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Author Aybar, M.; Perez-Calleja, P.; Li, M.; Pavissich, J.P.; Nerenberg, R.
Title (up) Predation creates unique void layer in membrane-aerated biofilms Type
Year 2019 Publication Water Research Abbreviated Journal Water Res.
Volume 149 Issue Pages 232-242
Keywords MABR; Biofilm; Protozoa; Predation; Voids; Porosity
Abstract The membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) is a novel wastewater treatment technology based on oxygen-supplying membranes. The counter diffusion of oxygen and electron donors in MABRs leads to unique behavior, and we hypothesized it also could impact predation. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT), microsensor analyses, and mathematical modeling to investigate predation in membrane-aerated biofilms (MABs). When protozoa were excluded from the inoculum, the MAB's OCT-observable void fraction was around 5%. When protozoa were included, the void fraction grew to nearly 50%, with large, continuous voids at the base of the biofilm. Real-time OCT imaging showed highly motile protozoa in the voids. MABs with protozoa and a high bulk COD (270 mg/L) only had 4% void fraction. DNA sequencing revealed a high relative abundance of amoeba in both high and low-COD MABs. Flagellates were only abundant in the low-COD MAB. Modeling also suggested a relationship between substrate concentrations, diffusion mode (co- or counter-diffusion), and bioflim void fraction. Results suggest that amoeba proliferate in the bioflim interior, especially in the aerobic zones. Voids form once COD limitation at the base of MABs allows predation rates to exceed microbial growth rates. Once formed, the voids provide a niche for motile protozoa, which expand the voids into a large, continuous gap. This increases the potential for biofilm sloughing, and may have detrimental effects on slow-growing, aerobic microorganisms such as nitrifying bacteria. (C)2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address [Aybar, M.; Perez-Calleja, P.; Li, M.; Pavissich, J. P.; Nerenberg, R.] Univ Notre Dame, Dept Civil & Environm Engn & Earth Sci, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA, Email: maybar@udec.cl;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000458221200023 Approved
Call Number UAI @ eduardo.moreno @ Serial 1166
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