Changes in bacterial community structure correlate with initialoperating conditions of a field-scale denitrifying fluidized bedreactor
High levels of nitrate are present in groundwater migratingfrom the former waste disposal ponds at the Y-12 National SecurityComplex in Oak Ridge, TN. A field-scale denitrifying fluidized bedreactor (FBR) was designed, constructed, and operated with ethanol as anelectron donor for the removal of nitrate. After inoculation, biofilmsdeveloped on the granular activated carbon particles. Changes in thebacterial community of the FBR were evaluated with clone libraries (n=500partial sequences) of the small-subunit rRNA gene for samples taken overa 4-month start-up period. Early phases of start-up operationwerecharacterized by a period of selection, followed by low diversity andpredominance by Azoarcus-like sequences. Possible explanations were highpH and nutrient limitations. After amelioration of these conditions,diversification increased rapidly, with the appearance of Dechloromonas,Pseudomonas, and Hydrogenophaga sequences. Changes in NO3, SO4, and pHalso likely contributed to shifts in community composition. The detectionof sulfate-reducing-bacteria-like sequences closely related toDesulfovibrio and Desulfuromonas in the FBR have important implicationsfor downstream applications at the field site.
- Research Organization:
- COLLABORATION - MiamiU.
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-05CH11231
- OSTI ID:
- 903366
- Report Number(s):
- LBNL-60455; AMBIDG; R&D Project: VGTLTH; BnR: KP1102010; TRN: US200720%%298
- Journal Information:
- Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Vol. 71, Issue 5; Related Information: Journal Publication Date: August, 2006; ISSN 0175-7598
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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