Phylogenetic analysis of an anaerobic, trichlorobenzene transforming microbial consortium

A culture-independent phylogenetic survey for an anaerobic trichlorobenzene -transforming microbial community was carried out. Small-subunit rRNA genes were PCR amplified from community DNA by using primers specific for Bacter ia or Euryarchaeota and were subsequently cloned. Application of a new hybr idization-based screening approach revealed 51 bacterial clone families, on e of which was closely related to dechlorinating Dehalobacter species. Seve ral clone sequences clustered to rDNA sequences obtained from a molecular s tudy of an anaerobic aquifer contaminated with hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents.