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Coastal bacterial communities: their potential roles in dimethylsulphide (DMS) production and coral defence

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posted on 2024-07-12, 11:52 authored by Felicity Wen Ik Kuek
Little is known about the microbial communities in the South China Sea, especially the eastern region and this study aims to expand our knowledge on the diversity of culturable bacterial communities in this area. The Talang-Satang region is situated off the coast of Sematan and is especially important as it is one of the most diverse ecosystems found off Sarawak. Complex microbial communities are known to have significant influence over coral reef ecosystems. Through isolation and identification (16S rDNA) of native microbes from the open ocean, coral surface mucus layer (SML), as well as the surrounding sediment and waters, we were able to determine the species composition and abundance of the culturable bacteria in the South China Sea (Kuching and Kota Kinabalu), the Celebes Sea (Semporna) and the coral reef ecosystem (Talang-talang reef). Comparisons were made with regards to physico-chemical parameters and bacterial communities. The diversity of bacterial communities in these marine environments were analysed through isolation and identification (16S rDNA) of culturable bacteria, as well as preparation of clone libraries and subsequent restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). It was observed that although the majority of bacteria in Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Semporna are members of the Proteobacteria group, the composition of bacterial communities in these three areas did vary significantly, and the changes were also mirrored in physico-chemical differences. There is also a clear distinction between the different species found in the different parts of the reef system. Isolates found attached to the coral were mostly related to Vibrio spp., presumably attached to the mucus from the water column and surrounding sediment.

History

Thesis type

  • Thesis (Masters by research)

Thesis note

Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science, Swinburne University of Technology, 2014.

Copyright statement

Copyright © 2014 Felicity Wen Ik Kuek.

Supervisors

Moritz Mueller

Language

eng

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