Influence of the antibiotics Oxytetracycline and Imazalilon microbial diversity and ecological functions

• Grant number: 13/02989-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: August 01, 2013 - July 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Mirna Helena Regali Seleghim
• Grantee: Mirna Helena Regali Seleghim
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The class of antibiotics is one of the most disturbing drug residues that are often found in environmental matrices. These compounds have negative potential effects on the microorganisms that play a crucial role in the processes, dynamics and stability of ecosystems. The objective of this study is to assess the ecological aspects of imazalil and oxytetracycline action in the environment and how they affect the functions and microbial diversity associated with the decomposition processes of Egeria najas Planch debris and degradation of fipronil in the aquatic environment. Experiments will be developed in aerobic and anaerobic chambers to evaluate the Egeria najas Planch decomposition, and microcosms to evaluate the fipronil degradation. Throughout the experiments, fungi will be analysed by the spread plate method, bacterial density and biomass through direct counting and measurements at epifluorescence microscopy, bacteria and fungi community in water by DGGE and determinations of antimicrobial compounds and fipronil in water samples. The project includes the development of two PHD theses and collaboration with Dr. Eny Maria Vieira (Laboratory of Quantitative Analytical Chemistry- EESC/USP), Dr. Marcela Bianchessi da Cunha Santino (Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling and Bioassays-UFSCar) and Dr. Maria Bernadette A. Varesche Silva (Laboratory of Biological Processes- EESC /USP). (AU)