Culture-based and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of the bacterial community structure from the intestinal tracts of earthworms(Eisenia fetida)

The bacterial communities in the intestinal tracts of earthworm were investigated by culture-dependent and - independent approaches. In total, 72 and 55 pure cultures were isolated from the intestinal tracts of earthworms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. Aerobic bacteria were classified as Aeromonas (40%), Bacillus (37%), Photobacterium (10%), Pseudomonas (7%), and Shewanella (6%). Anaerobic bacteria were classified as Aeromonas (52%), Bacillus (27%), Shewanella (12%), Paenibacillus (5%), Clostridium (2%), and Cellulosimicrobium (2%). The dominant microorganisms were Aeromonas and Bacillus species under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In all, 39 DNA fragments were identified by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis. Aeromonas sp. was the dominant microorganism in feeds, intestinal tracts, and casts of earthworms. The DGGE band intensity of Aeromonas from feeds, intestinal tracts, and casts of earthworms was 12.8%, 14.7%, and 15.1%, respectively. The other strains identified were Bacillus, Clostridium, Enterobacter, Photobacterium, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, Streptomyces, uncultured Chloroflexi bacterium, and uncultured bacterium. These results suggest that PCR-DGGE analysis was more efficient than the culture-dependent approach for the investigation of bacterial diversity and the identification of unculturable microorganisms.     

Diversity of the total bacterial community associated with Ghanaian and Brazilian cocoa bean fermentation samples as revealed by a 16 S rRNA gene clone library

Cocoa bean fermentation is a spontaneous process involving a succession of microbial activities, starting with yeasts, followed by lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria. So far, all microbiological studies about cocoa bean fermentation were based on culture-dependent (isolation, cultivation, and identification), or, more recently, culture-independent (PCR-DGGE, or polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) methods. Using a metagenomic approach, total DNA was extracted from heap and box fermentations at different time points and from different locations (Ghana and Brazil, respectively) to generate a 16 S rDNA clone library that was sequenced. The sequencing data revealed a low bacterial diversity in the fermentation samples and were in accordance with the results obtained through culture-dependent and a second, culture-independent analysis (PCR-DGGE), suggesting that almost all bacteria involved in the fermentation process are cultivable. One exception was the identification by 16 S rDNA library sequencing of Gluconacetobacter species of acetic acid bacteria that were not detected by the two other approaches. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae related to Erwinia/Pantoea/Tatumella, as revealed by 16 S rDNA library sequencing, suggests an impact of these bacteria on fermentation.     

Isolation and characterization of algicidal bacteria from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cochlodinium polykrikoides</Emphasis> culture

In this study, we analyzed a bacterial community closely associated with Cochlodinium polykrikoides that caused harmful algal blooming in the sea. Filtration using a plankton mesh and percoll gradient centrifugation were performed to eliminate free-living bacteria. Attached bacteria were analyzed by culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Five culturable bacterial strains were isolated and identified from the C. polykrikoides mixed bacterial community. The isolates belonged to α-Proteobacteria (Nautella sp., Sagittula sp., and Thalassobius sp.) and γ-Proteobacteria (Alteromonas sp. and Pseudoalteromonas sp.). All of the 5 isolates showed algicidal activity against C. polykrikoides and produced extracellular compounds responsible for algicidal properties after entering the stationary phase. The algicidal compounds produced by the 5 isolates were heat-stable and had molecular masses of less than 10,000 Da. Furthermore, the algicidal compounds were relatively specific for C. polykrikoides in terms of their algicidal activities. Culture-independent analysis of the bacterial community in association with C. polykrikoides was performed using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). On the basis of the PCR-DGGE profile, Sagittula sp. was identified as a dominant species in the bacterial community of C. polykrikoides.     

The effects of metabolite molecules produced by drinking water-isolated bacteria on their single and multispecies biofilms

The elucidation of the mechanisms by which diverse species survive and interact in drinking water (DW) biofilm communities may allow the identification of new biofilm control strategies. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of metabolite molecules produced by bacteria isolated from DW on biofilm formation. Six opportunistic bacteria, viz. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Burkholderia cepacia, Methylobacterium sp., Mycobacterium mucogenicum, Sphingomonas capsulata and Staphylococcus sp. isolated from a drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) were used to form single and multispecies biofilms in the presence and absence of crude cell-free supernatants produced by the partner bacteria. Biofilms were characterized in terms of mass and metabolic activity. Additionally, several physiological aspects regulating interspecies interactions (sessile growth rates, antimicrobial activity of cell-free supernatants, and production of iron chelators) were studied to identify bacterial species with biocontrol potential in DWDS. Biofilms of Methylobacterium sp. had the highest growth rate and M. mucogenicum biofilms the lowest. Only B. cepacia was able to produce extracellular iron-chelating molecules. A. calcoaceticus, B. cepacia, Methylobacterium sp. and M. mucogenicum biofilms were strongly inhibited by crude cell-free supernatants from the other bacteria. The crude cell-free supernatants of M. mucogenicum and S. capsulata demonstrated a high potential for inhibiting the growth of counterpart biofilms. Multispecies biofilm formation was strongly inhibited in the absence of A. calcoaceticus. Only crude cell-free supernatants produced by B. cepacia and A. calcoaceticus had no inhibitory effects on multispecies biofilm formation, while metabolite molecules of M. mucogenicum showed the most significant biocontrol potential.     

Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of bacterial community structure in the food,intestines, and feces of earthworms

The bacterial communities in the food, intestines, and feces of earthworms were investigated by PCR-denaturing Gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). In this study, PCR-DGGE was optimized by testing 6 universal primer sets for microbial 16S rRNA in 6 pure culture strains of intestinal microbes in earthworms. One primer set effectively amplified 16S rRNA from bacterial populations that were found in the food, intestines, and feces of earthworms. Compared with the reference markers from the pure culture strains, the resulting DGGE profiles contained 28 unique DNA fragments. The dominant microorganisms in the food, intestines, and feces of earthworms included Rhodobacterales bacterium, Fusobacteria, Ferrimonas marina, Aeromonas popoffii, and soil bacteria. Other straisn, such as Acinetobacter, Clostridium, and Veillonella, as well as rumen bacteria and uncultured bacteria also were present. These results demonstrated that PCR-DGGE analysis can be used to elucidate bacterial diversity and identify unculturable microorganisms.     

Bacterial Diversity and Biogeochemical Processes of Oil-Contaminated Groundwater,Baoding, North China

A total of 43 groundwater samples were collected from 9 multimonitoring wells at a petrochemical site, Baoding City, North China, from June 2008 to December 2009 to investigate the biogeochemical processes and/or bacterial conmmunity using both culture-dependent and -independent methods. The results showed that aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons were the major pollutants in the groundwater. Denitrification and iron reduction might be the main biogeochemical processes in the aquifers at this site, which seemed to transform from denitrification-dominated to iron reduction-dominated in some sections. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) revealed that the dominant bacterial groups of the groundwater were related to some oil-degrading bacteria, which can grow under denitrifying, iron-reducing and sulfate-reducing anaerobic conditions. In some serious contaminated groundwater niches, there might be sulfur cycles, as sulfur oxidizer was also abundant, which was further confirmed by 16S rRNA gene cloning analysis. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that highly related to Pseudomonas sp., Hydrogenophaga sp., Sphingomonas sp., Ferribacterium sp. and Sulfuricurvum Kujiense etc. were predominant in the groundwater contaminated by chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), respectively. Biodiversity seemed to be undermined by oil contamination, and varied with seasons. The bacterial community in the contaminated groundwater was largely determined by the groundwater geochemistry.     

Pyrosequencing Analysis of the Bacterial Community in Drinking Water Wells

Wells used for drinking water often have a large biomass and a high bacterial diversity. Current technologies are not always able to reduce the bacterial population, and the threat of pathogen proliferation in drinking water sources is omnipresent. The environmental conditions that shape the microbial communities in drinking water sources have to be elucidated, so that pathogen proliferation can be foreseen. In this work, the bacterial community in nine water wells of a groundwater aquifer in Northern Mexico were characterized and correlated to environmental characteristics that might control them. Although a large variation was observed between the water samples, temperature and iron concentration were the characteristics that affected the bacterial community structure and composition in groundwater wells. Small increases in the concentration of iron in water modified the bacterial communities and promoted the growth of the iron-oxidizing bacteria Acidovorax. The abundance of the genera Flavobacterium and Duganella was correlated positively with temperature and the Acidobacteria Gp4 and Gp1, and the genus Acidovorax with iron concentrations in the well water. Large percentages of Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas bacteria were found, and this is of special concern as bacteria belonging to both genera are often biofilm developers, where pathogens survival increases.     

Microbial fouling community analysis of the cooling water system of a nuclear test reactor with emphasis on sulphate reducing bacteria

Culture and molecular-based techniques were used to characterize bacterial diversity in the cooling water system of a fast breeder test reactor (FBTR). Techniques were selected for special emphasis on sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Water samples from different locations of the FBTR cooling water system, in addition to biofilm scrapings from carbon steel coupons and a control SRB sample were characterized. Whole genome extraction of the water samples and SRB diversity by group specific primers were analysed using nested PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The results of the bacterial assay in the cooling water showed that the total culturable bacteria (TCB) ranged from 10³ to 10⁵ cfu ml^?1; iron-reducing bacteria, 10³ to 10⁵ cfu ml^?1; iron oxidizing bacteria, 10² to 10³ cfu ml^?1 and SRB, 2–29 cfu ml^?1. However, the counts of the various bacterial types in the biofilm sample were 2–3 orders of magnitude higher. SRB diversity by the nested PCR-DGGE approach showed the presence of groups 1, 5 and 6 in the FBTR cooling water system; however, groups 2, 3 and 4 were not detected. The study demonstrated that the PCR protocol influenced the results of the diversity analysis. The paper further discusses the microbiota of the cooling water system and its relevance in biofouling.     

传统豆酱发酵过程中细菌多样性动态

细菌在豆酱发酵过程中起到非常重要的作用,并与豆酱的风味和质量密切相关,因此研究豆酱中细菌的多样性具有重要意义。以自然发酵的豆酱样品为研究对象,采用细菌16S rDNA的部分可变区的PCR-DGGE技术对自然发酵豆酱样品的细菌群落组成和优势菌群进行研究。结果表明,传统豆酱发酵过程细菌群体中既有原始种群的减少和增长,也有次级种群的增多和演变。在整个发酵过程中,初期和末期以不可培养细菌为主,初期细菌群体快速演替,细菌种群多样性指数在发酵42 d和56 d达到两次高峰。     

Electrochemical and microbiological characterization of paper mill biofilms

Biofilm samples collected from inside and outside the press and former sections of paper machines in a Northwestern Ontario paper mill for a period of 2 years were characterized microbiologically and electrochemically. Bacterial community profiling was done using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and selected bacterial isolates were identified using 16S rDNA analysis. The bacterial community showed the presence of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Sphingomonas sp. was found to be the most common bacterial species, which showed the highest production of extracellular polymeric substances. Bacteria isolated from biofilms showed better adhesion properties than those from water samples. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies showed that bacteria isolated from biofilms and feed water collected from inside the machine were more easily oxidized than those from outside, suggesting the need for a more rigorous biofilm abatement strategy for inside paper machines.     

The corrosion behaviour of galvanized steel in cooling tower water containing a biocide and a corrosion inhibitor

The corrosion behaviour of galvanized steel in cooling tower water containing a biocide and a corrosion inhibitor was investigated over a 10-month period in a hotel. Planktonic and sessile numbers of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) and heterotrophic bacteria were monitored. The corrosion rate was determined by the weight loss method. The corrosion products were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. A mineralized, heterogeneous biofilm was observed on the coupons. Although a biocide and a corrosion inhibitor were regularly added to the cooling water, the results showed that microorganisms, such as SRB in the mixed species biofilm, caused corrosion of galvanized steel. It was observed that Zn layers on the test coupons were completely depleted after 3?months. The Fe concentrations in the biofilm showed significant correlations with the weight loss and carbohydrate concentration (respectively, p?<?0.01 and p?<?0.01).     

Adhesion and biofilm formation on polystyrene by drinking water-isolated bacteria

This study was performed in order to characterize the relationship between adhesion and biofilm formation abilities of drinking water-isolated bacteria (Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Burkholderia cepacia, Methylobacterium sp., Mycobacterium mucogenicum, Sphingomonas capsulata and Staphylococcus sp.). Adhesion was assessed by two distinct methods: thermodynamic prediction of adhesion potential by quantifying hydrophobicity and the free energy of adhesion; and by microtiter plate assays. Biofilms were developed in microtiter plates for 24, 48 and 72 h. Polystyrene (PS) was used as adhesion substratum. The tested bacteria had negative surface charge and were hydrophilic. PS had negative surface charge and was hydrophobic. The free energy of adhesion between the bacteria and PS was > 0 mJ/m² (thermodynamic unfavorable adhesion). The thermodynamic approach was inappropriate for modelling adhesion of the tested drinking water bacteria, underestimating adhesion to PS. Only three (B. cepacia, Sph. capsulata and Staphylococcus sp.) of the six bacteria were non-adherent to PS. A. calcoaceticus, Methylobacterium sp. and M. mucogenicum were weakly adherent. This adhesion ability was correlated with the biofilm formation ability when comparing with the results of 24 h aged biofilms. Methylobacterium sp. and M. mucogenicum formed large biofilm amounts, regardless the biofilm age. Given time, all the bacteria formed biofilms; even those non-adherents produced large amounts of matured (72 h aged) biofilms. The overall results indicate that initial adhesion did not predict the ability of the tested drinking water-isolated bacteria to form a mature biofilm, suggesting that other events such as phenotypic and genetic switching during biofilm development and the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), may play a significant role on biofilm formation and differentiation. This understanding of the relationship between adhesion and biofilm formation is important for the development of control strategies efficient in the early stages of biofilm development.     

Influence of pipe materials and VBNC cells on culturable bacteria in a chlorinated drinking water model system

To elucidate the influence of pipe materials on the VBNC (viable but nonculturable) state and bacterial numbers in drinking water, biofilm and effluent from stainless steel, galvanized iron, and polyvinyl chloride pipe wafers were analyzed. Although no HPC (heterotrophic plate count) was detected in the chlorinated influent of the model system, a DVC (direct viable count) still existed in the range between 3- and 4-log cells/ml. Significantly high numbers of HPC and DVC were found both in biofilm and in the effluent of the model system. The pipe material, exposure time, and the season were all relevant to the concentrations of VBNC and HPC bacteria detected. These findings indicate the importance of determining the number of VBNC cells and the type of pipe materials to estimate the HPC concentration in water distribution systems and thus the need of determining a DVC in evaluating disinfection efficiency.     

抗生素对于对虾苗池水体细菌区系的影响

以细菌16S rDNA片段作为分子标记,采用PCR结合DGGE（Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis）的方法构建了细菌区系指纹图谱,研究了对虾苗池使用硫酸链霉素、土霉素和氨苄青霉素3种抗生素后水体细菌区系的变化.结果表明：在120 h试验期内,与对照组相比,苗池水体分别经0.5 mg·L^-1的硫酸链霉素、土霉素和氨苄青霉素处理后,细菌区系均产生了显著变化;对照组水体0～30 h时段的细菌DGGE条带聚为一组,56～120 h取样时的条带聚为一组;而3个处理组水体0～56 h时段的细菌DGGE条带聚为一组,72～120 h聚为一组.对DGGE图谱典型条带进行测序,经BLAST-N比对,表明对虾苗池水体细菌多样性丰富,包括可培养的细菌（主要包括亚硫酸盐杆菌、红假单胞菌、美人鱼发光杆菌、聚球菌、海洋放线菌、黄杆菌、丝状光合细菌、粘细菌、哈氏弧菌）和某些不可培养的其他海洋细菌等.其中,单胞菌、发光杆菌、放线菌、黄杆菌、粘细菌和2种不可培养的其他海洋细菌不受抗生素的影响;而硫细菌、丝状光合细菌和另外8种不可培养的其他海洋细菌则因抗生素种类不同产生了不同的时空变化.     

Advantage Provided by Iron for Escherichia coli Growth and Cultivability in Drinking Water

The presence of iron, used both as a nutrient and as an electron acceptor, was demonstrated to give an advantage to Escherichia coli bacteria in drinking water. Slight additions of ferrous sulfate to water with initial low iron concentrations led to a significant increase in the number of E. coli bacteria. The presence of ferric oxide in water under anaerobic conditions increased bacterial cultivability.     

High-diversity biofilm for the oxidation of sulfide-containing effluents

In the present work, we describe for the first time the utilization of a complex microbial biofilm for the treatment of sulfide-containing effluents. A non-aerated packed-column reactor was inoculated with anoxic lake sediment and exposed to light. A biofilm developed in the column and showed a stable oxidation performance for several weeks. Microbial species composition was analyzed by microscopy, pigment analysis and a bacterial 16S rRNA gene clone library. Colorless sulfur bacteria, green algae and purple sulfur bacteria were observed microscopically. Pigment composition confirmed the presence of algae and purple sulfur bacteria. The clone library was dominated by alpha-Proteobacteria (mostly Rhodobacter group), followed by gamma-Proteobacteria (Chromatiaceae-like and Thiothrix-like aerobic sulfur oxidizers) and the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides group. Plastid signatures from algae were also present and a few clones belonged to both the beta- (Rhodoferax sp., Thiobacillus sp.) and delta-Proteobacteria (Desulfocapsa sp.) and to the low G+C Gram-positive bacteria (Firmicutes group). The coexistence of aerobic, anaerobic, phototrophic and chemotrophic microorganisms in the biofilm, the species richness found within these metabolic groups (42 operational taxonomic units) and the microdiversity observed within some species could be very important for the long-term functioning and versatility of the reactor.     

Influence of temperature and process technology on the occurrence of Aeromonas species and hygienic indicator organisms in drinking water production plants

The occurrence of Aeromonas spp. and hygienic indicator organisms in raw and treated waters of five drinking water production plants in Flanders (Belgium) was surveyed over a period of 17 months. Aeromonads were isolated on ampicillin-dextrin agar (ADA) and further identified by gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of their cellular fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content. ADA medium was found to be highly specific for the enumeration of Aeromonas spp. In general, Aeromonas counts were very low in untreated groundwater but numbered 10⁴–10⁶ colony-forming units per liter in open storage reservoirs for surface water. Aeromonas spp. were seasonally distributed with maximal densities occurring during the summer. The ecology of Aeromonas in the different waters was studied in relation to the physical, chemical, and microbiological water characteristics. Strongly positive correlations were observed between Aeromonas densities and heterotrophic plate counts, whereas a clearly negative relationship was found with dissolved oxygen. On average, 99.7% of the aeromonads were removed by flocculation-decantation followed by breakpoint chlorination, whereas 98.9% were removed by slow sand filtration. Flocculation-decantation without breakpoint chlorination did not reduce the microbial numbers. At three of four drinking water production plants tested, rapid sand filtration decreased the number of aeromonads and hygienic indicator organisms. At one plant, however, the numbers of Aeromonas and hygienic indicator organisms were high in the sand filter effluents. Increased numbers of aeromonads were also counted in the effluent of the activated carbon filters. Hence, inactivation of Aeromonas spp. by the current process technology appears not sufficient to exclude postchlorination. The survival of aeromonads in certain filter systems may be due to the growth of these bacteria on biodegradable organic material, provided by the decomposition from bacteria, algae, or other sources. Correspondence to: W. Verstraete     

Microbially influenced corrosion of galvanized steel pipes in aerobic water systems

Aims: To investigate the role of heterotrophic bacteria in the corrosion of galvanized steel in the presence of water. Methods and Results: Samples were taken from corroding galvanized steel pipes conveying water for specialist applications, and heterotrophic bacteria were isolated and cultured. The majority of bacteria were Gram‐negative aerobes and included Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus pumilus, Afipia spp. and Blastobacter denitrificans/Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Zinc tolerance was assessed through growth and zinc disc diffusion experiments. In general, zinc negatively influenced growth rates. An unidentified yeast also isolated from the system demonstrated a high tolerance to zinc at concentrations up to 4 g l^?1. Coupon experiments were performed to assess corrosion by the bacteria on galvanized steel and steel coupons. The majority of isolates as pure culture biofilms (69%) accelerated corrosion of galvanized coupons, assessed as zinc release, relative to sterile control coupons (P < 0·05). Pure culture biofilms did not increase the corrosion of steel, with four isolates demonstrating protective effects. Conclusions: Pure culture biofilms of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from a corroding galvanized pipe system were found to accelerate the corrosion of galvanized steel coupons. Significance and Impact of the Study: Microbially influenced corrosion is a potential contributor to sporadically occurring failures in galvanized steel systems containing water. Management strategies should consider microbial control as a means for corrosion prevention in these systems.     

利用PCR-DGGE方法分析不同鸡群的盲肠微生物菌群结构变化

研究不同品种、饲养阶段的健康和不良鸡群对盲肠细菌种群结构和多样性的影响。使用基于16S rDNA的PCR-DGGE技术,结合割胶回收DNA进行克隆和测序,分别以4、6、10、16、20、40周龄蛋鸡及1、2、4、6、7、8周龄肉鸡健康、不良鸡群盲肠内容物为样本,研究其中特定细菌类群的16S rDNA序列片段指纹图谱,并进行聚类分析,鉴定特异性和共性种群。在两品种健康鸡群盲肠内容物的细菌群落中,Lactobacillus属菌株的相似性均高于不良鸡群,并且在不同饲养阶段的健康、不良鸡群间指纹图谱平均条带数差异显著(P<0.05);而Bacteroides属菌株在健康鸡群盲肠内容物细菌的相似性与不良鸡群较为相近,健康、不良鸡群间平均条带数差异显著(P<0.05);Clostridium属菌株在蛋鸡20、40周龄的平均条带数差异不显著(P>0.05),但肉鸡各周龄健康、不良鸡群间的平均条带数差异显著(P<0.05)。序列测序结果,在蛋鸡产蛋期健康、不良鸡群样本中均检测到能动乳杆菌(Lactobacillus agilis),而育雏和育成期中均检测到鸟乳杆菌(Lactobacillus aviaries)和不可培养细菌;两品种的健康、不良鸡群样本中均检测到Bacteroides属的生酸拟杆菌(Bacteroides acidifaciens)、不可培养物细菌(Uncultured bacterium);而健康、不良蛋鸡群样本中均检测到Clostridium属不可培养的变形菌(Uncultured proteobacterium),健康肉鸡群中检测到索氏志贺菌(Shigella sonnei),而两品种不良鸡群中均缺乏此类菌种。结果显示,不同品种、饲养阶段的鸡群,其盲肠细菌群落的组成差异显著,并且细菌种群结构对鸡群的生长发育影响较大。     

Bacterial Succession on n-Alkanes under the Conditions of Sulfate Reduction

The dynamics of species composition of a hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteriocenosis of a ground suspension of the Mozhaisk Reservoir has been studied. The bacteriocenosis was undergoing development in a paraffin film (model association composed of sulfate-reducing bacteria and hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria). The type of bacterial succession did not depend on the depth, from which ground samples were collected. Two microbial species (Pseudomonas sp. andArthrobacter globiformis) were absolutely dominant. Pseudomonas sp. was dominant at the early and intermediate stages of the succession, whereas A. globiformis was present in the hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteriocenosis throughout the whole period of the succession. There was a trend toward a gradual increase in the ratio of A. globiformis, and, by the end of the experiment, Pseudomonas sp. was replaced by A. globiformis almost completely. The bacterial species Micrococcus sp. and Rhodococcus erythropolis were minor components of the hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteriocenosis under the conditions of sulfate reduction. The succession of species of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria in the paraffin film of the model association reflects both the life strategy of the bacterial species under study and the degree of their tolerance to products of sulfate reduction.