Correlation between microbial community and granule conductivity in anaerobic bioreactors for brewery wastewater treatment

Electron Transfer in the Biogeochemical Sulfur Cycle

Microorganisms are key players in the global biogeochemical sulfur cycle. Among them, some have garnered particular attention due to their electrical activity and ability to perform extracellular electron transfer. A growing body of research has highlighted their extensive phylogenetic and metabolic diversity, revealing their crucial roles in ecological processes. In this review, we delve into the electron transfer process between sulfate-reducing bacteria and anaerobic alkane-oxidizing archaea, which facilitates growth within syntrophic communities. Furthermore, we review the phenomenon of long-distance electron transfer and potential extracellular electron transfer in multicellular filamentous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. These bacteria, with their vast application prospects and ecological significance, play a pivotal role in various ecological processes. Subsequently, we discuss the important role of the pili/cytochrome for electron transfer and presented cutting-edge approaches for exploring and studying electroactive microorganisms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of electroactive microorganisms participating in the biogeochemical sulfur cycle. By examining their electron transfer mechanisms, and the potential ecological and applied implications, we offer novel insights into microbial sulfur metabolism, thereby advancing applications in the development of sustainable bioelectronics materials and bioremediation technologies.

Unifying concepts in methanogenic, aerobic, and anammox sludge granulation

The retention of dense and well-functioning microbial biomass is crucial for effective pollutant removal in several biological wastewater treatment technologies. High solids retention is often achieved through aggregation of microbial communities into dense, spherical aggregates known as granules, which were initially discovered in the 1980s. These granules have since been widely applied in upflow anaerobic digesters for waste-to-energy conversions. Furthermore, granular biomass has been applied in aerobic wastewater treatment and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) technologies. The mechanisms underpinning the formation of methanogenic, aerobic, and anammox granules are the subject of ongoing research. Although each granule type has been extensively studied in isolation, there has been a lack of comparative studies among these granulation processes. It is likely that there are some unifying concepts that are shared by all three sludge types. Identifying these unifying concepts could allow a unified theory of granulation to be formed. Here, we review the granulation mechanisms of methanogenic, aerobic, and anammox granular sludge, highlighting several common concepts, such as the role of extracellular polymeric substances, cations, and operational parameters like upflow velocity and shear force. We have then identified some unique features of each granule type, such as different internal structures, microbial compositions, and quorum sensing systems. Finally, we propose that future research should prioritize aspects of microbial ecology, such as community assembly or interspecies interactions in individual granules during their formation and growth.

Microbially mediated metal corrosion

A wide diversity of microorganisms, typically growing as biofilms, has been implicated in corrosion, a multi-trillion dollar a year problem. Aerobic microorganisms establish conditions that promote metal corrosion, but most corrosion has been attributed to anaerobes. Microbially produced organic acids, sulfide and extracellular hydrogenases can accelerate metallic iron (Fe0) oxidation coupled to hydrogen (H2) production, as can respiratory anaerobes consuming H2 as an electron donor. Some bacteria and archaea directly accept electrons from Fe0 to support anaerobic respiration, often with c-type cytochromes as the apparent outer-surface electrical contact with the metal. Functional genetic studies are beginning to define corrosion mechanisms more rigorously. Omics studies are revealing which microorganisms are associated with corrosion, but new strategies for recovering corrosive microorganisms in culture are required to evaluate corrosive capabilities and mechanisms. Interdisciplinary studies of the interactions among microorganisms and between microorganisms and metals in corrosive biofilms show promise for developing new technologies to detect and prevent corrosion. In this Review, we explore the role of microorganisms in metal corrosion and discuss potential ways to mitigate it.

Revealing the mechanism of novel nitrogen-doped biochar supported magnetite (NBM) enhancing anaerobic digestion of waste-activated sludge by sludge characteristics

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising technology in waste treatment and energy recovery. However, it suffers from long retention time and low biogas yield. In this study, novel nitrogen-doped biochar supported magnetite (NBM) was synthesized and applied to enhance the AD of waste-activated sludge. Results showed that NBM increased cumulative methane production and SCOD removal efficiency by up to 1.75 times and 15% respectively at 5 g/L compared with the blank. NBM enhanced both hydrolysis and methanogenesis process during AD and the activities of α-glucosidase, protease, coenzyme F₄₂₀ and electron transport system were increased by 19%, 163%, 104% and 160% respectively at 5 g/L NBM compared with the blank. NBM also facilitated the secretion of conductive protein in extracellular polymeric substances as well as the formation of conductive pili, leading to 3.18-7.59 times higher sludge electrical conductivity. Microbial community analysis revealed that bacteria Clostridia and archaea Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta were enriched by the addition of NBM, and direct interspecies electron transfer might be promoted between them. This study provides a practical reference for future material synthesis and its application.

Enhancement effect of biochar addition on anaerobic co-digestion of pig manure and corn straw under biogas slurry circulation

Based on the semi-continuous anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) reactor, the effects of biochar addition on the internal environmental changes and gas production characteristics were studied under the condition of biogas slurry recirculation. The results showed that the addition of biochar enhanced the degradation and metabolic pathways of acetate and propionate, thereby reducing the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), total ammonia and chemical oxygen demand by 55 %, 41 % and 61 %, respectively. The buffer system formed by the combination of NH₄⁺ and VFAs of C₂-C₅ was also enhanced, thereby improving the stability of the system. The addition of biochar effectively increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Spirochaetota and Synergistota, and enhanced three methanogenic metabolic pathways. This study provides scientific support for the application of biochar to solve the system inhibition in mixed substrate semi-continuous AcoD process and provides technical support for the stable operation of biogas project.

Extracellular electron transfer and the conductivity in microbial aggregates during biochemical wastewater treatment: A bottom-up analysis of existing knowledge

Microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET) plays a crucial role in bioenergy production and resource recovery from wastewater. Interdisciplinary efforts have been made to unveil EET processes at various spatial scales, from nanowires to microbial aggregates. Electrical conductivity has been frequently measured as an indicator of EET efficiency. In this review, the conductivity of nanowires, biofilms, and granular sludge was summarized, and factors including subjects, measurement methods, and conducting conditions that affect the conductivity difference were discussed in detail. The high conductivity of nanowires does not necessarily result in efficient EET in microbial aggregates due to the existence of non-conductive substances and contact resistance. Improving the conductivity measurement of microbial aggregates is important because it enables the calculation of an EET flux from conductivity and a comparison of the flux with mass transfer coefficients. This review provides new insight into the significance, characterization, and optimization of EET in microbial aggregates during a wastewater treatment process.

Optimization of biofilm conductance measurement with two-electrode microbial electrochemical cells (MECs)

This study was conducted to develop a standardized and consistent method for biofilm conductance measurement for an improved comprehension of extracellular electron transfer. Biofilm conductance (2.12 ± 0.25 × 10^-4 S) with and without a fixed anode potential did not show significant difference. The conductance showed a sigmoidal relationship with anode potential. The current-voltage profile of the tested biofilm at applied voltage larger than 100 mV showed deviation from Ohm's law. Up to 69% decrease in biofilm conductance and deviation from Ohm's law were observed in the current-voltage profile when the measurement time increased. By choosing the voltage range (0- 100 mV) and step (25 mV), measurement time (100-s at each voltage step), and anode control mode, these operation settings were found more suitable for consistent and accurate biofilm conductance measurement in the 2-Au MEC system. This represents the first study that comprehensively evaluated the environmental and instrumental parameters for biofilm conductance measurement.

Experimental evaluation of the influence of combined particle size pretreatment and Fe3O4 additive on fuel yields of Arachis Hypogea shells

A smart energy recovery process can achieve maximum energy recovery from organic wastes. Pretreatment of feedstock is essential to biogas and methane yields during the anaerobic digestion process. This work combined particle size reduction with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles to investigate their influence on biogas and methane yields from anaerobic digestion of Arachis hypogea shells. Twenty milligrams per litre of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was implemented with 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm particle sizes and a single treatment of Fe₃O₄ for 35 days. The treatments were compared with each other and were discovered to significantly (p < 0.05) enhance biogas yield by 37.40%, 50.10%, 54.40%, 51.40% and 35.50% compared with control, respectively. Specific biogas yield recorded was 966.2, 1406, 1552.7, 1317.4, 766.2 and 413 mL g^-1 volatile solid. This study showed the combination of Fe₃O₄ with 6 mm particle size of Arachis hypogea shells produced the optimum biogas and methane yields. The addition of Fe3O4 to particle sizes below 6 mm resulted in over-accumulation of volatile fatty acids and lowered the gas yield. This can be applied on an industrial scale.

Effect of granular activated carbon adsorption and size of microbial aggregates in inoculum on stimulating direct interspecies electron transfer during anaerobic digestion of fat, oil, and grease

To investigate the effect of granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption and size of microbial aggregates in inoculum on stimulating direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) during anaerobic digestion of fat, oil, and grease (FOG), seed sludge was divided into two inocula (big (>0.85 mm)/small (0.15-0.85 mm)) for FOG digestion with/without GAC. More long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) were adsorbed on GAC in the reactor with small aggregates than that with big aggregates, corresponding to 57 % and 10 % decreased methane production, respectively. Adsorption of unsaturated LCFAs (e.g., oleic acid) on GAC was found to reduce LCFA bioavailability, hinder DIET via GAC, and change community structure. Compared to pre-adsorption of oleic acid on GAC, pre-attachment of microbes on GAC resulted in 5.6-fold higher methane yield for oleic acid digestion. Together, competition of LCFA adsorption between GAC and microbial aggregates is essential for enhanced methane recovery from FOG digestion via GAC-induced DIET.

Effect of activated carbon/graphite on enhancing anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge

The conductive media was capable to enhance anaerobic digestion and promote direct interspecific electron transfer (DIET). In this study, the effects of activated carbon- and graphite-conductive media on promoting anaerobic digestion efficiency of waste activated sludge were experimentally studied. The results show that the 100 mesh-activated carbon group reactor produced a largest biogas yield of 468.2 mL/g VSS, which was 13.8% higher than the blank test. The graphite group reactor with 400-grain size produced a largest biogas yield of 462.9 mL/g VSS, which was 12.5% higher than the blank test. Moreover, the optimal particle size of such two carbon- conductive mediators were optimized for enhancing degradation efficiency of VSS, TCOD, total protein and total polysaccharide of waste sludge. Activated carbon was capable to promote the hydrolytic acidification stage in anaerobic digestion of waste sludge. When the particle size reduced to the optimal particle size, the promoting effect could be strengthened for producing more hydrolytic acidification products for methanogenesis. However, in the graphite group, the methane production is increased by promoting the consumption of hydrolysis and acidification products and is enhanced with the particle size reduction, thus promoting the methanogenesis process, and improving the anaerobic digestion efficiency. Microbial community analysis showed that both activated carbon and graphite cultivated the genera of Methanosaeta, Methanobacterium, Nitrososphaeraceae, which promoted the improvement of methane production through the acetate debris methanogenesis pathway.

Continuously feeding fenton sludge into anaerobic digesters: Iron species change and operating stability

Fenton sludge generated from the Fenton process contains a large number of ferric species and organic pollutants, which need to be properly treated before discharge. In this study, Fenton sludge as an Fe(III) source for dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) was continuously added with increasing dosage into an anaerobic digester to enhance the treatment. Results showed continuously feeding Fenton sludge to the anaerobic digester did not deteriorate the performance and increased methane production and COD removal rate by 2.2 folds and 14.0%, respectively. The Fe content of sludge in the digester increased from 40.25 mg/g (dry weight) to 131.53 mg/g after continuously feeding for 77days, and then declined to 109.17 mg/g when the feeding was stopped. Mass balance analysis showed that 20.5 to 48.4% of Fe in the Fenton sludge was released to the effluent. After experiment, the ratio of reducible Fe species to the total Fe was 75.1%, which maintained the high activity in DIR. Microbial community analysis showed that iron-reducing bacteria were enriched with the addition of Fenton sludge and the sludge in the digester had a higher conductivity and capacitance to strengthen the electron transfer of DIR. All results suggested that feeding Fenton sludge into anaerobic digesters was a feasible method to dispose of Fenton sludge as well as to enhance the performance of anaerobic digestion.

Microbial biofilms as living photoconductors due to ultrafast electron transfer in cytochrome OmcS nanowires

Light-induced microbial electron transfer has potential for efficient production of value-added chemicals, biofuels and biodegradable materials owing to diversified metabolic pathways. However, most microbes lack photoactive proteins and require synthetic photosensitizers that suffer from photocorrosion, photodegradation, cytotoxicity, and generation of photoexcited radicals that are harmful to cells, thus severely limiting the catalytic performance. Therefore, there is a pressing need for biocompatible photoconductive materials for efficient electronic interface between microbes and electrodes. Here we show that living biofilms of Geobacter sulfurreducens use nanowires of cytochrome OmcS as intrinsic photoconductors. Photoconductive atomic force microscopy shows up to 100-fold increase in photocurrent in purified individual nanowires. Photocurrents respond rapidly (<100 ms) to the excitation and persist reversibly for hours. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and quantum dynamics simulations reveal ultrafast (~200 fs) electron transfer between nanowire hemes upon photoexcitation, enhancing carrier density and mobility. Our work reveals a new class of natural photoconductors for whole-cell catalysis.

Despite enormous potential of solar-driven biocatalysis, most living systems lack photoactive proteins and require toxic and expensive synthetic materials limiting the performance. Here, a class of natural photoconductors is demonstrated through sub-picosecond heme-to-heme electron transfer in bacteria-produced protein nanowires.

Alleviating acid inhibition in anaerobic digestion of food waste: Coupling ethanol-type fermentation with biochar addition

In this study, ethanol-type fermentation pretreatment and adding two types of biochar prepared at 600 °C and 1000 °C (referred to as SS600 and SS1000) were combined to alleviate acid accumulation via strengthening direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) during anaerobic digestion of food waste. Results demonstrated that ethanol production was about 11 g/L after the ethanol-type fermentation at pH of 4-5 for 4 days, accounting for 8.9% of the influent COD of the subsequent methanogenesis. After the ethanol-type fermentation pretreatment, average methane productions of digesters with SS600 and SS1000 addition increased by 86.3% and 64.9% to 618.1 ± 30.1 and 527.3 ± 25.4 mL/g VS under solid retention time (SRT) of 25 d respectively, and the conductivity of sludge increased by 95.3% and 65.3% compared to digester without biochar addition. Furthermore, adding biochar also could accelerate the recovery of acidification digester. The relative abundance of Methanothrix performing DIET were enriched with SS600. These results suggested that coupling ethanol-type fermentation with biochar addition could strengthen DIET to resist the shocks of high organic loading rate.

Effect of magnetite addition on transcriptional profiles of syntrophic Bacteria and Archaea during anaerobic digestion of propionate in wastewater sludge

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an important technology for the effective conversion of waste and wastewater to methane. Here, syntrophic bacteria transfer molecular hydrogen (H₂ ), formate, or directly supply electrons (direct interspecies electron transfer, DIET) to the methanogens. Evidence is accumulating that the methanation of short-chain fatty acids can be enhanced by the addition of conductive material to the anaerobic digester, which has often been attributed to the stimulation of DIET. Since little is known about the transcriptional response of a complex AD microbial community to the addition of conductive material, we added magnetite to propionate-fed laboratory-scale reactors that were inoculated with wastewater sludge. Compared to the control reactors, the magnetite-amended reactors showed improved methanation of propionate. A genome-centric metatranscriptomics approach identified the active SCFA-oxidizing bacteria that affiliated with Firmicutes, Desulfobacterota and Cloacimonadota. The transcriptional profiles revealed that the syntrophic bacteria transferred acetate, H₂ and formate to acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, whereas transcription of potential determinants for DIET such as conductive pili and outer-membrane cytochromes did not significantly change with magnetite addition. Overall, changes in the transcriptional profiles of syntrophic Bacteria and Archaea in propionate-fed lab-scale reactors amended with magnetite refute a major role of DIET in the studied system.

Enhanced anaerobic digestion of dairy wastewater in a granular activated carbon amended sequential batch reactor

This study investigated the potential of granular activated carbon (GAC) supplementation to enhance anaerobic degradation of dairy wastewater. Two sequential batch reactors (SBRs; 0.8 L working volume), one control and another amended with GAC, were operated at 37°C and 1.5-1.6 m/h upflow velocity for a total of 120 days (four cycles of 30 days each). The methane production at the end of each cycle run increased by about 68%, 503%, 110%, and 125% in the GAC-amended SBR, compared with the Control SBR. Lipid degradation was faster in the presence of GAC. Conversely, the organic compounds, especially lipids, accumulated in the absence of the conductive material. In addition, a reduction in lag phase duration by 46%-100% was observed at all four cycles in the GAC-amended SBR. The peak methane yield rate was at least 2 folds higher with GAC addition in all cycles. RNA-based bacterial analysis revealed enrichment of Synergistes (0.8% to 29.2%) and Geobacter (0.4% to 11.3%) in the GAC-amended SBR. Methanolinea (85.8%) was the dominant archaea in the biofilm grown on GAC, followed by Methanosaeta (11.3%), at RNA level. Overall, this study revealed that GAC supplementation in anaerobic digesters treating dairy wastewater can promote stable and efficient methane production, accelerate lipid degradation and might promote the activity of electroactive microorganisms.

Glycol/glycerol-fed electrically conductive aggregates suggest a mechanism of stimulating direct interspecies electron transfer in methanogenic digesters

The possibility of stimulating direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) within aggregates of methanogenic digesters respectively with ethanol, glycol, and glycerol as a primary substrate was investigated to better understand the mechanisms of alcohol compounds stimulating DIET. Aggregates fed with ethanol, glycol, and glycerol were electrically conductive (10.4-19.4 uS/cm), with a temperature dependence of metallic-like conductivity. Close examination of transmission electron microscope images observed the potential interspecies connected networks assembled by filaments within these aggregates. Further investigations via metatranscriptomics found that, genes for electrically conductive pili (e-pili) (Log₂FPKM, 9.39-10.96) and c-type cytochromes (8.90-9.64) were highly expressed within aggregates. Glycerol-fed aggregates exhibited the highest gene expression for e-pili, while glycol-fed aggregates exhibited the highest gene expression for c-type cytochromes. Methanothrix species were dominant and metabolically active within aggregates. Genes encoding the enzymes involved in carbon dioxide reduction were highly expressed in Methanothrix species, suggesting that they participated in DIET. In addition, transcript abundance of genes encoding alcohol dehydrogenase and NADH-quinone oxidoreductase in alcohol dehydrogenation closely associated with NADH/NAD⁺ transformation within glycol- and glycerol-fed aggregates was generally higher than that within ethanol-fed aggregates. These results, and the fact that NADH/NAD⁺ transformation was very linked to the ATP synthesis complex that further supported the formation of extracellular electrical connection components, e-pili and membrane-bound multi-heme c-type cytochromes (MHCs), provided a possibility that alcohol compounds comprised of hydroxy groups could stimulate DIET and more hydroxy groups comprised were better for this stimulation.

Let's chat: Communication between electroactive microorganisms

Electroactive microorganisms can exchange electrons with other cells or conductive interfaces in their extracellular environment. This property opens the way to a broad range of practical biotechnological applications, from manufacturing sustainable chemicals via electrosynthesis, to bioenergy, bioelectronics or improved, low-energy demanding wastewater treatments. Besides, electroactive microorganisms play key roles in environmental bioremediation, significantly impacting process efficiencies. This review highlights our present knowledge on microbial interactions promoting the communication between electroactive microorganisms in a biofilm on an electrode in bioelectrochemical systems (BES). Furthermore, the immediate knowledge gaps that must be closed to develop novel technologies will also be acknowledged.

Coupling direct voltage and granular activated carbon modified nanoscale zero valent iron for enhancing anaerobic methane production

Anaerobic digestion technology has been widely used because it has a unique advantage of producing biogas as a renewable energy source. Therefore, several methods were studied to facilitate anaerobic methane production process. Coupling direct voltage and single conductive particles was an effective method to improve anaerobic wastewater treatment efficiency and methane production. However, the enhancement method was limited in this process due to the current of direct voltage or the toxicity of nanoparticles. Therefore, the granular activated carbon loaded with nanoscale zero valent iron (GAC-NZVI) particles prepared by co-precipitation method were added to the anaerobic synthetic wastewater system with direct voltage (0.10 V) to improve the treatment efficiency in this study. GAC-NZVI particles were added into anaerobic system with 0.10 V direct voltage to enhance CH₄ production process. The COD removal and total CH₄ production were enhanced by 4.22 % and 10.83 % with GAC-NZVI particles. The measurement results of EPS and Fe concentration showed that GAC-NZVI particles promoted the secretion of EPS by microorganisms, which could improve the floc strength of granular sludge. The measurements of conductivity and cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed that particles accelerated the metabolism of microorganism and promoted the electron transfer process. The increasing of Methanothrix and Methanobacterium could strengthen the methanogenesis. The abundances of bacteria and archaea using indirect interspecies electron exchange form (such as H₂ or formate transfer microorganisms) were decreased after adding the particles. The results indicated that anaerobic treatment efficiency could be enhanced under the combined action of direct voltage and particles.

Two-Stage Anaerobic Codigestion of Crude Glycerol and Micro-Algal Biomass for Biohydrogen and Methane Production by Anaerobic Sludge Consortium

Optimization of factors affecting biohydrogen production from the codigestion of crude glycerol and microalgal biomass by anaerobic sludge consortium was conducted. The experiments were designed by a response surface methodology with central composite design. The factors affecting the production of hydrogen were the concentrations of crude glycerol, microalgal biomass, and inoculum. The maximum hydrogen production (655.1 mL-H2/L) was achieved with 13.83 g/L crude glycerol, 23.1 g-VS/L microalgal biomass, and 10.3% (v/v) inoculum. The hydrogenic effluents obtained under low, high, and optimal conditions were further used as substrates for methane production. Methane production rates and methane yield of 868.7 mL-CH4/L and 2.95 mL-CH4/L-h were attained with the effluent produced under optimum conditions. The use of crude glycerol and microalgal biomass as cosubstrates had an antagonistic effect on biohydrogen production and a synergistic effect on methane fermentation. The two-stage process provided a more attractive solution, with a total energy of 1.27 kJ/g-VSadded, than the one-stage process.

How can ethanol enhance direct interspecies electron transfer in anaerobic digestion?

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste to produce biogas is a mature biotechnology commercialised for decades. However, the relatively recent discovery of direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) brings a new opportunity to improve the efficiency of biogas technology. DIET may replace mediated interspecies electron transfer (MIET) by efficient electron transfer between exoelectrogens and electrotrophic methanogens, thereby enhancing yields and rates of biogas production. Ethanol, as the initial electron donor in the discovery of the DIET pathway, is now a "hot topic" in the literature. Recent studies have indicated that ethanol in AD functions not only as the substrate, but also as the precursor to stimulate DIET by enriching exoelectrogens and electrotrophic methanogens for co-digesting complex organic wastes. This review aims to highlight the state of the art and recent advances in ethanol-based DIET in AD. The DIET associated reactions of ethanol oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction are assessed by thermodynamic analysis to reveal the extent of the potential for improvement of the AD processes that utilizes DIET pathways. Three ethanol-based DIET strategies are discussed: (1) ethanol as the sole substrate supplemented with conductive materials in AD, (2) ethanol co-digestion with complex substrates and (3) ethanol-type fermentation prior to AD. This review aims to chart the pathways for improved AD performance by utilizing ethanol-based DIET in specific treatments of biological wastes.

In Situ Spectroelectrochemical Characterization Reveals Cytochrome-Mediated Electric Syntrophy in Geobacter Coculture

Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between microbial species prevails in some key microbial consortia. However, the electron transfer mechanism(s) in these consortia is controversial due to lack of efficient characterization methods. Here, we provide an in situ anaerobic spectroelectrochemical coculture cell (in situ ASCC) to induce the formation of DIET coculture biofilm on the interdigitated microelectrode arrays and characterize the electron transfer directly. Two typical Geobacter DIET cocultures, Geobacter metallireducens and wild-type Geobacter sulfurreducens (G.m&G.s) and G. metallireducens and a G. sulfurreducens strain deficient in citrate synthase (G.m&G.s-ΔgltA), were selected. In situ Raman and electrochemical Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that cytochromes are abundant in the electric syntrophic coculture. Cyclic voltammetry and potential step experiment revealed a diffusion-controlled electron transfer process and the electrochemical gating measurements further demonstrated a cytochrome-mediated electron transfer in the DIET coculture. Furthermore, the G.m&G.s-ΔgltA coculture displayed a higher redox conductivity than the G.m&G.s coculture, consistent with the existence of an intimate and efficient electrical connection between these two species. Our findings provide the first report of a redox-gradient-driven electron transport facilitated by c-type cytochromes in DIET coculture, supporting the model that DIET is mediated by cytochromes and suggest a platform to explore the other DIET consortia.

Promoting potential direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) and methanogenesis with nitrogen and zinc doped carbon quantum dots

Although it has been demonstrated that one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional carbon nanomaterials can improve the CH₄ production of anaerobic digestion (AD), the effect of zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials on AD have not been reported. To expand the application of carbon nanomaterials in AD, the effect of zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials-carbon quantum dots (CDs) on various feedstocks (c.a. cellulose, glucose, ethanol, and vinegar residue) were investigated in this study. Results have shown that CH₄ yield from ethanol was increased by 24.59% (p = 0.396) after adding 5 g/L zinc doped carbon quantum dots (Zn-doped CDs) while that from vinegar residue was dramatically increased by 230% (p = 0.000) using 5 g/L nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots (N-doped CDs). In addition, photoluminescence demonstrated that CDs acted as a capacitor for transmitting and receiving electrons. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis revealed that Clostridiales might be used as a signal source to communicate with other species. This study firstly shifted the application of CDs from fluorescence to AD and manifested its positive impact on AD. In short, these findings provided a better understanding on the effects of CDs on different feedstocks of methanogenesis and revealed new evidence of stimulating methanogenesis via CDs.

Controls on Interspecies Electron Transport and Size Limitation of Anaerobically Methane-Oxidizing Microbial Consortia

About 382 Tg yr⁻¹ of methane rising through the seafloor is oxidized anaerobically (W. S. Reeburgh, Chem Rev 107:486–513, 2007, https://doi.org/10.1021/cr050362v), preventing it from reaching the atmosphere, where it acts as a strong greenhouse gas. Microbial consortia composed of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria couple the oxidation of methane to the reduction of sulfate under anaerobic conditions via a syntrophic process. Recent experimental studies and modeling efforts indicate that direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is involved in this syntrophy. Here, we explore a fluorescent in situ hybridization-nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry data set of large, segregated anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) consortia that reveal a decline in metabolic activity away from the archaeal-bacterial interface and use a process-based model to identify the physiological controls on rates of AOM. Simulations reproducing the observational data reveal that ohmic resistance and activation loss are the two main factors causing the declining metabolic activity, where activation loss dominated at a distance of <8 μm. These voltage losses limit the maximum spatial distance between syntrophic partners with model simulations, indicating that sulfate-reducing bacterial cells can remain metabolically active up to ∼30 μm away from the archaeal-bacterial interface. Model simulations further predict that a hybrid metabolism that combines DIET with a small contribution of diffusive exchange of electron donors can offer energetic advantages for syntrophic consortia.

Start-Up of Chitosan-Assisted Anaerobic Sludge Bed Reactors Treating Light Oxygenated Solvents under Intermittent Operation

Quality of the granular sludge developed during the start-up of anaerobic up-flow sludge bed reactors is of crucial importance to ensure the process feasibility of treating industrial wastewater such as those containing solvents. In this study, the microbial granule formation from suspended-growth biomass was investigated in two chitosan-assisted reactors. These reactors operated mimicking industrial sites working with night closures treating a mixture of ethanol, ethyl acetate, and 1-ethoxy-2-propanol. Each reactor operated under different hydrodynamic regimes typical from UASB (R1: <0.15 m h⁻¹) and EGSB (R2: 3 m h⁻¹). High soluble COD removal efficiencies (>90%) accompanied by rapid formation of robust anaerobic granules were achieved at both up-flow velocity levels. After three weeks from the start-up, mean size diameters of 475 µm and 354 µm were achieved for R1 and R2, respectively. The performance of the process was found to be stable for the whole operational period of 106 days treating intermittent OLR up to 13 kg COD m⁻³ d⁻¹. A memory dose of chitosan at day 42 was beneficial to guarantee good quality of the granules by offsetting the negative impact of intermittent water supply on the granular size. Methanocorpusculum was identified as the dominant archaea at both up-flow velocities. Acetobacterium, Geobacter and Desulfovibrio bacteria were also abundant, demonstrating its role on the degradation of light-oxygenated solvents.

Sparking Anaerobic Digestion: Promoting Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer to Enhance Methane Production

Anaerobic digestion was one of the first bioenergy strategies developed, yet the interactions of the microbial community that is responsible for the production of methane are still poorly understood. For example, it has only recently been recognized that the bacteria that oxidize organic waste components can forge electrical connections with methane-producing microbes through biologically produced, protein-based, conductive circuits. This direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is faster than interspecies electron exchange via diffusive electron carriers, such as H2. DIET is also more resilient to perturbations such as increases in organic load inputs or toxic compounds. However, with current digester practices DIET rarely predominates. Improvements in anaerobic digestion associated with the addition of electrically conductive materials have been attributed to increased DIET, but experimental verification has been lacking. This deficiency may soon be overcome with improved understanding of the diversity of microbes capable of DIET, which is leading to molecular tools for determining the extent of DIET. Here we review the microbiology of DIET, suggest molecular strategies for monitoring DIET in anaerobic digesters, and propose approaches for re-engineering digester design and practices to encourage DIET.

Rapid Two Stage Anaerobic Digestion of Nejayote through Microaeration and Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer

Corn is one of the main food products in Mexico. The elaboration of corn-derived products generates wastewater with a high organic load (nejayote). Anaerobic digestion is an indicated treatment for wastewater with high organic loads. The results of this study show that the application of microaeration in the hydrolysis-fermentative reactor increased the percentage of volatile fatty acids (VFA) available in the medium by 62%. The addition of a conductive material, such as granulated activated carbon (GAC), promotes DIET (Direct interspecies electrons transfer) in the methanogenic UASB reactor increasing the methane yield by 55%. Likewise, a great diversity of exoelectrogenic bacteria, with the ability to donate electrons DIET mechanisms, were developed in the GAC biofilm, though interestingly, Peptoclostridium and Clostridium (17.3% and 12.75%, respectively) were detected with a great abundance in the GAC biofilm. Peptoclostridium has not been previously reported as a participant in DIET process.

Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits yield higher methane than FOG in anaerobic co-digestion with waste activated sludge

The formation of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits in sewers is a global challenge for the maintenance of sewer collection systems. Tons of FOG deposits (FDs) are removed from sewer systems every year and present an opportunity for increased methane production via anaerobic co-digestion with waste activated sludge (WAS) at water resource recovery facilities with existing anaerobic digesters. We hypothesized that FDs have higher biomethane potential than that of FOG (e.g., FOG collected in grease interceptors), because of the reduction of inhibition of long chain fatty acids due to saponification. In this study, substantially enhanced methane production was found in anaerobic co-digestion of WAS with FDs within the substrate to inoculum (S/I) ratio range of 0.25-1.2, and the maximum ultimate methane production (685.7 ± 24.1 mL/gVS_added, at S/I = 0.5) was 4.0 times higher than in the control (with WAS only) after 42 days of incubation. Although the lag phase period was longer in FD co-digestion (S/I = 0.5) than in FOG co-digestion (S/I = 0.5) under the same organic loading (gVS) and two times the COD loading, the daily methane production rate became higher after Day 15 in FD co-digestion. Significantly higher cumulative methane production (10.2%, p < 0.05) was obtained in FD co-digestion than in FOG co-digestion after 42-days. Microbial community analysis revealed higher levels of Geobacter in FD co-digestion, possibly suggesting a role for direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between Methanosaeta and Geobacter. This work provides fundamental insights supporting anaerobic co-digestion of FDs with WAS, demonstrating the advantages of FDs compared to FOG as co-substrate for enhanced biomethane recovery.

Potential interactions between syntrophic bacteria and methanogens via type IV pili and quorum-sensing systems

Interspecies electron transfer plays an important role in syntrophic methanogenesis. Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between syntrophic oxidizers and methanogens via conductive pili has been only confirmed in some specific co-cultures. This study examined potential syntrophic cooperation via type IV pili and quorum sensing between widespread syntrophic bacteria and methanogens through a metagenomic analysis of 12 anaerobic sludge samples. We found that Methanosaeta and Methanosarcina, which are reported to have DIET ability, were dominant in most methanogenic samples. Putative conductive pili genes were found in some typical syntrophic bacteria, which has rarely been reported previously. The existence of diverse quorum-sensing genes suggested that various quorum-sensing systems might participate in the communication of anaerobic microorganisms. Specifically, the diffusible signal factor and 3'-5' cyclic diguanosine monophosphate related genes were mainly assigned to syntrophic bacteria. These results suggest that the combined regulation of these signals might be responsible for the biosynthesis of type IV pili and affect syntrophic interaction during methanogenesis. These novel results provide fresh evidence to support the widespread existence of DIET in anaerobic methanogenic systems; therefore, regulating the quorum-sensing system may promote syntrophic interaction.

Cultivating electroactive microbes-from field to bench

Electromicrobiology is an emerging field investigating and exploiting the interaction of microorganisms with insoluble electron donors or acceptors. Some of the most recently categorized electroactive microorganisms became of interest to sustainable bioengineering practices. However, laboratories worldwide typically maintain electroactive microorganisms on soluble substrates, which often leads to a decrease or loss of the ability to effectively exchange electrons with solid electrode surfaces. In order to develop future sustainable technologies, we cannot rely solely on existing lab-isolates. Therefore, we must develop isolation strategies for environmental strains with electroactive properties superior to strains in culture collections. In this article, we provide an overview of the studies that isolated or enriched electroactive microorganisms from the environment using an anode as the sole electron acceptor (electricity-generating microorganisms) or a cathode as the sole electron donor (electricity-consuming microorganisms). Next, we recommend a selective strategy for the isolation of electroactive microorganisms. Furthermore, we provide a practical guide for setting up electrochemical reactors and highlight crucial electrochemical techniques to determine electroactivity and the mode of electron transfer in novel organisms.

Syntrophus conductive pili demonstrate that common hydrogen-donating syntrophs can have a direct electron transfer option

Syntrophic interspecies electron exchange is essential for the stable functioning of diverse anaerobic microbial communities. Hydrogen/formate interspecies electron transfer (HFIT), in which H₂ and/or formate function as diffusible electron carriers, has been considered to be the primary mechanism for electron transfer because most common syntrophs were thought to lack biochemical components, such as electrically conductive pili (e-pili), necessary for direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Here we report that Syntrophus aciditrophicus, one of the most intensively studied microbial models for HFIT, produces e-pili and can grow via DIET. Heterologous expression of the putative S. aciditrophicus type IV pilin gene in Geobacter sulfurreducens yielded conductive pili of the same diameter (4 nm) and conductance of the native S. aciditrophicus pili and enabled long-range electron transport in G. sulfurreducens. S. aciditrophicus lacked abundant c-type cytochromes often associated with DIET. Pilin genes likely to yield e-pili were found in other genera of hydrogen/formate-producing syntrophs. The finding that DIET is a likely option for diverse syntrophs that are abundant in many anaerobic environments necessitates a reexamination of the paradigm that HFIT is the predominant mechanism for syntrophic electron exchange within anaerobic microbial communities of biogeochemical and practical significance.

Molecular evidence for the adaptive evolution of Geobacter sulfurreducens to perform dissimilatory iron reduction in natural environments

The electrically conductive pili (e-pili) of Geobacter species enable extracellular electron transfer to insoluble metallic minerals, electrodes and other microbial species, which confers biogeochemical significance and global prevalence on Geobacter in diverse anaerobic environments. E-pili are constructed by truncated PilA which is considered to have evolved from full-length pilin by gene fission under positive evolutionary selection. However, this hypothesis is based on phylogenetic analysis and has not yet been experimentally confirmed. Here, we reconstructed an ancestral strain of G. sulfurreducens (designated COMB) carrying full-length PilA by combining genes GSU1496 and GSU1497. The results demonstrated that strain COMB expressed and assembled the full-length fused PilA and exhibited an outer membrane c-type cytochrome profile similar to the wild-type strain. Surprisingly, the generated COMB-pili were also conductive, indicating the evolution of truncated PilA did not occur for conductivity. Moreover, strain COMB minimally reduced Fe(III) oxides but maintained its ability to respire electrodes, demonstrating the truncation of pilin enables iron respiration. This study provides the first experimental evidence that the truncation of pilin in Geobacter species confers adaption to Fe(III)-mineral-mediated selective pressures, and suggests an evolutionary event during which the separation of the GSU1497 gene helped Geobacter survive and thrive in natural environments.

Enhancing direct interspecies electron transfer in syntrophic-methanogenic associations with (semi)conductive iron oxides: Effects and mechanisms

Anaerobic digestion is an effective biological treatment process that produces methane by degrading organic compounds in waste/wastewater. It is a complicated microbial process by metabolic interactions among different types of microorganisms. In this process, efficient interspecies electron transfer between secondary fermenting bacteria and methanogens is the critical process for fast and effective methanogenesis. In syntrophic metabolism, hydrogen or formate has been considered as the conventional electron carrier transferring electrons from secondary fermenting bacteria to hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Recently, direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) without the involvement of dissolved redox mediators is arousing great concerns and has been regarded as a more efficient and thermodynamically favorable interspecies electron transfer pathway for methanogenesis. Interspecies electron exchange through DIET is accomplished via the membrane-bound cytochromes or conductive pili. Several kinds of exogenously-added conductive or semiconductive iron oxides have been discovered to greatly enhance anaerobic methanogenesis through promoting DIET. Different (semi)conductive iron oxides give a boost to DIET through different mechanisms based on the physicochemical properties of the iron oxides and the reciprocal interactions between iron oxides and functional microorganisms. In this review, the current understanding of interspecies electron transfer in syntrophic-methanogenic consortions is summarized, the effects and deep-rooted mechanisms of (semi)conductive iron oxides on methanogenesis and DIET are discussed, and possible future perspectives and development directions are suggested for DIET via (semi)conductive iron oxides in anaerobic digestion.

Nitrite and nitrate as electron acceptors for bioelectrochemical ammonium oxidation under electrostatic field

Bioelectrochemical ammonium oxidation with nitrite and nitrate as electron acceptors was investigated in bulk solution exposed to electrostatic field. In a bioelectrochemical reactor, electroactive nitrogen removal bacteria including ammonium oxidizing exoelectrogens (AOE) and denitrifying electrotrophs (DNE) were enriched by electrostatic field of 0.2 V/cm in a bulk solution containing nitrite, nitrate, and ammonium. Ammonium was oxidized simultaneously with decreases in nitrite and nitrate as electron acceptors due to direct interspecies electron transfer between AOE and DNE. The specific ammonium oxidation rate was 48 mg NH₄-N/g VSS.d when nitrate fraction was 1/3 in the electron acceptor composed of nitrite and nitrate. The specific ammonium oxidation rate gradually decreased with increasing nitrate fraction. However, it was still 24 mg NH₄-N/g VSS.d when nitrate was the only electron acceptor. This indicates that nitrate can be used as an electron acceptor for bioelectrochemical ammonium oxidation, although it is a less effective than nitrite. This finding provides an advantage that strict nitritation which selectively produces nitrite from ammonium can be avoided when treating ammonia-rich wastewater in a bioelectrochemical reactor.

Metagenomic analysis reveals that activated carbon aids anaerobic digestion of raw incineration leachate by promoting direct interspecies electron transfer

The raw fresh leachate from municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration plants contains high concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonia and metals, all compounds that severely limit anaerobic digestion treatment efficiencies. These inhibitory compounds make reactor systems unstable, causing reactor start-up periods to take more than 100 days, even when the leachate is diluted significantly. In this study, granular activated carbon (GAC) was incorporated into a bioreactor fed with raw incineration leachate. Addition of GAC allowed direct treatment of raw incineration leachate without any start-up acclimation period, while the non-amended control reactor soured immediately and collapsed within 17 days. When hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the GAC-amended reactor was stepwise decreased to increase organic loading rates (OLR) to 25.0 kgCOD/(m³·d), COD removal efficiencies remained stable at >90%. Metagenomic analysis of the GAC-amended reactor revealed that Geobacter and Methanosarcina, species known to participate in direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET), were more abundant in the GAC-amended reactor than the seed sludge. In addition, the abundance of genes coding for proteins thought to be involved in DIET such as electrically conductive pili and the outer membrane c-type cytochrome, OmcS, increased significantly, while genes involved in fermentation, and nitrate (narG) and sulfate (dsrA) reduction dropped significantly as the experiment progressed. These results are significant because this is the first detailed investigation into the metabolic capabilities of microbial communities involved in efficient treatment of raw incineration leachate within biomethanogenic reactors that did not require a long start-up period.

Applying bio-electric field of microbial fuel cell-upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor catalyzed blast furnace dusting ash for promoting anaerobic digestion

In this study, a novel manner of bio-electric field (BEF) which generated by upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB)-microbial fuel cell (MFC) integrated system facilitated iron-carbon micro-electrolysis in blast furnace dusting ash (BFDA) was proposed for the reinforcement of anaerobic digestion in UASB. The responses of COD removal efficiency and biogas production with (0.1-0.4 V) BEF catalyzed 5 g BFDA(R_{MFC-5gBFDA-UASB}) were much higher than the other tests, and maximum reached 86% and 240 ml/d respectively. Ultra-fast acidogenesis was achieved with 0.3 V BEF supplied to BFDA and the time shortened 94 h compared controlled (R_UASB) with R_{MFC-5gBFDA-UASB}. With the electrochemical and microbial community analysis, the redox ability and direct interspecies electron transfer accumulated with BEF catalyzed. The abundance of Firmicutes which could generate bio-hydrogen was highest in R_{MFC-5gBFDA-UASB} (44.58%) compared to R_UASB (31.36%) and R_5gBFDA-UASB (40.04%). In addition, the structure and morphology variation of BFDA revealed that the synergistic effects of BEF stimulated iron-carbon micro-electrolysis for electron transferring and enhanced the activities of methanogens and acetogens with high relative abundance to biotransform organic compounds, as well as adsorption and precipitation of iron oxides (hematite and magnetite) promoting anaerobic digestion. The MFC-BFDA-UASB integrated system provides a promising and cost-effective way to enhance anaerobic digestion and recycled functionalized waste effectively.

A novel bioaugmentation strategy to accelerate methanogenesis via adding Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA in anaerobic digestion system

Based on the new syntrophic methanogenesis route via direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET), a novel bioaugmentation method by adding exoelectrogenic Geobacter species to accelerate methanogenesis was developed in this study. Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA, type exoelectrogenic strain of Geobacter species was chosen for the research. To clarify the effect of G. sulfurreducens on methanogenesis, batch tests of CH₄ production were carried out. Acetate, the most typical precursor of methanogenesis was chosen as the substrate of batch tests. Amendment of G. sulfurreducens accelerated CH₄ production remarkably. The lag phase of CH₄ production was shortened, and the maximum CH₄ production rate was increased by 78%. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that G. sulfurreducens closely gathered with methanogens. For the archaeal communities, the high-throughput sequencing results demonstrated that Methanosaetaceae and Methanobacteriaceae were potential bioaugmented methanogens. We speculated that the accelerated methanogenesis by adding G. sulfurreducens may result from the syntrophic association between G. sulfurreducens and methanogens affiliated with Methanosaetaceae and Methanobacteriaceae. This research provides a new route to enhance methanogenesis through the utilization of G. sulfurreducens. Through this study, the role of Geobacter in the anaerobic engineering and carbon cycling of nature should be paid more attention.

Enhanced methanogenic co-degradation of propionate and butyrate by anaerobic microbiome enriched on conductive carbon fibers

Recent studies have shown that the addition of conductive materials can promote direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between bacteria and methanoarchaea. This study demonstrated that carbon fibers could significantly stimulate methanogenic conversion of propionate and butyrate as co-substrate, while only butyrate was completely degraded in the unamended control bioreactor. In the carbon fibers-amended bioreactor, specific methane production (mL-CH₄/g COD_Initial) and methanogenesis rate (d^-1) increased by around 2.4 and 6.7 times, respectively. Various electroactive bacteria were abundant in the carbon fibers-amended bioreactor, whereas different known fermentative bacteria were abundant in the control. Moreover, carbon fibers substantially increased the abundance of Methanosaeta species. These results suggest that electroactive bacteria could be involved in DIET with Methanosaeta species enabling co-degradation of propionate and butyrate. Additionally, electrical conductivities of the biomass were comparable in both configurations, indicating that carbon fibers were the primary route for DIET.

Polarized electrode enhances biological direct interspecies electron transfer for methane production in upflow anaerobic bioelectrochemical reactor

The influence of polarized electrodes on the methane production, which depends on the sludge concentration, was investigated in upflow anaerobic bioelectrochemical (UABE) reactor. When the polarized electrode was placed in the bottom zone with a high sludge concentration, the methane production was 5.34 L/L.d, which was 53% higher than upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor. However, the methane production was reduced to 4.34 L/L.d by placing the electrode in the upper zone of the UABE reactor with lower sludge concentration. In the UABE reactor, the methane production was mainly improved by the enhanced biological direct interspecies electron transfer (bDIET) pathway, and the methane production via the electrode was a minor fraction of less than 4% of total methane production. The polarized electrodes that placed in the bottom zone with a high sludge concentration enhance the bDIET for methane production in the UABE reactor and greatly improve the methane production.

Transesterification of para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (parabens) in the activated sludge

Hydrolysis is generally considered as the main pathway for the degradation of ester-type pollutants in aquatic environments. In this study, we found that when methanol or ethanol presented as the external carbon in the activated sludge, transesterification is very important for the degradation of para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (parabens). In the activated sludge solutions with 1% methanol added, contribution of transesterification to the degradation of the propyl substituted paraben (PrP) and ethyl substituted paraben (EtP) accounted for 46% and 83%, respectively, in the early stage of the reaction. This indicates that in aquatic environments with alcohols presence, parabens prefer to form small molecule homologues than hydrolysis to acid. The predominant transesterification in the activated sludge is related to enzyme preference. Amano lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens was verified to catalyze hydrolysis and transesterification of parabens, while the latter was dominant in water solution with 1% methanol or ethanol. Considering the common application of small molecular alcohols as the external carbon sources in wastewater treatment plants, transesterification might be an important pathway for the degradation of parabens pollutants in these engineering aquatic environments.

Construction of a Geobacter Strain With Exceptional Growth on Cathodes

Insoluble extracellular electron donors are important sources of energy for anaerobic respiration in biogeochemical cycling and in diverse practical applications. The previous lack of a genetically tractable model microorganism that could be grown to high densities under anaerobic conditions in pure culture with an insoluble extracellular electron donor has stymied efforts to better understand this form of respiration. We report here on the design of a strain of Geobacter sulfurreducens, designated strain ACL, which grows as thick (ca. 35 μm) confluent biofilms on graphite cathodes poised at -500 mV (versus Ag/AgCl) with fumarate as the electron acceptor. Sustained maximum current consumption rates were >0.8 A/m², which is >10-fold higher than the current consumption of the wild-type strain. The improved function on the cathode was achieved by introducing genes for an ATP-dependent citrate lyase, completing the complement of enzymes needed for a reverse TCA cycle for the synthesis of biosynthetic precursors from carbon dioxide. Strain ACL provides an important model organism for elucidating the mechanisms for effective anaerobic growth with an insoluble extracellular electron donor and may offer unique possibilities as a chassis for the introduction of synthetic metabolic pathways for the production of commodities with electrons derived from electrodes.

Geobacter Strains Expressing Poorly Conductive Pili Reveal Constraints on Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer Mechanisms

Cytochrome-to-cytochrome electron transfer and electron transfer along conduits of multiple extracellular magnetite grains are often proposed as strategies for direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) that do not require electrically conductive pili (e-pili). However, physical evidence for these proposed DIET mechanisms has been lacking. To investigate these possibilities further, we constructed Geobacter metallireducens strain Aro-5, in which the wild-type pilin gene was replaced with the aro-5 pilin gene that was previously shown to yield poorly conductive pili in Geobacter sulfurreducens strain Aro-5. G. metallireducens strain Aro-5 did not reduce Fe(III) oxide and produced only low current densities, phenotypes consistent with expression of poorly conductive pili. Like G. sulfurreducens strain Aro-5, G. metallireducens strain Aro-5 displayed abundant outer surface cytochromes. Cocultures initiated with wild-type G. metallireducens as the electron-donating strain and G. sulfurreducens strain Aro-5 as the electron-accepting strain grew via DIET. However, G. metallireducens Aro-5/G. sulfurreducens wild-type cocultures did not. Cocultures initiated with the Aro-5 strains of both species grew only when amended with granular activated carbon (GAC), a conductive material known to be a conduit for DIET. Magnetite could not substitute for GAC. The inability of the two Aro-5 strains to adapt for DIET in the absence of GAC suggests that there are physical constraints on establishing DIET solely through cytochrome-to-cytochrome electron transfer or along chains of magnetite. The finding that DIET is possible with electron-accepting partners that lack highly conductive pili greatly expands the range of potential electron-accepting partners that might participate in DIET.IMPORTANCE DIET is thought to be an important mechanism for interspecies electron exchange in natural anaerobic soils and sediments in which methane is either produced or consumed, as well as in some photosynthetic mats and anaerobic digesters converting organic wastes to methane. Understanding the potential mechanisms for DIET will not only aid in modeling carbon and electron flow in these geochemically significant environments but will also be helpful for interpreting meta-omic data from as-yet-uncultured microbes in DIET-based communities and for designing strategies to promote DIET in anaerobic digesters. The results demonstrate the need to develop a better understanding of the diversity of types of e-pili in the microbial world to identify potential electron-donating partners for DIET. Novel methods for recovering as-yet-uncultivated microorganisms capable of DIET in culture will be needed to further evaluate whether DIET is possible without e-pili in the absence of conductive materials such as GAC.

Syntrophic growth with direct interspecies electron transfer between pili-free Geobacter species

Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) may prevail in microbial communities that show methanogenesis and anaerobic methane oxidation and can be an electron source to support anaerobic photosynthesis. Previous mutagenic studies on cocultures of defined Geobacter species indicate that both conductive pili and extracellular cytochromes are essential for DIET. However, the actual functional role of the pili in DIET is uncertain, as the pilus mutation strategy used in these studies affected the extracellular cytochrome profile. Here we repressed the function of pili by deleting the pilus polymerization motor PilB in both Geobacter species. The PilB mutation inhibited the pilus assembly but did not alter the pattern of extracellular cytochromes. We report that the two pilus-free Geobacter species can form aggregates and grow syntrophically with DIET. The results demonstrate that the Gmet_2896 cytochrome of Geobacter metallireducens plays a key role in DIET and that conductive pili are not necessary to facilitate DIET in cocultures of Geobacter species, and they suggest cytochromes by themselves can meditate DIET, deepening the understanding of DIET.

Enhancing anaerobic digestion and methane production of tetracycline wastewater in EGSB reactor with GAC/NZVI mediator

Packing nano mediators into anaerobic system is an attractive technology to strengthen refractory pollutant removal and methane production from wastewater, but is limited by the drawbacks such as easy loss and poor mass transfer. In this study, GAC/NZVI mediator was added into EGSB reactor to investigate the enhancement effects and mechanism for anaerobic digestion of tetracycline wastewater and its impacts on microbial community structure. The results indicated that GAC/NZVI could enhance COD and TOC removal by 12.1% and 10.3%, while have no evident influence on tetracycline removal and sulfide production. The biogas production and methane content were increased by 21.2% and 26.9%, respectively. GAC/NZVI addition resulted in formation of densely packed aggregates, and evidently increased the electrical conductivity and EPS content in sludge. Fe content in sludge was 20.43% with the loss of only 5.4% during 34 d operation. Microbial community analysis revealed that GAC/NZVI addition could both increase the Chao 1 richness index and Shannon diversity index of bacteria and archaea. It was notable that total methanogens contents increased from 74.7% to 81.74% at genera level, resulting in higher methane production, while Treponema increase might promote the degradation of tetracycline and its metabolite, leading to higher COD removal.

New insights into enhanced anaerobic degradation of Fischer-Tropsch wastewater with the assistance of magnetite

In this study, magnetite (Fe₃O₄), as the typical conductive material, was supplemented in anaerobic sequential batch reactor (ASBR) with the attempt to enhance pollutants removal and methane production during Fischer-Tropsch wastewater treatment. The results showed that COD removal efficiency and cumulative methane production with the addition of optimum magnetite dosage (0.4 g) were as high as 84.3 ± 2.0% and 7.46 ± 0.24 L, which were higher than other test groups (0, 0.2 and 0.6 g). Furthermore, the combination of high-throughput 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing and metagenomic analysis in this study further confirmed that the Geobacter and Methanosaeta species were specially enriched in bacterial and archaeal community at the optimum magnetite dosage, suggesting that magnetite-mediated direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between Geobacter and Methanosaeta species was likely a crucial reason to promote syntrophic metabolism of propionic acid and butyric acid, and further enhance final methanogenesis.