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Specific layers in aerobically grown microbial granules
Author(s) -
Tay J.H.,
Ivanov V.,
Pan S.,
Tay S.T.L.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2002.01099.x
Subject(s) - granule (geology) , anaerobic exercise , obligate , biofilm , bacteria , anaerobic bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , chemistry , biophysics , botany , physiology , paleontology , genetics
Aims: To determine the optimal size of aerobically grown granules for wastewater treatment by measuring specific layers within the granules. Methods and Results: A variety of biological layers were detected by oligonucleotide probes, specific fluorochromes, and fluorescent microspheres. The channels in the granule matrix penetrated to depths of 900 μm. A layer of obligate anaerobic bacteria was detected at a depth of 800 μm below the granule surface. Dead cells were also observed in the granule interior. Conclusions: Aerobically grown granules contained layers of aerobic and anaerobic micro‐organisms. Significance and Impact of the Study: The optimal diameter of the aerobic granule is less than 1600 μm. This is twice the distance from the granule surface to the anaerobic layer. This approach can be used to optimize the thickness of other microbial aggregates such as flocs, colonies and biofilms.