Viability of Coliform Bacteria in Antarctic Soil.

The research looks into the presence and viability of coliform bacteria in different soil samples from Antarctica, including areas subjected to human or animal contamination. Interestingly, almost all samples, including those from human and penguin populations, were found to be void of these bacteria. The study suggests an extremely rapid death rate of the bacteria in this environment, with only one strain isolated from pony manure showing some resistance.

Research Background

• This study, conducted by researchers at Ohio State University, focuses on the viability and distribution of coliform bacteria in the soils of Antarctica.
• Specific areas investigated include Ross Island and the nearby mainland, with particular emphasis on areas that should theoretically host these bacteria due to contamination from human waste and penguin rookeries.

Sampling and Initial Findings

• The researchers found that nearly all samples collected from various locations, including those contaminated by human sewage and penguin rookeries, were devoid of coliform bacteria.
• Even samples of old pony manure from past expeditions, which should theoretically host said bacteria, yielded almost entirely negative results.
• A single exception was found where Escherichia coli, a type of coliform bacteria, was detected in one sample of pony dung.

Evaluation and Strain Comparison

• The researchers isolated two fresh human strains of E. coli and the single one retrieved from pony manure for further investigation.
• It was discovered that these strains were dying at a surprisingly high rate in the Antarctic soil environment.
• Comparison between the strains revealed that the one isolated from pony manure was considerably more resistant to the death-inducing environmental factors in Antarctica than the two human strains.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that coliform bacteria, including E. coli, seem to experience a rapid death rate in the soils of Antarctica, even in areas theoretically ideal for their survival.
• This may be due to various unidentified environmental factors within the Antarctic soil, suggesting a need for further research to understand these fast bacterial death rates.