Aquarium Nitrification: Thaumarchaeota as Key Ammonia Oxidizers
Author Information
Author(s): Laura A. Sauder, Katja Engel, Jennifer C. Stearns, Andre P. Masella, Richard Pawliszyn, Josh D. Neufeld
Primary Institution: Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Hypothesis
AOA dominate freshwater aquarium biofilters and play an important role in aquarium nitrification.
Conclusion
The study found that ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are the dominant ammonia oxidizers in most freshwater aquarium biofilters.
Supporting Evidence
- AOA were numerically dominant in 23 of 27 freshwater biofilters.
- In 12 freshwater biofilters, AOA contributed all detectable amoA genes.
- Significant negative correlation was observed between ammonium concentrations and AOA: AOB ratios.
- DGGE patterns revealed variable diversity of AOA amoA genes across samples.
- Freshwater AOA amoA sequences clustered with sequences from other freshwater environments.
Takeaway
In fish tanks, tiny organisms called archaea help clean the water by turning harmful ammonia into less harmful substances, and they are more common than bacteria in these tanks.
Methodology
The study used quantitative real-time PCR to quantify amoA and 16S rRNA genes in freshwater aquarium biofilters and assessed AOA diversity through DGGE and clone libraries.
Limitations
The study was limited by the low ammonia concentrations typical in established aquaria, which may have restricted the detection of AOB.
Participant Demographics
Samples were collected from 27 freshwater and 8 saltwater aquaria from retail and residential locations in Ontario, Canada.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website