Effects of Pharmaceutical Wastes on Microbial Populations in Surface Waters at the Puerto Rico Dump Site in the Atlantic Ocean

摘要: A series of cruises during 1979 and 1980 to the pharmaceutical dump site located 64 km north Arecibo, Puerto Rico, in Atlantic Ocean, was carried out evaluate effects wastes on ecology microflora surface waters site. In addition bacteriological monitoring waste plume created by release from disposal barge, stations along a transects, extending coastal through beyond site, were sampled. Largest numbers culturable bacteria marine agar found at closest shore vicinity Bacteria recovered predominantly Vibrio Aeromonas spp., with relative abundance these organisms decreasing as gram-positive (staphylococci, micrococci, bacilli) became dominant areas immediately affected dumping. Total (determined acridine orange direct counts [AODC]), which relatively stable throughout region, estimate viable cells (DVC), i.e., those responsive additions yeast extract nalidixic acid, determined staining epifluorescence microscopy. Heterotrophic bacterial activity, measured uptake (Vmax) 14C-labeled amino acids, declined distance land. Increases specific activity indices (DVC/AODC Vmax/AODC) observed near The composite results this study, increased activities two methods), bacteria, marked alteration taxonomic composition community within surrounding Rico indicate demonstrable changes microbial region used for disposal.