Figure 3
MC analysis and predictive modelling in wastewater treatment and nutrient recycling facilities (WWTP). (a) Carbon and nutrients are eliminated from wastewater by (micro-)biological activities before discharging the cleaned water. WWTP processes are optimised through controlling MC conditions (for example, anaerobic, aerobic) and partial recycling of the MC biomass. (b) Overall system behaviour and MC biomass are predicted using growth kinetic and dynamic models. (c) Functional metabolic models are derived from pure culture physiology or metagenomic data. (d) Although the WWTP system is largely engineered, the MCs form mostly spontaneous, consisting of ‘core’ assemblages and ‘passenger’ groups as a function of constant wastewater input, after (Saunders et al., 2016). (e) The assemblage process depends on taxonomic relatedness and ecological interactions, and can lead to a drift of MCs over time. (f) MCs in WWTP occur mostly in flocs and or biofilms (picture courtesy of J van der Meer, University of Lausanne) that display immense microdiversity. Both, interactions and spatial organisation are factors that generate niches, gradients and foster co-existence.
