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MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN LAKE ERIE SEDIMENTS

Looft, Torey P.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1131392301

Abstract Details

2005, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Biological Sciences.
Microorganisms perform important roles in elemental cycling and organic decomposition, which are vital for ecosystems to function. Lake Erie offers a unique opportunity to study microbial communities across a large environmental gradient. Lake Erie consist of three basins and is affected by allochthonous inputs of dissolved organic matter (DOM) that increase to the west. In addition, the Central Basin of Lake Erie is characterized by an area dominated by a Dead Zone, which experiences periodic hypoxic events. To evaluate patterns of microbial diversity, environmental samples from eleven sites were selected for PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of 16s ribosomal DNA genes from microbial species. Samples included inshore sites from the Western, Central and Eastern Basins as well as from the Dead Zone. Characterization of environmental DNA sequences was performed through sequence database searches and phylogenetic analyses. Biodiversity indices and measures of sequence diversity were obtained. Results from this study demonstrated considerable levels of spatial variability of microbial communities throughout Lake Erie. Characterized species included bacterial groups with diverse metabolic capabilities and key members involved in the cycling of nutrients. The relative preponderance of Gammaproteobacteria in the Western and Central Basins, but not in the Eastern Basin, may reflect the presumably widespread carbon substrate range found in the Western and Central Basins due to the greater number of allochthonous inputs. East and Central Basins showed similarities in species diversity, while the Dead Zone represented the most distinct group. These results are consistent with the idea that microbial community structure may be modulated by DOM inputs and environmental conditions.
Juan Bouzat (Advisor)
71 p.
Microorganisms; organic; decomposition; ecosystems; Lake Erie; dissolved organic matter; 16S ribosomal DNA; phylogenetic; Microorganisms

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Looft, T. P. (2005). MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN LAKE ERIE SEDIMENTS [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1131392301

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Looft, Torey. MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN LAKE ERIE SEDIMENTS. 2005. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1131392301.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Looft, Torey. "MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN LAKE ERIE SEDIMENTS." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1131392301

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1131392301
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© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.
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