Establishing a link between bacterial distribution and nutrient variation

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the variation in bacterial communities along with variation in the natural environment. By doing so, it becomes possible to establish connections between different bacteria species and what role they perform. DNA fingerprinting methods were used to survey the variation in communities from varying locations within Barkley Sound. Results showed three distinct groups independent of geographical location: a surface community, a deep oxygenated water community and a deep anoxic community. Environmental analysis showed that surface communities had higher levels of oxygen while communities at depth had higher levels of phosphate, silicate and ammonia.