Work

The inhibitory effect of copper, zinc, and manganese on Legionella longbeachae in potting mix leachate

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Legionella longbeachae is the leading cause of Legionnaires' disease (LD) in Australasia and has been linked to exposure to compost and potting soils. Adding antimicrobial metal ions such as copper (Cu2+), zinc (Zn2+), and manganese (Mn2+) to potting soils may reduce the load of L. longbeachae bacteria and infection risk. Baseline concentrations of metal ions in leachate from peat, bark dust, bagging base, and an all-purpose potting soil were: iron 0.40-0.99 µg/ml, Cu of 0.003-0.03 µg/ml, Zn 0.01-0.06 µg/ml and Mn 0.11-0.29 µg/ml. Addition of Cu2+ ions to leachate reduced L. longbeachae viability in a concentration dependent manner. A similar effect was seen in potting soil with Zn2+ and Mn2+ but 10-fold higher concentrations were needed. These metal ions have potential to reduce the load of L. longbeachae in potting soils but toxicity in plants needs to be determined.

Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology

DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovae081

Authors: Hyunwoo Jun, Stephen T Chambers, Jonathan Williman, Sandy Slow, David R Murdoch, Amy Scott-Thomas

Institutions: University of Otago, Lincoln University

Language: English

Topic: Legionella and Acanthamoeba research

Subfield: Endocrinology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,298