Influence of Particle Size on Bacterial Community Structure in Aquatic Sediments as Revealed by 16S rRNA Gene Sequence Analysis

Abstract

Bacterial communities associated with sediment particles were examined using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Particle size influenced community structure, with attached bacterial assemblages separating into 63- to 125-, 125- to 1,000-, and 1,000- to 2,000-microm fractions. Differences were particularly pronounced for the Verrucomicrobia-Planctomycetes, whose numbers were significantly reduced on coarser particles.