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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
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Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
[EPS, SMP and microbial biodiversity under the oligotrophic environment]
Xing Huang1, Bao-Sheng Sun, Jing-Mei Sun
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China. xingxing_1121@163.com
Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue
|June 30, 2009
Summary
Microorganisms in nutrient-poor environments utilize extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and soluble microbial products (SMP), buffering environmental changes and supporting microbial biodiversity in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). This utilization by bacteria aids in MBR operation and reduces membrane fouling.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs)
Context:
- Investigating sludge characteristics in nutrient-limited membrane bioreactors (MBRs) is crucial for optimizing operations and mitigating membrane fouling.
- The oligotrophic environment presents unique challenges for microbial communities and their associated biomolecules.
- Understanding the interplay between extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), soluble microbial products (SMP), and microbial biodiversity is key.
Purpose:
- To analyze the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), soluble microbial product (SMP), and microbial biodiversity in nutrient-deficient MBR sludge.
- To provide data for optimizing MBR operations and reducing membrane fouling.
- To elucidate the role of EPS and SMP in microbial community dynamics under oligotrophic conditions.
Summary:
- Experiments in an oligotrophic MBR showed initial increases in EPS and SMP, followed by a decrease in EPS and stable SMP levels, indicating a buffering effect.
- Microorganisms utilized EPS and SMP, leading to an initial rise in microbial Shannon index, suggesting enhanced biodiversity.
- Microbial analysis revealed a rich community, with dominant uncultured bacteria (e.g., Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes) capable of degrading EPS and SMP via enzyme secretion.
Impact:
- Findings demonstrate the buffering capacity of EPS and SMP in oligotrophic MBRs and highlight microbial adaptation strategies.
- Identified bacterial groups possess enzymatic machinery to degrade EPS and SMP, offering potential for bio-augmentation in MBRs.
- This research provides evidence for optimizing MBR operation under nutrient-limited conditions and managing membrane fouling.
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