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Khemkhao M, Domrongpokkaphan V, Nuchdang S, Phalakornkule C. Chemical and biological effects of zero-valent iron (ZVI) concentration on in-situ production of H 2 from ZVI and bioconversion of CO 2 into CH 4 under anaerobic conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 256:119230. [PMID: 38810832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methane (CH4) is a strategy for sequestering CO2. Zero-valent iron (ZVI) has been proposed as an alternative electron donor for the CO2 reduction to CH4. In this study, the effects of ZVI concentrations on the abiotic production of H2 (without the action of microorganisms) in the first part and on the biological conversion of CO2 to CH4 using ZVI as a direct electron donor in the second part were examined. In the abiotic H2 production, the increase in the ZVI concentration from 16 to 32, 64, and 96 g/L was found to have positive effects on both the amounts of H2 generated and the rates of H2 production because the extent of ZVI oxidation positively correlates with increasing surface area. Nevertheless, the increase in ZVI concentration from 96 to 224 g/L did not benefit the H2 production because the ZVI dissolution was suppressed by the increasing aqueous pH above 10. In the bioconversion of CO2 to CH4 using ZVI as an electron donor, the main methanogenesis pathway occurred via hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis at pH 8.7-9.5 driven by the genus Methanobacterium of the class Methanobacteria. At ZVI concentrations of 64 g/L and above, the production of volatile fatty acid (VFA) became clear. Acetate was the main VFA, indicating the induction of homoacetogenesis at ZVI concentrations of 64 g/L and above. In addition, the presence of propionate as the second major VFA suggests the production of propionate from CO2 and acetate under conditions with high H2 partial pressure. The results indicated that the pathway for ZVI/CO2 conversion to CH4 was competitive between hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and homoacetogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maneerat Khemkhao
- Rattanakosin College for Sustainable Energy and Environment, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand; Microbial Informatics and Industrial Product of Microbe Research Center, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand.
| | - Vichai Domrongpokkaphan
- Microbial Informatics and Industrial Product of Microbe Research Center, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand; Department of Agro-Industrial, Food and Environmental Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
| | - Sasikarn Nuchdang
- Research and Development Division, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Chantaraporn Phalakornkule
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand; Research Center for Circular Products and Energy, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
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Demin KA, Prazdnova EV, Minkina TM, Gorovtsov AV. Sulfate-reducing bacteria unearthed: ecological functions of the diverse prokaryotic group in terrestrial environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0139023. [PMID: 38551370 PMCID: PMC11022543 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01390-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Sulfate-reducing prokaryotes (SRPs) are essential microorganisms that play crucial roles in various ecological processes. Even though SRPs have been studied for over a century, there are still gaps in our understanding of their biology. In the past two decades, a significant amount of data on SRP ecology has been accumulated. This review aims to consolidate that information, focusing on SRPs in soils, their relation to the rare biosphere, uncultured sulfate reducers, and their interactions with other organisms in terrestrial ecosystems. SRPs in soils form part of the rare biosphere and contribute to various processes as a low-density population. The data reveal a diverse range of sulfate-reducing taxa intricately involved in terrestrial carbon and sulfur cycles. While some taxa like Desulfitobacterium and Desulfosporosinus are well studied, others are more enigmatic. For example, members of the Acidobacteriota phylum appear to hold significant importance for the terrestrial sulfur cycle. Many aspects of SRP ecology remain mysterious, including sulfate reduction in different bacterial phyla, interactions with bacteria and fungi in soils, and the existence of soil sulfate-reducing archaea. Utilizing metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and culture-dependent approaches will help uncover the diversity, functional potential, and adaptations of SRPs in the global environment.
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Liu M, Han X, Guo L, Ding H, Lang Y. Effects of Cu(II)-DOM complexation on DOM degradation: Insights from spectroscopic evidence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:170928. [PMID: 38367716 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is primarily governed by its sources, degradation, and transformation processes within the environment. However, the influence of metal-DOM complexation on DOM degradation remains ambiguous. In this study, controlled laboratory experiments were conducted using Cu(II) and natural water from the Duliujian River and the Beidagang Wetland to examine the effects of metal-DOM binding on the degradation pathway of DOM. Our results showed that Cu(II)-DOM complexation affected the distribution of DOM molecular weight with elevated Mw after complexed with Cu(II). Nevertheless, the concentration of DOM decreased over the incubation period due to degradation. In the absence of Cu(II) binding, both wetland and river DOM followed similar degradation pathways, transforming from high to low molecular weight with changes predominantly in the 1-10 kDa size-fraction during DOM degradation. In contrast, in the presence of Cu(II) and thus Cu(II)-DOM binding, the degradation of DOM was enhanced, resulting in higher kinetic rate constants for both wetland and river DOM. The results of differential spectra further confirmed the degradation of DOM with a decrease in bulk spectroscopic properties and an increase in the degree of DOM-Cu(II) complexation. These findings imply a mutually reinforcing relationship between metal-DOM complexation and the degradation of DOM in aquatic environments, providing new insights into the biogeochemical behavior and environmental fate of DOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxuan Liu
- College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Cangzhou, Hebei 061100, PR China; School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Xiaokun Han
- School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China; Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Laodong Guo
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 East Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
| | - Hu Ding
- School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China; Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Yunchao Lang
- School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China; Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China.
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Gharbi R, Omanovic S, Hrapovic S, Nwanebu E, Tartakovsky B. The Effect of Bismuth and Tin on Methane and Acetate Production in a Microbial Electrosynthesis Cell Fed with Carbon Dioxide. Molecules 2024; 29:462. [PMID: 38257375 PMCID: PMC10821527 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the impacts of bismuth and tin on the production of CH4 and volatile fatty acids in a microbial electrosynthesis cell with a continuous CO2 supply. First, the impact of several transition metal ions (Ni2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Sn2+, Mn2+, MoO42-, and Bi3+) on hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogenic microbial activity was evaluated in a series of batch bottle tests incubated with anaerobic sludge and a pre-defined concentration of dissolved transition metals. While Cu is considered a promising catalyst for the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to short chain fatty acids such as acetate, its presence as a Cu2+ ion was demonstrated to significantly inhibit the microbial production of CH4 and acetate. At the same time, CH4 production increased in the presence of Bi3+ (0.1 g L-1) and remained unchanged at the same concentration of Sn2+. Since Sn is of interest due to its catalytic properties in the electrochemical CO2 conversion, Bi and Sn were added to the cathode compartment of a laboratory-scale microbial electrosynthesis cell (MESC) to achieve an initial concentration of 0.1 g L-1. While an initial increase in CH4 (and acetate for Sn2+) production was observed after the first injection of the metal ions, after the second injection, CH4 production declined. Acetate accumulation was indicative of the reduced activity of acetoclastic methanogens, likely due to the high partial pressure of H2. The modification of a carbon-felt electrode by the electrodeposition of Sn metal on its surface prior to cathode inoculation with anaerobic sludge showed a doubling of CH4 production in the MESC and a lower concentration of acetate, while the electrodeposition of Bi resulted in a decreased CH4 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihab Gharbi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University St., Montreal, QC H3A 0C5, Canada
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Sasha Omanovic
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 University St., Montreal, QC H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Sabahudin Hrapovic
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Nwanebu
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Boris Tartakovsky
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
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Hang Z, Tong P, Zhao P, He Z, Shao L, Jia Y, Wang XC, Li Z. Hierarchical stringent response behaviors of activated sludge system to stressed conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161832. [PMID: 36716870 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The stringent response of activated sludge systems to either stressed or harmful environments is important for the stable operation of activated sludge, which is examined by taking copper ion (Cu2+) as a stress model in this study. When weak stress was employed (Cu2+ ≤ 2.5 mg/L), the N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) of C6-, C8-, and C10-HSL increased by 30 %, 13 %, and 127 %, respectively, while the redox sensor green (RSG) intensity decreased by 28 %. Encountering the increased stress (2.5 mg/L < Cu2+ ≤ 5 mg/L), bacteria concentration in the supernatant increased by 87 %. However, the respiration rates of autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria (SOURa and SOURh) and adenosine triphosphate decreased by 52 %, 18 %, and 27 %, respectively, and the flocs disintegrated with a diameter decreasing from 57 to 51 μm. When the stress became more serious (Cu2+ > 5 mg/L), the respiration rates continued to decline, but the quasi-endogenous respiration ratio (Rq/t) increased from 31 % to 47 %. Negligible changes occurred in the endogenous respiration rate (SOURe), adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine monophosphate. Based on these results, a hierarchical stringent response model of the activated sludge system to stressed conditions was proposed, and these responses were evaluated by respirogram. The initial response to weak stress was related to the most sensitive signals of quorum sensing and RSG intensity, well described by the quasi-endogenous respiration rate. The adaptive response to increased stress was the proactive migrations of low- and high-nucleic-acid bacteria to the supernatant, causing the looseness and even disintegration of sludge flocs, well described by SOURa, SOURh, and Rq/t. The lethal response to lethal stress was related to endogenous metabolic processes, well described by SOURe. This work provides new insights into understanding the stringent response of activated sludge systems to some stressed conditions. It helps to regulate the stability of activated sludge systems with respirogram technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Hang
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Peipei Tong
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Pian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Zhangwei He
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Linjun Shao
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Yanru Jia
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Xiaochang C Wang
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment Technology in Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
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Méndez G, Trueba G, Sierra-Alvarez R, Ochoa-Herrera V. Treatment of acid rock drainage using a sulphate-reducing bioreactor with a limestone precolumn. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 44:185-196. [PMID: 34380378 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2021.1968039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) offer promise for the treatment of mine waste due to their effectiveness removing toxic heavy metals as highly insoluble metal sulphides and their ability to generate alkalinity. The main objective of this study was to develop a treatment composed of a sulphate-reducing bioreactor with a limestone precolumn for the removal of Cu(II) from a synthetic ARD. The purpose of the limestone column was to increase the pH values and decrease the level of Cu in the effluent to prevent SRB inhibition. The system was fed with a pH-2.7 synthetic ARD containing Cu(II) (10-40 mg/L), sulphate (2000 mg/L) and acetate (2.5 g COD/L) for 150 days. Copper removal efficiencies in the two-stage system were very high (95-99%), with a final concentration of 0.53 mg/L Cu, and almost complete removal occurred in the limestone precolumn. In the same manner, the acidity of the synthetic ARD was effectively reduced in the limestone precolumn to 7.3 and the pH was raised in the bioreactor (7.3-8.0). COD consumption by methanogens was predominant from day 0-118, but SRB dominated at the end of the experiment (day 150) when the average COD removal and sulphide production were 74.8% and 61.7%, respectively. Study of the microbial taxonomic composition in the bioreactor revealed that Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta were the most prevalent methanogens while the genera Desulfotomaculum and Syntrophobacter were the dominant SRB. Among the SRB identified Desulfotomaculum intricatum (99% identity) and Desulfotomaculum acetoxidans (96%) were the most abundant sequences of bacteria capable of using acetate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Méndez
- Institute of Microbiology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
- Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Gabriel Trueba
- Institute of Microbiology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Reyes Sierra-Alvarez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Valeria Ochoa-Herrera
- Institute of Microbiology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
- Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Cai G, Zhao L, Wang T, Lv N, Li J, Ning J, Pan X, Zhu G. Variation of volatile fatty acid oxidation and methane production during the bioaugmentation of anaerobic digestion system: Microbial community analysis revealing the influence of microbial interactions on metabolic pathways. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142425. [PMID: 33254934 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is widely used on waste treatment for its great capability of organic degradation and energy recovery. Accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) caused by impact loadings often leads to the acidification and failure of AD systems. Bioaugmentation is a promising way to accelerate VFA degradation but the succession of microbial communities usually caused unpredictable consequences. In this study, we used the sludge previously acclimated with VFAs for the bioaugmentation of an acidified anaerobic digestion system and increased the methane yield by 8.03-9.59 times. To see how the succession of microbial communities affected bioaugmentation, dual-chamber devices separated by membrane filters were used to control the interactions between the acidified and acclimated sludges. The experimental group with separated sludges showed significant advantages of VFA consumption (5.5 times less final VFA residue than the control), while the group with mixed sludge produced more methane (4.0 times higher final methane yield than the control). Microbial community analysis further highlighted the great influences of microbial interaction on the differentiation of metabolic pathways. Acetoclastic methanogens from the acclimated sludge acted as the main contributors to pH neutralization and methane production during the early phase of bioaugmentation, and maintained active in the mixed sludge but degenerated in the separated sludges where interactions between sludge microbiotas were limited. Instead, syntrophic butyrate and acetate oxidation coupled with nitrate and sulfate reduction was enriched in the separated sludges, which lowered the methane conversion rate and would cause the failure of bioaugmentation. Our study revealed the importance of microbial interactions and the functionality of enriched microbes, as well as the potential strategies to optimize the durability and efficiency of bioaugmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjing Cai
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Lixin Zhao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Nan Lv
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Ning
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xiaofang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Gefu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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Owusu-Twum MY, Sharara MA. Sludge management in anaerobic swine lagoons: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 271:110949. [PMID: 32583800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sludge is nutrient and mineral rich residue of anaerobic treatment that is often utilized as a fertilizer. Sludge management is crucial to maintain the function of anaerobic treatment lagoons and ensure efficient nutrient utilization. Intensive livestock production has resulted in accumulation of sludge residue in regions where nutrients are in surplus. This situation adversely impacts the sustainability of livestock production. Alternative uses of sludge needs to be developed and adopted to reduce the negative impacts associated with the nutrients accumulation on farms and nearby crop fields. A thorough understanding of sludge composition is necessary to identify appropriate end use. This review explores swine lagoon sludge (SLS) in relation to its composition, sampling techniques, management approaches, fertilizer value, challenges and opportunities for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Y Owusu-Twum
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, 3100 Faucette Drive, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States
| | - Mahmoud A Sharara
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, 3100 Faucette Drive, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, United States.
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Ripoll E, López I, Borzacconi L. Hydrogenotrophic activity: A tool to evaluate the kinetics of methanogens. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 270:110937. [PMID: 32721355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110937] [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: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic-digestion-based technology is key to achieving sustainable water management and resource recovery. It is essential to understand the material flux and kinetics involved in methanogenesis to optimize the organic matter removal and methane production. In this sense, specific methanogenic activity is a cost-effective tool to characterize the biological activity of anaerobic biosludge, to monitor the performance of reactors, and study the kinetics of acetate and H2 conversion to methane. Established protocols are applied for the acetoclastic activity test. However, hydrogenotrophic activity assay remains less widespread and is not standardized. In this work, the assay design for hydrogenotrophic activity is discussed and full calculation is presented, based on the kinetics for the H2/CO2 conversion to methane. An equation to calculate the inoculum size is proposed, suitable for a wide variety of types of biosludge: from a wastewater treatment plant to solid digesters, from a high-rate reactor to lagoons. The applied zero-order model fitted adequately to data for pilot-scale and full-scale anaerobic reactors: the p-values from the ANOVA F-test were below 1E-03; standard deviations for triplicate experiments were between 3 and 12%, coherent with the values found in the literature. Microbial growth during the test was negligible, below 1.2% of the biomass dosed in the vial. As a complement, acetoclastic activity was determined for each sample. The use of both acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic activity is relevant for the study of the methanogenesis and gives a better characterization of the performance of the biosludge in anaerobic reactors rather than only using the specific acetoclastic methanogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelina Ripoll
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, Julio Herrera y Reissig 565, Montevideo, 11300, Uruguay.
| | - Iván López
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, Julio Herrera y Reissig 565, Montevideo, 11300, Uruguay
| | - Liliana Borzacconi
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, Julio Herrera y Reissig 565, Montevideo, 11300, Uruguay
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Gutwiński P, Cema G, Surmacz-Górska J. The Effect of Pb2+ Short Term Stress on the Anammox Biomass—A Batch Test Experiment. J WATER CHEM TECHNO+ 2020. [DOI: 10.3103/s1063455x20030066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Montusiewicz A, Szaja A, Musielewicz I, Cydzik-Kwiatkowska A, Lebiocka M. Effect of bioaugmentation on digestate metal concentrations in anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235508. [PMID: 32614917 PMCID: PMC7332046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the influence of bioaugmentation on metal concentrations (aluminum, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and zinc) in anaerobically digested sewage sludge. To improve the digestion efficiency, bioaugmentation with a mixture of wild-living Archaea and Bacteria (MAB) from Yellowstone National Park, USA, was used. The total concentration of all metals was higher in the digestate than in the feedstock. During anaerobic digestion, the percent increase in the concentration of most of metals was slightly higher in the bioaugmented runs than in the un-augmented runs, but these differences were not statistically significant. However, the percent increase in cadmium and cobalt concentration was significantly higher in the bioaugmented runs than in the un-augmented runs. At MAB doses of 9 and 13% v/v, cadmium concentration in the digestate was 211 and 308% higher than in the feedstock, respectively, and cobalt concentration was 138 and 165%, respectively. Bioaugmentation increased over 4 times the percentage of Pseudomonas sp. in the biomass that are able to efficiently accumulate metals by both extracellular adsorption and intracellular uptake. Biogas production was not affected by the increased metal concentrations. In conclusion, bioaugmentation increased the concentration of metals in dry sludge, which means that it could potentially have negative effects on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleksandra Szaja
- Lublin University of Technology, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Musielewicz
- Lublin University of Technology, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Lebiocka
- Lublin University of Technology, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Lublin, Poland
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12
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Sudmalis D, Mubita TM, Gagliano MC, Dinis E, Zeeman G, Rijnaarts HHM, Temmink H. Cation exchange membrane behaviour of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in salt adapted granular sludge. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 178:115855. [PMID: 32375109 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to elucidate the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in regulating anion and cation concentrations and toxicity towards microorganisms in anaerobic granular sludges adapted to low (0.22 M of Na+) and high salinity (0.87 M of Na+). The ion exchange properties of EPS were studied with a novel approach, where EPS were entangled with an inert binder (PVDF-HFP) to form a membrane and characterized in an electrodialysis cell. With a mixture of NaCl and KCl salts the EPS membrane was shown to act as a cation exchange membrane (CEM) with a current efficiency of ∼80%, meaning that EPS do not behave as ideal CEM. Surprisingly, the membrane had selectivity for transport of K+ compared to Na+ with a separation factor ( [Formula: see text] ) of 1.3. These properties were compared to a layer prepared from a model compound of EPS (alginate) and a commercial CEM. The alginate layer had a similar current efficiency (∼80%.), but even higher [Formula: see text] of 1.9, while the commercial CEM did not show selectivity towards K+ or Na+, but exhibited the highest current efficiency of 92%. The selectivity of EPS and alginate towards K+ transport has interesting potential applications for ion separation from water streams and should be further investigated. The anion repelling and cation binding properties of EPS in hydrated and dehydrated granules were further confirmed with microscopy (SEM-EDX, epifluorescence) and ion chromatography (ICP-OES, IC) techniques. Results of specific methanogenic activity (SMA) tests conducted with 0.22 and 0.87 M Na+ adapted granular sludges and with various monovalent salts suggested that ions which are preferentially transported by EPS are also more toxic towards methanogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sudmalis
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - T M Mubita
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, Leeuwarden, MA, 8911, the Netherlands
| | - M C Gagliano
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, Leeuwarden, MA, 8911, the Netherlands
| | - E Dinis
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, Leeuwarden, MA, 8911, the Netherlands
| | - G Zeeman
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - H H M Rijnaarts
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - H Temmink
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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13
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Luo J, Zhang Q, Zhao J, Wu Y, Wu L, Li H, Tang M, Sun Y, Guo W, Feng Q, Cao J, Wang D. Potential influences of exogenous pollutants occurred in waste activated sludge on anaerobic digestion: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 383:121176. [PMID: 31525683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is a promising approach for waste activated sludge (WAS) disposal. However, a wide range of exogenous pollutants (e.g. heavy metals, nanoparticles) exists in WAS and their influences on anaerobic digestion are neglected. This study investigates the correlations between exogenous pollutants and anaerobic digestion performance. The results indicate that exogenous pollutants exhibit dose-dependent influences on WAS digestion. Most of the pollutants improve the performance of anaerobic digestion by partially or wholly promoting the hydrolysis, acidification and methanogenesis processes at low dose, but exhibit negative effects at high levels due to their toxicity. Generally, methanogens are more vulnerable than those hydrolytic and acidogenic bacteria. Poly-aluminum chloride and polyacrylamide show strong inhibition on WAS digestion, which are primarily attributed to their physical enmeshments of organic matters in WAS. The synergistic effects of different mixed pollutants and the mitigating strategies for typical pollutants inhibition deserve more attention in light of WAS anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jianan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Lijuan Wu
- Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Han Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Min Tang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yaqing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Wen Guo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Qian Feng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jiashun Cao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
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Wyman V, Serrano A, Borja R, Jiménez A, Carvajal A, Lenz M, Bartacek J, Fermoso FG. Effects of barium on the pathways of anaerobic digestion. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 232:397-403. [PMID: 30500703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The sufficient presence of trace elements (TE) is essential for anaerobic digestion. Barium (Ba) is considered a non-essential trace element that can be collaterally added to digesters as part of low-cost trace element sources or because of its presence in some feedstocks, such as crude glycerol. In the present study, the impact of Ba supplementation (2-2000 mg/L) on each stage of the anaerobic digestion (AD) process was evaluated using pure substrates (i.e., cellulose, glucose, a mixture of volatile fatty acids, sodium acetate and hydrogen) as well as a complex substrate (i.e., dried green fodder). Hydrolytic activity was affected at dosages higher than 200 mg Ba/L, whereas cellulose degradation was completely inhibited at 2000 mg Ba/L. The negative effects of the addition of Ba to methane production were observed only in the hydrolytic activity, and no effects were detected at any barium dosage in the subsequent anaerobic steps. Because Ba does not have a reported role as a cofactor of enzymes, this response could have been due to a direct inhibitory effect, a variation in the bioavailability of other trace elements, or even the availability of CO2/SO4 through precipitation as Ba-carbonates and sulphates. The results showed that the addition of Ba modified the chemical equilibrium of the studied system by varying the soluble concentration of some TEs and therefore their bioavailability. The highest variation was detected in the soluble concentration of zinc, which increased as the amount of Ba increased. Although little research has shown that Ba has some utility in anaerobic processes, its addition must be carefully monitored to avoid an undesirable modification of the chemical equilibrium in the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Wyman
- Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 3939, San Joaquín, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Carretera de Utrera, 1, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - A Serrano
- Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), Seville, Spain; School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Ed. 49, Campus St Lucia, 4067, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - R Borja
- Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - A Jiménez
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Carretera de Utrera, 1, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - A Carvajal
- Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 3939, San Joaquín, Santiago, Chile
| | - M Lenz
- Institute for Ecopreneurship, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Switzerland; Sub-Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - J Bartacek
- University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czech Republic
| | - F G Fermoso
- Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), Seville, Spain
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15
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Zhang H, Han X, Tian Y, Li Y, Yang K, Hao H, Chai Y, Xu X. Process analysis of anaerobic fermentation of Phragmites australis straw and cow dung exposing to elevated chromium (VI) concentrations. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 224:414-424. [PMID: 30075309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic fermentation is considered as a cost-effective way of biomass waste disposal. Chromium (Cr) is one of the heavy metals that often been blamed for unsatisfactory operation or failure of anaerobic fermentation. The impact of Cr (added as K2Cr2O7) on mesophilic anaerobic fermentation of Phragmites australis straw and cow dung was demonstrated by investigating the biogas properties, process stability, substrate degradation and enzyme activities during the fermentation process. The results showed that 30, 100 and 500 mg/L Cr6+ addition increased the cumulative biogas yields by up to 19.00%, 14.85% and 7.68% respectively, and brought forward the daily biogas yield peak. Meanwhile, the methane (CH4) content in the 30 (52.47%) and 100 (40.57%) mg/L Cr6+-added groups were generally higher than the control group (37.70%). Higher pH values (close to pH 7) and lower oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) values in the Cr6+-added groups after the 15th day indicated the better process stability compared to the control group. Taking the whole fermentation process into account, the promoting effect of Cr6+ addition on biogas yields was mainly attributable to better process stability, the enhanced degradation of lignin and hemicellulose, the transformation of intermediates into VFA, the higher coenzyme F420 activities and the efficient generation of CH4. These results demonstrate that an appropriate addition of Cr6+ could enhance the anaerobic fermentation which support the regulations utilizing of the Cr6+ contaminated biowaste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayong Zhang
- Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Xiaoxi Han
- Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yonglan Tian
- Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Ying Li
- Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - He Hao
- Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yang Chai
- Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Research Center for Engineering Ecology and Nonlinear Science, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
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16
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Sharma P, Melkania U. Impact of heavy metals on hydrogen production from organic fraction of municipal solid waste using co-culture of Enterobacter aerogenes and E. Coli. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 75:289-296. [PMID: 29426722 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of heavy metals (lead, mercury, copper, and chromium) on the hydrogen production from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was investigated using co-culture of facultative anaerobes Enterobacter aerogenes and E. coli. Heavy metals were applied at concentration range of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 mg/L. The results revealed that lead, mercury, and chromium negatively affected hydrogen production for the range of concentrations applied. Application of copper slightly enhanced hydrogen production at low concentration and resulted in the hydrogen yield of 36.0 mLH2/gCarboinitial with 10 mg/L copper supplementation as compared to 24.2 mLH2/gCarboinitial in control. However, the higher concentration of copper (>10 mg/L) declined hydrogen production. Hydrogen production inhibition potential of heavy metals can be arranged in the following increasing order: Cu2+ < Cr6+ < Pb2+ < Hg2+. COD removal rate and volatile fatty acid generation efficiencies were also significantly affected by heavy metal addition. Thus, the present study reveals that the presence of heavy metals in the feedstock is detrimental for the hydrogen production. Therefore, it is essential to remove the toxic heavy metals prior to anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sharma
- Department of Environmental Science, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Uma Melkania
- Department of Environmental Science, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145, Uttarakhand, India
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17
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Copper stressed anaerobic fermentation: biogas properties, process stability, biodegradation and enzyme responses. Biodegradation 2017; 28:369-381. [DOI: 10.1007/s10532-017-9802-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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18
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Zhang D, Trzcinski AP, Oh HS, Chew E, Tan SK, Ng WJ, Liu Y. Comparison and distribution of copper oxide nanoparticles and copper ions in activated sludge reactors. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2017; 52:507-514. [PMID: 28276890 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2017.1281689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are being increasingly applied in the industry which results inevitably in the release of these materials into the hydrosphere. In this study, simulated waste-activated sludge experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of Copper Oxide NPs at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10 and 50 mg/L and to compare it with its ionic counterpart (CuSO4). It was found that 0.1 mg/L of CuO NPs had negligible effects on Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and ammonia removal. However, the presence of 1, 10 and 50 mg/L of CuO NPs decreased COD removal from 78.7% to 77%, 52.1% and 39.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). The corresponding effluent ammonium (NH4-N) concentration increased from 14.9 mg/L to 18, 25.1 and 30.8 mg/L, respectively. Under equal Cu concentration, copper ions were more toxic towards microorganisms compared to CuO NPs. CuO NPs were removed effectively (72-93.2%) from wastewater due to a greater biosorption capacity of CuO NPs onto activated sludge, compared to the copper ions (55.1-83.4%). The SEM images clearly showed the accumulation and adsorption of CuO NPs onto activated sludge. The decrease in Live/dead ratio after 5 h of exposure of CuO NPs and Cu2+ indicated the loss of cell viability in sludge flocs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Zhang
- a Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre , Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute , Singapore , Singapore
| | - Antoine P Trzcinski
- b School of Civil Engineering & Surveying , Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland , Queensland , Australia
| | - Hyun-Suk Oh
- c Singapore Membrane Technology Centre , Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute , Singapore , Singapore
| | - Evelyn Chew
- a Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre , Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute , Singapore , Singapore
| | - Soon Keat Tan
- a Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre , Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute , Singapore , Singapore
| | - Wun Jern Ng
- a Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre , Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute , Singapore , Singapore
| | - Yu Liu
- a Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre , Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute , Singapore , Singapore
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Zhang J, Kim H, Dubey B, Townsend T. Arsenic leaching and speciation in C&D debris landfills and the relationship with gypsum drywall content. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 59:324-329. [PMID: 27838158 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The effects of sulfide levels on arsenic leaching and speciation were investigated using leachate generated from laboratory-scale construction and demolition (C&D) debris landfills, which were simulated lysimeters containing various percentages of gypsum drywall. The drywall percentages in lysimeters were 0, 1, 6, and 12.4wt% (weight percent) respectively. With the exception of a control lysimeter that contained 12.4wt% of drywall, each lysimeter contained chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood, which accounts for 10wt% of the C&D waste. During the period of study, lysimeters were mostly under anaerobic conditions. Leachate analysis results showed that sulfide levels increased as the percentage of drywall increased in landfills, but arsenic concentrations in leachate were not linearly correlated with sulfide levels. Instead, the arsenic concentrations decreased as sulfide increased up to approximately 1000μg/L, but had an increase with further increase in sulfide levels, forming a V-shape on the arsenic vs. sulfide plot. The analysis of arsenic speciation in leachate showed different species distribution as sulfide levels changed; the fraction of arsenite (As(III)) increased as the sulfide level increased, and thioarsenate anions (As(V)) were detected when the sulfide level further increased (>104μg/L). The formation of insoluble arsenic sulfide minerals at a lower range of sulfide and soluble thioarsenic anionic species at a higher range of sulfide likely contributed to the decreasing and increasing trend of arsenic leaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianye Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, P.O. Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Hwidong Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541-0001, USA
| | - Brajesh Dubey
- Environmental Engineering and Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology - Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Timothy Townsend
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, P.O. Box 116450, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Ayala-Parra P, Sierra-Alvarez R, Field JA. Algae as an electron donor promoting sulfate reduction for the bioremediation of acid rock drainage. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 317:335-343. [PMID: 27318730 PMCID: PMC5654326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed bioremediation of acid rock drainage in simulated permeable reactive barriers (PRB) using algae, Chlorella sorokiniana, as the sole electron donor for sulfate-reducing bacteria. Lipid extracted algae (LEA), the residues of biodiesel production, were compared with whole cell algae (WCA) as an electron donor to promote sulfate-reducing activity. Inoculated columns containing anaerobic granular sludge were fed a synthetic medium containing H2SO4 and Cu(2+). Sulfate, sulfide, Cu(2+) and pH were monitored throughout the experiment of 123d. Cu recovered in the column packing at the end of the experiment was evaluated using sequential extraction. Both WCA and LEA promoted 80% of sulfate removal (12.7mg SO4(2-) d(-1)) enabling near complete Cu removal (>99.5%) and alkalinity generation raising the effluent pH to 6.5. No noteworthy sulfate reduction, alkalinity formation and Cu(2+) removal were observed in the endogenous control. In algae amended-columns, Cu(2+) was precipitated with biogenic H2S produced by sulfate reduction. Formation of CuS was evidenced by sequential extraction and X-ray diffraction. LEA and WCA provided similar levels of electron donor based on the COD balance. The results demonstrate an innovative passive remediation system using residual algae biomass from the biodiesel industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Ayala-Parra
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Reyes Sierra-Alvarez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jim A Field
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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21
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Hou J, You G, Xu Y, Wang C, Wang P, Miao L, Li Y, Ao Y, Lv B, Yang Y. Long-term effects of CuO nanoparticles on the surface physicochemical properties of biofilms in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:9629-9639. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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22
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Ayala-Parra P, Sierra-Alvarez R, Field JA. Treatment of acid rock drainage using a sulfate-reducing bioreactor with zero-valent iron. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 308:97-105. [PMID: 26808248 PMCID: PMC4789137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the bioremediation of acid rock drainage (ARD) in flow-through columns testing zero-valent iron (ZVI) for the first time as the sole exogenous electron donor to drive sulfate-reducing bacteria in permeable reactive barriers. Columns containing ZVI, limestone or a mixture of both materials were inoculated with an anaerobic mixed culture and fed a synthetic ARD containing sulfuric acid and heavy metals (initially copper, and later also cadmium and lead). ZVI significantly enhanced sulfate reduction and the heavy metals were extensively removed (>99.7%). Solid-phase analyses showed that heavy metals were precipitated with biogenic sulfide in the columns packed with ZVI. Excess sulfide was sequestered by iron, preventing the discharge of dissolved sulfide. In the absence of ZVI, heavy metals were also significantly removed (>99.8%) due to precipitation with hydroxide and carbonate ions released from the limestone. Vertical-profiles of heavy metals in the columns packing, at the end of the experiment, demonstrated that the ZVI columns still had excess capacity to remove heavy metals, while the capacity of the limestone control column was approaching saturation. The ZVI provided conditions that enhanced sulfate reduction and generated alkalinity. Collectively, the results demonstrate an innovative passive ARD remediation process using ZVI as sole electron-donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Ayala-Parra
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Reyes Sierra-Alvarez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - James A Field
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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23
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Popp D, Harms H, Sträuber H. The alkaloid gramine in the anaerobic digestion process-inhibition and adaptation of the methanogenic community. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:7311-22. [PMID: 27138201 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7571-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
As many plant secondary metabolites have antimicrobial activity, microorganisms of the anaerobic digestion process might be affected when plant material rich in these compounds is digested. Hitherto, the effects of plant secondary metabolites on the anaerobic digestion process are poorly investigated. In this study, the alkaloid gramine, a constituent of reed canary grass, was added daily to a continuous co-digestion of grass silage and cow manure. A transient decrease of the methane yield by 17 % and a subsequent recovery was observed, but no effect on other process parameters. When gramine was infrequently spiked in higher amounts, the observed inhibitory effect was even more pronounced including a 53 % decrease of the methane yield and an increase of acetic acid concentrations up to 96 mM. However, the process recovered and the process parameters were finally at initial values (methane yield around 255 LN CH4 per gram volatile solids of substrate and acetic acid concentration lower than 2 mM). The bacterial communities of the reactors remained stable upon gramine addition. In contrast, the methanogenic community changed from a well-balanced mixture of five phylotypes towards a strong dominance of Methanosarcina (more than two thirds of the methanogenic community) while Methanosaeta disappeared. Batch inhibition assays revealed that acetic acid was only converted to methane via acetoclastic methanogenesis which was more strongly affected by gramine than hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and acetogenesis. Hence, when acetoclastic methanogenesis is the dominant pathway, a shift of the methanogenic community is necessary to digest gramine-rich plant material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denny Popp
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Hauke Harms
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heike Sträuber
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
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Gonzalez-Estrella J, Gallagher S, Sierra-Alvarez R, Field JA. Iron sulfide attenuates the methanogenic toxicity of elemental copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles and their soluble metal ion analogs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 548-549:380-389. [PMID: 26803736 PMCID: PMC4760871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Elemental copper (Cu(0)) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle (NP) toxicity to methanogens has been attributed to the release of soluble metal ions. Iron sulfide (FeS) partially controls the soluble concentration of heavy metals and their toxicity in aquatic environments. Heavy metals displace the Fe from FeS forming poorly soluble metal sulfides in the FeS matrix. Therefore, FeS may be expected to attenuate the NP toxicity. This work assessed FeS as an attenuator of the methanogenic toxicity of Cu(0) and ZnO NPs and their soluble salt analogs. The toxicity attenuation capacity of fine (25-75μm) and coarse (500 to 1200μm) preparations of FeS (FeS-f and FeS-c respectively) was tested in the presence of highly inhibitory concentrations of CuCl2, ZnCl2 Cu(0) and ZnO NPs. FeS-f attenuated methanogenic toxicity better than FeS-c. The results revealed that 2.5× less FeS-f than FeS-c was required to recover the methanogenic activity to 50% (activity normalized to uninhibited controls). The results also indicated that a molar FeS-f/Cu(0) NP, FeS-f/ZnO NP, FeS-f/ZnCl2, and FeS-f/CuCl2 ratio of 2.14, 2.14, 4.28, and 8.56 respectively, was necessary to recover the methanogenic activity to >75%. Displacement experiments demonstrated that CuCl2 and ZnCl2 partially displaced Fe from FeS. As a whole, the results indicate that not all the sulfide in FeS was readily available to react with the soluble Cu and Zn ions which may explain the need for a large stoichiometric excess of FeS to highly attenuate Cu and Zn toxicity. Overall, this study provides evidence that FeS attenuates the toxicity caused by Cu(0) and ZnO NPs and their soluble ion analogs to methanogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States.
| | - Sara Gallagher
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Reyes Sierra-Alvarez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Jim A Field
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
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Immobilization of biogenic Pd(0) in anaerobic granular sludge for the biotransformation of recalcitrant halogenated pollutants in UASB reactors. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 100:1427-1436. [PMID: 26481621 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-7055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of anaerobic granular sludge to reduce Pd(II), using ethanol as electron donor, in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was demonstrated. Results confirmed complete reduction of Pd(II) and immobilization as Pd(0) in the granular sludge. The Pd-enriched sludge was further evaluated regarding biotransformation of two recalcitrant halogenated pollutants: 3-chloro-nitrobenzene (3-CNB) and iopromide (IOP) in batch and continuous operation in UASB reactors. The superior removal capacity of the Pd-enriched biomass when compared with the control (not exposed to Pd) was demonstrated in both cases. Results revealed 80 % of IOP removal efficiency after 100 h of incubation in batch experiments performed with Pd-enriched biomass whereas only 28 % of removal efficiency was achieved in incubations with biomass lacking Pd. The UASB reactor operated with the Pd-enriched biomass achieved 81 ± 9.5 % removal efficiency of IOP and only 61 ± 8.3 % occurred in the control reactor lacking Pd. Regarding 3-CNB, it was demonstrated that biogenic Pd(0) promoted both nitro-reduction and dehalogenation resulting in the complete conversion of 3-CNB to aniline while in the control experiment only nitro-reduction was documented. The complete biotransformation pathway of both contaminants was proposed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis evidencing a higher degree of nitro-reduction and dehalogenation of both contaminants in the experiments with Pd-enriched anaerobic sludge as compared with the control. A biotechnological process is proposed to recover Pd(II) from industrial streams and to immobilize it in anaerobic granular sludge. The Pd-enriched biomass is also proposed as a biocatalyst to achieve the biotransformation of recalcitrant compounds in UASB reactors.
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Ge S, Usack JG, Spirito CM, Angenent LT. Long-Term n-Caproic Acid Production from Yeast-Fermentation Beer in an Anaerobic Bioreactor with Continuous Product Extraction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:8012-21. [PMID: 25941741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Multifunctional reactor microbiomes can elongate short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs) to medium-chain carboxylic acids (MCCAs), such as n-caproic acid. However, it is unclear whether this microbiome biotechnology platform is stable enough during long operating periods to consistently produce MCCAs. During a period of 550 days, we improved the operating conditions of an anaerobic bioreactor for the conversion of complex yeast-fermentation beer from the corn kernel-to-ethanol industry into primarily n-caproic acid. We incorporated and improved in-line, membrane liquid-liquid extraction to prevent inhibition due to undissociated MCCAs at a pH of 5.5 and circumvented the addition of methanogenic inhibitors. The microbiome accomplished several functions, including hydrolysis and acidogenesis of complex organic compounds and sugars into SCCAs, subsequent chain elongation with undistilled ethanol in beer, and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. The methane yield was 2.40 ± 0.52% based on COD and was limited by the availability of carbon dioxide. We achieved an average n-caproate production rate of 3.38 ± 0.42 g L(-1) d(-1) (7.52 ± 0.94 g COD L(-1) d(-1)) with an n-caproate yield of 70.3 ± 8.81% and an n-caproate/ethanol ratio of 1.19 ± 0.15 based on COD for a period of ∼55 days. The maximum production rate was achieved by increasing the organic loading rates in tandem with elevating the capacity of the extraction system and a change in the complex feedstock batch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijian Ge
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 226 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Joseph G Usack
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 226 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Catherine M Spirito
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 226 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Largus T Angenent
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 226 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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Zhang Y, Feng Y, Quan X. Zero-valent iron enhanced methanogenic activity in anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge after heat and alkali pretreatment. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 38:297-302. [PMID: 25681947 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Heat or alkali pretreatment is the effective method to improve hydrolysis of waste sludge and then enhance anaerobic sludge digestion. However the pretreatment may inactivate the methanogens in the sludge. In the present work, zero-valent iron (ZVI) was used to enhance the methanogenic activity in anaerobic sludge digester under two methanogens-suppressing conditions, i.e. heat-pretreatment and alkali condition respectively. With the addition of ZVI, the lag time of methane production was shortened, and the methane yield increased by 91.5% compared to the control group. The consumption of VFA was accelerated by ZVI, especially for acetate, indicating that the acetoclastic methanogenesis was enhanced. In the alkali-condition experiment, the hydrogen produced decreased from 27.6 to 18.8 mL when increasing the ZVI dosage from 0 to 10 g/L. Correspondingly, the methane yield increased from 1.9 to 32.2 mL, which meant that the H2-utilizing methanogenes was enriched. These results suggested that the addition of ZVI into anaerobic digestion of sludge after pretreated by the heat or alkali process could efficiently recover the methanogenic activity and increase the methane production and sludge reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaobin Zhang
- Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, China.
| | - Yinghong Feng
- Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, China.
| | - Xie Quan
- Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, China
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28
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Chen H, Yu JJ, Jia XY, Jin RC. Enhancement of anammox performance by Cu(II), Ni(II) and Fe(III) supplementation. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 117:610-6. [PMID: 25461925 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the influence of metal ion addition on specific anaerobic ammonium oxidation activity (SAA). Batch assays were used to demonstrate the enhancement of the SAA upon the addition of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Fe3+. The SAA was enhanced by 41.0% when the Cu2+ concentration was below 1 mg L−1, while it was improved by 63.5% at Ni2+ concentrations below 1.74 mg L−1. An enhancement of 533.2% was obtained when 3.68 mg L−1 Fe3+ was supplied. The effects of Fe3+, Cu2+ and Ni2+ on the SAA were analyzed and optimized by a response surface methodology, which demonstrated that the interaction between Fe3+ and Cu2+ was significant and that 6.61 mg Fe3+ L−1, 1.18 mg Cu2+ L−1 and 1.11 mg Ni2+ L−1 were the optimal values for metal dosing. Subsequently, an Fe3+–Cu2+–Ni2+ continuous test was carried out under optimal conditions and revealed that the addition of Fe3+, Cu2+ and Ni2+ could stimulate the reactor potential at ambient temperature. The maximum nitrogen removal rate (NRR) of the test reactor was 52.8% higher than that of the control reactor (8.1 versus 5.3 kg N m−3 d−1). Moreover, a continuous test conducted by adding Fe3+ achieved an average nitrogen removal efficiency and maximum NRR of 67.4% and 4.9 kg N m−3 d−1, respectively, while the corresponding values of the control test were 64.7% and 4.1 kg N m−3 d−1, respectively. Altogether, appropriate dosages of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Fe3+ can significantly enhance the SAA and improve the reactor capacity at ambient temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
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29
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Franke-Whittle IH, Walter A, Ebner C, Insam H. Investigation into the effect of high concentrations of volatile fatty acids in anaerobic digestion on methanogenic communities. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 34:2080-9. [PMID: 25164858 PMCID: PMC4227971 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2014.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
A study was conducted to determine whether differences in the levels of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in anaerobic digester plants could result in variations in the indigenous methanogenic communities. Two digesters (one operated under mesophilic conditions, the other under thermophilic conditions) were monitored, and sampled at points where VFA levels were high, as well as when VFA levels were low. Physical and chemical parameters were measured, and the methanogenic diversity was screened using the phylogenetic microarray ANAEROCHIP. In addition, real-time PCR was used to quantify the presence of the different methanogenic genera in the sludge samples. Array results indicated that the archaeal communities in the different reactors were stable, and that changes in the VFA levels of the anaerobic digesters did not greatly alter the dominating methanogenic organisms. In contrast, the two digesters were found to harbour different dominating methanogenic communities, which appeared to remain stable over time. Real-time PCR results were inline with those of microarray analysis indicating only minimal changes in methanogen numbers during periods of high VFAs, however, revealed a greater diversity in methanogens than found with the array.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid H Franke-Whittle
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Andreas Walter
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Ebner
- Abwasserverband Zirl und Umgebung, Meilbrunnen 5, 6170 Zirl, Austria
| | - Heribert Insam
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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30
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Gonzalez-Estrella J, Puyol D, Sierra-Alvarez R, Field JA. Role of biogenic sulfide in attenuating zinc oxide and copper nanoparticle toxicity to acetoclastic methanogenesis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2014; 283:755-763. [PMID: 25464319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Soluble ions released by zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper (Cu(0)) nanoparticles (NPs) have been associated with toxicity to methanogens. This study evaluated the role of biogenic sulfide in attenuating ZnO and Cu(0) NP toxicity to methanogens. Short- and long-term batch experiments were conducted to explore ZnO and Cu(0) NPs toxicity to acetoclastic methanogens in sulfate-containing (0.4mM) and sulfate-free conditions. ZnO and Cu(0) were respectively 14 and 7-fold less toxic in sulfate-containing than in sulfate-free assays as indicated by inhibitory constants (Ki). The Ki with respect to residual soluble metal indicated that soluble metal was well correlated with toxicity irrespective of the metal ion source or presence of biogenic sulfide. Long-term assays indicated that ZnO and Cu(0) NPs caused different effects on methanogens. ZnO NPs without protection of sulfide caused a chronic effect, whereas Cu(0) NPs caused an acute effect and recovered. This study confirms that biogenic sulfide effectively attenuates ZnO and Cu(0) NPs toxicity to methanogens by the formation of metal sulfides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Daniel Puyol
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Reyes Sierra-Alvarez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jim A Field
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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31
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Zhang J, Dubey B, Townsend T. Effect of moisture control and air venting on H2S production and leachate quality in mature C&D debris landfills. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:11777-11786. [PMID: 25244062 DOI: 10.1021/es5010957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The effect of air venting and moisture variation on H2S production and the leaching of metals/metalloids (arsenic, copper, chromium, and boron) from treated wood in aged mature construction and demolition (C&D) debris landfills were examined. Three simulated C&D debris landfill lysimeters were constructed and monitored, each containing as a major debris component either wooden pallets, chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood, or alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) treated wood. The lysimeters were operated with alternating periods of water addition (a total of 160 L in four equal amounts) and air venting (68.4 m(3)per day for 121 days in two phases). Moisture addition did not increase H2S levels in the long term, and a significant drop in H2S concentration was observed (up to 99%) when aerobic conditions were promoted through air venting. H2S concentrations increased after venting stopped up to values approximately two orders of magnitude lower than observed prior to venting. Venting had the immediate consequence of suppressing biological H2S production, and the longer-term effect of decreasing organic matter that could otherwise be utilized in this process. Under aerobic conditions, the levels of arsenic, chromium, and boron in leachate decreased up to 96%, 49%, and 68%, respectively, while copper was found to increase up to 200% in CCA and 445% in ACQ column leachates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianye Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida , P.O. Box 116450 Gainesville, Florida 32611-6450, United States
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32
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Chen JL, Ortiz R, Steele TWJ, Stuckey DC. Toxicants inhibiting anaerobic digestion: a review. Biotechnol Adv 2014; 32:1523-34. [PMID: 25457225 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is increasingly being used to treat wastes from many sources because of its manifold advantages over aerobic treatment, e.g. low sludge production and low energy requirements. However, anaerobic digestion is sensitive to toxicants, and a wide range of compounds can inhibit the process and cause upset or failure. Substantial research has been carried out over the years to identify specific inhibitors/toxicants, and their mechanism of toxicity in anaerobic digestion. In this review we present a detailed and critical summary of research on the inhibition of anaerobic processes by specific organic toxicants (e.g., chlorophenols, halogenated aliphatics and long chain fatty acids), inorganic toxicants (e.g., ammonia, sulfide and heavy metals) and in particular, nanomaterials, focusing on the mechanism of their inhibition/toxicity. A better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms behind inhibition/toxicity will enhance the wider application of anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lin Chen
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637141
| | - Raphael Ortiz
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, College of Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637141
| | - Terry W J Steele
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, College of Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637141.
| | - David C Stuckey
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637141; Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
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Cao X, Cao H, Sheng Y, Xie Y, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Crittenden JC. Mechanisms of Cu2+ migration, recovery and detoxification in Cu2+-, SO4(2-) -containing wastewater treatment process with anaerobic granular sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2014; 35:1956-1961. [PMID: 24956789 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2014.889215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, anaerobic granular sludge with sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was applied to treat Cu2+-, SO4(2-) -containing wastewater in an expanded granular sludge bed reactor. The migration and enrichment of copper in anaerobic granular sludge were envaluated. By analysing the sludge with X-ray diffraction, copper was determined to be present as covellite (CuS) in the sludge. Observations at the microscopic level showed that CuS precipitates were absorbed onto granules and gradually migrated from the outer to the interior layer of the granule over time and finally accumulated in the core of the granular sludge. Because of the migration of the CuS precipitates and the protection of the extracellular polymeric substances matrix, SRB were able to tolerate copper concentrations up to 10 mg/L. A copper removal efficiency of about 96% was observed at a steady state for 3 months, and copper was enriched in the granular sludge.
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Otero-González L, Field JA, Sierra-Alvarez R. Inhibition of anaerobic wastewater treatment after long-term exposure to low levels of CuO nanoparticles. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 58:160-8. [PMID: 24762550 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
CuO nanoparticles (NPs) are released into wastewater due to the widespread use and generation as by-product in various applications (e.g. semiconductor manufacturing). However, information on the behavior and impact of CuO NPs on wastewater treatment processes is very limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fate and long-term effect of CuO NPs (average size = 37 nm) on high-rate anaerobic bioreactors. A laboratory-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor was operated with a synthetic wastewater containing low concentrations of CuO NPs (1.4 mg Cu L(-1)) and a mixture of volatile fatty acids for 107 days. CuO NPs were largely removed during anaerobic treatment and on the average only 20-32% of the NPs fed to the reactor escaped with the effluent. Scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis confirmed that CuO NPs were partitioned into the anaerobic sludge. While short-term exposure to CuO NPs (1.4 mg Cu L(-1)) only caused minor inhibition to methanogenesis, extended exposure caused severe toxicity and reduced the acetoclastic methanogenic activity by more than 85%. Moreover, the reactor performance was completely disrupted and the methane production decreased by more than 50%. The study is the first to demonstrate a significant long-term effect of low levels of CuO NPs on methanogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila Otero-González
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Jim A Field
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Reyes Sierra-Alvarez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Lira-Silva E, Santiago-Martínez MG, García-Contreras R, Zepeda-Rodríguez A, Marín-Hernández A, Moreno-Sánchez R, Jasso-Chávez R. Cd2+ resistance mechanisms in Methanosarcina acetivorans involve the increase in the coenzyme M content and induction of biofilm synthesis. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2013; 5:799-808. [PMID: 24249288 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
To assess what defence mechanisms are triggered by Cd(2+) stress in Methanosarcina acetivorans, cells were cultured at different cadmium concentrations. In the presence of 100 μM CdCl2, the intracellular contents of cysteine, sulfide and coenzyme M increased, respectively, 8, 27 and 7 times versus control. Cells incubated for 24 h in medium with less cysteine and sulfide removed up to 80% of Cd(2+) added, whereas their cysteine and coenzyme M contents increased 160 and 84 times respectively. Cadmium accumulation (5.2 μmol/10-15 mg protein) resulted in an increase in methane synthesis of 4.5 times in cells grown on acetate. Total phosphate also increased under high (0.5 mM) Cd(2+) stress. On the other hand, cells preadapted to 54 μM CdCl2 and further exposed to > 0.63 mM CdCl2 developed the formation of a biofilm with an extracellular matrix constituted by carbohydrates, DNA and proteins. Biofilm cells were able to synthesize methane. The data suggested that increased intracellular contents of thiol molecules and total phosphate, and biofilm formation, are all involved in the cadmium resistance mechanisms in this marine archaeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Lira-Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Mexico City, Mexico
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Gonzalez-Estrella J, Sierra-Alvarez R, Field JA. Toxicity assessment of inorganic nanoparticles to acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenic activity in anaerobic granular sludge. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 260:278-285. [PMID: 23770618 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Release of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) to municipal wastewater from industrial and residential sources could impact biological systems in wastewater treatment plants. Methanogenic inhibition can cause failure of anaerobic waste(water) treatment. This study investigated the inhibitory effect of a wide array of inorganic NPs (Ag(0), Al₂O₃, CeO₂, Cu(0), CuO, Fe(0), Fe₂O₃, Mn₂O₃, SiO₂, TiO₂, and ZnO supplied up to 1500 mgL(-1)) to acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenic activity of anaerobic granular sludge. Of all the NPs tested, only Cu(0) and ZnO caused severe methanogenic inhibition. The 50% inhibiting concentrations determined towards acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens were 62 and 68 mgL(-1) for Cu(0) NP; and 87 and 250 mgL(-1) for ZnO NP, respectively. CuO NPs also caused inhibition of acetoclastic methanogens. Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) salts caused similar levels of inhibition as Cu(0) and ZnO NPs based on equilibrium soluble metal concentrations measured during the assays, suggesting that the toxicity was due to the release of metal ions by NP-corrosion. A commercial dispersant, Dispex, intended to increase NP stability did not affect the inhibitory impact of the NPs. The results taken as a whole suggest that Zn- and Cu-containing NPs can release metal ions that are inhibitory for methanogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, PO Box 210011, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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37
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Zhang QQ, Yang GF, Wang H, Wu K, Jin RC, Zheng P. Estimating the recovery of ANAMMOX performance from inhibition by copper (II) and oxytetracycline (OTC). Sep Purif Technol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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38
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Lira-Silva E, Santiago-Martínez MG, Hernández-Juárez V, García-Contreras R, Moreno-Sánchez R, Jasso-Chávez R. Activation of methanogenesis by cadmium in the marine archaeon Methanosarcina acetivorans. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48779. [PMID: 23152802 PMCID: PMC3495967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Methanosarcina acetivorans was cultured in the presence of CdCl2 to determine the metal effect on cell growth and biogas production. With methanol as substrate, cell growth and methane synthesis were not altered by cadmium, whereas with acetate, cadmium slightly increased both, growth and methane rate synthesis. In cultures metabolically active, incubations for short-term (minutes) with 10 µM total cadmium increased the methanogenesis rate by 6 and 9 folds in methanol- and acetate-grown cells, respectively. Cobalt and zinc but not copper or iron also activated the methane production rate. Methanogenic carbonic anhydrase and acetate kinase were directly activated by cadmium. Indeed, cells cultured in 100 µM total cadmium removed 41–69% of the heavy metal from the culture and accumulated 231–539 nmol Cd/mg cell protein. This is the first report showing that (i) Cd2+ has an activating effect on methanogenesis, a biotechnological relevant process in the bio-fuels field; and (ii) a methanogenic archaea is able to remove a heavy metal from aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Lira-Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Tlalpan, México D.F., México
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Besaury L, Ouddane B, Pavissich JP, Dubrulle-Brunaud C, González B, Quillet L. Impact of copper on the abundance and diversity of sulfate-reducing prokaryotes in two chilean marine sediments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:2135-2145. [PMID: 22921896 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We studied the abundance and diversity of the sulfate-reducing prokaryotes (SRPs) in two 30-cm marine chilean sediment cores, one with a long-term exposure to copper-mining residues, the other being a non-exposed reference sediment. The abundance of SRPs was quantified by qPCR of the dissimilatory sulfite reductase gene β-subunit (dsrB) and showed that SRPs are sensitive to high copper concentrations, as the mean number of SRPs all along the contaminated sediment was two orders of magnitude lower than in the reference sediment. SRP diversity was analyzed by using the dsrB-sequences-based PCR-DGGE method and constructing gene libraries for dsrB-sequences. Surprisingly, the diversity was comparable in both sediments, with dsrB sequences belonging to Desulfobacteraceae, Syntrophobacteraceae, and Desulfobulbaceae, SRP families previously described in marine sediments, and to a deep branching dsrAB lineage. The hypothesis of the presence of horizontal transfer of copper resistance genes in the microbial population of the polluted sediment is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Besaury
- Faculté des Sciences, Université de Rouen, CNRS UMR 6143-M2C, Groupe de Microbiologie, Place Emile Blondel, 76821 Mont Saint Aignan Cedex, France.
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Guo J, Ostermann A, Siemens J, Dong R, Clemens J. Short term effects of copper, sulfadiazine and difloxacin on the anaerobic digestion of pig manure at low organic loading rates. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2012; 32:131-6. [PMID: 21868210 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2011.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics of inorganic and organic origin in pig manure can inhibit the anaerobic process in biogas plants. The influence of three frequently used antibiotics, copper dosed as CuSO(4), sulfadiazine (SDZ), and difloxacin (DIF), on the anaerobic digestion process of pig manure was studied in semi-continuous experiments. Biogas production recovered after every Cu dosage up to a sum of 12.94g Cukg(-1) organic dry matter (ODM), probably due to Cu precipitation following the formation of sulphide from sulphate. Complete inhibition was found at the very high Cu concentration of 19.40g Cukg(-1) ODM. Inhibitory effect of SDZ and DIF was observed at concentrations as high as 2.70gkg(-1) ODM and 0.54gkg(-1) ODM, respectively. It seems very unlikely that the antibiotics tested would inhibit the anaerobic process in a full-scale biogas plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbin Guo
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, P.O. Box 184, Beijing 100083, PR China.
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Ochoa-Herrera V, León G, Banihani Q, Field JA, Sierra-Alvarez R. Toxicity of copper(II) ions to microorganisms in biological wastewater treatment systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 412-413:380-385. [PMID: 22030247 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Copper is an essential element, however, this heavy metal is an inhibitor of microbial activity at relatively low concentrations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of copper(II) towards various microbial trophic groups responsible for the removal of organic constituents and nutrients in wastewater treatment processes. The results of the batch bioassays indicated that copper(II) caused severe inhibition of key microbial populations in wastewater treatment systems. Denitrifying bacteria were found to be very sensitive to the presence of copper(II). The concentrations of copper(II) causing 50% inhibition (IC(50)) on the metabolic activity of denitrifiers was 0.95 mg L(-1). Copper was also inhibitory to fermentative bacteria, aerobic glucose-degrading heterotrophs, and nitrifying bacteria (IC(50) values=3.5, 4.6 and 26.5 mg L(-1), respectively). Nonetheless, denitrifying and nitrifying bacteria showed considerable recovery of their metabolic activity after only several days of exposure to high copper levels (up to 25 and 100mg Cu(II) L(-1) for denitrification and nitrification, respectively). The recovery could be due to attenuation of soluble copper or to microbial adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ochoa-Herrera
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0011, USA.
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Wu D, Yang Z, Tian G. Inhibitory effects of Cu (II) on fermentative methane production using bamboo wastewater as substrate. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2011; 195:170-174. [PMID: 21880423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The toxic effects of Cu (II) present in bamboo industry wastewater (BIWW) upon its anaerobic biodegradability of organic content were investigated. The analysis through the Modified Gompertz model indicated that the optimum chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration for digestion was 22,780 mg L(-1) with a maximum R(m) (maximum CH(4) production rate) value of 2.8 mL h(-1), corresponding to a specific methanogenic activity (SMA) of 2.38 mL CH(4) g VSS(-1)h(-1). The inhibitory effects of Cu (II) on cumulative methane production depended on its concentration and contact time. Low concentrations (5 mg L(-1)) of Cu (II) showed a stimulating effect on methanogenesis. Methane was not detected when the Cu (II) concentration was increased beyond 300 mg L(-1). The IC(50) value of Cu (II), the Cu (II) concentration that causes a 50% reduction in the cumulative methane production, was 18.32 mg L(-1) (15.9 mg Cu(II) gVSS(-1)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglei Wu
- College of Environmental and Resources, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China.
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Adaptation of methanogenic communities to the cofermentation of cattle excreta and olive mill wastes at 37 degrees C and 55 degrees C. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:6564-71. [PMID: 20675446 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00961-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The acclimatization of methanogens to two-phase olive mill wastes (TPOMW) was investigated in pilot fermenters started up with cattle excreta (37°C) and after changing their feed to excreta plus TPOMW (37°C or 55°C) or TPOMW alone (37°C) until a steady state was reached (28 days). Methanogenic diversity was screened using a phylogenetic microarray (AnaeroChip), and positive targets were quantified by real-time PCR. Results revealed high phylogenetic richness, with representatives of three out of the four taxonomic orders found in digesters. Methanosarcina dominated in the starting excreta (>96% of total 16S rRNA gene copies; over 45 times more abundant than any other methanogen) at high acetate (0.21 g liter(-1)) and ammonia N concentrations (1.3 g liter(-1)). Codigestion at 37°C induced a 6-fold increase of Methanosarcina numbers, correlated with CH(4) production (r(Pearson) = 0.94; P = 0.02). At 55°C, the rise in temperature and H(2) partial pressure induced a burst of Methanobacterium, Methanoculleus, Methanothermobacter, and a group of uncultured archaea. The digestion of excreta alone resulted in low but constant biogas production despite certain oscillations in the methanogenic biomass. Unsuccessful digestion of TPOMW alone was attributed to high Cu levels inducing inhibition of methanogenic activity. In conclusion, the versatile Methanosarcina immediately adapted to the shift from excreta to excreta plus TPOMW and was responsible for the stimulated CH(4) production at 37°C. Higher temperatures (55°C) fostered methanogenic diversity by promoting some H(2) scavengers while yielding the highest CH(4) production. Further testing is needed to find out whether there is a link between increased methanogenic diversity and reactor productivity.
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Fermoso FG, Bartacek J, Jansen S, Lens PNL. Metal supplementation to UASB bioreactors: from cell-metal interactions to full-scale application. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2009; 407:3652-3667. [PMID: 19091385 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2008] [Revised: 10/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) bioreactors are commonly used for anaerobic wastewater treatment. Trace metals need to be dosed to these bioreactors to maintain microbial metabolism and growth. The dosing needs to balance the supply of a minimum amount of micronutrients to support a desired microbial activity or growth rate with a maximum level of micronutrient supply above which the trace metals become inhibitory or toxic. In studies on granular sludge reactors, the required micronutrients are undefined and different metal formulations with differences in composition, concentration and species are used. Moreover, an appropriate quantification of the required nutrient dosing and suitable ranges during the entire operational period has been given little attention. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge of the interactions between trace metals and cells growing in anaerobic granules, which is the main type of biomass retention in anaerobic wastewater treatment reactors. The impact of trace metal limitation as well as overdosing (toxicity) on the biomass is overviewed and the consequences for reactor performance are detailed. Special attention is given to the influence of metal speciation in the liquid and solid phase on bioavailability. The currently used methods for trace metal dosing into wastewater treatment reactors are overviewed and ways of optimization are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando G Fermoso
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, "Biotechnion"-Bomenweg 2, P.O. Box 8129, 6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Altaş L. Inhibitory effect of heavy metals on methane-producing anaerobic granular sludge. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2009; 162:1551-6. [PMID: 18640779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2008] [Revised: 06/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals could potentially have a negative impact on methane-producing anaerobic granular sludge. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of zinc(II), chromium(VI), nickel(II), and cadmium(II) on the methane-producing activity of granular sludge sampled from the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor that treats the wastewaters of a yeast factory, for a range of concentrations between 0 and 128 mg L(-1). The modified Gompertz, Logistic, and Richards equations were applied to describe the inactivation of anaerobic culture by heavy metals. According to these models, the values of methane production potential (mL) for a heavy metal concentration of 128 mg L(-1) were in the following order: Ni (44.82+/-0.67)>Cd (28.73+/-0.11)>Cr (15.52+/-1.63)>Zn (0.65+/-0.00). The IC(50) values, the metal concentrations that cause a 50% reduction in the cumulative methane production over a fixed period of exposure time (24h), for the individual heavy metals were found to be in the following order: Zn (most toxic; 7.5 mg L(-1))>Cr (27 mg L(-1))>Ni (35 mg L(-1)) approximately Cd (least toxic; 36 mg L(-1)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Levent Altaş
- Aksaray University, Engineering Faculty, Department of Environmental Engineering, 68100 Aksaray, Turkey.
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Teclu D, Tivchev G, Laing M, Wallis M. Determination of the elemental composition of molasses and its suitability as carbon source for growth of sulphate-reducing bacteria. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2009; 161:1157-1165. [PMID: 18541372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.04.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2007] [Revised: 04/18/2008] [Accepted: 04/18/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Bioremediation of arsenic-contaminated water could be a cost-effective process provided a cheap carbon source is used. In this work molasses was tested as a possible source of carbon for the growth of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Its elemental composition and the tolerance of SRB toward different arsenic species (As (III) and As (V)) were also investigated. Batch studies were carried out to assess the suitability of 1, 2.5 and 5 g/l molasses concentrations for SRB growth. The results indicated that molasses does support SRB growth, the level of response being dependant on the concentration. The percentage of sulphate reduction with molasses at 1, 2.5 and 5 g/l was not significantly different. However, growth on molasses was not as good as that obtained when lactate was used as carbon source. Molasses contained the heavy metals Al, As, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in concentrations of 0.54, 0.24, 8.7, 0.35, 11.1 and 19.7 microg/g, respectively. Arsenic tolerance, growth response and sulphate-reducing activity of the SRB were investigated using arsenite and arsenate solutions at final concentrations of 1, 5 and 20 mg/l for each species. The results revealed that very little SRB growth occurred at concentrations of 20 mg/l As(III) or As(V). At lower concentrations (1 mg/l) the SRB grew better with As(V) than with As(III). Arsenic pollution in most groundwater sources is below this level (1 mg/l).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Teclu
- Discipline of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
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Fountoulakis MS, Stamatelatou K, Lyberatos G. The effect of pharmaceuticals on the kinetics of methanogenesis and acetogenesis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2008; 99:7083-7090. [PMID: 18280143 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2007] [Revised: 12/28/2007] [Accepted: 01/04/2008] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the widely used anaerobic digestion model (ADM1) was used in order to simulate the inhibition of three pharmaceuticals, propranolol hydrochloride, ofloxacin and diclofenac sodium, on two groups of microorganisms, acetogens and acetoclastic methanogens, the most sensitive microorganisms groups involved in the anaerobic digestion process. The specific maximum consumption rate and saturation constant of acetate and propionate degraders were estimated through fitting the model to experimental data taken from continuous and batch experiments. A modified non-competitive inhibition function was used, and the inhibition constants were estimated using data from Batch experiments conducted at various concentrations of pharmaceuticals using enriched cultures with propionate and acetate degraders. It was found that propranolol hydrochloride was the most inhibitory pharmaceutical to both microorganisms groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Fountoulakis
- Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, University Campus, Rio, GR-26500 Patras, Greece.
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Cobalt toxicity in anaerobic granular sludge: influence of chemical speciation. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2008; 35:1465-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s10295-008-0448-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Freeman SA, Sierra-Alvarez R, Altinbas M, Hollingsworth J, Stams AJM, Smidt H. Molecular characterization of mesophilic and thermophilic sulfate reducing microbial communities in expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors. Biodegradation 2007; 19:161-77. [PMID: 17479349 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-007-9123-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2006] [Accepted: 04/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The microbial communities established in mesophilic and thermophilic expanded granular sludge bed reactors operated with sulfate as the electron acceptor were analyzed using 16S rRNA targeted molecular methods, including denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, cloning, and phylogenetic analysis. Bacterial and archaeal communities were examined over 450 days of operation treating ethanol (thermophilic reactor) or ethanol and later a simulated semiconductor manufacturing wastewater containing citrate, isopropanol, and polyethylene glycol 300 (mesophilic reactor), with and without the addition of copper(II). Analysis, of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed a defined shift in microbial diversity in both reactors following a change in substrate composition (mesophilic reactor) and in temperature of operation from 30 degrees C to 55 degrees C (thermophilic reactor). The addition of copper(II) to the influent of both reactors did not noticeably affect the composition of the bacterial or archaeal communities, which is in agreement with the very low soluble copper concentrations (3-310 microg l(-1)) present in the reactor contents as a consequence of extensive precipitation of copper with biogenic sulfides. Furthermore, clone library analysis confirmed the phylogenetic diversity of sulfate-reducing consortia in mesophilic and thermophilic sulfidogenic reactors operated with simple substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Freeman
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 21001, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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