Disruption-induced changes in syntrophic propionate and acetate oxidation: flocculation, cell proximity, and microbial activity

This study highlights that stirring critically disrupts the initial syntrophic connection between SPOB and methanogens, whereas SAOB communities exhibit greater tolerance to shear stress and disruptive conditions that inhibits aggregate formation. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully managing mixing regimes, especially when attempting to reactivate ammonia-tolerant syntrophic propionate degraders in biogas systems experiencing rapid propionate accumulation under high-ammonia conditions.