The intertrophic relationship between algae and bacteria from the activated microalgae granules

Abstract

Activated microalgae granules, as a technology at its initial steps, require sustained efforts for a better understanding of the intertrophic relationship between algae and bacteria. The activated algae granules samples from extensive lab-scale sequencing batch reactor experiments were selected for a total DNA extraction and analysis. A relative quantitative analysis of bacterial genes involved in nitrification, denitrification, phosphorus accumulation as well as genes belonging to microalgae was performed by realtime PCR / qPCR. Microscopic investigations of activated microalgae granule showed a gradual decrease of microalgae concentration, together with an increase in bacterial populations inside the granule.