Direct Profiling of rRNA in Saline Wastewater Treatment Samples Using an Oligonucleotide Microarray

Abstract

Fifteen oligonucleotide probes, targeting a broad range of microorganisms, were spotted on a DNA microarray. Specificity and reproducibility were evaluated using fluorescently labeled rRNA from 16 bacterial and eukaryal strains. The oligonucleotide microarray was then used to analyze activated sludge samples of saline industrial wastewater in which microbial communities had been characterized previously using 16S rRNA clone libraries. The results obtained were partially consistent with the results of cloning, and demonstrate the possibility of using oligonucleotide microarrays for the monitoring and characterization of saline industrial wastewater populations.