Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1038/s41396-023-01394-0
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) High resolution functional analysis and community structure of photogranules
Author Trebuch, L.M.; Bourceau, O.M.; Vaessen, S.M.F.; Neu, T.R.; Janssen, M.; de Beer, D.; Vet, L.E.M.; Wijffels, R.H.; Fernandes, T.V.
Source Titel ISME Journal
Year 2023
Department FLOEK
Volume 17
Issue 6
Page From 870
Page To 879
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Supplements https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1038%2Fs41396-023-01394-0/MediaObjects/41396_2023_1394_MOESM1_ESM.pdf
Abstract Photogranules are spherical aggregates formed of complex phototrophic ecosystems with potential for “aeration-free” wastewater treatment. Photogranules from a sequencing batch reactor were investigated by fluorescence microscopy, 16S/18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, microsensors, and stable- and radioisotope incubations to determine the granules’ composition, nutrient distribution, and light, carbon, and nitrogen budgets. The photogranules were biologically and chemically stratified, with filamentous cyanobacteria arranged in discrete layers and forming a scaffold to which other organisms were attached. Oxygen, nitrate, and light gradients were also detectable. Photosynthetic activity and nitrification were both predominantly restricted to the outer 500 µm, but while photosynthesis was relatively insensitive to the oxygen and nutrient (ammonium, phosphate, acetate) concentrations tested, nitrification was highly sensitive. Oxygen was cycled internally, with oxygen produced through photosynthesis rapidly consumed by aerobic respiration and nitrification. Oxygen production and consumption were well balanced. Similarly, nitrogen was cycled through paired nitrification and denitrification, and carbon was exchanged through photosynthesis and respiration. Our findings highlight that photogranules are complete, complex ecosystems with multiple linked nutrient cycles and will aid engineering decisions in photogranular wastewater treatment.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=22732
Trebuch, L.M., Bourceau, O.M., Vaessen, S.M.F., Neu, T.R., Janssen, M., de Beer, D., Vet, L.E.M., Wijffels, R.H., Fernandes, T.V. (2023):
High resolution functional analysis and community structure of photogranules
ISME J. 17 (6), 870 - 879 10.1038/s41396-023-01394-0