Attached growth of Sphaerotilus and mixed populations in a continuous-flow apparatus.

The effects of NH(4)Cl concentration, organic nitrogen compounds, glucose concentration, dissolved oxygen concentration, and flow rate on the attached growth of pure cultures of Sphaerotilus natans and of a mixed population in a continuous-flow apparatus are described. Low concentrations of NH(4)Cl and oxygen, and high flow rates resulted in attached populations that were dominated by Sphaerotilus. The conditions that allowed maximal attached growth in pure culture did not correspond to the conditions that promoted attached growth of Sphaerotilus in a mixed population.