Is understanding the structure-function of microbial community of sludge suitable using DNA-based molecular methods?

Analysis the similarities between total and active microbial community is crucial to evaluate whether understanding the structure-function of microbial community of different types sludge is suitable using DNA-based molecular methods. In this study, procaryotic communities in different types sludge samples (including primary sludge, excess sludge, mixed sludge, and digested sludge) were evaluated using DNA-based and RNA-based Illumina MiSeq. Results showed that the similarities between total and active procaryotic communities of all different types sludge were considerable high. Meanwhile, the similarity in running sludge higher than that in idle sludge, because of the Jarccards coefficient of digested sludge was the highest in all types sludge samples. This study indicates that the DNA-based molecular biology technology could be applicable to profile procaryotic community structure and function in sludge samples, and this study adds the understanding of total and active procaryotic communities of sludge samples.