Application of oligonucleotide probes for the detection of Thiothrix spp. in activated sludge plants treating paper and board mill wastes

Abstract

Filamentous bacteria belonging to the genus Thiothrix were detected in activated sludge samples using the fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) technique. A 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probe was developed for the detection of members of the T. fructosivorans group, and the performance of probe TNI for the detection of Thiothrix nivea group was enhanced by using an unlabeled competitor. A set of 5 probes covering all phylogenetic groups of Thiothrix were used to examine samples taken from selected activated sludge plants treating paper and board mill wastes. Members of the T. eikelboomii group formed the predominant filamentous bacterial population in plants experiencing poor sludge settleability, whereas members of the T. nivea group were commonly found but not dominantly in the remaining plants. Members of the T. fructosivorans group were not detected at any significant level in any of the samples. The distribution of the main Thiothrix types remained unchanged throughout the investigation period. It was evident that mixed populations of Thiothrix spp. were present in all activated sludge samples investigated, the observed differences were in the relative abundance of the various groups. These findings were supported by the results obtained using conventional microscopy.

Activated Sludge and Other Aerobic Suspended Culture Processes

“…For detection of Thiothrix in activated sludge treating paper and board mill wastes, an oligonucleotide probe and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used (Kim, Goodfellow et al, 2002). The species was found in all samples and may lead to sludge settling problems.…”