Microbial characterization of anode-respiring bacteria within biofilms developed from cultures previously enriched in dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria

Mélanie Pierra, Alessandro A. Carmona-Martínez, Eric Trably, Jean-Jacques Godon, Nicolas Bernet

Abstract

This work evaluated the use of a culture enriched in DMRB as a strategy to enrich ARB on anodes. DMRB were enriched with Fe(III) as final electron acceptor and then transferred to a potentiostatically-controlled system with an anode as sole final electron acceptor. Three successive iron-enrichment cultures were carried out. The first step of enrichment revealed a successful selection of the high current-producing ARB Geoalkalibacter subterraneus. After few successive enrichment steps, the microbial community analysis in electroactive biofilms showed a significant divergence with an impact on the biofilm electroactivity. Enrichment of ARB in electroactive biofilms through the pre-selection of DMRB should therefore be carefully considered.

Graphical abstract

Keywords: Microbial bioelectrochemical systems; Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria; Anode respiring bacteria; Geoalkalibacter subterraneus.