Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Bacteria Inventory of the Atlantic Forest

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 9 2010 (IPS) - A study by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation produced the Collection of Bacteria from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil's most deforested ecosystem. The collection marks the beginning of a project to record all of the forest's biodiversity. “When we talk about biodiversity, we often forget this form of life that is essential to the equilibrium of the ecosystems,” research coordinator Ana Carolina Vicente told Tierramérica.

In 2005, samples were collected of five types of soils. Using those, bacteria were cultivated in the laboratory, leading to the identification of about 800 different morphologies. In parallel, the genetics of these microorganisms is being studied.

“The total quantity of bacteria is inestimable. The data serve as a point of reference. Based on this information, in the future we will be able to identify and look for solutions to imbalances in the ecosystem,” said Vicente.