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Multiple syntrophic interactions in a terephthalate-degrading methanogenic consortium
Athanasios Lykidis1, Chia-Lung Chen, Susannah G Tringe
1Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence National Berkeley Laboratory, Walnut Creek, CA, USA.
The ISME Journal
|August 6, 2010
Summary
Researchers explored the microbial communities in a bioreactor that breaks down terephthalic acid (TA) using anaerobic processes. They discovered complex syntrophic interactions beyond the typical hydrogen-producing partnerships, enhancing bioreactor stability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Anaerobic digestion
Background:
- Terephthalate (TA) is a high-production chemical with wastewater requiring anaerobic treatment.
- The microbial syntrophy involved in TA degradation is poorly understood.
- Hyper-mesophilic bioreactors offer a unique environment for studying these processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the microbial consortium in a hyper-mesophilic bioreactor degrading terephthalate.
- To elucidate the metabolic pathways and syntrophic interactions involved in TA degradation.
- To identify novel microorganisms and their roles in the anaerobic process.
Main Methods:
- Metagenomic analysis of the microbial community within the bioreactor.
- Identification of dominant species and their genetic potential for TA degradation.
- Prediction of metabolic pathways including decarboxylation, dearomatization, and beta-oxidation.
- Analysis of syntrophic relationships between different microbial populations.
Main Results:
- Identified dominant Pelotomaculum species with genes for TA degradation via decarboxylation, dearomatization, and modified beta-oxidation.
- Discovered three novel hyper-mesophilic methanogens converting intermediates to methane.
- Predicted additional syntrophic interactions involving Thermotogae, Syntrophus, OP5, and WWE1 populations.
- OP5 bacteria can produce butyrate, while Thermotogae, Syntrophus, and WWE1 can oxidize it.
Conclusions:
- The TA-degrading consortium involves complex syntrophic interactions beyond the standard hydrogen-producing syntroph-methanogen partnership.
- These intricate interactions likely contribute to the stability and efficiency of the hyper-mesophilic bioreactor.
- The findings provide a deeper understanding of microbial communities in industrial wastewater treatment.
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