous mutation.