Genome based analysis of a novel Chloroflexi in full-scale anaerobic digesters treating waste activated sludge

Key to optimised design and operation of full-scale anaerobic digesters is an understanding of the organisms responsible. As one of the most abundant phyla in these systems, the Chloroflexi likely make a substantial contribute to system function. Here we apply state-of-the-art molecular methods to characterise the distribution and function of a novel genus within the family Anaerolineaceae – revealing it to be a filamentous organism with a fermentative metabolism restricted to mesophilic systems