Combined application of PCR-based functional assays for the detection of aromatic-compound-degrading anaerobes

Abstract

To explore the reliability of assays that detect aromatic-compound-degrading anaerobes, a combination of three functional-gene-targeting assays was applied to microcosms from benzene-contaminated aquifers. Results of the assays were consistent and suggest that species related to the genera Azoarcus and Geobacter dominated benzene degradation at the individual sites. © 2011, American Society for Microbiology.