16S rRNA 염기서열을 이용한 낮은 용존산소농도에서 발생한 벌킹슬러지의 우점종 분석

Abstract

Maintaining dissolved oxygen (DO) at sufficiently low concentration in the aeration tank at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is essential for reduction of the costs of operation and maintenance. On the other hand, the low DO level may result in adverse effect on the integrity of the activated sludge. A typical and disastrous outcome frequently experienced is the outgrowth of filamentous microorganisms, which is called as filamentous bulking. In addition to the traditional methods such as sludge settleability and microscopic observation of the culture, molecular techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by 16S rRNA sequencing were applied to identify filamentous bacteria present in bulking sludge under a condition of low DO concentration. Two morphologically distinct groups, presumably consisting of Sphaerotilus natans, and Eikelboom Type 1701 or Type 1851, were identified through microscopic observation. They were further confirmed by subsequent 16S rRNA sequencing. Dominant filamentous bacteria identified by the molecular techniques were consisted of three major groups. Sequences of partial 16S rRNA cloned showed that the filamentous bulking organisms were closely related to Eikelboom Type 021N and Eikelboom Type 1701, and Sphaerotilus natans, respectively. Molecular methods were found to possess a strong potential of direct examination of the microbial community of an activated sludge system.