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Publication
Characterization of extreme halophilic prokaryotic consortia of a traditional solar saltern in Olhão, Algarve (Portugal)
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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Halophiles are microorganisms that live under extreme osmotic
conditions, and are adaptated to life at salt concentrations much higher than
seawater. In the Algarve region, climate conditions are ideal to form habitats
where such microorganisms proliferate yet remain to be studied. Thus, the
present study focuses in characterizing the extreme halophilic consortium
found in the traditional solar salterns of Olhão, Algarve.
Both traditional and biomolecular techniques were used, resulting in a
consortium profile far more diverse than what was expected. Microscope
examinations using FISH (Fluorescent In Situ Hybrization) showed that the
porcentage of Bacteria as well as of Archaea present are important, while the
use of DGGE confirmed that this diversity is not only morphological.
Two growth experiments were done, relating changes in growth rate to
different salinities and light intensities, reveling how the consortium reacted
to these conditions, with salinity being from these the most important factor
for growth.
This study concludes that de solar salterns system of Olhao presents a
great potential as source of extreme halophiles, and recommends that more
work should be done on halophilic consortia in this area of Portugal.
Description
Tese mest. , Biologia Marinha, 2009, Universidade do Algarve
Keywords
Teses Bactérias halófilas Microrganismos extremófilos Salinas 579.8