Kinetics of Acetate Oxidation by Two Sulfate Reducers Isolated from Anaerobic Granular Sludge

Abstract

Kinetic parameters of acetate oxidation were determined for the sulfate reducers Desulforhabdus amnigenus and Desulfobacca acetoxidans. Based on these parameters, both sulfate reducers seem to be able to outcompete Methanosaeta spp. for acetate in acetate-fed anaerobic bioreactors. Mixed-substrate studies showed that D. amnigenus degraded acetate and hydrogen simultaneously but preferred lactate, propionate, and ethanol over acetate.