Metagenomics and metatranscriptomics analyses reveal oxygen detoxification and mixotrophic potentials of an enriched anammox culture in a continuous stirred-tank reactor

The metabolisms of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria related to ammonia oxidation with nitrite reduction and autotrophic carbon fixation have been extensively observed. However, little is known about the specific metabolic pathways associated with oxygen detoxification and organic carbon utilization. To this end, we obtained high abundance of anammox species (∼50%) in a lab-scale continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) at room temperature without strict anaerobic condition. The draft genome of the dominant anammox bacteria affiliated to Ca. Brocadia sp. was recovered. Its metabolic pathways and genes expression were reconstructed and examined through metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses. Interestingly, the results suggested that this anammox lineage likely performs oxygen detoxification with genes encoding superoxide dismutase (SOD) and cytochrome c peroxidase (Ccp). Moreover, the Ccp-activated hydrogen peroxide (intermediate of oxygen detoxification) reduction might be energetically beneficial for the observed acetate conversion related to cell synthesis of Ca. Brocadia sp. This study offers a comprehensive understanding on the diverse metabolic activities in anammox species affiliated to Ca. Brocadia sp., and expanded the applicability of anammox process.