Caracterización molecular de bacterias poliextremófilas presentes en la laguna volcánica: Cuicocha

Abstract

In the Cuicocha Lagoon, polyextremophilic bacteria have been discovered, many of which are new species and have barely been studied. Until now, the investigations carried out in this lagoon have focused on the microbiology of the water and the microbiota present. However, studies on bacteria resistant to multiple environmental factors have yet to be conducted. This research aimed to molecularly characterize the polyextremophilic bacteria present in sediment samples from Laguna Cuicocha. The methodology used in this study had a mixed approach. A cross-sectional experimental design was used since variables were manipulated and carried out in a determined period. The study population consisted of sediment samples from Laguna Cuicocha. It was necessary to carry out a documentary and field investigation to obtain the necessary information through methods, techniques, and instruments, such as non-probabilistic sampling, heavy metal resistance tests, sodium chloride and lack of oxygen, and identification using the conventional PCR molecular technique. This methodology found six strains resistant to chromium in potassium chromate at concentrations ranging from 10 ppm to 50,000 ppm. Likewise, it was found that five strains were resistant to cadmium in the form of cadmium chloride in the same concentrations mentioned. In addition, it was shown that all the strains were resistant to high salt concentrations, and regarding the lack of oxygen, it was determined that the majority were facultative anaerobes. In conclusion, the polyextremophilic bacteria present in the Cuicocha Lagoon correspond to 8 bacterial species: Pseudomonas fildesensis and Pseudomonas veronii (99,43%); Trichococcus patagoniensis (96,86%); Janthinobacterium sp. (100%); Pseudomonas sp. (100%); Exiguobacterium undae (99,87%); Psychrobacter alimentarius (99,79%); Pseudomonas sp. (99,93%); Aeromonas salmonicida (100%).