An exploration of the characteristics of the nitrifying bacterial community, and more specifically the genus Nitrobacter, colonizing biological filters, was carried out using an immunofluorescence (IF) procedure and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) together with the most probable number (MPN) technique. The biofilters were made of activated carbon (AC) or peat as the packing material, through which ammonia or industrial gaseous effluents were introduced. Serological diversity amongst Nitrobacter was investigated by the IF procedure. The PCR method was rapid, efficient, and allowed the detection and enumeration of Nitrobacter species in different biological filters on the laboratory and industrial scale. An evaluation of species distribution in this genus was also made in the column. Although the results were promising, it will be necessary to limit DNA and cell losses if the PCR method is to be used for the enumeration of the Nitrobacter population.
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