The sea surface microlayer (SML) of marine environments is hostile, exposing bacteria to extreme conditions such as temperatures and salinity fluctuations, solar radiation, and the presence of toxic substances such as heavy metals, microplastics, and pharmaceutical compounds. Our study focused on investigating the ecotoxicological effects of varying ciprofloxacin concentrations (0, 10, 50, and 100 ng/ml) on bacterial abundance and enrichment in natural SML and underlying water (ULW) samples obtained from the southern North Sea. In addition, we analyzed the samples for the presence of ciprofloxacin and 25 other antibiotics, including lincomycin, clindamycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, azithromycin, ofloxacin and novobiocin. Furthermore, we carried out antibiotic susceptibility tests on marine bacterial isolates cultivated in the presence of 100 ng mL ⁻¹, utilizing antibiotics commonly found in their natural habitats. We observed a decrease in bacterial abundance and enrichment in the SML and ULW when exposed to 50 and 100 ng/ml of ciprofloxacin. However, over time, the abundance and enrichment of bacteria increased at these concentrations, indicating resistance. The presence of 100 ng/ml of ciprofloxacin also exerted selective pressure on bacterial members in the SML and ULW, and we cultivated 42 marine and 55 nonmarine bacteria in the presence of 100 ng/ml of ciprofloxacin. Although ciprofloxacin was not detected, we found 11 other antibiotics, particularly in the SML. When we exposed marine bacteria to antibiotics such as novobiocin, ofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and clindamycin found in the environment, we observed that some marine bacteria are resistant to these antibiotics. Our findings suggest that resistance in marine bacteria can be acquired through exposure to antibiotics released into coastal water bodies.
Due to its location at the air-sea interface, the sea surface microlayer is prone to accumulating anthropogenic pollutants. We analyzed the presence of antibiotic compounds, including ciprofloxacin, in this area using ultra-performance liquid chromatography—triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in tandem with ionization spray (UPLC-QqQMS/MS) (Bruker EVOQ Elite system, Billerica MA). We compared the numbers and concentrations of these compounds in the microlayer to those found in the underlying water column.
The dataset compiles total organic carbon (TOC), total inorganic carbon (TIC), total nitrogen (TN) and total sulfur (TS) contents and stable isotope signatures (δ13C of TOC, δ15N, δ34S) of fine-grained deposits (clay, loam) over sandy subsoils of the saltmarsh of the barrier island Spiekeroog at the southern North Sea coast. Sampling was performed in September 2016 along three transects spanning from the high saltmarsh to the pioneer zone. At each sample point, soil samples were taken from the first 5 cm of the upper part (top samples) and from the deepest 5 cm of the lower part (bottom samples) of the fine-grained deposit. If the fine-grained deposit layer had a thickness < 10 cm, only one bulk soil sample (single samples) was taken for the depth range equal to the deposit thickness. Samples were ground to fine powder. TIC was measured on oven-dried samples coulometrically with an Analytik Jena multi EA 4000 analyzer. The total carbon (TC), TN, and TS were analyzed using a Thermo Scientific Flash EA Isolink Elemental Analyzer. The TOC contents were calculated as the difference between TC and TIC. TOC, TN, and TS contents are reported based on the original dry mass. For isotope analysis, dried and homogenized samples were weighed in tin cups and combusted in a Thermo Scientific Flash EA Isolink Elemental Analyzer, connected to a Thermo Finnigan MAT 253 gas mass spectrometer via a Thermo Conflo IV split interface. The δ13C values of TOC were measured after decalcification of the ground powders with p. a. grade HCl. The TN and δ34S analysis were carried out on a separate aliquot of sample powder. The isotope results are given in the conventional δ-notation.
The dataset compiles total organic carbon (TOC), total inorganic carbon (TIC), total nitrogen (TN) and total sulfur (TS) contents and stable isotope signatures (δ13C of TOC, δ15N, δ34S) of fine-grained deposits (clay, loam) over sandy subsoils of the saltmarsh of the barrier island Spiekeroog at the southern North Sea coast. Sampling was performed in September 2016 along three transects spanning from the high saltmarsh to the pioneer zone. At each sample point, soil samples were taken from the first 5 cm of the upper part (top samples) and from the deepest 5 cm of the lower part (bottom samples) of the fine-grained deposit. If the fine-grained deposit layer had a thickness < 10 cm, only one bulk soil sample (single samples) was taken for the depth range equal to the deposit thickness. Samples were ground to fine powder. TIC was measured on oven-dried samples coulometrically with an Analytik Jena multi EA 4000 analyzer. The total carbon (TC), TN, and TS were analyzed using a Thermo Scientific Flash EA Isolink Elemental Analyzer. The TOC contents were calculated as the difference between TC and TIC. TOC, TN, and TS contents are reported based on the original dry mass. For isotope analysis, dried and homogenized samples were weighed in tin cups and combusted in a Thermo Scientific Flash EA Isolink Elemental Analyzer, connected to a Thermo Finnigan MAT 253 gas mass spectrometer via a Thermo Conflo IV split interface. The δ13C values of TOC were measured after decalcification of the ground powders with p. a. grade HCl. The TN and δ34S analysis were carried out on a separate aliquot of sample powder. The isotope results are given in the conventional δ-notation.