Dynamics of cathode-associated microbial communities and metabolite profiles in a glycerol-fed bioelectrochemical system.

ABSTRACT: Electrical current can be used to supply reducing power to microbial metabolism. This phenomenon is typically studied in pure cultures with added redox mediators to transfer charge. Here, we investigate the development of a current-fed mixed microbial community fermenting glycerol at the cathode of a bioelectrochemical system in the absence of added mediators and identify correlations between microbial diversity and the respective product outcomes. Within 1 week of inoculation, a Citrobacter population represented 95 to 99% of the community and the metabolite profiles were dominated by 1,3-propanediol and ethanol. Over time, the Citrobacter population decreased in abundance while that of a Pectinatus population and the formation of propionate increased. After 6 weeks, several Clostridium p

SUBMITTER: Dennis PG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3697554 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature