Unlocking the bio-shield: adaptive metal tolerance of aquatic insect-associated bacteria

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Bektaş M., Gülmez Ö., Barış Ö.

III INTERNATIONAL BIOLOGICAL CONGRESS, Bishkek, Kırgızistan, 23 - 25 Nisan 2026, ss.225-229, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Bishkek
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Kırgızistan
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.225-229
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Aquatic insects are known to host diverse microbial communities that may play important roles in environmental adaptation and bioremediation processes. It has been demonstrated that bacteria associated with aquatic organisms can develop tolerance to heavy metals present in contaminated aquatic ecosystems. Aim: The objective of the present study was to undertake a preliminary screening of heavy metal-resistant bacteria that had been isolated from an aquatic insect. Hydrobius fuscipes (Linnaeus, 1758) was selected as the study's prototype. This species is easy to identify and is found in aquatic environments. Materials and methods: In order to isolate bacteria, it was necessary to sterilize the insect surface in order to eliminate external contaminants. The specimen was then homogenized in a sterile physiological saline solution. From the homogenate, 100 µL was spread onto Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) plates and incubated to obtain bacterial colonies. A total of seven bacterial isolates were obtained. Results: The Gram staining results indicated that three isolates were Gram-positive, while four isolates were Gram-negative. The resistance of these isolates to heavy metals was evaluated using culture media that had been supplemented with zinc (Zn+ ), cadmium (Cd++) and lead (Pb++). Preliminary observations indicated that at least one Gram-positive and one Gram-negative isolate were able to grow in the presence of 200 µM concentrations of these metals, suggesting potential tolerance to heavy metal stress. Conclusion: These findings suggest that bacteria associated with aquatic insects may possess adaptive mechanisms that enable survival under metal stress conditions. These microorganisms have the potential to serve as valuable subjects in further studies on heavy metal resistance and potential applications in bioremediation.