Abstract

BOZO, Lorelei et al. Biomarkers of chemical pollution in micronial communities. INCI [online]. 2007, vol.32, n.1, pp.8-13. ISSN 0378-1844.

The effects of toxic substances on an ecosystem begin with a biochemical reaction in the individual. The initial reactions start at the lowest levels of biological organization, are highly specific and reversible. Subsequently, with increments of impact, a sequence of alterations occurs at more complex levels leading to interference of vital functions and death. Biomarkers can be defined at any level of biological organization. At the higher organizational level the response sensitivity, specificity and accuracy usually decrease, but at the same time the ecological relevance of the biomarker increases. The main reactions of microorganisms to chemical pollutants were revised in view of the relevance of microbial communities within the ecosystems and the severity of the current chemical contamination. This work describes the different kinds of biomarkers, their advantages, disadvantages and applications, as well as the main reactions of microbial communities to the presence of chemical and toxic compounds. It is concluded that the microbial communities are important bioindicators of water contamination by organic matter. The synthesis of methallothioneins may be regarded as an early sign of alarm in the initial stage of contamination due to heavy metals. The capacity of microbial communities to use certain polyaromatic hydrocarbons as a source of energy and carbon, allow their use as bioremediation tools in oil and other organic compound spills.

Keywords : Biomarcadores ; Comunidades Microbianas; Contaminación Química.