Evaluation of interaction of Zinc, Aluminum, Copper and Manganese on Chromobacterium violaceum

Abstract

The accumulation of metallic salts in the environment resulted from the explotation, mineralogy, industrial, and agro-industrial activities and urban residues affect the dynamic balance of ecosystems, generating environmental and economic problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of Chromobacterium violaceum with four metallic salts: aluminum sulphate, copper sulphate, manganese sulphate and zinc sulphate at concentration of 100mg/L or the absence of them, as well as a possible 2nd order interaction effect, using a complete 24 factorial design. The 16 experimental tests were carried out in microplate culture. Suspension of microorganism was prepared in Nutrient Broth and added to the orifices. After incubation at 37ºC during 24 hours, the absorbance was carried out using a 410nm in Versamax reader. The results showed remarkable bacterial adaptability. Student t test analysis showed that manganese was the only metal that did not have significant effect on the population growth of C. violaceum while zinc was the most influent. Positive interactions involving zinc was observed, interaction between aluminum and copper was not relevant.