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C66 - Growth Responses of Nitrosomonas Eutropha to Elevated Ammonia Concentrations
Ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) play a critical role in the global nitrogen cycle through the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite.
C66 - Growth Responses of Nitrosomonas Eutropha to Elevated Ammonia Concentrations
Mentor: Annette Bollmann, Ph.D.
Ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) play a critical role in the global nitrogen cycle through the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite. This process is essential in both natural ecosystems and engineered systems such as wastewater treatment plants, where AOB contribute to the removal of human-derived ammonium.
AOB frequently experience environmental stress, including both elevated and limited ammonia availability. High ammonia concentrations can inhibit growth and disrupt cellular metabolism.
Ammonia oxidation in AOB is catalyzed by ammonia monooxygenase (AMO), a membrane-associated enzyme complex encoded by the amoCAB operon. Preliminary research has shown the single copy amoC gene of Nitrosomonas eutropha to be involved in stress response.
Understanding how AOB tolerate high ammonia stress and recover following exposure is crucial for predicting the stability of nitrifying populations under fluctuating environmental conditions. Improved understanding of AOB stress tolerance mechanisms may help predict nitrifier responses to increasing nitrogen inputs and inform strategies to improve the stability of engineered nitrification systems.