Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version. If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options. Molecular Characterization of the Microbial Community in Onsite Treatment UnitsPublished by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org Citation: Eleventh Individual and Small Community Sewage Systems Conference Proceedings, 20-24 October 2007, Warwick, Rhode Island 701P1107cd.(doi:10.13031/2013.23979)Authors: Jill Tomaras, Jason W Sahl, John R Spear, Robert L Siegrist Keywords: septic tank effluent, microbes, 16S rRNA Little is currently known about the microbiological processes and interactions occurring within an onsite wastewater system (OWS). Traditional methods for detecting microorganisms in wastewater have been restricted to culturing techniques. During the last decade, however, molecular techniques have enabled researchers to examine microbial diversity using culture-independent techniques. A program of research at the Colorado School of Mines focused on quantifying and interpreting microbial diversity was employed for examining OWS. The goal of this work was to identify and characterize the microbial community inhabiting septic tank effluent. Samples were collected from a traditional septic tank as well from two septic tanks outfitted with aerobic bacterial generator treatment units (ABG). Microbial community characterization was performed via 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and revealed little difference in composition between systems. The wastewater environments were primarily dominated by two Phyla, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes and the genus Arcobacter (Campylobacteraceae family). Other Phyla represented in low numbers included Firmicute. The Phyla diversity found in wastewater was similar to what has been reported for the human intestine, but is a sharp contrast to diverse environments (e.g. soils). Previously published research indicates that the 1014 total bacteria present in the human intestine are primarily dominated by members of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, but also include less abundant Phyla such as Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Preliminary results suggest that a significant community change occurs between the gut and the onsite system. From an ecological engineering point of view, understanding this community shift could allow improved system design as well as permit innovative developments. (Download PDF) (Export to EndNotes)
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