Microbial identification of the Nichupte-Bojorquez coastal lagoon in Cancun, Mexico

The microbial community of the Nichupte-Bojorquez lagoon system located in Cancun, Mexico was evaluated using surface-water samples that were collected before and after the hurricane Wilma impacted the area on October 2005. The analysis was done using a culture-independent molecular approach involving Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis, and CLuster ANalysis of Sequences. A total of 61 16S ribosomal RNA genes were differentially selected and screened. The results show a bacterial profile dominated by Cytophaga-Flavobacteria/Flexibacter-Bacteroidetes group; the Bacteroidetes group in particular. The second most abundant group was assigned to the Proteobacteria group and a minor proportion of bacteria that belongs to the Cyanobacteria and Bacilli classes. Our study gives the first insight into the bacterial community adapted to this heavily polluted but occasional oligotrophic coastal lagoon; no substantial differences were, however, found.