Characterization of chitinolytic bacteria and histological aspects of Shell Disease Syndrome in European spiny lobsters (Palinurus elephas) (Fabricius 1787).
The present research reports the first description of Shell Disease Syndrome in European spiny lobsters Palinurus elephas (Fabricius 1787), which occurred in an experimental aquaculture facility in Sicily (Italy). Both bacterial characterization and histopathological examination of the exoskeleton at site of lesions was carried out. Infected specimens showed tail fan erosions, and in one case uropod ulceration and complete loss of periods. Identified species included: Listonella anguillarum 50.5%, Vibrio parahaemolyticus 27.5% and Vibrio alginolyticus 22%. Microscopic evaluation of lesions indicate the presence of inflammatory responses, which include melanization and pseudomembrane formation, similar to those described for other crustaceans affected by SDS.
Normal bacterial flora of the spiny lobster Panulirus argus and its possible role in shell disease
Recent surveys of the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) in the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas revealed the presence of necrotic carapace lesions, which are commonly associated with bacterial shell disease in other crustaceans. To determine the etiology of these lesions, we obtained bacterial samples from diseased and nondiseased lobsters. Bacteria from these samples were isolated and identified by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. At least 600 bases of the 16S rRNA gene were aligned with sequences from known strains of marine bacteria. The analysis showed that the majority of the strains isolated from diseased and nondiseased lobsters are within the Vibrionaceae, a common family of marine bacteria. The majority of isolates identified as Vibrio species are clustered in a monophyletic group that does not include any of the known Vibrio species. Genbank BLAST analysis also confirmed these isolates as Vibrio and confirmed that they are not closely related to any known Vibrio species. These results suggest that the normal flora of P. argus is unique. The association of these bacteria both with lesions and with nondiseased animals suggests that the natural flora is responsible for the lesions seen in P. argus.
Study on the gaseous emissions from a landfill
Abstract Emissions from landfills contain a variety of compounds, organic and inorganic, which can create problems with human health. Here we examine the pollutants methane, hydrogen sulphite, mercaptans, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are expected to be found in landfill emissions, in order to assess the environmental impact on the surrounding area. Results indicate that the concentrations in the landfill itself are quite high and in most cases above the ambient air quality limits, while for the surrounding area they are low. The problem is created by H 2 S and the mercaptans which, although in low content, have a distinct odour and cause problems to the neighbouring dwellings.