Accumulibacter

Accumulibacter is a genus of bacteria belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria. These microbes are notable for their role in phosphorus removal from wastewater, a process critical for preventing eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. Accumulibacter are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive in the presence or absence of oxygen, and are commonly found in activated sludge systems. Their ability to accumulate large quantities of polyphosphate within their cells allows them to mediate biological phosphorus removal. Under alternating anaerobic and aerobic conditions, Accumulibacter take up organic acids anaerobically, store them as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and then release phosphate. In the subsequent aerobic phase, they re-accumulate phosphate from the environment to replenish their reserves, effectively removing it from the wastewater. This metabolic cycle makes them essential components of many biological nutrient removal plants. The genus currently contains several described species, with research ongoing to further understand their diversity and ecological significance.