Determination of metabolic activity of streptomycetes in soil microcosms

Two Streptomyces griseus strains were isolated from different soil types. S. griseus CAG 17 strain was isolated from an agricultural area with low organic matter but rich in phosphorus content and S. griseus 26K strain was isolated from a forest area rich in organic matter with a low phosphorus content. The survival and metabolic activity of these isolates were studied in dynamic sterile soil microcosm systems. The fitness of each isolate was studied by re-inoculation in a soil type different from its origin. Maximum percentage of germination and respiration rates occurred within the first 48 h after each soil turnover (removal and addition of certain soil volumes). Data suggested that S. griseus CAG17 survived better independently of the soil type in comparison with S. griseus 26K which sporulated within the first 12 h after inoculation. Incubation temperatures did affect the lifecycles in relation to soil type. For example, the lowest temperature tested, 22 degrees C, was more favourable for extended germination and adaptation in general but revealed lesser spore numbers in the 'foreign' sail environment. Monitoring metabolic activity by estimation of urease, phosphatases and dehydrogenase-specific activities, between 18 and 35 degrees C incubation temperatures, was a reliable method for studying the survival and growth of streptomycete populations in soil. Results also confirmed that respiration rate and enzyme-specific activity corresponded with spore counts in long-term experiments which were designed for the investigation of survival and growth of S. griseus CAG17. Under selective pressure by heavy metals, in soil microcosm systems, metabolic activity proved a useful tool for the investigation of streptomycete activity. These methods could also be applied in agricultural field studies for monitoring microbial populations under conditions where various 'pollutants' are present in soil samples.