Influence of particle size on bacterial community structure in aquatic sediments as revealed by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis

Bacterial communities associated with sediment particles were examined using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Particle size influenced community structure, with attached bacterial assemblages separating into 63- to 125-, 125- to 1,000-, and 1,000- to 2,000-mu m fractions. Differences were particularly pronounced for the Verrucomicrobia-Planctomycetes, whose numbers were significantly reduced on coarser particles.