Molecular analysis of microbial population transition associated with the start of denitrification in a wastewater treatment process

Aims: The objective of this study is to determine the bacteria playing an important role in denitrification by monitoring the molecular dynamics accompanying the start of denitrification. Methods and Results: cDNA reverse-transcribed from 16S rRNA was amplified with fluorescent labelled primer for terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis and an unlabelled primer for cloning analysis. The terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs) that increased in association with the start of denitrification were determined. These T-RFs were identified by in silico analysis of 16S rRNA sequences obtained from cloning. As a result, it was clearly observed that the bacteria belonging to the genera Hydrogenophaga and Acidovorax increased in number after the start of denitrification. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that T-RFLP analysis targeting 16S rRNA is appropriate for the daily monitoring of a bacterial community to control wastewater treatment processes. Combination of the results of T-RFLP analysis and 16S rRNA clone library indicated that the bacteria belonging to the genera Hydrogenophaga and Acidovorax play an important role in denitrification. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results of this study provide new insight to the 16S rRNA level of active denitrifying bacteria in wastewater treatment processes.