In this study, the construction a model distribution system suitable for studies of attached and suspended microbial activity in drinking water under controlled circumstances is outlined. The model system consisted of two loops connected in series with a total of 140 biofilm sampling points. The biofilm from the system was studied using 11 different microbial methods and the results were compar...

The integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) system is a variation of the activated sludge wastewater treatment process, in which hybrid suspended and attached biomass is used to treat wastewater. Although the function and performance of the IFAS system are well studied, little is known about its microbial community structure. In this study, the composition and diversity of the bacterial c...

Microbes are the engines driving biogeochemical cycles. Microbial extracellular enzymatic activities (EEAs) are the "gatekeepers" of the carbon cycle. The total EEA is the sum of cell-bound (i.e., cell-attached), and dissolved (i.e., cell-free) enzyme activities. Cell-free enzymes make up a substantial proportion (up to 100%) of the total marine EEA. Although we are learning more about how micr...

Nematode-suppressive soils are characterized by the ability of soil microbial communities to reduce populations plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) either directly or inducing systemic resistance in plants. Various microorganisms have been recognized as antagonists PPN suppressive using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. However, associations that form with nematode-conducive poorly...

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) degrade water quality through the release of microbial contaminants in CSO effluent. Improved understanding of the partitioning of microbial contaminants onto settleable particles can provide insight into their fate in end-of-pipe treatment systems or following release during CSO events. Sampling was performed across the hydrograph for three storm events as well ...

A mesophilic (37 C) and a thermophilic (55 C) two-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) were studied and compared for their power production from xylose and the microbial communities involved. The anodeattached, membrane-attached, and planktonic microbial communities, and their respective active subpopulations, were determined by next generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq), based on the presence an...

Bacteria can live either as free planktonic cells in bulk solution, or as sessile cells attached to a surface. In addition to their attachment status, sessile bacteria are part of sessile communities termed biofilms. A biofilm can be defined as a microbial community attached to a solid surface composed of cells organized as microcolonies embedded in an organic polymer matrix of microbial origin...

Microbes tend to attach to available surfaces and readily form biofilms, which is problematic in healthcare settings. Biofilms are traditionally associated with wet or damp surfaces such as indwelling medical devices and tubing on medical equipment. However, microbes can survive for extended periods in a desiccated state on dry hospital surfaces, and biofilms have recently been discovered on dr...