Comparison of extracellular enzyme activities and community composition of attached and free-living bacteria in porous medium columns.

ABSTRACT: Free-living and surface-associated microbial communities in sand-packed columns perfused with groundwater were compared by examination of compositional and functional characteristics. The composition of the microbial communities was assessed by bulk DNA extraction, PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal DNA fragments, separation of these fragments by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and sequence analysis. Community function was assessed by measurement of beta-glucosidase and aminopeptidase extracellular enzyme activities. Free-living populations in the aqueous phase exhibited a greater diversity of phylotypes than populations associated with the solid phase. The attached bacterial community displayed significantly greater beta-glucosidase and aminopeptidase enzyme activities per volume

SUBMITTER: Lehman RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC123895 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature