DNA-SIP 16S rRNA gene sequencing of a methanogenic naphthalene-degrading enrichment culture

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as naphthalene are widespread, recalcitrant pollutants in anoxic and methanogenic environments. A mechanism catalyzing PAH activation under methanogenic conditions has yet to be discovered, and the microbial communities coordinating their metabolism are largely unknown, due in part to the difficulty of cultivating PAH degraders. Here, applied 13C-naphthalene DNA-based stable isotope probing to pinpoint chief PAH degraders in a methanogenic naphthalene-degrading enrichment culture over 3 months of incubation. 12C-naphthalene and unamended control data is also provided.