Influence of filter age on Fe, Mn and NH removal in dual media rapid sand filters used for drinking water production.

Rapid sand filtration is a common method for removal of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and ammonium (NH) from anoxic groundwaters used for drinking water production. In this study, we combine geochemical and microbiological data to assess how filter age influences Fe, Mn and NH removal in dual media filters, consisting of anthracite overlying quartz sand, that have been in operation for between ∼2 months and ∼11 years. We show that the depth where dissolved Fe and Mn removal occurs is reflected in the filter medium coatings, with ferrihydrite forming in the anthracite in the top of the filters (< 1 m), while birnessite-type Mn oxides are mostly formed in the sand (> 1 m).

Blastopirellula retiformator sp. nov. isolated from the shallow-sea hydrothermal vent system close to Panarea Island.

Aquatic bacteria belonging to the deep-branching phylum Planctomycetes play a major role in global carbon and nitrogen cycles. However, their uncommon morphology and physiology, and their roles and survival on biotic surfaces in marine environments, are only partially understood. Access to axenic cultures of different planctomycetal genera is key to study their complex lifestyles, uncommon cell biology and primary and secondary metabolism in more detail.

Alienimonas californiensis gen. nov. sp. nov., a novel Planctomycete isolated from the kelp forest in Monterey Bay.

Planctomycetes are environmentally and biotechnologically important bacteria and are often found in association with nutrient-rich (marine) surfaces. To allow a more comprehensive understanding of planctomycetal lifestyle and physiology we aimed at expanding the collection of axenic cultures with new isolates. Here, we describe the isolation and genomic and physiological characterisation of strain CA12 obtained from giant bladder kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) in Monterey Bay, California, USA.