Flow cytometric analysis of a marine LAS-degrading consortia

The specific nucleic acid fluorochrome SYTO-13 was used in flow cytometric analysis to assess changes in the density and heterogeneity of marine bacte rial populations which biodegrade linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS). Sea water samples with LAS and incubated in the laboratory (20 degrees C, 100 r pm, 30 days) were used to monitor LAS-degrading consortia. Flow cytometric studies and culture methods were used to characterize the LAS degrading bac terioplankton consortia. Fluorescence and scatter signals enabled us to def ine three regions (R1, R2 and R3) in the dual parameter cytograms. The dist ribution of the bacterial counts in these regions allowed us to monitor the formation and evolution of the consortia.