Modeling of dissemination of microbial cells and phages from the sites of permafrost thawing

Abstract

A method is proposed for integral assessment of the propagation of microbial cells and phage particles during seasonal thawing of relic ice wedge layers. The results of field and laboratory investigation carried out in the upper part of permafrost exposure at Mamontova Gora (Yakutiya, Russia) are presented. Suspensions of yeast, bacteria, and two coliphages were introduced as biomarkers directly on the surface of thawing ice and in the meltwater flow. Microorganisms and phages were shown (a) to possess particular parameters of dissemination in the meltwater flow and (b) were able to move 132 m in 25–35 min with the stream water flow.