Identification and characterization of acidophilic strains isolated from an acid mine drainage (La Esperanza mine, La Carolina, San Luis)

MARCHEVSKY N.; URBIETA, M. S.; DONATI, E

San Luis

Congreso; XXX Reunión Anual de la Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo; 2012

Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a consequence of mining activity; it results from bacterial and chemical oxidation of sulfide minerals in waste rock and tailings. AMD is characterized by low pH values, and elevated sulfate, iron and heavy metal concentrations that cause severe damage to the environment. The detection of acidophiles involved in AMD generation could allow the further development of strategies for the remediation of this important pollution problem. Samples containing water and sediment from the AMD of La Esperanza Mine (La Carolina, San Luis) were taken and enriched in selective liquid medium for bacteria. The isolation was also conducted onto solid medium specifically formulated for the cultivation of iron and/or sulfur-oxidizing acidophiles. Physiological experiments were made using ferrous or sulfur as sole energy (9K and 0K medium) in erlenmeyer flasks. Molecular techniques (FISH and 16S rRNA gene restriction enzyme) were applied to confirm the identity of the isolates. The main strains identified were L. ferrooxidans and A. ferrooxidans.