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Heribert Insam

University of Innsbruck, Microbiology, Director

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PhD Univ Innsbruck 1985;
PostDoc in Braunschweig and Calgary 1986 - 1990;
Research Assistant Univ. Innsbruck 1990-1993;
Associate Professor 1993-201;
Full Professor and Head of Dept. of Microbiology since 2011;

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Maria Teresa Ceccherini

Daniela Bertoldi

Fondazione Edmund Mach

Svetlana Zaitseva

Revista Ambiente & Água

Judith Ascher-Jenull

Yorgos Kotseridis

Agricultural University of Athens

Alexander Smolenkov

Claudia Etchebehere

Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable

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Papers by Heribert Insam

The Molecular Information About Deadwood Bacteriomes Partly Depends on the Targeted Environmental DNA

Frontiers in Microbiology

Microbiome studies mostly rely on total DNA extracts obtained directly from environmental samples... more Microbiome studies mostly rely on total DNA extracts obtained directly from environmental samples. The total DNA consists of both intra- and extracellular DNA, which differ in terms of their ecological interpretation. In the present study, we have investigated for the first time the differences among the three DNA types using microbiome sequencing ofPicea abiesdeadwood logs (Hunter decay classes I, III, and V). While the bacterial compositions of all DNA types were comparable in terms of more abundant organisms and mainly depended on the decay class, we found substantial differences between DNA types with regard to less abundant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The analysis of the sequentially extracted intra- and extracellular DNA fraction, respectively, increased the ecological depth of analysis compared to the directly extracted total DNA pool. Both DNA fractions were comparable in proportions and the extracellular DNA appeared to persist in theP. abiesdeadwood logs, thereby ca...

Detection and stability of SARS-CoV-2 fragments in wastewater: Impact of storage temperature

SARS-CoV-2 wastewater epidemiology suffers from uncertainties concerning sample storage. We show ... more SARS-CoV-2 wastewater epidemiology suffers from uncertainties concerning sample storage. We show the effect of storage of wastewater on the detectable SARS-CoV-2 load. Storage at 4 °C up to 9 days had no significant effect, while storage at −20 °C led to a significant reduction in gene copy numbers.HighlightsRaw wastewater samples can be stored up to 9 days at 4°C for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillanceFreezing of wastewater sample dramatically decreases RT-qPCR signal of SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater.

Reclamation of Acid Soils with Biomass Ashes from Pyrolytic Wood Liquefaction

Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2019

Fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO) is a liquid biofuel obtained from lignocellulosic residues. Moreove... more Fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO) is a liquid biofuel obtained from lignocellulosic residues. Moreover, biomass fly ashes (FAs) containing many minerals and micronutrients are obtained in the production process. Biomass ashes can be used as a lime substitute for amelioration of acid soils by increasing pH, providing nutrients for crop development and stimulating microbial activity. However, ash application might increase N-mineralization and induce nitrate losses via leaching. The main objective of this study was to investigate the applicability of FPBO-recovered FAs as soil amendment and their effects on soil microbial processes, plant development, and to evaluate the effects on soil leaching. In a greenhouse experiment, an acidic soil was amended with 2% of FAs and sown with a regional wheat variety. After 100 days, wheat was harvested and red clover was sown to simulate crop rotation. After 250 days, the soils were analysed microbiologically and physico-chemically. While no differences in plant yields were observed, FAs addition increased several soil chemical pools as well as certain microbiological parameters. Soil pH increased from 4.8 to 7.2, electrical conductivity from 89 to 407 µS cm −1 , and the soil available P pool from 13.6 to 81.3 µg g −1 soil. Further, the nitrification rate, nitrate content in the soil leachates increased upon ash addition, in particular during the clover stage of the experiment. Summarized, despite not measurable effects on the plant growth, fly ash appears to enhance chemical and biological properties of soil cropped with wheat and clover without hinting towards negative environmental side-effects.

Impact of slope exposure on chemical and microbiological properties of Norway spruce deadwood and underlying soil during early stages of decomposition in the Italian Alps

CATENA, 2018

Mountain forest ecosystems are particularly sensitive to changing environmental conditions that a... more Mountain forest ecosystems are particularly sensitive to changing environmental conditions that affect the rate of deadwood decay and, thus, also soil carbon turnover and forest productivity. Little is known about how slope exposure and climate influence microbial abundance and activity in general, and wood-inhabiting bacteria during deadwood decomposition in particular. Therefore, a field experiment using open mesocosms was carried out along an altitudinal gradient (from 1200 to 2000 m above sea level) in the Italian Alps to evaluate the impact of exposure (north (N)-vs. south (S)-facing sites) on microbial biomass (double stranded DNA, dsDNA); microbial abundance (real-time PCR-based: fungi; dinitrogen reductase, nifH; ammonia-monooxygenase, amoA); and several hydrolytic enzyme activities involved in the main nutrient cycles during decomposition of Picea abies wood blocks (2 × 5 × 5 cm) over a 2-year period. In addition, soil physico-chemical and (micro)biological properties were determined at each site. The cooler, moister and more acidic conditions at north-facing slopes led to an increase in the wood and soil fungal abundance. Furthermore, soil nitrogen-related bacterial functional genes (nifH and amoA) gave a contrasting response to exposure in terms of abundance: nifH (N > S, altitude and decay time-dependent); ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB; S > N, altitude and decay time-dependent); ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA; N > S, only at 2000 m a.s.l.). The AOB and AOA abundance, however, was below the detection limit in the wood blocks. Soil microbial biomass was in general higher at the north-facing slopes, whereas in the wood exposure affected to a lesser extent the microbial biomass. Overall, the exposureeffect on the microbial biomass and abundance as well as for most of the enzymatic activities was altitude-and decay time-dependent.

Biotic and abiotic dynamics of a high solid-state anaerobic digestion box-type container system

Waste management (New York, N.Y.), Jan 6, 2016

A solid-state anaerobic digestion box-type container system for biomethane production was observe... more A solid-state anaerobic digestion box-type container system for biomethane production was observed in 12 three-week batch fermentations. Reactor performance was monitored using physico-chemical analysis and the methanogenic community was identified using ANAEROCHIP-microarrays and quantitative PCR. A resilient community was found in all batches, despite variations in inoculum to substrate ratio, feedstock quality, and fluctuating reactor conditions. The consortia were dominated by mixotrophic Methanosarcina that were accompanied by hydrogenotrophic Methanobacterium, Methanoculleus, and Methanocorpusculum. The relationship between biotic and abiotic variables was investigated using bivariate correlation analysis and univariate analysis of variance. High amounts of biogas were produced in batches with high copy numbers of Methanosarcina. High copy numbers of Methanocorpusculum and extensive percolation, however, were found to negatively correlate with biogas production. Supporting the...

Diet-related composition of the gut microbiota of Lumbricus rubellus as revealed by a molecular fingerprinting technique and cloning

Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2009

Interactions between earthworms and microorganisms are essential for the functioning of soil ecos... more Interactions between earthworms and microorganisms are essential for the functioning of soil ecosystems as they affect organic matter degradation and nutrient cycling. This is also true for the alpine region, where socio-economic changes lead to the increasing abandonment of pastures, which in turn, causes a considerable shift in the diet of saprotrophic invertebrates and thus impacts food web and decomposition

A collection of application-related papers from the conference "Microbiology of Composting" Innsbruck Austria, 18th October 2000 - Preface

European Journal of Soil Biology

Chemical and microbiological properties of alpine forest soils: Effects of pelletized ashes in a short-term trial

Forest Ecology and Management, 2015

Abstract The application of wood ash to forest soils has been used to compensate nutrient loss an... more Abstract The application of wood ash to forest soils has been used to compensate nutrient loss and avoid soil and water acidification. Using ashes in a non-stabilized form might negatively affect forest ecosystems. Bearing this in mind, together with landscape restrictions and socio-economic parameters, it underlines the importance of using pelletized ashes as soil additives in alpine areas. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the effects of pelletized ashes on the chemical and microbiological properties of four soils representative for the central Alps [rendzic Leptosol (L), fibric Histosol (H), haplic Podzol (P), and dystric Cambisol (Cm)] in a microcosm trial during 22 weeks. The following ash-pellet treatments were at a ratio equivalent to 2 Mg ha−1: pellets without any additive (A); or in combination with bark, compost, and digestate (B–D). A control without ashes (Ct) was also included. Weekly measurements of pH and electrical conductivity (EC) from the soil leachates were performed. A higher pH, relative to Ct, was found in treatment A for Podsol. Additionally, treatments B and C led to a pH rise in Leptosol. Electrical conductivity, total C and N, and inorganic N forms were not significantly affected by the pelletized treatments regardless the soil type. A similar trend was recorded for pH and EC levels from the leachate samples. A lower metabolic quotient (qCO2), relative to Ct, was recorded in Podsol following treatment A. However, when pellet ashes were applied in combination with digestate, a higher qCO2 than that in Ct was found for this type of soil, which might indicate a lower microbial C utilization efficiency and/or microbial stress. This latter treatment also resulted in a lower dehydrogenase activity in Podsol, whilst soil protease activity and N mineralization were not affected in any of the studied soils. We conclude that ash amendment in pellets form on certain soils improves their acidity levels without causing extreme effects.

Microbial diversity in soil: ecological theories, the contribution of molecular techniques and the impact of transgenic plants and transgenic microorganisms

Biology and Fertility of Soils, 2004

This review mainly discusses three related topics: the application of ecological theories to soil... more This review mainly discusses three related topics: the application of ecological theories to soil, the measurement of microbial diversity by molecular techniques and the impact of transgenic plants and microorganisms on genetic diversity of soil. These topics were debated at the Meeting on Soil Emergency held in Erice (Trapani, Italy) in 2001 for the celebration of the 50th

Suitability of Black Soldier Fly Frass as Soil Amendment and Implication for Organic Waste Hygienization

Agronomy, 2020

Because of its nutritious properties, the black soldier fly has emerged as one of the most popula... more Because of its nutritious properties, the black soldier fly has emerged as one of the most popular species in advancing circular economy through the re-valorization of anthropogenic organic wastes to insect biomass. Black soldier fly frass accumulates as a major by-product in artificial rearing set-ups and harbors great potential to complement or replace commercial fertilizers. We applied frass from larvae raised on different diets in nitrogen-equivalent amounts as soil amendment, comparing it to NH4NO3 fertilizer as a control. While the soil properties did not reveal any difference between mineral fertilizer and frass, principal component analysis showed significant differences that are mainly attributed to nitrate and dissolved nitrogen contents. We did not find significant differences in the growth of perennial ryegrass between the treatments, indicating that frass serves as a rapidly acting fertilizer comparable to NH4NO3. While the abundance of coliform bacteria increased durin...

Bioregenerating soils of problematic high elevation disturbed sites using specialty fertilizers

The revegetation of high elevation sites is a difficult task. Such sites are characterized by soi... more The revegetation of high elevation sites is a difficult task. Such sites are characterized by soils that are extremely variable and methods that have proven quite successful on low elevation sites, have at best, met with limited success on sites located above timberline. New and innovative approaches to revegetation are required if disturbed high elevation areas are to be successfully and permanently reclaimed. Recent research has led to a better understanding of the biological processes that are critical to the sustained health of high elevation ecosystems. This in turn has lead to the development of products designed to re-establish microbial activity in the soil thereby enhancing chances for long term, low maintenance revegetation success. The use of special organic fertilizers, in combination with site specific seed mixes, provide a viable , cost effective method of re-establishing permanent, environmentally compatible vegetation on high elevation sites that have been disturbed ...

Cascading Approach of Biowaste Treatment to Obtain Value-Added Organic By-Products and Biogas

Organic waste from household, kitchen and food industry contains a significant potential for ener... more Organic waste from household, kitchen and food industry contains a significant potential for energy recovery which can be gained through anaerobic treatment in biogas plants with compost as an end product. In addition other valuable raw materials can be obtained from biowaste such as lactic acid. The aim of this study is to investigate a cascading system of biowaste recycling with the production of lactic acid as one step, which can be implemented at existing biological waste treatment plants without disturbing efficiency and management of existing facilities. Currently the impact on existing biogas plants by the integration of the production of lactic acid is analysed in lab-scale experiments. As a first step the biowaste is separated into a solid and a liquid phase. The liquid phase shall be used for lactic acid production by using the substrates' indigenous microflora. The solid phase and residuals of the lactic acid production were analysed to determine the remaining energy ...

Demand-driven energy supply from stored biowaste for biomethanisation

Bioresource Technology, 2015

Biowaste storage supported substrate hydrolysis leading to higher biomethane yields. Storage led ... more

Lactic acid and methane: improved exploitation of biowaste potential

Bioresource technology, 2015

This feasibility study investigated a two-step biorefining approach to increase the value gained ... more This feasibility study investigated a two-step biorefining approach to increase the value gained by recycling of organic municipal solid waste. Firstly, lactic acid was produced via batch fermentation at 37°C using the indigenous microbiome. Experiments revealed an optimal fermentation period of 24h resulting in high yields of lactic acid (up to 37gkg(-1)). The lactic acid proportion of total volatile fatty acid content reached up to 83%. Lactobacilli were selectively enriched to up to 75% of the bacterial community. Additionally conversion of organic matter to lactic acid was increased from 22% to 30% through counteracting end product inhibition by continuous lactic acid extraction. Secondly, fermentation residues were used as co-substrate in biomethane production yielding up to 618±41Nmlbiomethaneg(-1) volatile solids. Digestate, the only end product of this process can be used as organic fertilizer.

A closed loop for municipal organic solid waste by lactic acid fermentation

Bioresource Technology, 2015

Highlights • Efficient lactic acid production from unsterilized municipal organic solid waste. • ... more Highlights • Efficient lactic acid production from unsterilized municipal organic solid waste. • Fermentation at pH 5 or uncontrolled pH at 37 °C was highly productive. • Selective enrichment of Lactobacilli during the fermentation process. • Lactobacillus acidophilus was the main producer of lactic acid. • Development of a momentum resulted in community shift after several days.

Lactic acid fermentation within a cascading approach for biowaste treatment

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2015

Limited availability of resources and increased amounts of waste coupled with an ever-increasing ... more Limited availability of resources and increased amounts of waste coupled with an ever-increasing demand for raw materials are typical characteristics of our times. As such, there is an urgent need to accordingly update waste treatment technology. The aim of this study was to determine whether a separate treatment of the liquid and the solid fraction of biowaste could enhance overall efficiency. Liquid fractions obtained from two different separation procedures were fermented at a pH of 5 and uncontrolled pH conditions for 72 h. The fermentation conditions leading to highest lactic acid productivity and yield were evaluated. The substrates gained by both separation procedures showed efficient lactic acid production up to &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;25 g L(-1). The pH control increased lactic acid concentration by about 27 %. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed stronger Lactobacilli growth in these fermentations. As identified via Illumina sequencing Lactobacillus delbrueckii and its closest relatives seemed to drive the fermentation independent of the substrate. These results could help to improve today&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s resourcing concept by providing a separate treatment of the liquid and solid biowaste fraction.

Biowaste: A Lactobacillus habitat and lactic acid fermentation substrate

Bioresource Technology, 2013

h i g h l i g h t s Biowaste is a suitable substrate for lactic acid production. From total bacte... more h i g h l i g h t s Biowaste is a suitable substrate for lactic acid production. From total bacteria in biowaste 90% are lactic acid bacteria. Lactobacilli: the largest bacterial group in biowaste. Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis and their closest relatives are the dominating taxa in biowaste.

2. Schrott M., A.O. Wagner, J. Seeber, E. Meyer, H. Insam, Molecular and cultivation-dependent analyses of the gut microbiota of Cylindroiulus fulviceps and Lumbricus rubellus

Application of COMPOCHIP Microarray to Investigate the Bacterial Communities of Different Composts

Microbial Ecology, 2009

A microarray spotted with 369 different 16S rRNA gene probes specific to microorganisms involved ... more A microarray spotted with 369 different 16S rRNA gene probes specific to microorganisms involved in the degradation process of organic waste during composting was developed. The microarray was tested with pure cultures, and of the 30,258 individual probe-target hybridization reactions performed, there were only 188 false positive (0.62%) and 22 false negative signals (0.07%). Labeled target DNA was prepared by

Substrate Utilization Patterns of Extractable and Non-Extractable Bacterial Fractions in Neutral and Acidic Beech Forest Soils

Microbial Communities, 1997

Substrate utilization patterns of four neutral and four acidic beech forest soils were examined u... more Substrate utilization patterns of four neutral and four acidic beech forest soils were examined using BIOLOG GN microplates. Soil bacteria were extracted using a three batch fractionated centrifugation procedure that produces two fractions. One contains the extracted and one the non-extractable bacteria and the fungi. Substrate utilization patterns of both fractions were determined with inhibition of fungal growth. All samples cluster distinctly into four different groups which correspond to the two fractions of the acidic and the neutral soils. Bacteria in acidic soils have generally a lower overall colour development indicating lower utilization activity. The extracted bacteria from acidic soils show a lower functional diversity than those extracted from neutral soils, but no difference in diversity was observed when the results of the extracted and the non-extractable bacteria of each soil were combined. In acidic soils substrate utilization abilities are heterogenously distributed between the two fractions. This effect mainly occurs in carbohydrate utilization. Bacterial communities in acidic soils are especially unable to degrade carboxylic acids. As decarboxylation is a main process of the initial decomposition of organic residues, this inability may be one reason for the retarded degradation of freshly fallen litter in acidic soils.

The Molecular Information About Deadwood Bacteriomes Partly Depends on the Targeted Environmental DNA

Frontiers in Microbiology

Microbiome studies mostly rely on total DNA extracts obtained directly from environmental samples... more Microbiome studies mostly rely on total DNA extracts obtained directly from environmental samples. The total DNA consists of both intra- and extracellular DNA, which differ in terms of their ecological interpretation. In the present study, we have investigated for the first time the differences among the three DNA types using microbiome sequencing ofPicea abiesdeadwood logs (Hunter decay classes I, III, and V). While the bacterial compositions of all DNA types were comparable in terms of more abundant organisms and mainly depended on the decay class, we found substantial differences between DNA types with regard to less abundant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The analysis of the sequentially extracted intra- and extracellular DNA fraction, respectively, increased the ecological depth of analysis compared to the directly extracted total DNA pool. Both DNA fractions were comparable in proportions and the extracellular DNA appeared to persist in theP. abiesdeadwood logs, thereby ca...

Detection and stability of SARS-CoV-2 fragments in wastewater: Impact of storage temperature

SARS-CoV-2 wastewater epidemiology suffers from uncertainties concerning sample storage. We show ... more SARS-CoV-2 wastewater epidemiology suffers from uncertainties concerning sample storage. We show the effect of storage of wastewater on the detectable SARS-CoV-2 load. Storage at 4 °C up to 9 days had no significant effect, while storage at −20 °C led to a significant reduction in gene copy numbers.HighlightsRaw wastewater samples can be stored up to 9 days at 4°C for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillanceFreezing of wastewater sample dramatically decreases RT-qPCR signal of SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater.

Reclamation of Acid Soils with Biomass Ashes from Pyrolytic Wood Liquefaction

Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2019

Fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO) is a liquid biofuel obtained from lignocellulosic residues. Moreove... more Fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO) is a liquid biofuel obtained from lignocellulosic residues. Moreover, biomass fly ashes (FAs) containing many minerals and micronutrients are obtained in the production process. Biomass ashes can be used as a lime substitute for amelioration of acid soils by increasing pH, providing nutrients for crop development and stimulating microbial activity. However, ash application might increase N-mineralization and induce nitrate losses via leaching. The main objective of this study was to investigate the applicability of FPBO-recovered FAs as soil amendment and their effects on soil microbial processes, plant development, and to evaluate the effects on soil leaching. In a greenhouse experiment, an acidic soil was amended with 2% of FAs and sown with a regional wheat variety. After 100 days, wheat was harvested and red clover was sown to simulate crop rotation. After 250 days, the soils were analysed microbiologically and physico-chemically. While no differences in plant yields were observed, FAs addition increased several soil chemical pools as well as certain microbiological parameters. Soil pH increased from 4.8 to 7.2, electrical conductivity from 89 to 407 µS cm −1 , and the soil available P pool from 13.6 to 81.3 µg g −1 soil. Further, the nitrification rate, nitrate content in the soil leachates increased upon ash addition, in particular during the clover stage of the experiment. Summarized, despite not measurable effects on the plant growth, fly ash appears to enhance chemical and biological properties of soil cropped with wheat and clover without hinting towards negative environmental side-effects.

Impact of slope exposure on chemical and microbiological properties of Norway spruce deadwood and underlying soil during early stages of decomposition in the Italian Alps

CATENA, 2018

Mountain forest ecosystems are particularly sensitive to changing environmental conditions that a... more Mountain forest ecosystems are particularly sensitive to changing environmental conditions that affect the rate of deadwood decay and, thus, also soil carbon turnover and forest productivity. Little is known about how slope exposure and climate influence microbial abundance and activity in general, and wood-inhabiting bacteria during deadwood decomposition in particular. Therefore, a field experiment using open mesocosms was carried out along an altitudinal gradient (from 1200 to 2000 m above sea level) in the Italian Alps to evaluate the impact of exposure (north (N)-vs. south (S)-facing sites) on microbial biomass (double stranded DNA, dsDNA); microbial abundance (real-time PCR-based: fungi; dinitrogen reductase, nifH; ammonia-monooxygenase, amoA); and several hydrolytic enzyme activities involved in the main nutrient cycles during decomposition of Picea abies wood blocks (2 × 5 × 5 cm) over a 2-year period. In addition, soil physico-chemical and (micro)biological properties were determined at each site. The cooler, moister and more acidic conditions at north-facing slopes led to an increase in the wood and soil fungal abundance. Furthermore, soil nitrogen-related bacterial functional genes (nifH and amoA) gave a contrasting response to exposure in terms of abundance: nifH (N > S, altitude and decay time-dependent); ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB; S > N, altitude and decay time-dependent); ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA; N > S, only at 2000 m a.s.l.). The AOB and AOA abundance, however, was below the detection limit in the wood blocks. Soil microbial biomass was in general higher at the north-facing slopes, whereas in the wood exposure affected to a lesser extent the microbial biomass. Overall, the exposureeffect on the microbial biomass and abundance as well as for most of the enzymatic activities was altitude-and decay time-dependent.

Biotic and abiotic dynamics of a high solid-state anaerobic digestion box-type container system

Waste management (New York, N.Y.), Jan 6, 2016

A solid-state anaerobic digestion box-type container system for biomethane production was observe... more A solid-state anaerobic digestion box-type container system for biomethane production was observed in 12 three-week batch fermentations. Reactor performance was monitored using physico-chemical analysis and the methanogenic community was identified using ANAEROCHIP-microarrays and quantitative PCR. A resilient community was found in all batches, despite variations in inoculum to substrate ratio, feedstock quality, and fluctuating reactor conditions. The consortia were dominated by mixotrophic Methanosarcina that were accompanied by hydrogenotrophic Methanobacterium, Methanoculleus, and Methanocorpusculum. The relationship between biotic and abiotic variables was investigated using bivariate correlation analysis and univariate analysis of variance. High amounts of biogas were produced in batches with high copy numbers of Methanosarcina. High copy numbers of Methanocorpusculum and extensive percolation, however, were found to negatively correlate with biogas production. Supporting the...

Diet-related composition of the gut microbiota of Lumbricus rubellus as revealed by a molecular fingerprinting technique and cloning

Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2009

Interactions between earthworms and microorganisms are essential for the functioning of soil ecos... more Interactions between earthworms and microorganisms are essential for the functioning of soil ecosystems as they affect organic matter degradation and nutrient cycling. This is also true for the alpine region, where socio-economic changes lead to the increasing abandonment of pastures, which in turn, causes a considerable shift in the diet of saprotrophic invertebrates and thus impacts food web and decomposition

A collection of application-related papers from the conference "Microbiology of Composting" Innsbruck Austria, 18th October 2000 - Preface

European Journal of Soil Biology

Chemical and microbiological properties of alpine forest soils: Effects of pelletized ashes in a short-term trial

Forest Ecology and Management, 2015

Abstract The application of wood ash to forest soils has been used to compensate nutrient loss an... more Abstract The application of wood ash to forest soils has been used to compensate nutrient loss and avoid soil and water acidification. Using ashes in a non-stabilized form might negatively affect forest ecosystems. Bearing this in mind, together with landscape restrictions and socio-economic parameters, it underlines the importance of using pelletized ashes as soil additives in alpine areas. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the effects of pelletized ashes on the chemical and microbiological properties of four soils representative for the central Alps [rendzic Leptosol (L), fibric Histosol (H), haplic Podzol (P), and dystric Cambisol (Cm)] in a microcosm trial during 22 weeks. The following ash-pellet treatments were at a ratio equivalent to 2 Mg ha−1: pellets without any additive (A); or in combination with bark, compost, and digestate (B–D). A control without ashes (Ct) was also included. Weekly measurements of pH and electrical conductivity (EC) from the soil leachates were performed. A higher pH, relative to Ct, was found in treatment A for Podsol. Additionally, treatments B and C led to a pH rise in Leptosol. Electrical conductivity, total C and N, and inorganic N forms were not significantly affected by the pelletized treatments regardless the soil type. A similar trend was recorded for pH and EC levels from the leachate samples. A lower metabolic quotient (qCO2), relative to Ct, was recorded in Podsol following treatment A. However, when pellet ashes were applied in combination with digestate, a higher qCO2 than that in Ct was found for this type of soil, which might indicate a lower microbial C utilization efficiency and/or microbial stress. This latter treatment also resulted in a lower dehydrogenase activity in Podsol, whilst soil protease activity and N mineralization were not affected in any of the studied soils. We conclude that ash amendment in pellets form on certain soils improves their acidity levels without causing extreme effects.

Microbial diversity in soil: ecological theories, the contribution of molecular techniques and the impact of transgenic plants and transgenic microorganisms

Biology and Fertility of Soils, 2004

This review mainly discusses three related topics: the application of ecological theories to soil... more This review mainly discusses three related topics: the application of ecological theories to soil, the measurement of microbial diversity by molecular techniques and the impact of transgenic plants and microorganisms on genetic diversity of soil. These topics were debated at the Meeting on Soil Emergency held in Erice (Trapani, Italy) in 2001 for the celebration of the 50th

Suitability of Black Soldier Fly Frass as Soil Amendment and Implication for Organic Waste Hygienization

Agronomy, 2020

Because of its nutritious properties, the black soldier fly has emerged as one of the most popula... more Because of its nutritious properties, the black soldier fly has emerged as one of the most popular species in advancing circular economy through the re-valorization of anthropogenic organic wastes to insect biomass. Black soldier fly frass accumulates as a major by-product in artificial rearing set-ups and harbors great potential to complement or replace commercial fertilizers. We applied frass from larvae raised on different diets in nitrogen-equivalent amounts as soil amendment, comparing it to NH4NO3 fertilizer as a control. While the soil properties did not reveal any difference between mineral fertilizer and frass, principal component analysis showed significant differences that are mainly attributed to nitrate and dissolved nitrogen contents. We did not find significant differences in the growth of perennial ryegrass between the treatments, indicating that frass serves as a rapidly acting fertilizer comparable to NH4NO3. While the abundance of coliform bacteria increased durin...

Bioregenerating soils of problematic high elevation disturbed sites using specialty fertilizers

The revegetation of high elevation sites is a difficult task. Such sites are characterized by soi... more The revegetation of high elevation sites is a difficult task. Such sites are characterized by soils that are extremely variable and methods that have proven quite successful on low elevation sites, have at best, met with limited success on sites located above timberline. New and innovative approaches to revegetation are required if disturbed high elevation areas are to be successfully and permanently reclaimed. Recent research has led to a better understanding of the biological processes that are critical to the sustained health of high elevation ecosystems. This in turn has lead to the development of products designed to re-establish microbial activity in the soil thereby enhancing chances for long term, low maintenance revegetation success. The use of special organic fertilizers, in combination with site specific seed mixes, provide a viable , cost effective method of re-establishing permanent, environmentally compatible vegetation on high elevation sites that have been disturbed ...

Cascading Approach of Biowaste Treatment to Obtain Value-Added Organic By-Products and Biogas

Organic waste from household, kitchen and food industry contains a significant potential for ener... more Organic waste from household, kitchen and food industry contains a significant potential for energy recovery which can be gained through anaerobic treatment in biogas plants with compost as an end product. In addition other valuable raw materials can be obtained from biowaste such as lactic acid. The aim of this study is to investigate a cascading system of biowaste recycling with the production of lactic acid as one step, which can be implemented at existing biological waste treatment plants without disturbing efficiency and management of existing facilities. Currently the impact on existing biogas plants by the integration of the production of lactic acid is analysed in lab-scale experiments. As a first step the biowaste is separated into a solid and a liquid phase. The liquid phase shall be used for lactic acid production by using the substrates' indigenous microflora. The solid phase and residuals of the lactic acid production were analysed to determine the remaining energy ...

Demand-driven energy supply from stored biowaste for biomethanisation

Bioresource Technology, 2015

Biowaste storage supported substrate hydrolysis leading to higher biomethane yields. Storage led ... more

Lactic acid and methane: improved exploitation of biowaste potential

Bioresource technology, 2015

This feasibility study investigated a two-step biorefining approach to increase the value gained ... more This feasibility study investigated a two-step biorefining approach to increase the value gained by recycling of organic municipal solid waste. Firstly, lactic acid was produced via batch fermentation at 37°C using the indigenous microbiome. Experiments revealed an optimal fermentation period of 24h resulting in high yields of lactic acid (up to 37gkg(-1)). The lactic acid proportion of total volatile fatty acid content reached up to 83%. Lactobacilli were selectively enriched to up to 75% of the bacterial community. Additionally conversion of organic matter to lactic acid was increased from 22% to 30% through counteracting end product inhibition by continuous lactic acid extraction. Secondly, fermentation residues were used as co-substrate in biomethane production yielding up to 618±41Nmlbiomethaneg(-1) volatile solids. Digestate, the only end product of this process can be used as organic fertilizer.

A closed loop for municipal organic solid waste by lactic acid fermentation

Bioresource Technology, 2015

Highlights • Efficient lactic acid production from unsterilized municipal organic solid waste. • ... more Highlights • Efficient lactic acid production from unsterilized municipal organic solid waste. • Fermentation at pH 5 or uncontrolled pH at 37 °C was highly productive. • Selective enrichment of Lactobacilli during the fermentation process. • Lactobacillus acidophilus was the main producer of lactic acid. • Development of a momentum resulted in community shift after several days.

Lactic acid fermentation within a cascading approach for biowaste treatment

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2015

Limited availability of resources and increased amounts of waste coupled with an ever-increasing ... more Limited availability of resources and increased amounts of waste coupled with an ever-increasing demand for raw materials are typical characteristics of our times. As such, there is an urgent need to accordingly update waste treatment technology. The aim of this study was to determine whether a separate treatment of the liquid and the solid fraction of biowaste could enhance overall efficiency. Liquid fractions obtained from two different separation procedures were fermented at a pH of 5 and uncontrolled pH conditions for 72 h. The fermentation conditions leading to highest lactic acid productivity and yield were evaluated. The substrates gained by both separation procedures showed efficient lactic acid production up to &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;25 g L(-1). The pH control increased lactic acid concentration by about 27 %. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed stronger Lactobacilli growth in these fermentations. As identified via Illumina sequencing Lactobacillus delbrueckii and its closest relatives seemed to drive the fermentation independent of the substrate. These results could help to improve today&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s resourcing concept by providing a separate treatment of the liquid and solid biowaste fraction.

Biowaste: A Lactobacillus habitat and lactic acid fermentation substrate

Bioresource Technology, 2013

h i g h l i g h t s Biowaste is a suitable substrate for lactic acid production. From total bacte... more h i g h l i g h t s Biowaste is a suitable substrate for lactic acid production. From total bacteria in biowaste 90% are lactic acid bacteria. Lactobacilli: the largest bacterial group in biowaste. Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis and their closest relatives are the dominating taxa in biowaste.

2. Schrott M., A.O. Wagner, J. Seeber, E. Meyer, H. Insam, Molecular and cultivation-dependent analyses of the gut microbiota of Cylindroiulus fulviceps and Lumbricus rubellus

Application of COMPOCHIP Microarray to Investigate the Bacterial Communities of Different Composts

Microbial Ecology, 2009

A microarray spotted with 369 different 16S rRNA gene probes specific to microorganisms involved ... more A microarray spotted with 369 different 16S rRNA gene probes specific to microorganisms involved in the degradation process of organic waste during composting was developed. The microarray was tested with pure cultures, and of the 30,258 individual probe-target hybridization reactions performed, there were only 188 false positive (0.62%) and 22 false negative signals (0.07%). Labeled target DNA was prepared by

Substrate Utilization Patterns of Extractable and Non-Extractable Bacterial Fractions in Neutral and Acidic Beech Forest Soils

Microbial Communities, 1997

Substrate utilization patterns of four neutral and four acidic beech forest soils were examined u... more Substrate utilization patterns of four neutral and four acidic beech forest soils were examined using BIOLOG GN microplates. Soil bacteria were extracted using a three batch fractionated centrifugation procedure that produces two fractions. One contains the extracted and one the non-extractable bacteria and the fungi. Substrate utilization patterns of both fractions were determined with inhibition of fungal growth. All samples cluster distinctly into four different groups which correspond to the two fractions of the acidic and the neutral soils. Bacteria in acidic soils have generally a lower overall colour development indicating lower utilization activity. The extracted bacteria from acidic soils show a lower functional diversity than those extracted from neutral soils, but no difference in diversity was observed when the results of the extracted and the non-extractable bacteria of each soil were combined. In acidic soils substrate utilization abilities are heterogenously distributed between the two fractions. This effect mainly occurs in carbohydrate utilization. Bacterial communities in acidic soils are especially unable to degrade carboxylic acids. As decarboxylation is a main process of the initial decomposition of organic residues, this inability may be one reason for the retarded degradation of freshly fallen litter in acidic soils.

Microbial communities. Functional versus structural approaches

by Heribert Insam and Rangger A.