Analysis of the bacterial diversity in the sediments of Shuang Taizi estuary

Abstract:

[Objective] The aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal characteristics of bacterial diversity and community structure in sediments of the Shuang Taizi estuary. [Methods] Four seasonal samples, sitting in Shuang Taizi estuary, were collected in April, July, October and December, 2009, respectively. PCR-DGGE method was employed to analysis the bacterial diversity. [Results] By sequening, the bacteria in sediments of Shuang Taizi estuary fell into five known phyla, which were Proteobacteria (52.6%), Actinobacteria (15.8%), Bacteroidetes (10.5%), Acidobacteria (5.3%) and Chloroflexi (5.3%). Besides, a part of unidentified bacteria (10.5%) was detected. The Proteobacteria (52.6%) were dominant species, in which the δ-Proteobacteria gained the uppermost position. In addition, the results also indicated that the values of Shannon-Wiener index for bacterial community structure ranged from 1.84 to 2.79, the values of Shannon-Wiener index in spring and summer were higher than that of in autumn and winter. [Conclusion] The bacterial diversity in the sediments of Shuang Taizi estuary was in accordance with the bacterial diversity characteristics of the typical estuarine. Low-temperature can lead to a loss of the microbial diversity. This work presented a certain reference for the preliminary understanding of the bacterial species and composition in this estuary. At the same time, it provided a scientific evidence for monitoring of the marine environment, as well as preserving of the biological resources in this area.

Key words:Shuang Taizi estuary, Bacterial diversity, PCR-DGGE