Kinetic and metabolic aspects of Defluviicoccus vanus-related organisms as competitors in EBPR systems

A reactor was successfully enriched (90% as shown by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization) in Defluviicoccus vanus-related organisms presenting a Glycogen Accumulating Organisms (GAO) phenotype. Initial batch tests were performed using anaerobic/aerobic conditions to assess the capacity of different carbon sources utilization frequently abundant in wastewater: acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate and glucose. Acetate and propionate were totally consumed in the anaerobic phase as well as butyrate and valerate, though these last ones with a very low consumption rate. All substrates were converted to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Glucose had a very slight anaerobic consumption but failed to disclose a typical GAO phenotype. In aerobic conditions, again all carbon sources were readily consumed except for glucose, with acetate and propionate having the higher consumption rates. Therefore, glucose seems not be used by this type of organisms. Acetate and propionate consumption rates indicated that these GAOs could reveal good competition advantages in EBPR systems where these carbon sources are available, especially propionate. Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) uptake in aerobic phase and consequential PHA production indicate these organisms as possible candidates for PHA production.