Abstract

This study employed two PCR-based 16S rDNA approaches, amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), to characterize the bacterial community structure in groundwater. Samples were collected from groundwater for the use by private residences, as well as for industrial and agricultural purposes, in Ansan City. Each PCR product was obtained by PCR with eubacteria 16S rDNA and variable V3 region specific primer sets. After amplification, the 16S rDNA PCR products were digested with 4-base site specific restriction endonucleases, and the restriction pattern analyzed. The genetic diversity and similarity of the groundwater bacterial community was analyzed by eubacteria universal primer sets for the amplification of variable V3 regions of the bacterial 16S rDNA. The result of the bacterial community analysis, by ARDRA and DGGE, revealed the same pattern. The highest diversity was found in groundwater from site G1, which was used in residences. In the DGGE profile, a high intensity band was sequenced, and revealed to be Pseudomonas sp. strain P51.

• Keywords: ARDRA; bacterial community; DGGE; groundwater