Meet the Microorganisms Behind Clean Water!

I cannot believe it is November already but here we are, so that must mean it's time for a fresh new Microorganism Profile, YAY!!! This month we are taking a look at the Aeolosoma, but all it's friends call it the Bristle Worm. 

This Month's Microorganism: Aeolosoma (Bristle Worm)

Imagine a worm that looks like it's part of an 80's Hair Band. That's the Bristle Worm! Found in watery environments, these worms have tiny, bristle-like hairs along their segmented bodies. They may not be beauty pageant winners, but in the underwater world, they are celebrities. Their size varies, but some are big enough to be seen without a microscope. The ones in wastewater treatment plants can grow up to 1cm (about 1/4"), so you might just catch a glimpse. They tend to show up when waste has been sitting around for a long time, which means if you see them, the party's been going on a little too long! Bristle worms feed on organic materials, so when they appear in your treatment plant, it usually means there's been a bit too much organic material hanging around. They're like the late-night party crashers showing up when everyone else is ready to leave.

 How They End Up In Wastewater

Bristle Worms (Aeolosoma) aren't typical residents of wastewater treatment plants, but when they do show up it's an indicator that the system is rich in organic materials aka, Poo. They are marine organisms that naturally live in aquatic environments, acting as nature's clean-up crew, (Hey, that rhymes, get it? The clean-up crew eating the Poo!). So while a wastewater treatment plant isn't their ideal hangout, they sometimes make a cameo appearance by hitching a ride in through stormwater runoff from rivers or estuaries, then stay for the buffet!

 The Bizarre and Interesting Reproduction of the Aeolosoma

Bristle Worms have some unusual ways of reproducing. Some species reproduce through "worm cloning"  (Called fragmentation or budding), where they pinch off 1/2 of each part of their body - organs, skin and all - and regenerate those parts into two complete new worms. Others take a stranger approach. They produce eggs or sperm in the lowest segment of their bodies, and when the moon is out, they detach their butts (back segments, but essentially their butts, only they don't call them butts anymore, they are called Epitokes at that point). The front end is left behind, called the "Atoke". The Epitokes (butts), swim to the surface, where they meet other detached Bristle Worm butts (Epitokes). When the moon is juuuuuuust right, they play "Moondance" by Van Morrison on their stereos. Then they start a synchronized release of eggs and sperm and have a Moondance Party!!! The eggs are fertilized externally, and the next thing you know, a new generation of Bristle Worms is on the way.

Fun Fact: Moondance Party

The synchronization of Bristle Worm spawning with moon phases is so precise that in some areas, huge swarms of reproductive Epitokes attract fish and other predators, (In the ocean, not the wastewater treatment plant), turning the event into a feeding frenzy! So not only is this a unique reproductive strategy, but it's also a spectacle in the underwater world. 

Great Words to Know:

• Polychaete: Aelosoma belong to a group of segmented worms called polychaetes
  • Chaetae: Those bristle-like big-hair band hairs that give Bristle Worms their bedhead look.
  • Detritivore: A fancy word for critters, like Bristle Worms, that chow down on dead, organic stuff. Yum!?
  • Segmented: Bristle Worms are made up of many parts, kind of like a train but slimier and hairy
  • Atoke and Epitoke: During reproduction, Bristle Worms split into two parts. The Atoke is the head end, and the Epitoke is the tail end (butt), that swims off to get in on the reproductive action.

 Bristle Worm Superpowers!

Every superhero needs a cool power, and the Bristle Worms have THREE! First, those wild bristles (Chaetae, because Latin makes everything sound so fancy!). They're not just for their clubbing cool hair look. They are actually like tiny weapons that defend them from predators. If something tries to take a bite, they get a spiky mouthful (Ouch!), and that does NOT sound awesome. The bristles also help Bristle Worms move quickly through the water. Second, Bristle Worms can tell light from dark, and some species have large eyes with lenses that might see better than we thought! Lastly, they have amazing regenerative powers - if a Bristle Worm gets injured, it can regrow its missing parts. Pretty impressive, I wish I could do that!

Why You Should Care About Aeolosoma (Bristle Worms)?

You might be thinking, "A worm in wastewater? Should I be worried?" Well, the answer is yes...and no. While Bristle Worms aren't saving the planet in capes, their presence in wastewater can signal that something's off. Since they feast on organic material, if they're living it up in your treatment plant, it might mean there's a bit too much of it hanging around. It's kind of like discovering that the pizza delivery guy, (or girl), came without you ordering, and a bunch of their friends showed up to eat it!

 This is a photo bomb Bristle Worm up close. You can really see the Bristles here. 

Want to Know More? Here are some great Bristle Worm Videos!

The Bristle Worm must be very shy because I was not able to find a lot of videos showing them doing their thing but you can check out these videos featuring Bristle Worms for an up-close look at these fascinating critters!

• Short Information Video
• Waltzing Bristle Worms Short
• Bristle Worm Kicking Around
• Aeolosoma in Aquariums: 

If you have any more cool information about the Aeolosoma or find another great video please email Patty