Eickelboom morphotype Beggiatoa is readily recognizable due to its large diameter (2-4 µm) and its slow-gliding motility. Sometimes septa (cross-walls) may be seen as a rectangular cell shape, however, usually intracellular sulfur granules are seen within this filament type. Beggiatoa are recognized to utilize sulfide as substrate. It is theorized that closely related genera of the Gammaproteobacteria class may share similar morphology and function as mixotrophs (also able to utilize organic acids as substrate).
Beggiatoa morphotypes are most commonly observed in fixed-film systems such as trickling filters and rotating biological contactors. When Beggiatoa proliferate, a white mat-like scum is commonly observed.
