Metagenomes reveal microbial structures, functional potentials, and biofouling-related genes in a membrane bioreactor
Abstract
Metagenomic sequencing was used to investigate the microbial structures, functional potentials, and biofouling-related genes in a membrane bioreactor (MBR). The results showed that the microbial community in the MBR was highly diverse. Notably, function analysis of the dominant genera indicated that common genes from different phylotypes were identified for important functional potentials with the observation of variation of abundances of genes in a certain taxon (e.g., Dechloromonas). Despite maintaining similar metabolic functional potentials with a parallel full-scale conventional activated sludge (CAS) system due to treating the identical wastewater, the MBR had more abundant nitrification-related bacteria and coding genes of ammonia monooxygenase, which could well explain its excellent ammonia removal in the low-temperature period. Furthermore, according to quantification of the genes involved in exopolysaccharide and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) protein metabolism, the MBR did not show a much different potential in producing EPS compared to the CAS system, and bacteria from the membrane biofilm had lower abundances of genes associated with EPS biosynthesis and transport compared to the activated sludge in the MBR.
References
A metagenome of a full-scale microbial community carrying out enhanced biological phosphorus removal
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Bioreactors (ASM)
Bioreactors are important devices or systems that utilize living cells or enzymes for a chemical process. These devices carefully control and monitor the environment factors such as pH, nutrients level, and temperature, which can affect the yield in a given process. Discover the latest research here.
Biofilm & Infectious Disease
Biofilm formation is a key virulence factor for a wide range of microorganisms that cause chronic infections.Here is the latest research on biofilm and infectious diseases.