scholarly journals Autotrophic Growth of Bacterial and Archaeal Ammonia Oxidizers in Freshwater Sediment Microcosms Incubated at Different Temperatures

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (9) ◽  
pp. 3076-3084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yucheng Wu ◽  
Xiubin Ke ◽  
Marcela Hernández ◽  
Baozhan Wang ◽  
Marc G. Dumont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lake Taihu ◽  
Microbial Community Composition ◽  
Stable Isotope Probing ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizers ◽  
Autotrophic Growth ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Archaea ◽  
Different Temperatures

ABSTRACTBoth bacteria and archaea potentially contribute to ammonia oxidation, but their roles in freshwater sediments are still poorly understood. Seasonal differences in the relative activities of these groups might exist, since cultivated archaeal ammonia oxidizers have higher temperature optima than their bacterial counterparts. In this study, sediment collected from eutrophic freshwater Lake Taihu (China) was incubated at different temperatures (4°C, 15°C, 25°C, and 37°C) for up to 8 weeks. We examined the active bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidizers in these sediment microcosms by using combined stable isotope probing (SIP) and molecular community analysis. The results showed that accumulation of nitrate in microcosms correlated negatively with temperature, although ammonium depletion was the same, which might have been related to enhanced activity of other nitrogen transformation processes. Incubation at different temperatures significantly changed the microbial community composition, as revealed by 454 pyrosequencing targeting bacterial 16S rRNA genes. After 8 weeks of incubation, [13C]bicarbonate labeling of bacterialamoAgenes, which encode the ammonia monooxygenase subunit A, and an observed increase in copy numbers indicated the activity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in all microcosms.Nitrosomonassp. strain Is79A3 andNitrosomonas communislineages dominated the heavy fraction of CsCl gradients at low and high temperatures, respectively, indicating a niche differentiation of active bacterial ammonia oxidizers along the temperature gradient. The13C labeling of ammonia-oxidizing archaea in microcosms incubated at 4 to 25°C was minor. In contrast, significant13C labeling ofNitrososphaera-like archaea and changes in the abundance and composition of archaealamoAgenes were observed at 37°C, implicating autotrophic growth of ammonia-oxidizing archaea under warmer conditions.

scholarly journals Responses of Active Ammonia Oxidizers and Nitrification Activity in Eutrophic Lake Sediments to Nitrogen and Temperature

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Wu ◽  
Cheng Han ◽  
Guangwei Zhu ◽  
Wenhui Zhong
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizers ◽  
Nitrogen Input ◽  
Nitrification Activity ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Archaea ◽  
Nitrogen Inputs

ABSTRACTAmmonium concentrations and temperature drive the activities of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), but their effects on these microbes in eutrophic freshwater sediments are unclear. In this study, surface sediments collected from areas of Taihu Lake (China) with different degrees of eutrophication were incubated under three levels of nitrogen input and temperature, and the autotrophic growth of ammonia oxidizers was assessed using13C-labeled DNA-based stable-isotope probing (SIP), while communities were characterized using MiSeq sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes. Nitrification rates in sediment microcosms were positively correlated with nitrogen inputs, but there was no marked association with temperature. Incubation of SIP microcosms indicated that AOA and AOBamoAgenes were labeled by13C at 20°C and 30°C in the slightly eutrophic sediment, and AOBamoAgenes were labeled to a much greater extent than AOAamoAgenes in the moderately eutrophic sediment after 56 days. Phylogenetic analysis of13C-labeled 16S rRNA genes revealed that the active AOA were mainly affiliated with theNitrosopumiluscluster, with theNitrososphaeracluster dominating in the slightly eutrophic sediment at 30°C with low ammonium input (1 mM). Active AOB communities were more sensitive to nitrogen input and temperature than were AOA communities, and they were exclusively dominated by theNitrosomonascluster, which tended to be associated withNitrosomonadaceae-like lineages.Nitrosomonassp. strain Is79A3 tended to dominate the moderately eutrophic sediment at 10°C with greater ammonium input (2.86 mM). The relative abundance responses of the major active communities to nitrogen input and temperature gradients varied, indicating niche differentiation and differences in the physiological metabolism of ammonia oxidizers that are yet to be described.IMPORTANCEBoth archaea and bacteria contribute to ammonia oxidation, which plays a central role in the global cycling of nitrogen and is important for reducing eutrophication in freshwater environments. The abundance and activities of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria in eutrophic limnic sediments vary with different ammonium concentrations or with seasonal shifts, and how the two factors affect nitrification activity, microbial roles, and active groups in different eutrophic sediments is unclear. The significance of our research is in identifying the archaeal and bacterial responses to anthropogenic activity and climate change, which will greatly enhance our understanding of the physiological metabolic differences of ammonia oxidizers.

scholarly journals Biogeography of ammonia oxidizers in New England and Gulf of Mexico salt marshes and the potential importance of comammox

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Bernhard ◽  
J. Beltz ◽  
A. E. Giblin ◽  
B. J. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
New England ◽  
Salt Marshes ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizer ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizers ◽  
Biogeographic Patterns ◽  
Potential Nitrification

AbstractFew studies have focused on broad scale biogeographic patterns of ammonia oxidizers in coastal systems, yet understanding the processes that govern them is paramount to understanding the mechanisms that drive biodiversity, and ultimately impact ecosystem processes. Here we present a meta-analysis of 16 years of data of ammonia oxidizer abundance, diversity, and activity in New England (NE) salt marshes and 5 years of data from marshes in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Potential nitrification rates were more than 80x higher in GoM compared to NE marshes. However, nitrifier abundances varied between regions, with ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and comammox bacteria significantly greater in GoM, while ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were more than 20x higher in NE than GoM. Total bacterial 16S rRNA genes were also significantly greater in GoM marshes. Correlation analyses of rates and abundance suggest that AOA and comammox are more important in GoM marshes, whereas AOB are more important in NE marshes. Furthermore, ratios of nitrifiers to total bacteria in NE were as much as 80x higher than in the GoM, suggesting differences in the relative importance of nitrifiers between these systems. Communities of AOA and AOB were also significantly different between the two regions, based on amoA sequences and DNA fingerprints (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism). Differences in rates and abundances may be due to differences in salinity, temperature, and N loading between the regions, and suggest significantly different N cycling dynamics in GoM and NE marshes that are likely driven by strong environmental differences between the regions.

Composition of the archaeal community involved in methane production during the decomposition of Microcystis blooms in the laboratory

2012 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 1153-1158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Xing ◽  
Huabing Li ◽  
Qing Liu ◽  
Jiuwen Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Lake Taihu ◽  
Archaeal Community ◽  
Oxygen Depletion ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Polymorphism Analysis ◽  
Methanogenic Community ◽  
Controlled Systems ◽  
Microcystis Blooms ◽  
Different Temperatures

We investigated the microbial processes involved in methane (CH4) production from Microcystis bloom scums at different temperatures. A Microcystis slurry was collected from Lake Taihu and incubated in airtight bottles at 15, 25, and 35 °C. The production of CH4 was monitored, and the emission rate was calculated. The dynamics of the methanogenic community were analyzed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of archaeal 16S rRNA genes. Phylogenetic information for the methanogens was obtained by cloning and sequencing selected samples. Significant CH4 emission from the Microcystis scums was delayed by approximately 12 days by the natural oxygen depletion process, and CH4 production was enhanced at higher temperatures. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the archaeal community was composed of Methanomicrobiales, Methanobacteriaceae, and a novel cluster of Archaea. An apparent succession of the methanogenic community was demonstrated, with a predominance of Methanobacteriaceae at higher temperatures. Higher temperatures enhanced the methanogenic transformation of the Microcystis biomass and the phylogenetic dominance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens, suggesting that H2 and CO2 might be the primary substrates for CH4 production during Microcystis decomposition without the participation of lake sediment. This work provides insight into the microbial components involved in Microcystis biomass fermentation in controlled systems.

scholarly journals Active Ammonia Oxidizers in an Acidic Soil Are Phylogenetically Closely Related to Neutrophilic Archaeon

2013 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 1684-1691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baozhan Wang ◽  
Yan Zheng ◽  
Rong Huang ◽  
Xue Zhou ◽  
Dongmei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
Buoyant Density ◽  
Stable Isotope Probing ◽  
Acidic Soil ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Metabolic Versatility

ABSTRACTAll cultivated ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) within theNitrososphaeracluster (former soil group 1.1b) are neutrophilic. Molecular surveys also indicate the existence ofNitrososphaera-like phylotypes in acidic soil, but their ecological roles are poorly understood. In this study, we present molecular evidence for the chemolithoautotrophic growth ofNitrososphaera-like AOA in an acidic soil with pH 4.92 using DNA-based stable isotope probing (SIP). Soil microcosm incubations demonstrated that nitrification was stimulated by urea fertilization and accompanied by a significant increase in the abundance of AOA rather than ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Real-time PCR analysis ofamoAgenes as a function of the buoyant density of the DNA gradient following the ultracentrifugation of the total DNA extracted from SIP microcosms indicated a substantial growth of soil AOA during nitrification. Pyrosequencing of the total 16S rRNA genes in the “heavy” DNA fractions suggested that archaeal communities were labeled to a much greater extent than soil AOB. Acetylene inhibition further showed that13CO2assimilation by nitrifying communities depended solely on ammonia oxidation activity, suggesting a chemolithoautotrophic lifestyle. Phylogenetic analysis of both13C-labeledamoAand 16S rRNA genes revealed that most of the active AOA were phylogenetically closely related to the neutrophilic strainsNitrososphaera viennensisEN76 and JG1 within theNitrososphaeracluster. Our results provide strong evidence for the adaptive growth ofNitrososphaera-like AOA in acidic soil, suggesting a greater metabolic versatility of soil AOA than previously appreciated.

scholarly journals Diversity and Distribution of DNA Sequences with Affinity to Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria of the β Subdivision of the Class Proteobacteria in the Arctic Ocean

2000 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 1960-1969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasreen Bano ◽  
James T. Hollibaugh
Keyword(s):  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizer ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizers ◽  
Major Band ◽  
Pcr Product ◽  
The Arctic Ocean

ABSTRACT The spatial distribution and diversity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria of the β subdivision of the class Proteobacteria(hereinafter referred to as ammonia oxidizers) in the Arctic Ocean were determined. The presence of ammonia oxidizers was detected by PCR amplification of 16S rRNA genes using a primer set specific for this group of organisms (nitA and nitB, which amplifies a 1.1-kb fragment between positions 137 and 1234, corresponding to Escherichia coli 16S rDNA numbering). We analyzed 246 samples collected from the upper water column (5 to 235 m) during March and April 1995, September and October 1996, and September 1997. Ammonia oxidizers were detected in 25% of the samples from 5 m, 80% of the samples from 55 m, 88% of the samples from 133 m, and 50% of the samples from 235 m. Analysis of nitA-nitB PCR product by nested PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) showed that all positive samples contained the same major band (band A), indicating the presence of a dominant, ubiquitous ammonia oxidizer in the Arctic Ocean basin. Twenty-two percent of the samples contained additional major bands. These samples were restricted to the Chukchi Sea shelf break, the Chukchi cap, and the Canada basin; areas likely influenced by Pacific inflow. The nucleotide sequence of the 1.1-kb nitA-nitB PCR product from a sample that contained only band A grouped with sequences designated group 1 marine Nitrosospira-like sequences. PCR-DGGE analysis of 122 clones from four libraries revealed that 67 to 71% of the inserts contained sequences with the same mobility as band A. Nucleotide sequences (1.1 kb) of another distinct group of clones, found only in 1995 samples (25%), fell into the group 5 marineNitrosomonas-like sequences. Our results suggest that the Arctic Ocean β-proteobacterial ammonia oxidizers have low diversity and are dominated by marine Nitrosospira-like organisms. Diversity appears to be higher in Western Arctic Ocean regions influenced by inflow from the Pacific Ocean through the Bering and Chukchi seas.

scholarly journals Phylogenetically Distinct Phylotypes Modulate Nitrification in a Paddy Soil

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
pp. 3218-3227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Zhao ◽  
Baozhan Wang ◽  
Zhongjun Jia
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput ◽  
Paddy Soil ◽  
Stable Isotope Probing ◽  
Paddy Fields ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Soil Nitrification ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTPaddy fields represent a unique ecosystem in which regular flooding occurs, allowing for rice cultivation. However, the taxonomic identity of the microbial functional guilds that catalyze soil nitrification remains poorly understood. In this study, we provide molecular evidence for distinctly different phylotypes of nitrifying communities in a neutral paddy soil using high-throughput pyrosequencing and DNA-based stable isotope probing (SIP). Following urea addition, the levels of soil nitrate increased significantly, accompanied by an increase in the abundance of the bacterial and archaealamoAgene in microcosms subjected to SIP (SIP microcosms) during a 56-day incubation period. High-throughput fingerprints of the total 16S rRNA genes in SIP microcosms indicated that nitrification activity positively correlated with the abundance ofNitrosospira-like ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), soil group 1.1b-like ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), andNitrospira-like nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Pyrosequencing of13C-labeled DNA further revealed that13CO2was assimilated by these functional groups to a much greater extent than by marine group 1.1a-associated AOA andNitrobacter-like NOB. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that active AOB communities were closely affiliated withNitrosospirasp. strain L115 and theNitrosospira multiformislineage and that the13C-labeled AOA were related to phylogenetically distinct groups, including the moderately thermophilic “CandidatusNitrososphaera gargensis,” uncultured fosmid 29i4, and acidophilic “CandidatusNitrosotalea devanaterra” lineages. These results suggest that a wide variety of microorganisms were involved in soil nitrification, implying physiological diversification of soil nitrifying communities that are constantly exposed to environmental fluctuations in paddy fields.

scholarly journals Molecular characterization of bacteria and archaea in a bioaugmented zero-water exchange shrimp pond

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valsamma Joseph ◽  
Geethu Chellappan ◽  
S. Aparajitha ◽  
R. N. Ramya ◽  
S. Vrinda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Water Exchange ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizers ◽  
Shrimp Culture ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Archaea ◽  
Bacterial And Archaeal Communities ◽  
Archaeal Communities

AbstractIn the zero-water exchange shrimp culture pond maintained with the application of indigenous bioaugmentor, low levels of total ammonia–nitrogen were reported, indicating the relevance of indigenous microbial communities. Sediments (0–5 cm layer) were sampled from the pond (85th day) and the bacterial and archaeal communities; specifically, the ammonia oxidizers (ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, ammonia-oxidizing archaea, and anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria) in the sediment metagenome of the pond were analysed using the 16S rRNA and functional genes. Bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes showed the relative abundance of Delta-Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes groups performing sulphur respiration and organic matter degradation, archaeal groups of anaerobic sulphur respiring Crenarchaeotae, and chemolithoautotrophic ammonia oxidizers belonging to Thaumarchaeota. The presence of these diverse bacterial and archaeal communities denotes their significant roles in the cycling the carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur thereby bringing out efficient bioremediation in the bioaugmented zero-water exchange shrimp culture pond. Similarly, the functional gene-specific study showed the predominance of Nitrosomonas sp. (ammonia-oxidizing bacteria), Nitrosopumilus maritimus (ammonia-oxidizing archaea), and Candidatus Kuenenia (anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria) in the system, which points to their importance in the removal of accumulated ammonia. Thus, this study paves the way for understanding the microbial communities, specifically the ammonia oxidizers responsible for maintaining healthy and optimal environmental conditions in the bioaugmented zero-water exchange shrimp culture pond.

scholarly journals Microbial Community Composition Analysis in Spring Aerosols at Urban and Remote Sites over the Tibetan Plateau

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 527
Author(s):  
Prakriti Sharma Ghimire ◽  
Shichang Kang ◽  
Wasim Sajjad ◽  
Barkat Ali ◽  
Lekhendra Tripathee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Microbial Community Composition ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Composition Analysis ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Culturable Bacteria ◽  
Remote Sites ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

This study presents features of airborne culturable bacteria and fungi from three different sites (Lanzhou; LZ; 1520 m ASL, Lhasa; LS; 3640 m ASL and Qomolangma; ZF; 4276 m ASL) representing urban (LZ and LS) and remote sites (ZF) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Total suspended particle (TSP) samples were collected with an air sampler (Laoying 2030, China) on a quartz filter. Community structures of bacteria and fungi were studied and compared among three different locations. The average levels of bacterial load in the outdoor air ranged from approximately 8.03 × 101 to 3.25 × 102 CFU m–3 (Colony forming unit per m3). However, the average levels of fungal loads ranged from approximately 3.88 × 100 to 1.55 × 101 CFU m−3. Bacterial load was one magnitude higher at urban sites LZ (2.06 × 102–3.25 × 102 CFU m−3) and LS (1.96 × 102–3.23 × 102 CFU m−3) compared to remote sites ZF (8.03 × 101–9.54 × 101 CFU m−3). Similarly, the maximum fungal load was observed in LZ (1.02 × 101–1.55 × 101 CFU m−3) followed by LS (1.03 × 101–1.49 × 101 CFU m−3) and ZF (3.88 × 100–6.26 × 100 CFU m−3). However, the maximum microbial concentration was observed on the same day of the month, corresponding to a high dust storm in Lanzhou during the sampling period. The reported isolates were identified by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes for bacteria and ITS sequences for fungi amplified from directly extracted DNA. Bacterial isolates were mostly associated with Proteobacteria, Eurotiomycetes and Bacillus, whereas fungal isolates were mostly Aspergillus and Alternaria. Overall, this is a pioneer study that provides information about the airborne microbial concentration and composition of three sites over the TP region depending on environmental parameters. This study provided preliminary insight to carry out more advanced and targeted analyses of bioaerosol in the sites presented in the study.

scholarly journals Biphenyl-Metabolizing Bacteria in the Rhizosphere of Horseradish and Bulk Soil Contaminated by Polychlorinated Biphenyls as Revealed by Stable Isotope Probing

2009 ◽  
Vol 75 (20) ◽  
pp. 6471-6477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ondrej Uhlik ◽  
Katerina Jecna ◽  
Martina Mackova ◽  
Cestmir Vlcek ◽  
Miluse Hroudova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Community ◽  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Polychlorinated Biphenyls ◽  
Stable Isotope Probing ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Bulk Soil ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Soil Environment ◽  
Α Subunits

ABSTRACT DNA-based stable isotope probing in combination with terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism was used in order to identify members of the microbial community that metabolize biphenyl in the rhizosphere of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) cultivated in soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) compared to members of the microbial community in initial, uncultivated bulk soil. On the basis of early and recurrent detection of their 16S rRNA genes in clone libraries constructed from [13C]DNA, Hydrogenophaga spp. appeared to dominate biphenyl catabolism in the horseradish rhizosphere soil, whereas Paenibacillus spp. were the predominant biphenyl-utilizing bacteria in the initial bulk soil. Other bacteria found to derive carbon from biphenyl in this nutrient-amended microcosm-based study belonged mostly to the class Betaproteobacteria and were identified as Achromobacter spp., Variovorax spp., Methylovorus spp., or Methylophilus spp. Some bacteria that were unclassified at the genus level were also detected, and these bacteria may be members of undescribed genera. The deduced amino acid sequences of the biphenyl dioxygenase α subunits (BphA) from bacteria that incorporated [13C]into DNA in 3-day incubations of the soils with [13C]biphenyl are almost identical to that of Pseudomonas alcaligenes B-357. This suggests that the spectrum of the PCB congeners that can be degraded by these enzymes may be similar to that of strain B-357. These results demonstrate that altering the soil environment can result in the participation of different bacteria in the metabolism of biphenyl.

scholarly journals Quantitative Assessment of Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacterial Communities in the Epiphyton of Submerged Macrophytes in Shallow Lakes

2010 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 1813-1821 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Coci ◽  
G. W. Nicol ◽  
G. N. Pilloni ◽  
M. Schmid ◽  
M. P. Kamst-van Agterveld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
Shallow Lakes ◽  
Submerged Macrophytes ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Gene Copy ◽  
Potamogeton Pectinatus ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Potential Nitrification

ABSTRACT In addition to the benthic and pelagic habitats, the epiphytic compartment of submerged macrophytes in shallow freshwater lakes offers a niche to bacterial ammonia-oxidizing communities. However, the diversity, numbers, and activity of epiphytic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria have long been overlooked. In the present study, we analyzed quantitatively the epiphytic communities of three shallow lakes by a potential nitrification assay and by quantitative PCR of 16S rRNA genes. On the basis of the m2 of the lake surface, the gene copy numbers of epiphytic ammonia oxidizers were not significantly different from those in the benthic and pelagic compartments. The potential ammonia-oxidizing activities measured in the epiphytic compartment were also not significantly different from the activities determined in the benthic compartment. No potential ammonia-oxidizing activities were observed in the pelagic compartment. No activity was detected in the epiphyton of Chara aspera, the dominant submerged macrophyte in Lake Nuldernauw in The Netherlands. The presence of ammonia-oxidizing bacterial cells in the epiphyton of Potamogeton pectinatus was also demonstrated by fluorescent in situ hybridization microscopy images. By comparing the community composition as assessed by the 16S rRNA gene PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis approach, it was concluded that the epiphytic ammonia-oxidizing communities consisted of cells that were also present in the benthic and pelagic compartments. Of the environmental parameters examined, only the water retention time, the Kjeldahl nitrogen content, and the total phosphorus content correlated with potential ammonia-oxidizing activities. None of these parameters correlated with the numbers of gene copies related to ammonia-oxidizing betaproteobacteria.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document