Pyrosequencing of biofilm 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) supported on various materials with a wastewater inoculum.. Investigation of Complex Aerobic Biofilms Developed on Different Support Media for Municipal Wastewater Treatment by Next Generation Sequencing

The aim of this study was to provide new knowledge of bacterial community structure and composition found on various types of synthetic and natural support media used in the previous study. This was achieved by applying PCR based 454 pyrosequencing to biofilm samples obtained from the media surfaces from laboratory scale, temperature-controlled experimental facility of the aerobic reactors. Then analyzed the sequences using bioinformatics tools. In particular we sought new understanding of the influence of different temperature conditions and media types on the biofilm composition responsible for wastewater treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first application of pyrosequencing to characterize and compare biofilm samples on different types of media. Such information is important for the best operation and management of the FBRs in the future. It will prove very helpful in the selection of proper media having tendency of carrying diverse biofilm for respective wastewater treatment in the areas with extreme temperature conditions.