Resumo: As formigas da tribo Attini são conhecidas pela complexa simbiose que mantêm com fungos, os quais cultivam como alimento. É sabido que além desse fungo, outros microrganismos podem ser encontrados nos ninhos desses insetos e estudos prévios apontaram que alguns microfungos (i.e. leveduras e fungos filamentosos) podem ser importantes nessa simbiose. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o papel desses microfungos associados aos jardins dessas formigas. Analisando várias espécies do gênero Acromyrmex do sul do Brasil, demonstrou-se que as formigas importam uma comunidade diversa de microfungos para seus ninhos, provavelmente provenientes do solo e do substrato vegetal que as formigas utilizam para cultivar seu fungo. Num segundo estudo, avaliando formigas Attini da América do Norte (Atta texana, Trachymyrmex septentrionalis e Cyphomyrmex wheeleri) observou-se que a estrutura das comunidades de microfungos nos jardins desses insetos não se correlaciona com a variação sazonal, sugerindo que não existam relações espécie-específicas entre as formigas e os microfungos. Apesar de tais microrganismos não serem especialistas dos jardins desses insetos, é sugerido que os microfungos atuem como antagonistas do fungo simbionte. Ainda, descobriu-se que o parasita especializado Escovopsis spp. parece ser menos freqüente nas populações de formigas da América do Sul em relação as Attini da América Central, porém estudos adicionais são necessários para estabelecer a epidemiologia desse parasita nos ninhos das Attini. Num terceiro estudo, demonstrou-se que leveduras presentes nos jardins de fungos da formiga cortadeira A. texana inibem o crescimento de Escovopsis spp., sugerindo que esses insetos utilizam outros microrganismos, além das bactérias presentes em suas cutículas (Pseudonocardia spp.), para inibir esse parasita. Esse achado traz importantes implicações para essa... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Ants in the tribe Attini are well-known social insects that maintain a symbiotic relationship with fungi which they cultivate as food. Besides of the cultivated fungi, fungus gardens contain several other microorganisms considered to be potential players in this symbiosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible roles of microfungi (i.e. yeasts and filamentous fungi) in attine gardens. Our microbial profiling of gardens from several species in the genus Acromyrmex from South Brazil revealed that ants can harbor a diverse community of microfungi that probably originated from the surrounding soil or from the substrate used to manure the cultivated fungus. In this sense, additional studies of North American attine species (Atta texana, Trachymyrmex septentrionalis and Cyphomyrmex wheeleri) demonstrated that the structure of microfungal communities in gardens of these ants did not correlate with seasonal changes over a one year period, again suggesting there are no species-specific relationships among ants and microfungi species. Although, the microfungi are not specialized parasites of the attine ant-fungus symbiosis we suggest they can be considered antagonists to the cultivated fungus. Moreover, we demonstrated that the specialized parasite Escovopsis spp. is probably less frequent in South America than in Central America and we reinforce that additional studies are necessary to unravel the epidemiology of this parasite in attine gardens. In another study, we showed that yeasts isolated from gardens of the leafcutter ant A. texana can significantly inhibit the growth of Escovopsis sp. This interesting finding suggests that attine ants may use additional microbes to protect their gardens against Escovopsis spp. and not only actinomycete bacteria (Pseudonocardia spp.) found in their cuticles. Finally, we studied microfungi relationships with female alates (gynes) in two... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Fernando Carlos Pagnocca / Coorientador: Mauricio Bacci Junior / Banca: Carlos Augusto Rosa / Banca: Lara Durães Sette / Banca: Luiz Carlos Forti / Banca: Maria José Aparecida Hebling / Doutor

The aim of this thesis was to characterize the group of Archaea within the total microbial community in soils from three areas differently impacted by grazing cattle. The size and the structure of the archaeal community were estimated by the analysis of the cell-membrane etherlipids.

This study observes an influence of two-year application of NPK fertilizer on the amount of soluble nitrogen, microbial N transformations, and microbial biomass and the composition of microbial community in mineral and organic soils of two wet meadows. This study is the first version of manuscript, supplemented with a wider literature review, which will be submitted in 2010.

abstract: Water contamination with nitrate (NO3−) (from fertilizers) and perchlorate (ClO4−) (from rocket fuel and explosives) is a widespread environmental problem. I employed the Membrane Biofilm Reactor (MBfR), a novel bioremediation technology, to treat NO3− and ClO4− in the presence of naturally occurring sulfate (SO42−). In the MBfR, bacteria reduce oxidized pollutants that act as electron acceptors, and they grow as a biofilm on the outer surface of gas-transfer membranes that deliver the electron donor (hydrogen gas, (H2). The overarching objective of my research was to achieve a comprehensive understanding of ecological interactions among key microbial members in the MBfR when treating polluted water with NO3− and ClO4− in the presence of SO42−. First, I characterized competition and co-existence between denitrifying bacteria (DB) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) when the loading of either the electron donor or electron acceptor was varied. Then, I assessed the microbial community structure of biofilms mostly populated by DB and SRB, linking structure with function based on the electron-donor bioavailability and electron-acceptor loading. Next, I introduced ClO4− as a second oxidized contaminant and discovered that SRB harm the performance of perchlorate-reducing bacteria (PRB) when the aim is complete ClO4− destruction from a highly contaminated groundwater. SRB competed too successfully for H2 and space in the biofilm, forcing the PRB to unfavorable zones in the biofilm. To better control SRB, I tested a two-stage MBfR for total ClO4− removal from a groundwater highly contaminated with ClO4−. I document successful remediation of ClO4− after controlling SO4 2− reduction by restricting electron-donor availability and increasing the acceptor loading to the second stage reactor. Finally, I evaluated the performance of a two-stage pilot MBfR treating water polluted with NO3− and ClO4−, and I provided a holistic understanding of the microbial community structure and diversity. In summary, the microbial community structure in the MBfR contributes to and can be used to explain/predict successful or failed water bioremediation. Based on this understanding, I developed means to manage the microbial community to achieve desired water-decontamination results. This research shows the benefits of looking "inside the box" for "improving the box". / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Sustainability 2014

A utilização de técnicas moleculares têm facilitado o estudo de comunidades bacterianas complexas no ambiente. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo utilizar a técnica DGGE para avaliação dos efeitos do aumento da temperatura, causado pela queima de um canavial, na estrutura da comunidade bacteriana de solo, com ênfase ao grupo dos actinomicetos. Foram coletadas amostras de solo em diferentes profundidades, antes e depois da queima, e dados físico-químicos e climáticos associados. O DNA da comunidade bacteriana foi amplificado utilizando conjunto de primers específicos para o Domínio Bacteria e para o grupo de actinomicetos, e os produtos de amplificação analisados por DGGE. Resultados obtidos para as populações de actinomicetos não foram conclusivos. Apesar da variação dos parâmetros físico-químicos do solo provocadas pela queima, os padrões de bandas obtidos com os primers para o Domínio Bacteria, apresentaram-se uniformes. Sendo assim, nas condições de estudo deste trabalho, os resultados obtidos não revelaram alterações na estrutura da comunidade bacteriana do solo de canavial depois da queima. / The utilization of molecular techniques has facilitated the study of complex bacterial communities in the environment. The present study aimed at using DGGE technique to evaluate the effect of temperature variation, caused by sugar-cane plantation burn, in the soil bacterial community structure emphasizing the actinomycete group. Soil samples from different depths, were collected before and after the bum, as well as physical-chemical and climatic associated data. The bacterial community DNA was amplified using a specific primer set and the amplification products analyzed by DGGE. The results obtained for the actinomycete populations were not conclusive. Despite the variation of the soil parameters caused by the burn, the band patterns obtained used in this study were uniform. Therefore, under the conditions used in this study, the results obtained did not show any alteration in the structure of soil bacterial community associated with sugar-cane plantation after the burn.

Increasing demand for freshwater and energy is pushing towards the development of alternative technologies that are sustainable. One of the realistic solutions to address this is utilization of the renewable resources like wastewater. Conventional wastewater treatment processes can be highly energy demanding and can fails to recover the full potential of useful resources such as energy in the wastewater. As a consequence, there is an urgent necessity for sustainable wastewater treatment technologies that could harness such resources present in wastewaters. Advanced treatment process based on microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) have a great potential for the resources recovery through a sustainable wastewater treatment process. METs rely on the abilities of microorganisms that are capable of transferring electrons extracellularly by oxidizing the organic matter in the wastewater and producing electrical current for electricity generation (MFC) or H2 and CH4 production (MEC). Propionate is an important volatile fatty acid (VFA) (24-70%) in some wastewaters and accumulation of this VFA can cause a process failure in a conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) system. To address this issue, MECs were explored as a novel, alternative wastewater treatment technology, with a focus on a better understanding of propionate oxidation in the anode of MECs. Having such knowledge could help in the development of more robust and efficient wastewater treatment systems to recover energy and produce high quality effluents. Several studies were conducted to: 1) determine the paths of electron flow in the anode of propionate fed MECs low (4.5 mM) and high (36 mM) propionate concentrations; 2) examine the effect of different set anode potentials on the electrochemical performance, propionate degradation, electron fluxes, and microbial community structure in MECs fed propionate; and 3) examine the temporal dynamics of microbial communities in MECs fed with low or high concentration of acetate or propionate relating to the reactor performance. Overall, the findings from these studies provides new knowledge on propionate oxidation in MECs. The discovery of such findings may shed light on the development of an energy positive wastewater treatment process capable of producing a high quality effluent.

Orientador: Ana Julia Fernandes / Resumo: Atividades portuárias são consideradas fontes de contaminação por metais, que em altas concentrações são tóxicos aos microrganismos, podendo mudar o tamanho, a composição e a atividade da comunidade microbiana. Essa pressão seletiva faz com que bactérias desenvolvam mecanismos para combater o estresse causado por eles. Diversos grupos de microrganismos que desenvolvem sistemas de tolerância a metais podem fazer sua biorremediação. Bactérias redutoras de sulfato (BRS) podem, devido ao seu metabolismo, precipitar metais facilitando sua remoção. A hipótese é que em áreas portuárias exista uma alteração na comunidade microbiana onde são favorecidos microrganismos resistentes, aumentando a chance do isolamento de bactérias resistentes com potencial biotecnológico. Portanto o objetivo dessa tese foi avaliar a influência da contaminação de metais na comunidade microbiana em áreas portuárias e na seleção de cepas resistentes, e isolar cepas de BRS com potencial biotecnológico. Para isso, foram coletados sedimentos de 2 áreas portuárias (Santos e São Sebastião) e uma área pristina (Ubatuba). Foram caracterizadas variáveis ambientais do sedimento (como pH, salinidade, temperatura, oxigênio dissolvido, porcentagem de matéria orgânica, concentrações de Cr, Cu, Cd e Zn). Foi extraído DNA total do sedimento para caracterização da comunidade utilizando sequenciamento Mi-Seq. Os sedimentos serviram como inóculo para isolamento de cepas que foram submetidas a testes de resistência aos metais.... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Port activities are considered sources of metal contamination, which in high concentrations are toxic to microorganisms, and can change the size, composition and activity of the microbial community. This selective pressure forces bacteria to develop resistance mechanisms. Several microorganisms groups that develop metal tolerance systems can perform their bioremediation. One example is Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Because of their metabolism, this group can precipitate metals facilitating their removal. In this way, the hypothesis is that in port areas there is a change in the microbial community where resistant microorganisms are favored, increasing the chance of isolation of resistant bacteria with biotechnological potential. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was evaluate the influence of metal contamination in the microbial community in port areas and in the selection of resistant strains, and to isolate strains of SRB with biotechnological potential. For this, sediments were collected from two port areas (Santos and São Sebastião) and one pristine area (Ubatuba). Sediment environmental variables were characterized (such as pH, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, percentage of organic matter, concentrations of Cr, Cu, Cd and Zn). Total DNA was extracted from the sediment for community characterization using Mi-Seq sequencing. The sediments was used as inoculum for strain isolation, and the metal resistance was checked. The most contaminated sediments also wa... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

The disposal of large amounts of waste still containing energetic value is a central challenge in the waste management of the Brazilian sugarcane industry. As a sustainable solution, the biogas process appears to be a suitable technology for treating sugarcane waste products and for providing valuable commodities such as energy-rich biogas and digestate with fertilizer properties. Additionally, the proper treatment of the four major waste types (straw, bagasse, filter cake and vinasse) would avoid greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and environmental contamination of soil and water. In order to investigate the feasibility and reliability of biogas production from sugarcane wastes, the microbial community dynamics of laboratory-scale reactors were assessed under different start-up strategies. Despite the promising results of the methane potential for all the waste products, chemical and physical pre-treatments were applied successfully to increase the methane yield of straw, bagasse and filter cake. The microbial community dynamics observed during co-digestion of filter cake and bagasse showed, together with the process parameters, that cattle manure can be effectively used as an inoculum for the start-up of a biogas process in the remote-located sugarcane industry. Monitoring methanogenic community dynamics at high organic loading rate of filter cake and bagasse demonstrated that the genera Methanosarcina and Methanobacterium are the major methanogens that produce biogas, even under process imbalances. Moreover, the results obtained from the process parameters and methanogenic community analyses revealed that the stable isotope fingerprinting technique may be a potential monitoring tool for quickly identifying changes in the methanogenic pathway, which indicates process disturbances. In conclusion, these studies established techniques for the efficient substrate processing and start-up procedure of a biogas process designed for the anaerobic digestion of sugarcane wastes, and by these means provided a highly detailed profile of the microbial community in relation to process parameters.

No description available.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第20814号 / 工博第4418号 / 新制||工||1686(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市環境工学専攻 / (主査)教授 伊藤 禎彦, 教授 田中 宏明, 准教授 西村 文武 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM