Abstract
Propionate is a key intermediate in the conversion of complex organic matter under methanogenic conditions. Oxidation of propionate to acetate is energetically unfavorable under standard conditions. Therefore, micro organisms are only able to gain energy from this conversion if the concentrations of the products, and H2 or formate in particular, are kept low by methanogens. This implies that obligate syntrophic consortia are required for propionate oxidation. Because of their poor energetics and their role in methanogenic conversions, syntrophic propionate oxidizing bacteria have gained quite some attention in the past. The authors present an overview of what is currently know about these organisms and pay special attention to the role of H2 and formate in interspecies electron transfer during syntrophic propionate oxidation
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Granulation and auto-immobilisation processes in wastewater treatment : Farewell seminar Dr. Ir. Look Hulshoff Pol October 11, 2002, Wageningen, the Netherlands |
| Editors | J.B. van Lier, M. Lexmond, H. Vos |
| Pages | 47-59 |
| Publication status | Published - 2002 |
Keywords
- waste water treatment
- anaerobic treatment
- sludges
- immobilization
- microbial degradation
- methane
- oxidation
- electron transfer
- formates
- propionates