Molecular Based Characterization of the Microbial Ecology and Activity of Anammox Bioreactors

Stable N-removal and successful enrichment of anammox bacteria was achieved over a period of one year in continuous flow granular sludge bioreactor. C. Brocadia was the dominant anammox community in the reactor, likely by virtue of operating conditions including not maintaining excessive control over nitrite concentrations and the possible influx and utilization of volatile fatty acids in the influent centrate. In general, granulation led to a significant improvement in reactor stability and N-removal performance and was paralleled by a significant increase in bacteria related to the Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi phylum. Based on data obtained to date, expression of both hzo and ISR appear to be suitable biomarkers of anammox activity and have potential as predictive tools for anammox monitoring and control. Source: WEFTEC 2009 Proceedings