Comparison of the molecular diversity of the methanogenic community at the brackish and marine ends of a UK estuary

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The 16S rRNA sequence diversity of the euryarchaeal community in a predominately freshwater sediment at East Hill Bridge (EHB) on the River Colne estuary, Essex, UK was investigated and compared to that from marine sediments at the mouth of the river (Colne Point). The East Hill Bridge sediments appear to support the full range of methanogen phenotypes with some genotypes similar to those previously detected at Colne Point. However, no Marine Benthic Group D or halophilic archaeal genotypes, both abundant in gene libraries at Colne Point, were detected at East Hill Bridge. Clones related to Methanosarcina and Methanocorpusculum were detected only at East Hill Bridge while clones closely related to Methanoculleus and Methanococcoides were detected only at Colne Point. The most common clones in the East Hill Bridge library were closely related to the obligate acetate-utilising Methanosaeta concilii, suggesting they may be important methanogens in these sediments. Clones that group closely with M. concilii appear to be ubiquitous in freshwater sediments and we suggest that they are prime candidates for a globally important acetoclastic methanogenic group. The distribution of clones in the East Hill Bridge and Colne Point libraries implies that certain methanogen groups are generalists, adapted to the range of conditions within an estuarine environment (e.g. Methanogenium) while others are more specialist (e.g. Methanosaeta).