Abstract

Arsenic is naturally present in rocks, soil, water, and air, being released to the environment by natural processes such as volcanic eruptions, and erosion rock. Microorganisms are known to play an important role in the Arsenic natural cycle. The aim of this work was isolate arsenic resistant bacteria to volcanic rocks, from Quebrada Camarones, Parinacota Region, Chile. Rocks were cultured in an arsenite conditioned mineral broth (500 ug/mL) over 7 days at ambient temperature, under stirring. Strains were isolated using different medium and identified by Rapidâ„¢NF plus system. The arsenic oxidation capacity was assayed with silver nitrate, and aox genes were detected by RT-PCR. Arsenic reduction was evaluated means ars gene amplification by PCR. Gram negative no fermentative bacillum, identified as Pseudomonas alcaligenes and Wautersia solanacearum able to tolerate concentrations above 8 mM As(III) were isolated. RT-PCR analysis showed the presence of aox, genes; these codify an oxidant enzyme that catalyses As(III) oxidation to As(V). The Arsenic oxidation capacity of the isolated seeds would favor colonization by other non tolerant species participating in biogeochemical cycles.