Spatiotemporal succession of phosphorous accumulating biofilms during the first year of establishment.

Many wastewater treatment plants are dependent on the utilization of microorganisms in biofilms. Our knowledge about the establishment of these biofilms is limited, particular with respect to biofilms involved in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). These biofilms rely on polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), requiring alternating oxic and anaerobic conditions for phosphorous uptake.

Spatial fractionation of phosphorus accumulating biofilm: stratification of polyphosphate accumulation and dissimilatory nitrogen metabolism.

The spatial distribution of microorganisms represents a critical issue in understanding biofilm function. The aim of the current work was to develop a method for biofilm fractionation, facilitating the analysis of individual spatial biofilm layers using metagenomic approaches. Phosphorus accumulating biofilm applied in an enhanced biological phosphorus removal wastewater treatment plant, were fractionated, and analyzed.