Bacterial types and abundance in freshwater of Schirmacher Oasis (Antarctica)

Nineteen freshwater samples from the lakes of Antarctica were analysed for bacterial types and their abundance. Presence of bacteria was found in 79% samples. Total viable counts (TVC) were found in the range of 1.5 x 10(2) t o 6.0 x 10(8) per ml of water. Pseudomonas, Aeromonas and coliforms were de tected in 9, 1 and 3 samples, respectively. Actinomycetes were detected in 70.58% of water samples tested. Susceptibility to antibiotics was studied i n 128 isolated heterotrophs and 10% isolates were found fully sensitive to antibiotics tested. In 33% isolates resistance to ampicillin and streptomyc in was found. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) was observed in 65% isol ates. The role of heterotrophs in biotransformation of organic matter under extremely cold conditions is discussed.