How to Cite
Abstract
Nitrosococcus oceani of the γ -proteobacteria is known as the only major ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in seawaters. Using species-specific PCR and hybridization, we assayed for this organism in a mixed culture obtained from a wastewater treatment bioreactor, where the source of nitrification was not understood. Presence of N. oceani would imply that this population contributed to the high nitrite levels in the bioreactor. Both methods of detection failed to show the presence of the species. We conclude that N. oceani was not responsible for the high amount of nitrification. However, we still could not completely rule out the presence of N. oceani at some low levels. It was possible that N. oceani was undetectable due to the use of non-degenerate primers and unfavorable hybridization conditions.