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Du GH, Wang YF, Chen JJ, Deng YW, Han XZ, Tang GY. Potential association between Fusobacterium nucleatum enrichment on oral mucosal surface and oral lichen planus. Oral Dis 2019; 26:122-130. [PMID: 31710746 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We determined the bacterial community structure of the buccal mucosa in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and evaluated the potential association of Fusobacterium nucleatum with OLP. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We collected buccal mucosal swab samples of patients with OLP (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 10) and performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and real-time PCR to determine potentially different bacteria. Damaged and adjacent non-damaged mucosal swab samples of 25 OLP patients were used to detect the amount of F. nucleatum by real-time PCR. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, enrichment of Fusobacterium and Granulicatella was more abundant in patients with OLP (p = .0146 and 0.0034). The abundance of Fusobacterium and F. nucleatum was significantly enriched on buccal mucosa of patients with OLP compared with healthy controls (p = .0043 and 0.0235). Compared with adjacent non-damaged buccal mucosa of OLP patients, the amount of F. nucleatum in the damaged mucosa was significantly increased (p = .001). We examined third-level KEGG pathways for bacteria on mucosal surface and found that genes controlling sporulation and ether lipid metabolism were enriched in patients with OLP. CONCLUSIONS A high amount of F. nucleatum may be associated with OLP. Further studies are required to investigate the precise association of F. nucleatum with OLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Huan Du
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Jun Chen
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Wen Deng
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Zhe Han
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA.,Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Boston, MA
| | - Guo-Yao Tang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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2
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Ali H, Muhammad A, Sanda NB, Huang Y, Hou Y. Pyrosequencing Uncovers a Shift in Bacterial Communities Across Life Stages of Octodonta nipae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Front Microbiol 2019; 10:466. [PMID: 30930872 PMCID: PMC6424052 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial symbionts of insects affect a wide array of host traits including fitness and immunity. Octodonta nipae (Maulik), commonly known as hispid leaf beetle is a destructive palm pest around the world. Understanding the dynamics of microbiota is essential to unravel the complex interplay between O. nipae and its bacterial symbionts. In this study, bacterial 16S rRNA V3-V4 region was targeted to decipher the diversity and dynamics of bacterial symbionts across different life stages [eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult (male and female)] and reproductive organs (ovaries and testis) of O. nipae. Clustering analysis at ≥97% similarity threshold produced 3,959 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that belonged to nine different phyla. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes represented the bulk of taxa that underwent notable changes during metamorphosis. Enterobacteriaceae and Dermabacteraceae were the most abundant families in immature stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae), while Anaplasmataceae family was dominated in adults (male and female) and reproductive organs (ovaries and testis). The genus Serratia and Lactococcus were most abundant in eggs, whereas Pantoea and Brachybacterium represented the bulk of larvae and pupae microbiota. Interestingly the genus Wolbachia found positive to all tested samples and was recorded extremely high (>64%) in the adults and reproductive organs. The bacteria varied across the developmental stages and responsible for various metabolic activities. Selection choice exerted by the insect host as a result of its age or developmental stage could be the main reason to ascertain the shift in the bacteria populations. Maternally inherited Wolbachia was found to be an obligate endosymbiont infecting all tested life stages, body parts, and tissues. These outcomes foster our understanding of the intricate associations between bacteria and O. nipae and will incorporate in devising novel pest control strategies against this palm pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Abrar Muhammad
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Nafiu Bala Sanda
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Youming Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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3
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El-Chakhtoura J, Saikaly PE, van Loosdrecht MCM, Vrouwenvelder JS. Impact of Distribution and Network Flushing on the Drinking Water Microbiome. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2205. [PMID: 30283424 PMCID: PMC6157312 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We sampled the tap water of seven unique, full-scale drinking water distribution systems at different locations as well as the corresponding treatment plant effluents to evaluate the impact of distribution and the potential presence of a core drinking water microbiome. The water was also sampled during network flushing to examine its effect on the microbial ecology. While a core microbiome dominated by Gammaproteobacteria was found using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, an increase in biomass was detected in the networks, especially during flushing. Water age did not significantly impact the microbiology. Irrespective of differences in treatment plants, tap water bacterial communities in the distinct networks converged and highly resembled the flushed water communities. Piping biofilm and sediment communities therefore largely determine the final tap water microbial quality, attenuating the impact of water source and treatment strategy and highlighting the fundamental role of local physicochemical conditions and microbial processes within infrastructure micro-niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joline El-Chakhtoura
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands.,Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands.,Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Gonzalez-Escobedo R, Briones-Roblero CI, Pineda-Mendoza RM, Rivera-Orduña FN, Zúñiga G. Bacteriome from Pinus arizonica and P. durangensis: Diversity, Comparison of Assemblages, and Overlapping Degree with the Gut Bacterial Community of a Bark Beetle That Kills Pines. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:77. [PMID: 29441055 PMCID: PMC5797664 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Symbioses between plants and microorganims have been fundamental in the evolution of both groups. The endophytic bacteria associated with conifers have been poorly studied in terms of diversity, ecology, and function. Coniferous trees of the genera Larix, Pseudotsugae, Picea and mainly Pinus, are hosts of many insects, including bark beetles and especially the Dendroctonus species. These insects colonize and kill these trees during their life cycle. Several bacteria detected in the gut and cuticle of these insects have been identified as endophytes in conifers. In this study, we characterized and compared the endophytic bacterial diversity in roots, phloem and bark of non-attacked saplings of Pinus arizonica and P. durangensis using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. In addition, we evaluated the degree of taxonomic relatedness, and the association of metabolic function profiles of communities of endophytic bacteria and previously reported gut bacterial communities of D. rhizophagus; a specialized bark beetle that colonizes and kills saplings of these pine species. Our results showed that both pine species share a similar endophytic community. A total of seven bacterial phyla, 14 classes, 26 orders, 43 families, and 51 genera were identified. Enterobacteriaceae was the most abundant family across all samples, followed by Acetobacteraceae and Acidobacteriaceae, which agree with previous studies performed in other pines and conifers. Endophytic communities and that of the insect gut were significantly different, however, the taxonomic relatedness of certain bacterial genera of pines and insect assemblages suggested that some bacteria from pine tissues might be the same as those in the insect gut. Lastly, the metabolic profile using PICRUSt showed there to be a positive association between communities of both pines and insect gut. This study represents the baseline into the knowledge of the endophytic bacterial communities of two of the major hosts affected by D. rhizophagus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Gonzalez-Escobedo
- Laboratorio de Variación Biológica y Evolución, Departamento de Zoología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos I Briones-Roblero
- Laboratorio de Variación Biológica y Evolución, Departamento de Zoología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosa M Pineda-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Variación Biológica y Evolución, Departamento de Zoología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Flor N Rivera-Orduña
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Zúñiga
- Laboratorio de Variación Biológica y Evolución, Departamento de Zoología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
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5
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Liu R, Qi R, Wang J, Zhang Y, Liu X, Rossetti S, Tandoi V, Yang M. Phage-host associations in a full-scale activated sludge plant during sludge bulking. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 101:6495-6504. [PMID: 28755263 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8429-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sludge bulking, a notorious microbial issue in activated sludge plants, is always accompanied by dramatic changes in the bacterial community. Despite large numbers of phages in sludge systems, their responses to sludge bulking and phage-host associations during bulking are unknown. In this study, high-throughput sequencing of viral metagenomes and bacterial 16S rRNA genes were employed to characterize viral and bacterial communities in a sludge plant under different sludge conditions (sludge volume index (SVI) of 180, 132, and 73 ml/g). Bulking sludges (SVI > 125 ml/g) taken about 10 months apart exhibited similar bacterial and viral composition. This reflects ecological resilience of the sludge microbial community and indicates that changes in viral and bacterial populations correlate closely with each other. Overgrowth of "Candidatus Microthrix parvicella" led to filamentous bulking, but few corresponding viral genotypes were identified. In contrast, sludge viromes were characterized by numerous contigs associated with "Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis," suggesting an abundance of corresponding phages in the sludge viral community. Notably, while nitrifiers (mainly Nitrosomonadaceae and Nitrospiraceae) declined significantly along with sludge bulking, their corresponding viral contigs were identified more frequently and with greater abundance in the bulking viromes, implying that phage-mediated lysis might contribute to the loss of autotrophic nitrifiers under bulking conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyin Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Rong Qi
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Xinchun Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China
| | | | - Valter Tandoi
- Water Research Institute, CNR, Monterotondo (RM), Italy
| | - Min Yang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, China
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6
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Kalwasińska A, Felföldi T, Szabó A, Deja-Sikora E, Kosobucki P, Walczak M. Microbial communities associated with the anthropogenic, highly alkaline environment of a saline soda lime, Poland. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2017; 110:945-962. [PMID: 28382378 PMCID: PMC5486852 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0866-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Soda lime is a by-product of the Solvay soda process for the production of sodium carbonate from limestone and sodium chloride. Due to a high salt concentration and alkaline pH, the lime is considered as a potential habitat of haloalkaliphilic and haloalkalitolerant microbial communities. This artificial and unique environment is nutrient-poor and devoid of vegetation, due in part to semi-arid, saline and alkaline conditions. Samples taken from the surface layer of the lime and from the depth of 2 m (both having pH ~11 and ECe up to 423 dS m−1) were investigated using culture-based (culturing on alkaline medium) and culture-independent microbiological approaches (microscopic analyses and pyrosequencing). A surprisingly diverse bacterial community was discovered in this highly saline, alkaline and nutrient-poor environment, with the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria (representing 52.8% of the total bacterial community) and Firmicutes (16.6%) showing dominance. Compared to the surface layer, higher bacterial abundance and diversity values were detected in the deep zone, where more stable environmental conditions may occur. The surface layer was dominated by members of the genera Phenylobacterium, Chelativorans and Skermanella, while in the interior layer the genus Fictibacillus was dominant. The culturable aerobic, haloalkaliphilic bacteria strains isolated in this study belonged mostly to the genus Bacillus and were closely related to the species Bacillus pseudofirmus, B. cereus, B. plakortidis, B. thuringensis and B. pumilus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kalwasińska
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Tamás Felföldi
- Department of Microbiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Szabó
- Department of Microbiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edyta Deja-Sikora
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Przemysław Kosobucki
- Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Walczak
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
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7
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Ren W, Zhang Q, Liu X, Zheng S, Ma L, Chen F, Xu T, Xu B. Supragingival Plaque Microbial Community Analysis of Children with Halitosis. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 26:2141-2147. [PMID: 27666996 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1605.05012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most complex human-associated microbial habitats, the oral cavity harbors hundreds of bacteria. Halitosis is a prevalent oral condition that is typically caused by bacteria. The aim of this study was to analyze the microbial communities and predict functional profiles in supragingival plaque from healthy individuals and those with halitosis. Ten preschool children were enrolled in this study; five with halitosis and five without. Supragingival plaque was isolated from each participant and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing was used to identify the microbes present. Samples were primarily composed of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Candidate phylum TM7. The α and β diversity indices did not differ between healthy and halitosis subjects. Fifteen operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified with significantly different relative abundances between healthy and halitosis plaques, and included the phylotypes of Prevotella sp., Leptotrichia sp., Actinomyces sp., Porphyromonas sp., Selenomonas sp., Selenomonas noxia, and Capnocytophaga ochracea. We suggest that these OTUs are candidate halitosis-associated pathogens. Functional profiles were predicted using PICRUSt, and nine level-3 KEGG Orthology groups were significantly different. Hub modules of co-occurrence networks implied that microbes in halitosis dental plaque were more highly conserved than microbes of healthy individuals' plaque. Collectively, our data provide a background for the oral microbiota associated with halitosis from supragingival plaque, and help explain the etiology of halitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Ren
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Xuenan Liu
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Shuguo Zheng
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Lili Ma
- Stomatology Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Feng Chen
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Baohua Xu
- Stomatology Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
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8
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Collins CEV, Foght JM, Siddique T. Co-occurrence of methanogenesis and N2 fixation in oil sands tailings. Sci Total Environ 2016; 565:306-312. [PMID: 27177137 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Oil sands tailings ponds in northern Alberta, Canada have been producing biogenic gases via microbial metabolism of hydrocarbons for decades. Persistent methanogenic activity in tailings ponds without any known replenishment of nutrients such as fixed nitrogen (N) persuaded us to investigate whether N2 fixation or polyacrylamide (PAM; used as a tailings flocculant) could serve as N sources. Cultures comprising mature fine tailings (MFT) plus methanogenic medium supplemented with or deficient in fixed N were incubated under an N2 headspace. Some cultures were further amended with citrate, which is used in oil sands processing, as a relevant carbon source, and/or with PAM. After an initial delay, N-deficient cultures with or without PAM produced methane (CH4) at the same rate as N-containing cultures, indicating a mechanism of overcoming apparent N-deficiency. Acetylene reduction and (15)N2 incorporation in all N-deficient cultures (with or without PAM) suggested active N2 fixation concurrently with methanogenesis but inability to use PAM as a N source. 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing revealed little difference between archaeal populations regardless of N content. However, bacterial sequences in N-deficient cultures showed enrichment of Hyphomicrobiaceae and Clostridium members that might contain N2-fixing species. The results are important in understanding long-term production of biogenic greenhouse gases in oil sands tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Victoria Collins
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
| | - Julia M Foght
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada.
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9
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Belila A, El-Chakhtoura J, Otaibi N, Muyzer G, Gonzalez-Gil G, Saikaly PE, van Loosdrecht MCM, Vrouwenvelder JS. Bacterial community structure and variation in a full-scale seawater desalination plant for drinking water production. Water Res 2016; 94:62-72. [PMID: 26925544 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbial processes inevitably play a role in membrane-based desalination plants, mainly recognized as membrane biofouling. We assessed the bacterial community structure and diversity during different treatment steps in a full-scale seawater desalination plant producing 40,000 m(3)/d of drinking water. Water samples were taken over the full treatment train consisting of chlorination, spruce media and cartridge filters, de-chlorination, first and second pass reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and final chlorine dosage for drinking water distribution. The water samples were analyzed for water quality parameters (total bacterial cell number, total organic carbon, conductivity, pH, etc.) and microbial community composition by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. The planktonic microbial community was dominated by Proteobacteria (48.6%) followed by Bacteroidetes (15%), Firmicutes (9.3%) and Cyanobacteria (4.9%). During the pretreatment step, the spruce media filter did not impact the bacterial community composition dominated by Proteobacteria. In contrast, the RO and final chlorination treatment steps reduced the Proteobacterial relative abundance in the produced water where Firmicutes constituted the most dominant bacterial group. Shannon and Chao1 diversity indices showed that bacterial species richness and diversity decreased during the seawater desalination process. The two-stage RO filtration strongly reduced the water conductivity (>99%), TOC concentration (98.5%) and total bacterial cell number (>99%), albeit some bacterial DNA was found in the water after RO filtration. About 0.25% of the total bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were present in all stages of the desalination plant: the seawater, the RO permeates and the chlorinated drinking water, suggesting that these bacterial strains can survive in different environments such as high/low salt concentration and with/without residual disinfectant. These bacterial strains were not caused by contamination during water sample filtration or from DNA extraction protocols. Control measurements for sample contamination are important for clean water studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Belila
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - J El-Chakhtoura
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
| | - N Otaibi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - G Muyzer
- Microbial Systems Ecology, Department of Aquatic Microbiology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Gonzalez-Gil
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - P E Saikaly
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - M C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
| | - J S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
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10
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Dzieciol M, Schornsteiner E, Muhterem-Uyar M, Stessl B, Wagner M, Schmitz-Esser S. Bacterial diversity of floor drain biofilms and drain waters in a Listeria monocytogenes contaminated food processing environment. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 223:33-40. [PMID: 26881738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sanitation protocols are applied on a daily basis in food processing facilities to prevent the risk of cross-contamination with spoilage organisms. Floor drain water serves along with product-associated samples (slicer dust, brine or cheese smear) as an important hygiene indicator in monitoring Listeria monocytogenes in food processing facilities. Microbial communities of floor drains are representative for each processing area and are influenced to a large degree by food residues, liquid effluents and washing water. The microbial communities of drain water are steadily changing, whereas drain biofilms provide more stable niches. Bacterial communities of four floor drains were characterized using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to better understand the composition and exchange of drain water and drain biofilm communities. Furthermore, the L. monocytogenes contamination status of each floor drain was determined by applying cultivation-independent real-time PCR quantification and cultivation-dependent detection according to ISO11290-1. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes of drain water and drain biofilm bacterial communities yielded 50,611 reads, which were clustered into 641 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), affiliated to 16 phyla dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The most abundant OTUs represented either product- (Lactococcus lactis) or fermentation- and food spoilage-associated phylotypes (Pseudomonas mucidolens, Pseudomonas fragi, Leuconostoc citreum, and Acetobacter tropicalis). The microbial communities in DW and DB samples were distinct in each sample type and throughout the whole processing plant, indicating the presence of indigenous specific microbial communities in each processing compartment. The microbiota of drain biofilms was largely different from the microbiota of the drain water. A sampling approach based on drain water alone may thus only provide reliable information on planktonic bacterial cells but might not allow conclusions on the bacterial composition of the microbiota in biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dzieciol
- Institute for Milk Hygiene, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisa Schornsteiner
- Institute for Milk Hygiene, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Meryem Muhterem-Uyar
- Institute for Milk Hygiene, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrix Stessl
- Institute for Milk Hygiene, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Wagner
- Institute for Milk Hygiene, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Schmitz-Esser
- Institute for Milk Hygiene, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Tian RM, Lee OO, Wang Y, Cai L, Bougouffa S, Chiu JMY, Wu RSS, Qian PY. Effect of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) treatment on the composition and function of the bacterial community in the sponge Haliclona cymaeformis. Front Microbiol 2015; 5:799. [PMID: 25642227 PMCID: PMC4294214 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine sponges play important roles in benthic environments and are sensitive to environmental stresses. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been widely used as flame retardants since the 1970s and are cytotoxic and genotoxic to organisms. In the present study, we studied the short-period effect of PBDE-47 (2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether) treatment on the community structure and functional gene composition of the bacterial community inhabiting the marine sponge Haliclona cymaeformis. Our results showed that the bacterial community shifted from an autotrophic bacteria-dominated community to a heterotrophic bacteria-dominated community in response to PBDE-47 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. A potentially symbiotic sulfur-oxidizing bacterium (SOB) was dominant (>80% in abundance) in the untreated sponge. However, exposure to a high concentration (1 μg/L) of PBDE-47 caused a substantial decrease in the potential symbiont and an enrichment of heterotrophic bacteria like Clostridium. A metagenomic analysis showed a selective effect of the high concentration treatment on the functional gene composition of the enriched heterotrophic bacteria, revealing an enrichment for the functions responsible for DNA repair, multidrug efflux pumping, and bacterial chemotaxis and motility. This study demonstrated that PBDE-47 induced a shift in the composition of the community and functional genes in the sponge-associated bacterial community, revealing the selective effect of PBDE-47 treatment on the functions of the bacterial community in the microenvironment of the sponge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Mao Tian
- Divison of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Hong Kong, China
| | - On On Lee
- Divison of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Divison of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Hong Kong, China
| | - Lin Cai
- Divison of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Hong Kong, China
| | - Salim Bougouffa
- Divison of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Rudolf Shiu Sun Wu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China ; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, The City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Divison of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Hong Kong, China ; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, The City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
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12
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Ferrenberg S, Knelman JE, Jones JM, Beals SC, Bowman WD, Nemergut DR. Soil bacterial community structure remains stable over a 5-year chronosequence of insect-induced tree mortality. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:681. [PMID: 25566204 PMCID: PMC4267275 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive tree mortality from insect epidemics has raised concern over possible effects on soil biogeochemical processes. Yet despite the importance of microbes in nutrient cycling, how soil bacterial communities respond to insect-induced tree mortality is largely unknown. We examined soil bacterial community structure (via 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing) and community assembly processes (via null deviation analysis) along a 5-year chronosequence (substituting space for time) of bark beetle-induced tree mortality in the southern Rocky Mountains, USA. We also measured microbial biomass and soil chemistry, and used in situ experiments to assess inorganic nitrogen mineralization rates. We found that bacterial community structure and assembly-which was strongly influenced by stochastic processes-were largely unaffected by tree mortality despite increased soil ammonium ([Formula: see text]) pools and reductions in soil nitrate ([Formula: see text]) pools and net nitrogen mineralization rates after tree mortality. Linear models suggested that microbial biomass and bacterial phylogenetic diversity are significantly correlated with nitrogen mineralization rates of this forested ecosystem. However, given the overall resistance of the bacterial community to disturbance from tree mortality, soil nitrogen processes likely remained relatively stable following tree mortality when considered at larger spatial and longer temporal scales-a supposition supported by the majority of available studies regarding biogeochemical effects of bark beetle infestations in this region. Our results suggest that soil bacterial community resistance to disturbance helps to explain the relatively weak effects of insect-induced tree mortality on soil N and C pools reported across the Rocky Mountains, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Ferrenberg
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA
| | - Joseph E. Knelman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Stower C. Beals
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA
| | - William D. Bowman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA
| | - Diana R. Nemergut
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke UniversityDurham, NC, USA
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13
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Prest EI, El-Chakhtoura J, Hammes F, Saikaly PE, van Loosdrecht MCM, Vrouwenvelder JS. Combining flow cytometry and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing: a promising approach for drinking water monitoring and characterization. Water Res 2014; 63:179-189. [PMID: 25000200 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The combination of flow cytometry (FCM) and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing data was investigated for the purpose of monitoring and characterizing microbial changes in drinking water distribution systems. High frequency sampling (5 min intervals for 1 h) was performed at the outlet of a treatment plant and at one location in the full-scale distribution network. In total, 52 bulk water samples were analysed with FCM, pyrosequencing and conventional methods (adenosine-triphosphate, ATP; heterotrophic plate count, HPC). FCM and pyrosequencing results individually showed that changes in the microbial community occurred in the water distribution system, which was not detected with conventional monitoring. FCM data showed an increase in the total bacterial cell concentrations (from 345 ± 15 × 10(3) to 425 ± 35 × 10(3) cells mL(-1)) and in the percentage of intact bacterial cells (from 39 ± 3.5% to 53 ± 4.4%) during water distribution. This shift was also observed in the FCM fluorescence fingerprints, which are characteristic of each water sample. A similar shift was detected in the microbial community composition as characterized with pyrosequencing, showing that FCM and genetic fingerprints are congruent. FCM and pyrosequencing data were subsequently combined for the calculation of cell concentration changes for each bacterial phylum. The results revealed an increase in cell concentrations of specific bacterial phyla (e.g., Proteobacteria), along with a decrease in other phyla (e.g., Actinobacteria), which could not be concluded from the two methods individually. The combination of FCM and pyrosequencing methods is a promising approach for future drinking water quality monitoring and for advanced studies on drinking water distribution pipeline ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E I Prest
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - J El-Chakhtoura
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands; Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - F Hammes
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Ueberlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - P E Saikaly
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - M C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands
| | - J S Vrouwenvelder
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands; Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Agora 1, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
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14
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Erlacher A, Cardinale M, Grosch R, Grube M, Berg G. The impact of the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani and its beneficial counterpart Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the indigenous lettuce microbiome. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:175. [PMID: 24795707 PMCID: PMC4001036 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lettuce belongs to the most commonly raw eaten food worldwide and its microbiome plays an important role for both human and plant health. Yet, little is known about the impact of potentially occurring pathogens and beneficial inoculants of the indigenous microorganisms associated with lettuce. To address this question we studied the impact of the phytopathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani and the biological control agent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 on the indigenous rhizosphere and phyllosphere community of greenhouse-grown lettuce at two plant stages. The rhizosphere and phyllosphere gammaproteobacterial microbiomes of lettuce plants showed clear differences in their overall and core microbiome composition as well as in corresponding diversity indices. The rhizosphere was dominated by Xanthomonadaceae (48%) and Pseudomonadaceae (37%) with Rhodanobacter, Pseudoxanthomonas, Dokdonella, Luteimonas, Steroidobacter, Thermomonas as core inhabitants, while the dominating taxa associated to phyllosphere were Pseudomonadaceae (54%), Moraxellaceae (16%) and Enterobacteriaceae (25%) with Alkanindiges, Pantoea and a group of Enterobacteriaceae unclassified at genus level. The preferential occurrence of enterics in the phyllosphere was the most significant difference between both habitats. Additional enhancement of enterics on the phyllosphere was observed in bottom rot diseased lettuce plants, while Acinetobacter and Alkanindiges were identified as indicators of healthy plants. Interestingly, the microbial diversity was enhanced by treatment with both the pathogen, and the co-inoculated biological control agent. The highest impact and bacterial diversity was found by Rhizoctonia inoculation, but FZB42 lowered the impact of Rhizoctonia on the microbiome. This study shows that the indigenous microbiome shifts as a consequence to pathogen attack but FZB42 can compensate these effects, which supports their role as biocontrol agent and suggests a novel mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Erlacher
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of TechnologyGraz, Austria
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of GrazGraz, Austria
| | - Massimiliano Cardinale
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of TechnologyGraz, Austria
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of GrazGraz, Austria
| | - Rita Grosch
- Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental CropsGrossbeeren, Germany
| | - Martin Grube
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of GrazGraz, Austria
| | - Gabriele Berg
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of TechnologyGraz, Austria
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15
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Ghanimeh SA, Saikaly PE, Li D, El-Fadel M. Population dynamics during startup of thermophilic anaerobic digesters: the mixing factor. Waste Manag 2013; 33:2211-2218. [PMID: 23830181 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Two thermophilic digesters were inoculated with manure and started-up under mixed and stagnant conditions. The Archaea in the mixed digester (A) were dominated by hydrogenotrophic Methanobateriaceae (61%) with most of the methane being produced via syntrophic pathways. Methanosarcinales (35%) were the only acetoclastic methanogens present. Acetate dissipation seems to depend on balanced hydrogenotrophic-to-acetotrophic abundance, which in turn was statistically correlated to free ammonia levels. Relative abundance of bacterial community was associated with the loading rate. However, in the absence of mixing (digester B), the relationship between microbial composition and operating parameters was not discernible. This was attributed to the development of microenvironments where environmental conditions are significantly different from average measured parameters. The impact of microenvironments was accentuated by the use of a non-acclimated seed that lacks adequate propionate degraders. Failure to disperse the accumulated propionate, and other organics, created high concentration niches where competitive and inhibiting conditions developed and favored undesired genera, such as Halobacteria (65% in B). As a result, digester B experienced higher acid levels and lower allowable loading rate. Mixing was found necessary to dissipate potential inhibitors, and improve stability and loading capacity, particularly when a non-acclimated seed, often lacking balanced thermophilic microflora, is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A Ghanimeh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
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16
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Smith SC, Chalker A, Dewar ML, Arnould JPY. Age-related differences revealed in Australian fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus gut microbiota. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2013; 86:246-55. [PMID: 23746080 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) was examined at different age classes using fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. The FISH results indicated that in the fur seal groups, the predominant phyla are Firmicutes (22.14-67.33%) followed by Bacteroidetes (3.11-15.45%) and then Actinobacteria (1.4-5.9%) consistent with other mammals. Phylum Proteobacteria had an initial abundance of 1.8% in the 2-month-old pups, but < 1% of bacterial numbers for the other fur seal age groups. Significant differences did occur in the abundance of Clostridia, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria between 2 months pups and 9 months pups and adult fur seals. Results from the 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing supported the FISH data and identified significant differences in the composition of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Fusobacteria at all ages. Class Clostridia in phylum Firmicutes dominates the microbiota of the 2 months and 9 months seal pups, whilst class Bacilli dominates the 6 months pups. In addition, a high level of dissimilarity was observed between all age classes. This study provides novel insight into the gut microbiota of Australian fur seals at different age classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart C Smith
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Vic., Australia; Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Burwood, Vic., Australia
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