Size matters: Anaerobic granules exhibit distinct ecological and physico-chemical gradients across biofilm size.

ABSTRACT: Anaerobic biological decomposition of organic matter is ubiquitous in Nature wherever anaerobic environments prevail, and is catalysed by hydrolytic, fermentative, acetogenic, methanogenic, and various other groups. It is also harnessed in innovative ways in engineered systems that may rely on small (0.1-4.0 mm), spherical, anaerobic granules. These biofilms are crucial to the operational success of a range of widely applied engineered-ecosystems designed for wastewater treatment. The structure and function of granule microbiomes underpin their utility. Here, granules were separated into ten size fractions (proxies for age), hypothesizing that small granules are 'young' and larger ones are 'old'. Gradients were observed across size in terms of volatile solids, density, settleability, biofi

SUBMITTER: Trego A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12003022 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature