Abstract

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. The fractionated biofilm revealed a surprising spatial distribution of bacteria and genes, where potential polyphosphate accumulating organisms account for ∼ 47% of the inner layer microbiome. A spatial distribution of genes involved in dissimilatory nitrogen reduction was observed, indicating that different layers of the biofilm were metabolically active during the anoxic and aerobic zones of the phosphorus removal process. The physical biofilm separation into individual fractions unveiled functional layers of the biofilm, which will be important for future understanding of the phosphorus removal wastewater process.

摘要

微生物的空间分布是理解生物膜功能的关键问题。当前工作的目的是开发一种生物膜分级分离方法，促进使用宏基因组方法分析单个空间生物膜层。对应用于强化生物除磷废水处理厂的聚磷生物膜进行分级和分析。分离的生物膜揭示了细菌和基因的惊人空间分布，其中潜在的多磷酸盐积累生物占内层微生物组的 47%。观察到参与异化氮还原的基因的空间分布，表明生物膜的不同层在除磷过程的缺氧区和好氧区具有代谢活性。