Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Duckweed diversity decreases heavy metal toxicity by altering the metabolic function of associated microbial
Zhao Zhao1, Huijuan Shi2, Cunqi Liu3
1Biology Postdoctoral Research Station, College of Life Science, Hebei University, 071002 Baoding, Hebei, China.
Abstract:
Mono-cultured and mix-cultured duckweed species were investigated with respect to the function of their associated microbial communities in heavy metal contaminated wastewater. Results show that the carbon source utilization patterns of the L. aequinoctialis- and S. polyrhiza-associated microbial communities were different. The relationships between microbial activity, antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, GSH, and SOD) and growth was positive and significant. The microbial activity of L. aequinoctialis and S. polyrhiza in mixture was higher than in monoculture in low and high heavy metal, respectively, thereby altering the utilization of specific carbon source types and increasing duckweed growth and antioxidant enzyme activity, when compared to the monocultured duckweed. Furthermore, results indicate that duckweed species in mixture are protected from damage through regulation of the associated bacterial communities.
Related Concept Videos
Decreasing Function
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
What are Populations and Communities?
Alkali Metals
Table 1: Properties of the alkali metals
Decreased Body Temperature
Decreased pulse rate
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with...

