Application of rbcL based molecular diversity analysis to algae in wastewater treatment plants.
The molecular diversity of algae in the final clarifier or denitrification filter outfall from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with activated sludge based treatment was analyzed using the rbcL gene as a phylogenetic marker. The rbcL gene encodes the large subunit of the CO(2) fixing enzyme RuBisCO. Among algae identified at the WWTPs were diatoms, green algae, cyanobacteria, Eustigmatophyceae, and unknown heterokonts. A high level of diversity was observed within WWTPs with 19-24 unique rbcL sequences detected at each plant. Algae composition also varied between treatment plants. Our results show that the rbcL gene can be used as a phylogenetic marker for algae diversity analysis in a wastewater treatment context.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. sudghosh@umich.edu
Sudeshna
S
Ghosh
Nancy G
NG
Love
D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000145:classification* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012273:Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013045:Species Specificity; D014871:Water Microbiology; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
C101625:RbcL protein, plastid; D012273:Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase