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Liu Q, Li X, Wu M, Huang H, Chen Y. N 2O recovery from wastewater and flue gas via microbial denitrification: Processes and mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174231. [PMID: 38917909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is increasingly regarded as a significant greenhouse gas implicated in global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer, yet it is also recognized as a valuable resource. This paper comprehensively reviews innovative microbial denitrification techniques for recovering N2O from nitrogenous wastewater and flue gas. Critical analysis is carried out on cutting-edge processes such as the coupled aerobic-anoxic nitrous decomposition operation (CANDO) process, semi-artificial photosynthesis, and the selective utilization of microbial strains, as well as flue gas absorption coupled with heterotrophic/autotrophic denitrification. These processes are highlighted for their potential to facilitate denitrification and enhance the recovery rate of N2O. The review integrates feasible methods for process control and optimization, and presents the underlying mechanisms for N2O recovery through denitrification, primarily achieved by suppressing nitrous oxide reductase (Nos) activity and intensifying competition for electron donors. The paper concludes by recognizing the shortcomings in existing technologies and proposing future research directions, with an emphasis on prioritizing the collection and utilization of N2O while considering environmental sustainability and economic feasibility. Through this review, we aim to inspire interest in the recovery and utilization of N2O, as well as the development and application of related technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Meirou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Haining Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China; The Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yinguang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Decru SO, Baeten JE, Cui YX, Wu D, Chen GH, Volcke EIP. Model-based analysis of sulfur-based denitrification in a moving bed biofilm reactor. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 43:2948-2955. [PMID: 33775225 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2021.1910349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a biofilm model was developed for sulfur-based denitrification in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), including mass transport as well as the conversion kinetics of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB). The experimental reactor simulated received a synthetic wastewater containing nitrate, sulfide and thiosulfate. The substrate affinity of SOB for intermediary elemental sulfur (S0) was found the most sensitive parameter. After estimating this single parameter, the model could adequately describe the steady state performance of the experimental MBBR. The experimental and simulated mass balances indicated that a fraction of influent sulfur accumulated into intermediate S0. Furthermore, the simulations showed that SOB were active over the entire thickness of a 200 µm biofilm. The simulation results allowed to quantify the extent of diffusion and substrate limitation. Scenario analyses indicated that the specific nitrogen loading rate could be increased from 0.05 to 0.20 kg N.kg-1 VSS.day-1 (corresponding to 0.22-0.86 kg N.m-2.day-1 expressed per biofilm surface area) while maintaining nitrogen removal efficiencies above 70%. An increasing specific nitrogen loading rate in this range resulted in an almost linearly increasing specific nitrogen removal rate, independent from whether it was realized through a decreasing HRT, carrier filling ratio or biofilm thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- S O Decru
- BioCo Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University Gent, Belgium
| | - J E Baeten
- BioCo Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University Gent, Belgium
| | - Y-X Cui
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - D Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - G-H Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - E I P Volcke
- BioCo Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University Gent, Belgium
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Yang XR, Li H, Su JQ, Zhou GW. Anammox Bacteria Are Potentially Involved in Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation Coupled to Iron(III) Reduction in the Wastewater Treatment System. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:717249. [PMID: 34566922 PMCID: PMC8461334 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.717249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic ammonium oxidation coupled to nitrite reduction (termed as Anammox) was demonstrated as an efficient pathway to remove nitrogen from a wastewater treatment system. Recently, anaerobic ammonium oxidation was also identified to be linked to iron(III) reduction (termed Feammox) with dinitrogen, nitrite, or nitrate as end-product, reporting to enhance nitrogen removal from the wastewater treatment system. However, little is known about the role of Anammox bacteria in the Feammox process. Here, slurry from wastewater reactor amended with ferrihydrite was employed to investigate activity of Anammox bacteria in the Feammox process using the 15N isotopic tracing technique combined with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. A significantly positive relationship between rates of 15N2 production and iron(III) reduction indicated the occurrence of Feammox during incubation. Relative abundances of Anammox bacteria including Brocadia, Kuenenia, Jettenia, and unclassified Brocadiaceae were detected with low relative abundances, whereas Geobacteraceae dominated in the treatment throughout the incubation. 15N2 production rates significantly positively correlated with relative abundances of Geobacter, unclassified Geobacteraceae, and Anammox bacteria, revealing their contribution to nitrogen generation via Feammox. Overall, these findings suggested Anammox bacteria or cooperation between Anammox bacteria and iron(III) reducers serves a potential role in Feammox process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ru Yang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Xiamen, China.,Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Xiamen, China
| | - Hu Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Xiamen, China.,Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Xiamen, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Xiamen, China.,Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Xiamen, China
| | - Guo-Wei Zhou
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Xiamen, China.,Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Xiamen, China.,School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, China
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Pandey CB, Kumar U, Kaviraj M, Minick KJ, Mishra AK, Singh JS. DNRA: A short-circuit in biological N-cycling to conserve nitrogen in terrestrial ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:139710. [PMID: 32544704 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in soils - a newly appreciated pathway of nitrogen (N) cycling in the terrestrial ecosystems. The reduction of NO3- occurs in two steps; in the first step, NO3- is reduced to NO2-; and in the second, unlike denitrification, NO2- is reduced to NH4+ without intermediates. There are two sets of NO3-/NO2- reductase enzymes, i.e., Nap/Nrf and Nar/Nir; the former occurs on the periplasmic-membrane and energy conservation is respiratory via electron-transport-chain, whereas the latter is cytoplasmic and energy conservation is both respiratory and fermentative (Nir, substrate-phosphorylation). Since, Nir catalyzes both assimilatory- and dissimilatory-nitrate reduction, the nrfA gene, which transcribes the NrfA protein, is treated as a molecular-marker of DNRA; and a high nrfA/nosZ (N2O-reductase) ratio favours DNRA. Recently, several crystal structures of NrfA have been presumed to producee N2O as a byproduct of DNRA via the NO (nitric-oxide) pathway. Meta-analyses of about 200 publications have revealed that DNRA is regulated by oxidation state of soils and sediments, carbon (C)/N and NO2-/NO3- ratio, and concentrations of ferrous iron (Fe2+) and sulfide (S2-). Under low-redox conditions, a high C/NO3- ratio selects for DNRA while a low ratio selects for denitrification. When the proportion of both C and NO3- are equal, the NO2-/NO3- ratio modulates partitioning of NO3-, and a high NO2-/NO3- ratio favours DNRA. A high S2-/NO3- ratio also promotes DNRA in coastal-ecosystems and saline sediments. Soil pH, temperature, and fine soil particles are other factors known to influence DNRA. Since, DNRA reduces NO3- to NH4+, it is essential for protecting NO3- from leaching and gaseous (N2O) losses and enriches soils with readily available NH4+-N to primary producers and heterotrophic microorganisms. Therefore, DNRA may be treated as a tool to reduce ground-water NO3- pollution, enhance soil health and improve environmental quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Pandey
- ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 342003, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Upendra Kumar
- ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack 753006, Odisha, India.
| | - Megha Kaviraj
- ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack 753006, Odisha, India
| | - K J Minick
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - A K Mishra
- International Rice Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - J S Singh
- Ecosystem Analysis Lab, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi 221005, India
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Rios-Del Toro EE, Cervantes FJ. Coupling between anammox and autotrophic denitrification for simultaneous removal of ammonium and sulfide by enriched marine sediments. Biodegradation 2016; 27:107-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s10532-016-9759-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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González-Blanco G, Cervantes FJ, Beristain-Cardoso R, Gómez J. Concurrence of Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation and Organotrophic Denitrification in Presence of p-Cresol. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2015; 176:2120-30. [PMID: 26062920 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-015-1702-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the capacity of anaerobic granular sludge for oxidizing ammonium and p-cresol with nitrate as terminal electron acceptor. Kinetics for the anaerobic oxidation of ammonium and p-cresol is described in this paper. The phenolic compound was very efficiently consumed, achieving 65 % of mineralization. Ammonium and nitrate were also consumed at 83 and 92 %, respectively, being the main product N2. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation was promoted owing to accumulation of nitrite, and it allowed the synergy of anaerobic ammonium oxidation and organotrophic denitrification for the simultaneous removal of ammonium, nitrate, and p-cresol. A carbonaceous intermediate partially identified was transiently accumulated, and it transitorily truncated the respiratory process of denitrification. These experimental results might be considered for defining strategies in order to remove nitrate, ammonium, and phenolic compounds from wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- G González-Blanco
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Iztapalapa, DF, Mexico
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Meza-Escalante ER, Alvarez LH, Serrano D, Mendoza E, Bonola R. Biodegradation ofp-cresol and sulfide removal by a marine-denitrifying consortium. J Basic Microbiol 2014; 55:180-5. [DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201400464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edna R. Meza-Escalante
- Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON); Departamento de Ciencias del Agua y Medio Ambiente. Ciudad Obregón; Sonora México
| | - Luis H. Alvarez
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL); Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Av. Universidad SN; Cd. Universitaria; San Nicolás De Los Garza; Nuevo León México
| | - Denisse Serrano
- Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON); Departamento de Ciencias del Agua y Medio Ambiente. Ciudad Obregón; Sonora México
| | - Erika Mendoza
- Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON); Departamento de Ciencias del Agua y Medio Ambiente. Ciudad Obregón; Sonora México
| | - Ramsés Bonola
- Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON); Departamento de Ciencias del Agua y Medio Ambiente. Ciudad Obregón; Sonora México
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Pan Y, Ye L, Yuan Z. Effect of H2S on N2O reduction and accumulation during denitrification by methanol utilizing denitrifiers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:8408-8415. [PMID: 23802609 DOI: 10.1021/es401632r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Sulfide is produced in sewer networks, and previous studies suggest that sulfide in sewage could alter the activity of heterotrophic denitrification and lead to N2O accumulation during biological wastewater treatment. However, the details of this phenomenon are poorly understood. In this study, the potential inhibitory effects of sulfide on nitrate, nitrite, and N2O reduction were assessed with a methanol-utilizing denitrifying culture both prior to and after its exposure and adaptation to sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide was found to be strongly inhibitory to N2O reduction, with 50% inhibition observed at H2S concentrations of 0.04 mg H2S-S/L and 0.1 mg H2S-S/L for the unadapted and adapted cultures, respectively. In comparison, both nitrate and nitrite reduction was more tolerant to H2S. A 50% inhibition of nitrite reduction was observed at approximately 2.0 mg H2S-S/L for both unadapted and adapted cultures, while no inhibition of nitrate reduction occurred at the highest H2S concentrations applied (2.0 mg H2S-S/L) to either culture. N2O accumulation was observed during nitrate and nitrite reduction by the adapted culture when H2S concentrations were above 0.5 and 0.2 mg H2S-S/L, respectively. Additionally, we reveal that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), rather than sulfide, was likely the true inhibitor of N2O reduction, and the inhibitory effect was reversible. These findings suggest that sulfide management in sewers could potentially have a significant impact on N2O emission from wastewater treatment plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Pan
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland , St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Souza TSO, Foresti E. Sulfide-Oxidizing Autotrophic Denitrification: an Evaluation for Nitrogen Removal from Anaerobically Pretreated Domestic Sewage. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2013; 170:1094-103. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-013-0261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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10
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Nitrogen and sulfide removal from effluent of UASB reactor in a sequencing fed-batch biofilm reactor under intermittent aeration. J Biotechnol 2013; 164:378-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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11
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Moraes B, Souza T, Foresti E. Effect of sulfide concentration on autotrophic denitrification from nitrate and nitrite in vertical fixed-bed reactors. Process Biochem 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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12
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Moraes BS, Foresti E. Determination of the intrinsic kinetic parameters of sulfide-oxidizing autotrophic denitrification in differential reactors containing immobilized biomass. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2012; 104:250-256. [PMID: 22142506 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen removal coupled with sulfide oxidation has potential for the treatment of effluents from anaerobic reactors because they contain sulfide, which can be used as an endogenous electron donor for denitrification. This work evaluated the intrinsic kinetics of sulfide-oxidizing autotrophic denitrification via nitrate and nitrite in systems containing attached cells. Differential reactors were fed with nitrified synthetic domestic sewage and different sulfide concentrations. The intrinsic kinetic parameters of nitrogen removal were determined when the mass transfer resistance was negligible. This bioprocess could be described by a half-order kinetic model for biofilms. The half-order kinetic coefficients ranged from 0.425 to 0.658 mg N(1/2) L(-1/2) h(-1) for denitrification via nitrite and from 0.190 to 0.609 mg N(1/2) L(-1/2) h(-1) for denitrification via nitrate. In this latter, the lower value was due to the use of electrons donated from intermediary sulfur compounds whose formation and subsequent consumption were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Moraes
- Department of Hydraulics and Sanitation, School of Engineering of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense, 400, Centro, 13566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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