Identification of Plasmid Containing Bacteria in an Activated Sludge Reactor

Samples taken from an activated sludge reactor used for the biodegradation of metal cutting fluids were studied for the presence of plasmid-containing bacteria. Twenty different bacterial isolates contained one or more plasmids. After numerous transfers of the isolates through LB broth, 55% of the plasmids were spontaneously lost as evidenced by agarose gel electrophoresis. Eighty percent of the isolates were resistant to one or more antibiotics, 65% resistant to two or more antibiotics, 40% resistant to three or more, 20% resistant to four or more and 5% resistant to five antibiotics. The isolates were also tested for their sensitivity to several common metals. This study has demonstrated that activated sludge is a natural reservoir for plasmid-containing bacteria involved in biodegradation of wastes.