Sucralose (C12H19Cl3O8) impact on microbial activity in estuarine and freshwater marsh soils

Abstract As the general population’s diet has shifted to reflect current weight-loss trends, there has been an increase in zero-calorie artificial sweetener usage. Sucralose (C12H19Cl308), more commonly known as Splenda, is a primary example of these sweeteners. In recent years, it has been identified as an environmental contaminant, and cannot be broken down via bacterial decomposition. This study focuses on the impact of sucralose presence on microbial communities in brackish and freshwater systems. Using a BenthoTorch and LI-8000A CO2/H20 Gas Analyzer, microbial respiration and chlorophyll concentration were measured as indicators of microbial activity in dosed samples taken from both fresh and estuarine marsh environments. Results showed a significant difference between microbial concentration and respiration when dosed with varying levels of sucralose. The diatom community showed a negative correlation with the sucralose concentration. The freshwater cyanobacteria community exhibited a positive correlation with sucralose, in direct contrast to its saltwater counterpart. However, further studies are necessary to confirm any potential use for these communities in the breakdown of sucralose in wastewater treatment plants.