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The surface growth and activity ofNitrobacter.

G A Keen1, J I Prosser

  • 1Department of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Aberdeen, Marischal College, AB9 1AS, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Surface attachment influences Nitrobacter activity. While batch cultures showed stimulated growth, continuous cultures revealed reduced activity in attached cells, with nitrate productivity estimating biomass concentration.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Nitrobacter bacteria are crucial for nitrification, converting nitrite to nitrate in aquatic ecosystems.
  • Understanding microbial attachment and activity on surfaces is vital for optimizing bioreactor performance.
  • Previous studies have explored Nitrobacter growth, but the specific impact of surface attachment on its activity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of surface attachment on the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by Nitrobacter.
  • To compare the growth and activity of attached versus freely suspended Nitrobacter cells in different culture systems.
  • To evaluate the suitability of various substrata and bioreactor configurations for studying attached microbial growth.

Main Methods:

  • Experiments were conducted using batch cultures on glass coverslips and continuous cultures in an air-lift column fermenter with glass beads and anion exchange resin beads.
  • Specific growth rates, nitrate productivity, and free/attached cell concentrations were monitored.
  • The role of slime material in permanent attachment was examined.

Main Results:

  • Surface attachment stimulated specific growth rates in batch cultures.
  • In continuous culture, attached Nitrobacter cells exhibited lower activity compared to freely suspended cells.
  • Nitrate productivity, free cell productivity, and attached cell concentration increased exponentially at a colonization rate, with nitrate productivity serving as a biomass estimate.
  • Permanent attachment was mediated by slime production.
  • Surface growth led to multiple steady states and enhanced responsiveness to dilution rate changes.

Conclusions:

  • Surface attachment significantly impacts Nitrobacter's nitrite oxidation activity, with varying effects depending on the culture system.
  • Nitrate productivity can be reliably used to estimate biomass concentration in attached Nitrobacter cultures.
  • The air-lift column fermenter, particularly with ion exchange resins, is an effective system for studying attached microbial growth and activity.
  • Slime production is key for stable biofilm formation in Nitrobacter cultures.