Denitrifying bacteria respond to and shape microscale gradients within particulate matrices.

ABSTRACT: Heterotrophic denitrification enables facultative anaerobes to continue growing even when limited by oxygen (O₂) availability. Particles in particular provide physical matrices characterized by reduced O₂ permeability even in well-oxygenated bulk conditions, creating microenvironments where microbial denitrifiers may proliferate. Whereas numerical particle models generally describe denitrification as a function of radius, here we provide evidence for heterogeneity of intraparticle denitrification activity due to local interactions within and among microcolonies. Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells and microcolonies act to metabolically shade each other, fostering anaerobic processes just microns from O₂-saturated bulk water. Even within well-oxygenated fluid, subo

SUBMITTER: Smriga S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8119678 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature