Actinomycete-flora associated with submersed freshwater macrophytes
Debra L Wohl, J Vaun McArthur
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
Received 22 December 1997; revised 19 March 1998; accepted 21 March 1998
Abstract
Aquatic vegetation from three stream sites located within the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, South Carolina was sampled to determine the presence, distribution and diversity of actinomycetes on submersed macrophytes. At individual sampling sites, small pieces of submersed aquatic plants (Sporgonium americuoum, Rununcolos pusillus and Microonthemum umbrosum) were clipped and placed in sterile sampling containers. In the laboratory, plant fragments were subjected to a wide array of selective measures (5 pretreatments >< 8 media x 2 antibiotic regimes x 2 temperatures) in order to obtain the greatest diversity and best isolation methods. A total of 433 actinomycete colonies was isolated, which included 32 distinct strains. The streams, plants and plant tissue types (healthy, necrotic or dead) all had an effect on the presence, distribution and diversity of the actinomycetes.
Keywords: Actinomycete; Freshwater macrophyte; Stream; Selective medium; Isolation technique
SREL Reprint #2282
Wohl, D.L. and J V. McArthur. 1998. Actinomycete-flora associated with submersed freshwater macrophytes. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 26:135-140.
