A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities

Overview

This article presents a novel high density bioreactor (HDBR) designed for cultivating high density microbial communities. The HDBR is utilized in a photobioreactor configuration to study nitrogen metabolism in a mixed algal community.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Microbial ecology
• Biotechnology
• Wastewater treatment

Background

• The HDBR allows for the cultivation of dense algal biomass.
• This method eliminates the need for external separation techniques.
• It has previously shown success in growing heterotrophic bacteria from wastewater.
• The system is effective in treating nitrogenous contaminants like ammonia.

Purpose of Study

• To demonstrate the cultivation of a mixed photosynthetic community.
• To explore the design and operation of algal bioreactors.
• To investigate the remediation of waste streams using algal biomass.

Methods Used

• Placement of the reactor on a mixing plate.
• Addition of a stir bar to facilitate mixing.
• Application of the HDBR in a photobioreactor setup.
• Monitoring nitrogen metabolism in algal communities.

Main Results

• The HDBR successfully cultivated high density algal communities.
• Effective treatment of nitrogenous wastewater was demonstrated.
• The system showed potential for large-scale algal biomass production.
• Key operational parameters for algal bioreactors were identified.

Conclusions

• The HDBR is a promising tool for wastewater treatment.
• It facilitates the growth of mixed algal communities without external separation.
• This approach can enhance the efficiency of algal biomass cultivation.

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