Spatial and temporal analysis of the microbial community in slow sand filters used for treating horticultural irrigation water.

ABSTRACT: An experimental slow sand filter (SSF) was constructed to study the spatial and temporal structure of a bacterial community suppressive to an oomycete plant pathogen, Phytophthora cryptogea. Passage of water through the mature sand column resulted in complete removal of zoospores of the plant pathogen. To monitor global changes in the microbial community, bacterial and fungal numbers were estimated on selective media, direct viable counts of fungal spores were made, and the ATP content was measured. PCR amplification of 16S rRNA genes and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were used to study the dynamics of the bacterial community in detail. The top layer (1 cm) of the SSF column was dominated by a variable and active microbial population, whereas the middle (50 cm) and bottom

SUBMITTER: Calvo-Bado LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC154832 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature