Biofilm formation inhibition and dispersal of multi-species communities containing ammonia-oxidising bacteria.

ABSTRACT: Despite considerable research, the biofilm-forming capabilities of Nitrosomonas europaea are poorly understood for both mono and mixed-species communities. This study combined biofilm assays and molecular techniques to demonstrate that N. europaea makes very little biofilm on its own, and relies on the activity of associated heterotrophic bacteria to establish a biofilm. However, N. europaea has a vital role in the proliferation of mixed-species communities under carbon-limited conditions, such as in drinking water distribution systems, through the provision of organic carbon via ammonia oxidation. Results show that the addition of nitrification inhibitors to mixed-species nitrifying cultures under carbon-limited conditions disrupted biofilm formation and caused the dispersal of pre-formed

SUBMITTER: Keshvardoust P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6711990 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature