Letarov Andrey Viktorovich

Abstract.This study presents the findings of an investigation into the abundance and morphological diversity of bacteriophages in samples of urban soils (Urbanozem and Replantozem) and atmospheric dustfall (ADF) collected across Moscow from sites with varying degrees of anthropogenic impact. Using direct epifluorescence microscopy with the SYBR Gold stain, it was demonstrated that bacteriophage abundance (virus-like particles, VLPs) was higher in soils (1.12–2.1010⁹ VLPg‒1) than in ADF (0.42–0.6410⁹ VLPg‒1), correlating with total bacterial counts. Through enrichment culture techniques followed by biological purification, a collection of bacteriophages (coliphages) infecting Escherichia coli strains with different cell surface compositions (different O-antigen types) was obtained. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that some of the isolated coliphages belong to the class Caudoviricetes (tailed phages) and are characterized by Siphoviridae (possessing long, non-contractile tails) and Podoviridae (possessing short tails) morphotypes. The obtained data underscore the significant role of bacteriophages in the functioning of microbial communities within urban ecosystems and their potential for use in the bioremediation of urban soils.