Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
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DNA Stable-Isotope Probing DNA-SIP
Published on: August 2, 2010
45.2K
Quantitative DNA Stable Isotope Probing Identifies Active Microorganisms Assimilating Volatile Fatty Acids in
Pranav Sampara1, Andy Tomatsu2, Rex R Malmstrom2
1Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
Environmental Science & Technology
|February 11, 2026
Summary
This study reveals that different enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems utilize volatile fatty acids (VFAs) differently, impacting microbial communities and phosphorus cycling. Understanding these microbial interactions is key to optimizing wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Wastewater treatment
- Biogeochemical cycling
Background:
- Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems often require external carbon sources like volatile fatty acids (VFAs) to improve phosphorus removal efficiency.
- Understanding the microbial dynamics and nutrient cycling within these systems is crucial for optimizing their performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acetate and propionate (VFAs) on phosphorus cycling and microbial activity in EBPR systems.
- To identify specific microbial groups involved in VFA uptake and phosphorus cycling using DNA quantitative stable isotope probing (qSIP).
Main Methods:
- Employed DNA quantitative stable isotope probing (qSIP) with acetate and propionate in cyclic anaerobic/aerobic incubations.
- Utilized biomass from two full-scale EBPR water resource-recovery facilities.
- Combined qSIP with metagenomics to link microbial activity to specific taxa and phages.
Main Results:
- Observed distinct anaerobic VFA uptake preferences among phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs), such as *Candidatus* Accumulibacter and *Tetrasphaera*-affiliated members, between the two biomass sources.
- Identified isotopically labeled phages associated with active PAOs, suggesting their role in modulating EBPR community dynamics.
- Found highest anaerobic acetate labeling in *Saccharimonadales* and *Rickettsiales*, indicating potential cross-feeding interactions and the involvement of uncharacterized organisms in carbon cycling.
Conclusions:
- VFA uptake and phosphorus cycling in EBPR systems are influenced by specific microbial community compositions and interactions.
- Phages and uncharacterized bacteria play significant roles in the ecological dynamics of VFA-driven EBPR.
- These findings enhance the understanding of microbial ecology in EBPR, crucial for optimizing wastewater treatment processes.
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