Fig. 3: Microbial diversity and succession patterns.

a–c, α-diversity (qTD) based on Hill numbers, as a function of order q. d–f, β-diversity (βDisTDq) between two successive sample points of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities. a, d, q of 0, relative abundance is not considered for the calculation. b, e, q of 1, relative abundance is considered. c, f, q of 2 more weight given to more abundant ASVs. Vertical dashed lines represent the three stages of biomass granulation in the bioreactor: Stage 1 – Flocs; Stage 2 – Intermediate; Stage 3 – Granules. Variance Partitioning Analysis describing the percentage of g, prokaryotic and h, eukaryotic community variation explained by sample data categories (Abiotic – sludge and performance parameters, Biotic – α-diversity of the other group, Stage – granulation stage of the reactor at each sample point). Variation not explained (residuals), shared variation explained by two categories (e.g., Abiotic | Biotic), and shared variation between the three categories (All) are also shown.