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Fighting foam with phages?

J A Thomas1, J A Soddell, D I Kurtböke

  • 1Biotechnology Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
|September 10, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Seventeen novel phages targeting mycolata were isolated from activated sludge. These phages, belonging to the Siphoviridae family, show diverse host ranges and potential applications in microbial control.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Mycolata, including genera like Gordonia and Rhodococcus, are prevalent in activated sludge.
  • Foaming in activated sludge can be a significant operational problem.
  • Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and can be used for microbial control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize novel phages infective for mycolata from activated sludge.
  • To assess the host range and diversity of isolated phages.
  • To discuss the potential applications of these phages in managing activated sludge processes.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of phages from activated sludge using prospective mycolata hosts.
  • Morphological characterization of isolated phages.
  • Host-range studies using a panel of mycolata strains.

Main Results:

  • Seventeen phages infective for mycolata were isolated.
  • All isolated phages belonged to the Siphoviridae family, with variations in head and tail morphology.
  • Host-range studies revealed unique and often polyvalent host ranges for each phage, with many infecting multiple genera.

Conclusions:

  • Novel mycolata-infective phages were successfully isolated from activated sludge.
  • The isolated phages exhibit significant diversity in their host specificities.
  • These phages hold promise for applications in controlling mycolata populations and mitigating issues like foaming in wastewater treatment.

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