1
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Gao C, Habibi M, Hendrickx TLG, Rijnaarts HHM, Temmink H, Sudmalis D. Variation of viscoelastic properties of extracellular polymeric substances and their relation to anaerobic granule's mechanical strength in full-scale treatment plants. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024:131233. [PMID: 39117243 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are considered to play a pivotal role in shaping granules' physical properties. In this contribution, we characterized the viscoelastic properties of EPS from granules of 9 full-scale industrial anaerobic reactors; and quantitatively investigate whether these properties correlate with granules' resistance to compression (Egranule) and shear strength (Sgranule). Most granules with a higher shear strength, also exhibited a stronger resistance to compression (r = 0.96, p = 0.002), except those granules that contained relatively more proteins in their EPS. Interestingly, these granules were also the most resistant to shear stress (Sgranule ≥ 110 ± 40 h). Furthermore, the EPS hydrogels of these granules had slower softening rates (κ < 0.9) compared to the others (κ ranged between 0.95 and 1.20), indicating stronger gels were formed. These findings suggest that the EPS hydrogel softening rate could be a key parameter to explain granule's shear strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Gao
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mehdi Habibi
- Laboratory of Physics and Physical Chemistry of Foods, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, Wageningen 6708 WG, the Netherlands
| | - Tim L G Hendrickx
- Paques Technology B.V., T. de Boerstraat 24, Balk 8561 EL, the Netherlands
| | - Huub H M Rijnaarts
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hardy Temmink
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dainis Sudmalis
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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2
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Wang YB, Tang J, Ran DD, Zhu XM, Zheng SJ, Hong SD, Fu SF, van Loosdrecht MCM, Zeng RJ, Dai K, Zhang F. Deciphering the Dual Roles of an Alginate-Based Biodegradable Flocculant in Anaerobic Fermentation of Waste Activated Sludge: Dewaterability and Degradability. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39083369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c05971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable flocculants are rarely used in waste activated sludge (WAS) fermentation. This study introduces an alginate-based biodegradable flocculant (ABF) to enhance both the dewatering and degradation of WAS during its fermentation. Alginate was identified in structural extracellular polymeric substances (St-EPS) of WAS, with alginate-producing bacteria comprising ∼4.2% of the total bacterial population in WAS. Owing to its larger floc size, higher contact angle, and lower free energy resulting from the Lewis acid-base interaction, the addition of the prepared ABF with a network structure significantly improved the dewaterability of WAS and reduced capillary suction time (CST) by 72%. The utilization of ABF by an enriched alginate-degrading consortium (ADC) resulted in a 35.5% increase in the WAS methane yield owing to its higher hydrolytic activity on both ABF and St-EPS. Additionally, after a 30 day fermentation, CST decreased by 62% owing to the enhanced degradation of St-EPS (74.4%) and lower viscosity in the WAS + ABF + ADC group. The genus Bacteroides, comprising 12% of ADC, used alginate lyase (EC 4.2.2.3) and pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2 and EC 4.2.2.9) to degrade alginate and polygalacturonate in St-EPS, respectively. Therefore, this study introduces a new flocculant and elucidates its dual roles in enhancing both the dewaterability and degradability of WAS. These advancements improve WAS fermentation, resulting in higher methane production and lower CSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Bo Wang
- Center of Wastewater Resource Recovery, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Center of Wastewater Resource Recovery, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Dan-Di Ran
- Center of Wastewater Resource Recovery, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Zhu
- Center of Wastewater Resource Recovery, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Si-Jie Zheng
- Center of Wastewater Resource Recovery, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Si-Di Hong
- Center of Wastewater Resource Recovery, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shan-Fei Fu
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, Delft 2628 BC, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond Jianxiong Zeng
- Center of Wastewater Resource Recovery, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Kun Dai
- Center of Wastewater Resource Recovery, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Center of Wastewater Resource Recovery, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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3
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Qiao K, Zhao T, Wang L, Zhang W, Meng W, Liu F, Gao X, Zhu J. Screening and identification of functional bacterial attachment genes in aerobic granular sludge. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 141:205-214. [PMID: 38408821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The screening and identification of attachment genes is important to exploring the formation mechanism of biofilms at the gene level. It is helpful to the development of key culture technologies for aerobic granular sludge (AGS). In this study, genome-wide sequencing and gene editing were employed for the first time to investigate the effects and functions of attachment genes in AGS. With the help of whole-genome analysis, ten attachment genes were screened from thirteen genes, and the efficiency of gene screening was greatly improved. Then, two attachment genes were selected as examples to further confirm the gene functions by constructing gene-knockout recombinant mutants of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia; when the two attachment genes were knocked out, the attachment potential was reduced by 50.67% and 43.93%, respectively. The results provide a new theoretical principle and efficient method for the development of AGS from the perspective of attachment genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Qiao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; State Key Laboratory of Water Simulation, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; R & D Centre of Aerobic Granule Technology, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; R & D Centre of Aerobic Granule Technology, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wei Meng
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Fan Liu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xu Gao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; State Key Laboratory of Water Simulation, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jianrong Zhu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; R & D Centre of Aerobic Granule Technology, Beijing 100875, China.
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4
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Kochanowski JA, Carroll B, Asp ME, Kaputa EC, Patteson AE. Bacteria Colonies Modify Their Shear and Compressive Mechanical Properties in Response to Different Growth Substrates. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024. [PMID: 38193703 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria build multicellular communities termed biofilms, which are often encased in a self-secreted extracellular matrix that gives the community mechanical strength and protection against harsh chemicals. How bacteria assemble distinct multicellular structures in response to different environmental conditions remains incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the connection between bacteria colony mechanics and the colony growth substrate by measuring the oscillatory shear and compressive rheology of bacteria colonies grown on agar substrates. We found that bacteria colonies modify their own mechanical properties in response to shear and uniaxial compression in a manner that depends on the concentration of agar in their growth substrate. These findings highlight that mechanical interactions between bacteria and their microenvironments are an important element in bacteria colony development, which can aid in developing strategies to disrupt or reduce biofilm growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub A Kochanowski
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Bobby Carroll
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Merrill E Asp
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Emma C Kaputa
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Alison E Patteson
- Physics Department and BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
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5
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Nooranidoost M, Cogan N, Stoodley P, Gloag ES, Hussaini MY. Bayesian estimation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa viscoelastic properties based on creep responses of wild type, rugose, and mucoid variant biofilms. Biofilm 2023; 5:100133. [PMID: 37396464 PMCID: PMC10313507 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are relevant for a variety of disease settings, including pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis. Biofilms are initiated by individual bacteria that undergo a phenotypic switch and produce an extracellular polymeric slime (EPS). However, the viscoelastic characteristics of biofilms at different stages of formation and the contributions of different EPS constituents have not been fully explored. For this purpose, we develop and parameterize a mathematical model to study the rheological behavior of three biofilms - P. aeruginosa wild type PAO1, isogenic rugose small colony variant (RSCV), and mucoid variant biofilms against a range of experimental data. Using Bayesian inference to estimate these viscoelastic properties, we quantify the rheological characteristics of the biofilm EPS. We employ a Monte Carlo Markov Chain algorithm to estimate these properties of P. aeruginosa variant biofilms in comparison to those of wild type. This information helps us understand the rheological behavior of biofilms at different stages of their development. The mechanical properties of wild type biofilms change significantly over time and are more sensitive to small changes in their composition than the other two mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N.G. Cogan
- Department of Mathematics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS), National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Erin S. Gloag
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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6
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Marine polysaccharide-based hydrogels for critical materials selective removal and recovery: A review. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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7
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van den Berg L, Pronk M, van Loosdrecht MCM, de Kreuk MK. Density measurements of aerobic granular sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 44:1985-1995. [PMID: 34904922 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2021.2017492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Granular sludge processes are frequently used in domestic and industrial wastewater treatment. The granule buoyant density and biomass density are important parameters for the design and operation of granular sludge reactors. Different methods to measure the granule density include the pycnometer method, the Percoll density gradient method, the dextran blue method, and the settling velocity method. In this study, a comparison was made between these four methods to measure granule density for granules from a full-scale granular sludge plant treating domestic sewage. The effect of salinity on granule density was assessed as well. Three out of the four evaluated methods yielded comparable results, with granule buoyant densities between 1025.7 and 1028.1 kg/m3 and granule biomass densities between 71.1 and 71.5 g/L (based on volatile suspended solids (VSS)). The settling velocity method clearly underestimated the granule density, due to the complex relation between granule properties and settling velocity. The pycnometer method was the most precise method, but it was also quite susceptible to bias. The granule buoyant density increased proportionally with salinity, to 1049.2 kg/m3 at 36 g/L salinity. However, the granule biomass density, based on VSS, remained constant. This showed that the granule volume was not affected by salinity and that the buoyant density increase was the result of diffusion of salts into the granule pores. Overall, the granule density can be measured reliably with most methods, as long as the effect of salinity is considered. The results are discussed in light of operational aspects for full-scale granular sludge plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenno van den Berg
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Pronk
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
- Royal HaskoningDHV, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | | | - Merle K de Kreuk
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
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8
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Bou-Sarkis A, Paul E, Girbal-Neuhauser E, Derlon N, Bessiere Y. Detection of Gel-Forming Polymers via Calcium Crosslinking, Applied to the Screening of Extracellular Polymeric Substances Extracted from Biological Aggregates. Gels 2023; 9:gels9020157. [PMID: 36826327 PMCID: PMC9957232 DOI: 10.3390/gels9020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The valorization of biological aggregates through the extraction of hydrogel-forming polymers can enhance the economics and sustainability of various processes in which bacteria are involved in organic waste transformation, such as wastewater treatment. Achieving these goals requires the development of a method capable of detecting the presence of gel-forming polymers in complex mixtures containing biopolymers that are most often unknown and uncharacterized. A miniaturized screening method capable of detecting gelation via ionic crosslinking using only 1 to 3 mg of the tested samples (commercial molecules or extracellular polymeric substances, EPSs) is proposed. The method consists of calculating a percentage of reactivity (%R) through UV-vis spectra and determining the percentage of gel volume (%Vg) formed after the addition of calcium. Both factors were combined to give a gelling factor (GF), and the test was applied to pure commercial molecules (BSA, DNA, alginate (ALV), and a mixture of them), allowing the classification of the following solutions according to their gel-forming capacity: GF(ALV) > GF(ALV+DNA) > GF(BSA+ALV+DNA) > GF(BSA+ALV) > GF(DNA) > GF(BSA+DNA) > GF(BSA). As a relevant tool for screening hydrogel-forming solutions, the method was applied to the EPS extracted from aerobic granular sludge. The EPS (0.5% w/v) had a GF of 0.16 ± 0.03, equivalent to approximately half of the GF of ALV (0.38 ± 0.02 at 0.5% w/v). The developed test pushes the limits of the existing gel-detection techniques because it allows for quicker, less consuming, and more informative gelation detection through the use of simple methods that do not require sophisticated equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdo Bou-Sarkis
- LBAE, Laboratoire de Biotechnologies Agroalimentaire et Environnementale (UPS, URU 4565), Université de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire de Technologie, 24 rue d’Embaquès, 32000 Auch, France
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, 135 avenue de Rangueil, CEDEX 04, 31077 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence: (A.B.-S.); (E.G.-N.)
| | - Etienne Paul
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, 135 avenue de Rangueil, CEDEX 04, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Elisabeth Girbal-Neuhauser
- LBAE, Laboratoire de Biotechnologies Agroalimentaire et Environnementale (UPS, URU 4565), Université de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire de Technologie, 24 rue d’Embaquès, 32000 Auch, France
- Correspondence: (A.B.-S.); (E.G.-N.)
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- Department of Process Engineering, EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Yolaine Bessiere
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, 135 avenue de Rangueil, CEDEX 04, 31077 Toulouse, France
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9
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Cydzik-Kwiatkowska A, Gusiatin MZ, Zielińska M, Wojnowska-Baryła I, Kulikowska D, Bernat K. Alginate-like polymers from full-scale aerobic granular sludge: content, recovery, characterization, and application for cadmium adsorption. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22260. [PMID: 36564508 PMCID: PMC9789099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26743-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is a proven resource for the recovery of biopolymers like alginate-like polymers (ALP). This is the first report on the dynamics of ALP produced by AGS (ALP-AGS) in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), optimization of ALP recovery from AGS, and adsorption of cadmium (Cd2+) by ALP. Recovery of ALP was highest when using 120 mL of 0.2 M Na2CO3 at 70 °C for 45 min. Seasonal (1.5 years, over 3100 cycles) and intra-cycle changes in ALP-AGS in the WWTP were monitored. The ALP content in AGS increased in the transition period between winter and spring, reaching over 150 mg/g MLSS. In the batch reactor cycle, the ALP-AGS level peaked 2 h after the start of aeration (mean peak level: 120 mg/g MLSS), then decreased about two-fold by the end of the cycle. The ALP-AGS had a small surface area and a lamellar structure with crystalline outgrowths. The optimal conditions of Cd2+ adsorption with ALP were a dosage of 7.9 g d.m./L, a pH of 4-8, and an equilibrium time of 60 min. Carboxyl and hydroxyl groups were the key functional groups involved in Cd2+ adsorption. According to the Sips model, the maximum Cd2+ adsorption capacity of ALP-AGS was 29.5 mg/g d.m., which is similar to that of commercial alginate. AGS is a richer source of ALP than activated sludge, which ensures the cost-effectiveness of ALP recovery and increases the sustainability of wastewater treatment. Information on the chemical properties and yields of ALP from full-scale WWTPs is important for downstream applications with the recovered ALP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Cydzik-Kwiatkowska
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna St. 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mariusz Z. Gusiatin
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna St. 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zielińska
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna St. 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Irena Wojnowska-Baryła
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna St. 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dorota Kulikowska
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna St. 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bernat
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna St. 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
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10
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Candry P, Godfrey BJ, Wang Z, Sabba F, Dieppa E, Fudge J, Balogun O, Wells G, Winkler MKH. Tailoring polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate (PVA-SA) hydrogel beads by controlling crosslinking pH and time. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20822. [PMID: 36460678 PMCID: PMC9718846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25111-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel-encapsulated catalysts are an attractive tool for low-cost intensification of (bio)-processes. Polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate hydrogels crosslinked with boric acid and post-cured with sulfate (PVA-SA-BS) have been applied in bioproduction and water treatment processes, but the low pH required for crosslinking may negatively affect biocatalyst functionality. Here, we investigate how crosslinking pH (3, 4, and 5) and time (1, 2, and 8 h) affect the physicochemical, elastic, and process properties of PVA-SA-BS beads. Overall, bead properties were most affected by crosslinking pH. Beads produced at pH 3 and 4 were smaller and contained larger internal cavities, while optical coherence tomography suggested polymer cross-linking density was higher. Optical coherence elastography revealed PVA-SA-BS beads produced at pH 3 and 4 were stiffer than pH 5 beads. Dextran Blue release showed that pH 3-produced beads enabled higher diffusion rates and were more porous. Last, over a 28-day incubation, pH 3 and 4 beads lost more microspheres (as cell proxies) than beads produced at pH 5, while the latter released more polymer material. Overall, this study provides a path forward to tailor PVA-SA-BS hydrogel bead properties towards a broad range of applications, such as chemical, enzymatic, and microbially catalyzed (bio)-processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Candry
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 201 More Hall, Box 352700, Seattle, WA 98195-2700 USA
| | - Bruce J. Godfrey
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 201 More Hall, Box 352700, Seattle, WA 98195-2700 USA
| | - Ziwei Wang
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Mechanical Engineering Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208 USA
| | | | - Evan Dieppa
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208 USA
| | - Julia Fudge
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 201 More Hall, Box 352700, Seattle, WA 98195-2700 USA
| | - Oluwaseyi Balogun
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Mechanical Engineering Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208 USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208 USA
| | - George Wells
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208 USA
| | - Mari-Karoliina Henriikka Winkler
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 201 More Hall, Box 352700, Seattle, WA 98195-2700 USA
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11
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Chen X, Lee YJ, Yuan T, Lei Z, Adachi Y, Zhang Z, Lin Y, van Loosdrecht MCM. A review on recovery of extracellular biopolymers from flocculent and granular activated sludges: Cognition, key influencing factors, applications, and challenges. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 363:127854. [PMID: 36067889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A reasonable recovery of excess sludge may shift the waste into wealth. Recently an increasing attention has been paid to the recycling of extracellular biopolymers from conventional and advanced biological wastewater treatment systems such as flocculent activated sludge (AS), bacterial aerobic granular sludge (AGS), and algal-bacterial AGS processes. This review provides the first overview of current research developments and future directions in the recovery and utilization of high value-added biopolymers from the three types of sludge. It details the discussion on the recent evolvement of cognition or updated knowledge on functional extracellular biopolymers, as well as a comprehensive summary of the operating conditions and wastewater parameters influencing the yield, quality, and functionality of alginate-like exopolymer (ALE). In addition, recent attempts for potential practical applications of extracellular biopolymers are discussed, suggesting research priorities for overcoming identification challenges and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Chen
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Yu-Jen Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Tian Yuan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Zhongfang Lei
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.
| | - Yasuhisa Adachi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Zhenya Zhang
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Yuemei Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, the Netherlands
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12
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Yang Y, Li M, Zheng X, Ma H, Nerenberg R, Chai H. Extracellular DNA plays a key role in the structural stability of sulfide-based denitrifying biofilms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155822. [PMID: 35561912 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sulfide-based biofilm processes are increasingly used for wastewater denitrification, yet little is known about the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) composition of sulfide-oxidizing biofilms. This can have an important impact on biofilm mechanical strength and stability. In this research, the properties and roles of EPS components in biofilm stability were investigated. Weak biofilm stability characterized by high roughness and numerous "needle" structures was visualized by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microscopy. A high abundance of extracellular DNA (eDNA) and a low protein to polysaccharide ratio were found in the biofilm. The roles of eDNA, protein and polysaccharide in biofilm cohesion and adhesion were identified through enzyme treatment and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The enzymatic hydrolysis of eDNA increased the elastic modulus of biofilms by 57 times and reduced the adhesion energy by 96%. The hydrolysis of proteins led to an increase of elastic modulus by 27 times and a loss of adhesion energy by 95.5%. The enzymatic hydrolysis of polysaccharides caused minimal changes in elastic modulus and adhesion energy. These results suggest that eDNA was the key EPS component for biofilm cohesion and adhesion, possibly because it provided special binding sites and can form strong cross-linking with magnesium or other multivalent cations. This study provided new insights into the role of eDNA in biofilm stability and shed light on the development of sulfide-based denitrifying biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Mengfei Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Xiong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Haiyuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Robert Nerenberg
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Hongxiang Chai
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China.
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13
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Fast Granulation by Combining External Sludge Conditioning with FeCl 3 Addition and Reintroducing into an SBR. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14173688. [PMID: 36080762 PMCID: PMC9460750 DOI: 10.3390/polym14173688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The separation of light and heavy sludge, as well as the aggregation rate of floccular sludge, are two critical aspects of the rapid granulation process in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) in the early stages. In this study, we investigated the impact of a method to improve both sludge separation and granulation by coupling effluent sludge external conditioning with FeCl3 addition and then reintroducing it into the SBR. By supplementation with 0.1 g Fe3+ (g dried sludge (DS))−1, the concentration of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and sludge retention efficiency greatly increased, whereas the moisture content and specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) sharply decreased within 24 h external conditioning. Aggregates (1.75 ± 0.05 g·L−1) were reintroduced into the bioreactor once daily from day 13 to day 15. Afterwards, on day 17, aerobic granules with a concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) of 5.636 g/L, a sludge volume index (SVI30) of 45.5 mL/g and an average size of 2.5 mm in diameter were obtained. These results suggest that the external conditioning step with both air-drying and the addition of Fe3+ enhanced the production of EPS in the effluent sludge and improved rapid aggregation and high sludge retention efficiency. Consequently, the reintroduced aggregates with good traits shortened the time required to obtain mature aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and properly separate light and heavy sludge. Indeed, this method jump-started the aggregation, and rapid granulation processes were successful in this work. Additionally, while the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen from ammonium (NH4+-N) decreased when reintroducing the treated sludge into the SBR, such properties increased again as the AGS matured in the SBR, up to removal efficiencies of 96% and 95%, respectively.
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14
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van den Berg L, Toja Ortega S, van Loosdrecht MC, de Kreuk MK. Diffusion of soluble organic substrates in aerobic granular sludge: Effect of molecular weight. WATER RESEARCH X 2022; 16:100148. [PMID: 35814501 PMCID: PMC9263526 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2022.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is an advanced biofilm-based technology for wastewater treatment. Diffusion of substrates into the granules is a key aspect of this technology. Domestic wastewater contains soluble organic substrates of different sizes that could potentially diffuse into the granules. In this study, the relation between the molecular weight of a substrate and its diffusion coefficient within the granule was studied with model substrates (polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with a molecular weight between 62 and 10 000 Da). The diffusion coefficients of the model substrates within granules from a full-scale installation were measured with the 'transient uptake of a non-reactive solute' method. The diffusion coefficients in the granules were not significantly different from the diffusion coefficients in water, at least up to 4000 Da molecular weight. This indicates that these PEGs were not obstructed by the granule matrix. The 10 kDa PEG behaved differently from the lighter PEGs, as it could not penetrate the entire granule. Furthermore, the granule structure was characterized with Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM). The granules displayed an open structure with large macropores and semi-solid regions, which contained microbial cells. The diffusion results suggest that most diffusing molecules were unobstructed in the macropores and barely obstructed in the semi-solid regions. Only the diffusion of the 10 kDa PEG seemed to be hindered by the semi-solid regions, but not by the macropores. Lastly, the apparent molecular weight distribution of domestic wastewater soluble COD was determined with ultrafiltration membranes of 100, 10, and 1 kDa molecular weight cut-off. The influent fractionation revealed that a large part (61-69%) of the influent soluble COD was lighter than 1 kDa. As molecules lighter than 1 kDa diffuse easily, the majority of the influent soluble COD can be considered as diffusible COD. These findings provide new insight into the availability of influent COD for granular sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenno van den Berg
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
| | - Sara Toja Ortega
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
| | | | - Merle K. de Kreuk
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
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15
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Amin Vieira da Costa NP, Libardi N, Ribeiro da Costa RH. How can the addition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-based bioflocculant affect aerobic granular sludge (AGS)? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 310:114807. [PMID: 35231689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) recovered from aerobic granular sludge (AGS) to act as bioflocculant was tested in a pilot-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR), fed with low-strength municipal wastewater. EPS were compared with the addition of Na-alginate as a standardized biopolymer. The optimal dosage of both biopolymers was determined through jar-test assays (400 mg L-1 of Na-alginate in a 250 mg Ca L-1 and 50 mg L-1 of EPS in pH of 2 ± 0.2). The addition of Na-alginate (Operational Period I- OP-I) and EPS (Operational Period II - OP-II) led to increased adhesion of particles with 2.9 ± 0.45 and 1.3 ± 0.3 g TSS L-1 during OP-I and OP-II, respectively, and fast settling biomass (SVI30 between 68 and 78 mL g-1). Granule predominance occurred at early stages of OP-I (day 37) and OP-II (day 44), presenting diameters mainly within the 212-600 μm range. The reactor showed removal efficiencies of 85% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and above 50% for N-NH4 during the study periods. Furthermore, the addition of EPS as a bioflocculant promoted a substantial increase in polysaccharides (PS = 153.01 ± 121 mg gVSS-1) and proteins (PN = 121.96 ± 69 mg gVSS-1), while the addition of Na-alginate affected mostly the PS content (87 ± 24 mg gVSS-1). The microbial community shifted mainly from Betaproteobacteria (45%) during OP-I to Alphaproteobacteria (64%) in OP-II. Therefore, EPS affected both physical-chemical and microbial features of the AGS biomass without any change in treatment efficiencies. EPS is a promising resource to be recovered from aerobic granular sludge and to be used as an alternative and sustainable bioflocculant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nelson Libardi
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, 88040-970, Florianópolis, Brazil.
| | - Rejane Helena Ribeiro da Costa
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, 88040-970, Florianópolis, Brazil
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16
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Ran X, Zhou M, Wang T, Wang W, Kumari S, Wang Y. Multidisciplinary characterization of nitrogen-removal granular sludge: A review of advances and technologies. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 214:118214. [PMID: 35240472 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen-removal granular sludge (NRGS) is a promising technology in wastewater treatment, with advantages of efficient nitrogen removal, less footprint, lower sludge production and energy consumption, and is a way for wastewater treatment plants to achieve carbon-neutrality. Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and anammox granular sludge (AnGS) are two typical NRGS technologies that have attracted extensive attention. Mounting evidence has shown strong associations between NRGS properties and the status of NRGS systems; however, a holistic view is still missing. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of NRGS with an emphasis on characterization. Specifically, the integrated nitrogen transformation pathways inside NRGS and the performance of NRGS treating various wastewaters are discussed. NRGS properties are categorized as physical-, chemical-, biological- and systematical ones, presenting current advances and corresponding characterization technologies. Finally, the future prospects for furthering the mechanistic understanding and engineering application of NRGS are proposed. Overall, the technological advancements in characterization have greatly contributed to understanding NRGS properties, which are potential factors for optimizing the performance and evaluating the working status of NRGS. This review will provide guidance in characterizing NRGS properties and boost the introduction of novel characterization technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Mingda Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Weigang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Yayi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
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17
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BOU-SARKIS A, PAGLIACCIA B, RIC A, DERLON N, PAUL E, BESSIERE Y, GIRBAL-NEUHAUSER E. Effects of alkaline solvents and heating temperatures on the solubilization and degradation of gel-forming Extracellular Polymeric Substances extracted from aerobic granular sludge. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Su X, Cheng X, Wang Y, Luo J. Effect of different D-amino acids on biofilm formation of mixed microorganisms. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 85:116-124. [PMID: 35050870 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of D-tyrosine, D-aspartic acid, D-tryptophan and D-leucine on biofilm formation of mixed microorganisms. Results showed that, in the attachment stage, D-amino acids caused significant reduction in adhesion efficiency of mixed microorganisms to the membrane surface. Moreover, D-amino acids have a promoting effect on the reversible adhesion of mixed microorganisms. The addition of D-amino acid generally inhibited the biofilm biomass, of which D-tyrosine has the best inhibition effect. With the effect of D-tyrosine, D-aspartic acid, D-tryptophan and D-leucine, the protein in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) decreased by 8.21%, 7.65%, 3.51% and 11.31%, respectively. The carbohydrates in EPS decreased by 29.53%, 21.44%, 14.60% and 10.54%, respectively. The results of excitation-emission matrix spectra (EEMs) suggested that the structural properties of the tyrosine-like proteins, tryptophan-like protein and humic-like acid might have changed by the D-amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Su
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China E-mail:
| | - Xin Cheng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China E-mail:
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China E-mail:
| | - Jintao Luo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China E-mail:
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19
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Structural Characteristics of Aerobic Granular Sludge and Factors That Influence Its Stability: A Mini Review. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13192726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Current extensive research on aerobic granular sludge (AGS) largely focuses on improving its microbial biodiversity, settlement behavior, nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency, and shock load resistance. Great challenges that have to be faced are the bottleneck of slow-speed granulation and easy disintegration after granulation, which are key to the extended application of AGS technology. In the present review, the typical morphological structures of AGS are firstly summarized as well as the granulation model hypotheses, and then, we analyze the dominant microflora and their spatial distribution features. The influencing factors on particle structure stability are discussed thereafter on a macro and micro scale. Prospects and future research trends are also discussed based on the current study results for AGS technology.
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20
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Cai Z, Li H, Pu S, Ke J, Wang D, Liu Y, Chen J, Guo R. Development of autotrophic and heterotrophic consortia via immobilized microbial beads for chemical wastewater treatment, using PTA wastewater as an approach. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 281:131001. [PMID: 34289638 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies on the symbiosis of microalgae-bacteria have been accelerating as a mean for wastewater remediation. However, there were few reports about the microalgae-bacteria consortia for chemical wastewater treatment. The aim of the present study is to develop an autotrophic and heterotrophic consortium for chemical wastewater treatment and probe whether and how bacteria could benefit from the microalgae during the treatment process, using PTA wastewater as an approach. A process-dependent strategy was applied. First of all, the results showed that the sludge beads with the sludge concentration of 30 g/L were the optimal one with the COD removal rate at 84.8% but the ceiling effect occurred (COD removal rate < 90%) even several common reinforcement methods were applied. Additionally, by adding the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, a microalgae-activated sludge consortium was formed inside the immobilized beads, which provided better performance to shatter the ceiling effect. The COD remove rate was higher than 90%, regardless of the activated sludge was pre-culture or not. COD removal capacity could also be improved (COD removal rate > 92%) when LEDs light belt was offered as an advanced light condition. Biochemical assay and DNA analysis indicated that the microalgae could form an internal circulation of substances within the activated sludge and drove the microbial community to success and the corresponding gene functions, like metabolism and.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Cai
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Haitao Li
- Research Institute of Nanjing Chemical Industry Group, Nanjing, 210048, China
| | - Shaochen Pu
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Jian Ke
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Research Institute of Nanjing Chemical Industry Group, Nanjing, 210048, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Jianqiu Chen
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Ruixin Guo
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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21
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Moraes Schambeck C, Ribeiro da Costa RH, Derlon N. Phosphate removal from municipal wastewater by alginate-like exopolymers hydrogels recovered from aerobic granular sludge. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 333:125167. [PMID: 33894450 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This worked assessed the potential of alginate-like exopolymers (ALE) hydrogels recovered from aerobic granular sludge (AGS) in removing compounds commonly present in municipal wastewater. Batch sorption experiments were performed with ALE hydrogels at different operating conditions. Results showed that ALE hydrogels can only remove phosphate, at removal efficiencies of up to 90.8% and practical loadings of 1.22 ± 0.07 mg PO43--P/g TSALE. Phosphate removal was observed even in the presence of competing ions. Moreover, neutral to acidic pH values strongly impaired the phosphate removal (28.9 ± 0.8% at pH = 6.00), while basic pH at around 8.50 was the most favourable (up to 90.8% at pH = 8.67). However, ALE hydrogels contributed to the increase in COD, total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the bulk liquid, what suggests that ALE need to be further tailored. Therefore, this study demonstrates that ALE represent a relevant approach for the recovery of phosphates from municipal wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cássio Moraes Schambeck
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Trindade University Campus, Sanitary and Environmental Engineering Department, 88040-970 Florianópolis, Brazil; Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Rejane Helena Ribeiro da Costa
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Trindade University Campus, Sanitary and Environmental Engineering Department, 88040-970 Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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22
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Marine Gel Interactions with Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Pollutants. Gels 2021; 7:gels7030083. [PMID: 34287300 PMCID: PMC8293255 DOI: 10.3390/gels7030083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgels play critical roles in a variety of processes in the ocean, including element cycling, particle interactions, microbial ecology, food web dynamics, air-sea exchange, and pollutant distribution and transport. Exopolymeric substances (EPS) from various marine microbes are one of the major sources for marine microgels. Due to their amphiphilic nature, many types of pollutants, especially hydrophobic ones, have been found to preferentially associate with marine microgels. The interactions between pollutants and microgels can significantly impact the transport, sedimentation, distribution, and the ultimate fate of these pollutants in the ocean. This review on marine gels focuses on the discussion of the interactions between gel-forming EPS and pollutants, such as oil and other hydrophobic pollutants, nanoparticles, and metal ions.
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23
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Pfaff NM, Kleijn JM, van Loosdrecht MCM, Kemperman AJB. Formation and ripening of alginate-like exopolymer gel layers during and after membrane filtration. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 195:116959. [PMID: 33676179 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The properties of biofilm EPS are determined by the multiple interactions between its constituents and the surrounding environment. Because of the high complexity of biofilm EPS, its constituents' characterisation is still far from thorough, and identification of these interactions cannot be done yet. Therefore, we use gels of bacterial alginate-like exopolysaccharides (ALEs) as a model component for biofilm EPS in this work. These gels have been examined for their cohesive properties as a function of CaCl2 and KCl concentration. Hereto, ALE gel layers were formed on membranes by dead-end filtration of ALE solutions. Accumulation of the cations Ca2+ and K+ in the gels could be well predicted from a Donnan equilibrium model based on the fixed negative charges in the ALE. This suggests that there is no specific binding of Ca2+ to the ALE and that on the time scale of the experiments, the Ca2+ ions can distribute freely over the gel and the surrounding solution. The concentration of fixed negative charges in the ALE was estimated around 1 mmol/g VSS (volatile suspended solids, organic mass) from the Donnan equilibrium. Moreover, an accumulation of H+ was predicted. Gels with more CaCl2 in the supernatant were more compact and bore a higher osmotic pressure than those with less CaCl2, revealing the role of Ca2+ ions in the network crosslinking. It is hypothesised that this mechanism later transitions into a rearrangement of the ALE molecules, which eventually leads to a fibrous network structure with large voids.
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Affiliation(s)
- N-M Pfaff
- TNW Applied Sciences, TU Delft, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Wetsus, European Center of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
| | - J Mieke Kleijn
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University, Helix, 124, Stippenweg 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Antoine J B Kemperman
- Wetsus, European Center of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands; Membrane Science and Technology cluster, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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24
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Li Y, Wang H, Wang S, Xiao K, Huang X. Enzymatic Cleaning Mitigates Polysaccharide-Induced Refouling of RO Membrane: Evidence from Foulant Layer Structure and Microbial Dynamics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:5453-5462. [PMID: 33492142 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Traditional harsh chemical cleaning-in-place (CIP) is corrosive to membranes but has limited inhibition on refouling, a tough problem for long-term operation of reverse osmosis (RO). Mild enzymatic cleaning (at pH 9) is a promising alternative but lacks long-term verification and insightful elucidation. In this study, we investigated the instantaneous efficiency, postcleaning refouling, and biological effect of enzymatic CIP (compounded with lipase, protease, and sodium dodecyl sulfate) on practical RO membranes during a 500 h multicycle operation. The enzymatic CIP had an average cleaning efficiency of 77%, which is comparable to a commercial harsh CIP benchmark (pH > 12). It mitigated refouling by shaping the biofilm into a loose and porous architecture where newly arrived organics conformed standard blocking, whereas harsh chemicals rendered a smooth and dense gel layer with quick refouling in intermediate blocking or cake filtration mode. Such structural disparities were dominated by polysaccharides according to quantitative chemical analyses. Gene sequencing and ecological network analysis further proved that the behavior of polysaccharide-related keystone species (such as Sphingomonas and Xanthomonas) significantly changed after long-term enzymatic treatment. In this regard, the mild selective pressure of enzymatic reagents can directionally regulate microbial dynamics, alter foulant layer structure via bio-organic synchronicity, mitigate refouling, and eventually improve the sustainability of RO operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Han Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shu Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kang Xiao
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Research and Application Center for Membrane Technology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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25
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Feng C, Lotti T, Canziani R, Lin Y, Tagliabue C, Malpei F. Extracellular biopolymers recovered as raw biomaterials from waste granular sludge and potential applications: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:142051. [PMID: 33207449 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Granular sludge (GS) is a special self-aggregation biofilm. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are mainly associated with the architectural structure, rheological behaviour and functional stability of fine granules, given that their significance to the physicochemical features of the biomass catalysing the biological purification process. This review targets the EPS excretion from GS and introduces newly identified EPS components, EPS distribution in different granules, how to effectively extract and recover EPS from granules, key parameters affecting EPS production, and the potential applications of EPS-based biomaterials. GS-based EPS components are highly diverse and a series of new contents are highlighted. Due to high diversity, emerging extraction standards are proposed and recovery process is capturing particular attention. The major components of EPS are found to be polysaccharides and proteins, which manifest a larger diversity of relative abundance, structures, physical and chemical characteristics, leading to the possibility to sustainably recover raw materials. EPS-based biomaterials not only act as alternatives to synthetic polymers in several applications but also figure in innovative industrial/environmental applications, including gel-forming materials for paper industry, biosorbents, cement curing materials, and flame retardant materials. In the upcoming years, it is foreseen that productions of EPS-based biomaterials from renewable origins would make a significant contribution to the advancement of the circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuijie Feng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Lotti
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, Via di Santa Marta 3, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Canziani
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Yuemei Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Camilla Tagliabue
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Malpei
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
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26
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Schambeck CM, Girbal-Neuhauser E, Böni L, Fischer P, Bessière Y, Paul E, da Costa RHR, Derlon N. Chemical and physical properties of alginate-like exopolymers of aerobic granules and flocs produced from different wastewaters. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 312:123632. [PMID: 32531737 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The influence of wastewater (WW) composition and the bioaggregates types (floccular vs. aerobic granular sludge - AGS) on the content, physical-chemical, hydrogel and rheological properties of Alginate-Like Exopolymers (ALE) was studied. Results showed that ALE are a complex mixture of proteins, humic acids and polysaccharides. Overall, rather similar ALE content and composition was observed for the different types of sludge. Only the AGS fed with acetate and propionate yielded significantly larger amount of ALE (261 ± 33 mg VSALE/g VSsludge, +49%) and of uronic sugars in ALE (254 ± 32 mgglucuronic acid/g VSALE, +62%) than bioaggregates fed with no/very little volatile fatty acids. Mannuronic acids are involved in the cohesion of the hydrogels. ALE hydrogels elasticity changed significantly with the type/origin of the bioaggregates. ALE hydrogels elasticity from AGS was always higher than from flocs when fed with real WW. Hence, different types of sludge impact the properties of the recovered ALE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cássio Moraes Schambeck
- Sanitary and Environmental Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-970 Florianópolis, Brazil; Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Girbal-Neuhauser
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologies Agroalimentaire et Environmentale (LBAE), Université Paul Sabatier, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Lukas Böni
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Fischer
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Etienne Paul
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - Rejane Helena Ribeiro da Costa
- Sanitary and Environmental Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-970 Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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Impact of additive application on the establishment of fast and stable aerobic granulation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:5697-5709. [PMID: 32415318 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10657-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is a microbial biofilm self-aggregation, which is effective for nutrient and pollutant removal, through the development of dense microbial layers bound together with extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). However, long start-up times and granule disintegration are still challenges ahead. An array of external additives, including ion chelating agents, sludge-based enhancers, and magnetic influence have been tested to overcome these barriers. The application of such additives may promote enhanced EPS production, neutralization of charges on the bacterial surface, acts as a core-induced agent, or as a bridge to connect EPSs and cell surfaces. Although additives may improve the granule formation without reducing treatment efficiencies, there are still environmental concerns due to the fate and toxicity of discharged excess sludge. This mini-review identifies an array of external additives and their mechanisms to improve granulation properties, and proposes discussion about the technical and economic viability of these additives. KEY POINTS: • Additives reduce granulation time and repair granule disintegration. • Biopolymer-based additives fulfill technical and environmental requirements. • Sludge-based additives are cheap and in line with the resource recovery concept. • The need for environmental-friendly additives for aerobic granular sludge process. • External additives affect granular biomass size distribution.
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