Protein profiles of phosphorus- and nitrate-removing activated sludge systems

Abstract

Samples from laboratory-scale activated sludge systems operating under specific conditions which differ in phosphate-removing capabilities were obtained from the University of Cape Town. The total protein content of samples of these systems was used and the proteins separated with SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Analysis of the total proteins was employed as a fingerprint to type and compare the diversity of the bacterial communities of P-and N-removing systems. Samples of six activated sludge systems (three N-and P-removing and three N-removing) were used in this study. Protein profiles indicated a high (>70%) correlation for all the systems. No difference was observed in the protein profiles of the bacterial communities of N-and P-removing or N-removing systems. We can therefore conclude that the same bacterial communities were present in P-and Nremoving systems. * To whom all correspondence should be addressed. /G28(012) 420-2995; fax (012) 420-3266; e-mail mehlers@nsnper1.up.ac.za Received 17 August 1998; accepted in revised form 3 December 1998.

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