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RAPD-PCR typing of Acinetobacter isolates from activated sludge systems designed to remove phosphorus
1Biotechnology Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|April 12, 2001
Summary
This study reveals that Acinetobacter from activated sludge differ significantly from known genomic species, suggesting a need to revise current taxonomy. Evidence also points to the existence of plant-specific Acinetobacter populations in wastewater treatment systems.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The taxonomy of Acinetobacter is primarily based on clinical isolates.
- Environmental populations of Acinetobacter, particularly in wastewater treatment, are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprints between described Acinetobacter genomic species and those from activated sludge.
- To determine if plant-specific populations of Acinetobacter exist in activated sludge systems.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of 52 Acinetobacter isolates from four biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems using RAPD-PCR.
- Separation of DNA fragments on agarose gels and numerical analysis of RAPD patterns using Gel Pro software.
Main Results:
- RAPD-PCR revealed distinct patterns for many environmental Acinetobacter isolates compared to known genomic species.
- Clustering analysis suggested the potential existence of plant-specific Acinetobacter populations in two EBPR systems.
Conclusions:
- Current Acinetobacter systematics, heavily reliant on clinical data, may require revision to include environmental isolates.
- The findings support the possibility of distinct Acinetobacter populations within individual activated sludge plants and suggest a re-evaluation of their role in the activated sludge process.
