1. The AMP Index as a Metabolic Indicator of Health of Microbial Populations: Proof-of-concept for soil and water microbial communities
Luisa Ikner (UA), Dan Quintanar (City of Tucson Water), and Ian Pepper (UA)
RESEARCH PROGRESS REPORT
UA-09-S2018
STATUS: Continuing, additional funding requested
Relationship to Technology Roadmap: Municipal Water Use Practices and Wastewater Reuse
Background:
Key Findings To-Date:
Commercial, portable kit measures total microbial load in soil or water by measuring ATP, with conversion to microbial equivalents
Additional kit measures AMP
AMP Index (AMPi) values (AMP:ATP) indicate metabolic stress levels of microbial communities within 10 minutes
Changes in the AMP Index correspond with the induction and reduction of soil moisture stress conditions over time
Consistent trends observed for all 5 soil types
Magnitude of AMPi values vary by soil type/ community
Objectives:
Budget Requested:
Evaluate the use of the AMP Index as a near real-time indicator of nutrient stress in soils
Determine the effects of several nutrient amendments on the metabolic activity levels of soil microbes over time
Personnel $10,000
Operations $ 5,000
Total $15,000
Approach:
Project Duration:
December 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019
Five different soil types collected under dry, hot conditions
Microbial assays: HPCs, dehydrogenase activity, ATP and AMP assays
Calculate pre-amendment Microbial Equivalents and AMP Indices
Amend soils with a variety of nutrients including glucose, commercial-grade fertilizer, compost, and Class B biosolids
Assess changes in AMPi over time under constant and variable soil moisture conditions
Water & Environmental Technology Center