title: Molecular detection of anammox bacteria in terrestrial ecosystems: distribution and diversity.
abstract: Anaerobic oxidation of ammonium (anammox) is recognized as an important process in the marine nitrogen cycle yet nothing is known about the distribution, diversity and activity of anammox bacteria in the terrestrial realm. In this study, we report on the detection of anammox sequences of Candidatus 'Brocadia', 'Kuenenia', 'Scalindua' and 'Jettenia' in marshes, lakeshores, a contaminated porous aquifer, permafrost soil, agricultural soil and in samples associated with nitrophilic or nitrogen-fixing plants. This suggests a higher diversity of anammox bacteria in terrestrial than in marine ecosystems and could be a consequence of the larger variety of suitable niches in soils. Anammox bacteria were not ubiquitously present but were only detected in certain soil types and at particular depths, thus reflecting specific ecological requirements. As opposed to marine water column habitats where Candidatus 'Scalindua' dominates anammox guilds, 'Kuenenia' and 'Brocadia' appear to be the most common representatives in terrestrial environments.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Humbert
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tarnawski
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fromin
authors.forename: Marc-Philippe
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Mallet
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aragno
authors.forename: Jakob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zopfi
mesh_terms: D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D044822:Biodiversity; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D017753:Ecosystem; D054892:Metagenome; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000378:metabolism*; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D012988:Soil Microbiology
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S