The MiDAS field guide recognizes the genus Tetrasphaera as having 19 individual species that may be found in various wastewater treatment processes. Tetrasphaera is of particular interest for plants looking to achieve enhanced biological phosphorus removal and is likely the most common polyphosphate accumulating organism (PAO) genus found on average in treatment plants throughout the world.
One thing of note is that there are many other genera capable of enhanced biological phosphorus removal, so a lack of Tetrasphaera doesn’t necessarily mean failure of the bio P process. The functionality of Tetrasphaera differs slightly from “traditional” PAOs, as while polyphosphate is cycled there
