Use of DGGE for Identification and Descriptive Quantification of Xenobiotic Degrader in Activated Sludge

Activated sludge gains xenobiotic degradation capability through acclimation to the target. Acclimated activated sludge contains a two-part biomass of non-degrader and degrader, abundance of the latter being most important for activated sludge to successfully treat the inflow of xenobiotic pollutants. For the purposes of understanding and also possible improvement of xenobiotic treatment, xenobiotic degraders contained in the activated sludge biomass must be identified and quantified. This study employed the DGGE method which separates bacterial species into distinctive gel bands that allowed achievement of both purposes relatively efficiently.