Direct characterization of methanogens in two high-rate anaerobic biological reactors
High-rate reactors are gaining popularity for anaerobic biological treatment of industrial waste water. The methanogenic flora from two types of turbulent, high-rate reactors was studied by immunologic methods as well as by phase-contrast, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. The reactors were a fluidized sand-bed biofilm ANITRON reactor and an ultrafiltration membrane-associated suspended growth MARS reactor. Conventional microscopic methods revealed complex mixtures of microbes of a range of sizes and shapes, among which morphotypes resembling Methanothrix spp. and Methanosarcina spp. were noticed. Precise identification of these and other methanogens was accomplished by antigenic fingerprinting with a comprehensive panel of calibrated antibody probes of predefined specificity spectra. The methanogens identified showed morphotypes and antigenic fingerprints indicating their close similarity with the following reference organisms: methanobacterium formicicum MF and Methanosarcina barkeri W in the ANITRON reactor only; Methanosarcina barkeri R1M3, M. mazei S6, Methanogenium cariaci JR1, and Methanobrevibacter arboriphilus AZ in the MARS reactor only; and Methanobrevibacter smithii ALI and Methanothrix soehngenii Opfikon in both reactors. Species diversity and distribution appeared to be, at least in part, dependent on the degree of turbulence inside the reactor.
- Research Organization:
- BP America, Cleveland, OH (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-84ER13197
- OSTI ID:
- 7027613
- Journal Information:
- Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Vol. 54:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
METHANOGENIC BACTERIA
IMMUNOASSAY
MICROSCOPY
BIOREACTORS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SPECIES DIVERSITY
WASTE WATER
BACTERIA
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LIQUID WASTES
MICROORGANISMS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
WASTES
WATER
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)