Light and electron microscopic examinations of methane-producing biofilms from anaerobic fixed-bed reactors. [Methanothrix spp. ; Methanosarcina spp]
Ultrastructural examinations were performed on biofilms from eight anaerobic fixed-bed reactors filled with various packing materials and operated on fresh swine waste. By using light, UV, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, the distribution of a diverse microbial population composed of bacteria and a few yeasts was determined. This is the first time that the ultrastructure of in situ anaerobic digestor biofilms has been reported. A large number of methanogenic bacteria were identified by their fluorescence under 420 nm of radiation. Of these, two morphologically distinct types were most prevalent in the films. Methanothrix spp. was present in high numbers at the film surface, whereas Methanosarcina spp. were commonly embedded in the lower regions of the of the film. Inhabitants of the film were surrounded by an exopolysaccharide matrix that was very dense toward the base. An extensive network of channels was observed throughout the matrix that may facilitate gas and nutrient exchange to the lower regions of the film.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Florida, Gainesville
- OSTI ID:
- 6147589
- Journal Information:
- Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Vol. 48:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BIOREACTORS
SAMPLING
METHANOGENIC BACTERIA
MORPHOLOGY
FLUORESCENCE
OPTICAL MICROSCOPY
PACKED BED
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
BACTERIA
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
LUMINESCENCE
MICROORGANISMS
MICROSCOPY
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