A Pilot Study: The aquatic microbial landscape of Heron Haven Nature Center
Advisor Information
Christine Cutucache
Location
Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
8-3-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
8-3-2013 4:00 PM
Abstract
Heron Haven Nature Center is a protected green space in Omaha, NE for wetland flora and fauna. This wildlife refuge area is supplied water from a nearby inlet. This was the first of a series of samplings to be performed, as part of our ongoing objective, to monitor the microbiota populating the area. Water samples were collected from the surface near the inlet, as well as two locations in the main pond: the surface level, and the deepest point (n=3). To determine the microorganisms present, cultures were grown on selective and differential media. The microbial populations within each sample were characterized by means of nutrient agar slants, triple-sugar iron agar slants and biochemical assays. Subsequently, gram stains were performed on isolated populations as well as direct stains for determining morphology. All three samples contained bacteria capable of metabolizing tryptophan. The microorganisms from the inlet stream were able to ferment sucrose and/or lactose, and were both streptococcus and bacillus. The microbes isolated from the bottom of the main pond were able to ferment sucrose and/or lactose and most had the following characteristics: gram-negative bacillus, gram-positive coccus, and gram-negative streptococcus. Finally, the species found on the surface of the main pond were able to ferment glucose, sucrose and/or lactose, and consisted primarily of gram-negative bacillus, gram-positive coccus, and gramnegative streptococcus. This research will provide meaningful insight in the microbial landscape of Heron Haven Nature Center.
A Pilot Study: The aquatic microbial landscape of Heron Haven Nature Center
Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom
Heron Haven Nature Center is a protected green space in Omaha, NE for wetland flora and fauna. This wildlife refuge area is supplied water from a nearby inlet. This was the first of a series of samplings to be performed, as part of our ongoing objective, to monitor the microbiota populating the area. Water samples were collected from the surface near the inlet, as well as two locations in the main pond: the surface level, and the deepest point (n=3). To determine the microorganisms present, cultures were grown on selective and differential media. The microbial populations within each sample were characterized by means of nutrient agar slants, triple-sugar iron agar slants and biochemical assays. Subsequently, gram stains were performed on isolated populations as well as direct stains for determining morphology. All three samples contained bacteria capable of metabolizing tryptophan. The microorganisms from the inlet stream were able to ferment sucrose and/or lactose, and were both streptococcus and bacillus. The microbes isolated from the bottom of the main pond were able to ferment sucrose and/or lactose and most had the following characteristics: gram-negative bacillus, gram-positive coccus, and gram-negative streptococcus. Finally, the species found on the surface of the main pond were able to ferment glucose, sucrose and/or lactose, and consisted primarily of gram-negative bacillus, gram-positive coccus, and gramnegative streptococcus. This research will provide meaningful insight in the microbial landscape of Heron Haven Nature Center.