The nutritional pattern of filamentous bacteria isolated from bulking sludge

The nutritional pattern of five groups of filamentous bacteria isolated from bulking sludge is described. Four groups, two with gliding motility, comprised Gram-negative, rod-shaped, sheathed bacteria. The Gram-positive, coccoid bacteria of group V formed sheathless filaments. The metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids and proteins in groups I-V has been examined. Group I isolates degraded polymeric substrates, while the others, especially group IV, preferred monomeric carbon sources.