Build-up of symbiotic methanogenic biofilms on solid supports

Support surfaces can have selective action which determines the relative quantities of acetogens (propionate and butyrate degraders) and methanogens (acetate degraders) immobilized in a symbiotic biofilm. The preference of the bacteria for hydrophilic substrata as their immobilization supports is in the order; butyrate degraders, acetate degraders followed by propionate degraders.