Microbial Survival Rates of Escherichia coli and Deinococcus radiodurans Under Low Temperature,Low Pressure,and UV-Irradiation Conditions,and Their Relevance to Possible Martian Life

Viability rates were determined for microbial populations of Escherichia coli and Deinococcus radiodurans under the environmental stresses of low temperature (–35°C), low-pressure conditions (83.3 kPa), and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (37 W/m²). During the stress tests the organisms were suspended in saltwater soil and freshwater soil media, at variable burial depths, and in seawater. Microbial populations of both organisms were most susceptible to dehydration stress associated with low-pressure conditions, and to UV irradiation. However, suspension in a liquid water medium and burial at larger depths (5 cm) improved survival rates markedly. Our results indicate that planetary surfaces that possess little to no atmosphere and have low water availability do not constitute a favorable environment for terrestrial microorganisms.