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PCR-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoretic evaluation of changes in the non-methanogenic population of stressed upflow anaerobic sludge blanket granules

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Summary

The performance of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) bioreactors is influenced by the composition of the substrate and the microbial species present in the granules. The aim of this study was to determine if a change in the structure of the non-methanogenic microbial community takes place when UASB brewery granules are subjected to the sudden addition of different carbon sources at different concentrations. A shift in the microbial community did occur when the granules were subjected to lactate medium. The granules that were stressed with glucose medium did not show changes in the microbial consortium regardless of the increase in the glucose concentrations. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) method was successfully applied to show changes in the structure of the microbes present in UASB granules that were cultivated under different environmental conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, 7602, Matieland, South Africa

    M. Keyser, R. C. Witthuhn & T. J. Britz

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  1. M. Keyser
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  2. R. C. Witthuhn
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  3. T. J. Britz
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Correspondence to R. C. Witthuhn.

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Keyser, M., Witthuhn, R.C. & Britz, T.J. PCR-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoretic evaluation of changes in the non-methanogenic population of stressed upflow anaerobic sludge blanket granules. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 22, 1041–1048 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-005-3575-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-005-3575-z

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