Analyses of the vertical and temporal distribution of sulfate-reducing bacteria in Lake Aha (China)

In April and September of 2005, two sediment cores were collected from Lake Aha, which is polluted by the acid mine drainage of the mining industries. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) groups and their quantity were analyzed by using PCR and FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization), respectively. The results showed that four SRB groups (Desulfotomaculum, Desulfobulbus, Desulfococcus–Desulfonema–Desulfosarcina and Desulfovibrio–Desulfomicrobium) were detected in September, while only three SRB groups (Desulfotomaculum, Desulfobulbus and Desulfococcus–Desulfonema–Desulfosarcina) were detected in April. Desulfovibrio–Desulfomicrobium was not detected and was expected to exist inactively, in April. Meanwhile, the distribution of every SRB group was wider in September than in April. The results indicated that different SRB groups had different vertical and temporal distribution. The vertical and temporal distribution of SRB was mainly in the upper sediments, and the number of SRB groups and quantity were larger in September than in April. It suggested that the environmental conditions of sediments in September were more suitable for SRB. An erratum to this article can be found at