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Date of Award
Spring 2004
Document Type
Restricted Thesis: Campus only access
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Debra Wohl
Second Advisor
Dr. Debra Wohl
Abstract
What is the importance of biodiversity among microorganisms? More specifically, how do bacteria develop mechanisms for survival in adverse conditions and does human interference induce more tolerant mutant strains? This project examines bacterial acquisition of antibiotic resistance from exposure to a point source of pollution within an aquatic system. Using sediment sampling upstream and downstream from a point source of sewage treatment effluent within two Powhatan County streams, this experiment tested for bacterial strains that are tolerant to three common antibiotic treatments for human pathogens (i.e., tetracycline, erythromycin, streptomycin).However, no positive correlation was seen between acquired antibiotic resistance and the sewage effluent exposure.
Recommended Citation
Hayes, Lily, "Antibiotic resistance in aquatic bacteria" (2004). Honors Theses. 379.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/379