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Humic materials offer photoprotective effect toEscherichia coli exposed to damaging luminous radiation

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Abstract

The behavior ofEscherichia coli immersed in aqueous systems amended with humic acids, under PAR, UV-A, UV-B, and simulated solar radiation was examined. Culturability, ability to elongate, functioning of the electron transport systems, and glucose uptake were assessed. Humic substances in the range from 1 to 50 mg L−1 protected cells from photoinactivation. Decrease in culturability and cellular activities was significantly (p<0.05) less in the presence of humic material. However, humic acid were not used as nutrients. Neither irradiated nor nonirradiated humic solutions (50 mg L−1) supported the growth of 105 cells ml−1. However, humic acids dissolved in 0.9% NaCl efficiently absorbed light over wavelengths from 270 to 500 nm. Also, a photoprotective effect against simulated sunlight was observed when humic acid were not in contact with but rather enveloped the cellular suspensions in double-wall microcosms. The protection afforded by humic acids against luminous radiation likely derives from their ability to absorb these radiations and hence reduces the amount of energy reaching the cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del País Vasco, Apdo 644, E-48080, Bilbao, Spain

    A. Muela, J. M. García-Bringas, I. Arana &  I. Barcina

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  1. A. Muela
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  2. J. M. García-Bringas
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  3. I. Arana
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  4. I. Barcina
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Correspondence to I. Barcina.

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Muela, A., García-Bringas, J.M., Arana, I. et al. Humic materials offer photoprotective effect toEscherichia coli exposed to damaging luminous radiation. Microb Ecol 40, 336–344 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002480000064

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