1
|
Ma P, Yin B, Wu M, Han M, Lv L, Li W, Zhang G, Ren Z. Synergistic enhancement of microbes-to-pollutants and inter-microbes electron transfer by Fe, N modified ordered mesoporous biochar in anaerobic digestion. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135030. [PMID: 38944989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135030] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular electron transfer was essential for degrading recalcitrant pollutants by anaerobic digestion (AD). Therefore, existing studies improved AD efficiency by enhancing the electron transfer from microbes-to-pollutants or inter-microbes. This study synthesized a novel Fe, N co-doped biochar (Fe, N-BC), which could enhance both the microbes-to-pollutants and inter-microbes electron transfer in AD. Detailed characterization data indicated that Fe, N-BC has an ordered mesoporous structure, high specific surface area (463.46 m2/g), and abundant redox functional groups (Fe2+/Fe3+, pyrrolic-N), which translate into excellent biocompatibility and electrochemical properties of Fe, N-BC. By adding Fe, N-BC, the stability and efficiency of the medium-temperature AD system in the treatment of methyl orange (MO) wastewater were improved: obtained a high degradation efficiency of MO (96.8 %) and enhanced the methane (CH4) production by 65 % compared to the control group. Meanwhile, Fe, N-BC reduced the accumulation of volatile fatty acids in the AD system, and the activity of anaerobic granular sludge electron transport system and coenzyme F420 was enhanced. In addition, Fe, N-BC showed positive enrichment of azo dyes decolorization bacteria (Georgenia) and direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) synergistic partners (Syntrophobacter, Methanosarcina). Overall, the rapid degradation of MO and enhanced CH4 production in AD systems by Fe, N-BC is associated with enhancing two electronic pathways, i.e., microbes to MO and DIET between syntrophic bacteria and methanogenic archaea. This study introduced an enhanced "two-pathways of electron transfer" theory, realized by Fe, N-BC. These findings provided new insights into the interactions within AD systems and offer strategies for enhancing their performance with recalcitrant pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiyu Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Bingbing Yin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Minhao Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Muda Han
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Longyi Lv
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China.
| | - Weiguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (SKLUWRE, HIT), Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Guangming Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China
| | - Zhijun Ren
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy and Pollution Control, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zbair M, Limousy L, Drané M, Richard C, Juge M, Aemig Q, Trably E, Escudié R, Peyrelasse C, Bennici S. Integration of Digestate-Derived Biochar into the Anaerobic Digestion Process through Circular Economic and Environmental Approaches-A Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:3527. [PMID: 39063819 PMCID: PMC11278828 DOI: 10.3390/ma17143527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The growing energy consumption and the need for a circular economy have driven considerable interest in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste, offering potential solutions through biogas and digestate production. AD processes not only have the capability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to the production of renewable methane. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate prior research on AD involving different feedstocks. The principles of AD are explored and discussed, including both chemical and biological pathways and the microorganisms involved at each stage. Additionally, key variables influencing system performance, such as temperature, pH, and C/N ratio are also discussed. Various pretreatment strategies applied to enhance biogas generation from organic waste in AD are also reviewed. Furthermore, this review examines the conversion of generated digestate into biochar through pyrolysis and its utilization to improve AD performance. The addition of biochar has demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing metabolic processes, microorganisms (activity and community), and buffering capacity, facilitating Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer (DIET), and boosting CH4 production. Biochar also exhibits the ability to capture undesirable components, including CO2, H2S, NH3, and siloxanes. The integration of digestate-derived biochar into the circular economy framework emerges as a vital role in closing the material flow loop. Additionally, the review discusses the environmental benefits derived from coupling AD with pyrolysis processes, drawing on life cycle assessment investigations. Techno-economic assessment (TEA) studies of the integrated processes are also discussed, with an acknowledgment of the need for further TEA to validate the viability of integrating the biochar industry. Furthermore, this survey examines the techno-economic and environmental impacts of biochar production itself and its potential application in AD for biogas generation, aiming to establish a more cost-effective and sustainable integrated system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Zbair
- Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse (IS2M), Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR 7361, 68100 Mulhouse, France; (M.Z.); (M.D.); (S.B.)
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Lionel Limousy
- Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse (IS2M), Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR 7361, 68100 Mulhouse, France; (M.Z.); (M.D.); (S.B.)
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Méghane Drané
- Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse (IS2M), Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR 7361, 68100 Mulhouse, France; (M.Z.); (M.D.); (S.B.)
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Charlotte Richard
- ENGIE, Lab CRIGEN, 4 Rue Joséphine Baker, 93240 Stains, France; (C.R.); (M.J.); (Q.A.)
| | - Marine Juge
- ENGIE, Lab CRIGEN, 4 Rue Joséphine Baker, 93240 Stains, France; (C.R.); (M.J.); (Q.A.)
| | - Quentin Aemig
- ENGIE, Lab CRIGEN, 4 Rue Joséphine Baker, 93240 Stains, France; (C.R.); (M.J.); (Q.A.)
| | - Eric Trably
- INRAE, University of Montpellier, LBE, 102 Av. des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France; (E.T.); (R.E.)
| | - Renaud Escudié
- INRAE, University of Montpellier, LBE, 102 Av. des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France; (E.T.); (R.E.)
| | | | - Simona Bennici
- Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse (IS2M), Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR 7361, 68100 Mulhouse, France; (M.Z.); (M.D.); (S.B.)
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo ZC, Cui MH, Yang CX, Dai HL, Yang TY, Zhai LZ, Chen Y, Liu WZ, Wang AJ. Electrical stress and acid orange 7 synergistically clear the blockage of electron flow in the methanogenesis of low-strength wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 20:100410. [PMID: 38572083 PMCID: PMC10987894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2024.100410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Energy recovery from low-strength wastewater through anaerobic methanogenesis is constrained by limited substrate availability. The development of efficient methanogenic communities is critical but challenging. Here we develop a strategy to acclimate methanogenic communities using conductive carrier (CC), electrical stress (ES), and Acid Orange 7 (AO7) in a modified biofilter. The synergistic integration of CC, ES, and AO7 precipitated a remarkable 72-fold surge in methane production rate compared to the baseline. This increase was attributed to an altered methanogenic community function, independent of the continuous presence of AO7 and ES. AO7 acted as an external electron acceptor, accelerating acetogenesis from fermentation intermediates, restructuring the bacterial community, and enriching electroactive bacteria (EAB). Meanwhile, CC and ES orchestrated the assembly of the archaeal community and promoted electrotrophic methanogens, enhancing acetotrophic methanogenesis electron flow via a mechanism distinct from direct electrochemical interactions. The collective application of CC, ES, and AO7 effectively mitigated electron flow impediments in low-strength wastewater methanogenesis, achieving an additional 34% electron recovery from the substrate. This study proposes a new method of amending anaerobic digestion systems with conductive materials to advance wastewater treatment, sustainability, and energy self-sufficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Chong Guo
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Min-Hua Cui
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Chun-Xue Yang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hong-Liang Dai
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Tong-Yi Yang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Lin-Zhi Zhai
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Yong Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wen-Zong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ai-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang J, Chen M, Zhang J, Sun X, Li N, Wang X. Dynamic membrane filtration accelerates electroactive biofilms in bioelectrochemical systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 20:100375. [PMID: 38283869 PMCID: PMC10821169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have emerged as a dual-function technology for treating wastewater and recovering energy. A vital element of BES is the rapid formation and maintenance of electroactive biofilms (EABs). Previous attempts to accelerate EAB formation and improve electroactivities focused on enhancing the bacterial adhesion process while neglecting the rate-limiting step of the bacterial transport process. Here, we introduce membrane filtration into BES, establishing a dynamic membrane filtration system that enhances overall performance. We observed that optimal membrane flux considerably reduced the startup time for EAB formation. Specifically, EABs established under a 25 L m-2 h-1 flux (EAB25 LMH) had a formation time of 43.8 ± 1.3 h, notably faster than the 51.4 ± 1.6 h in the static state (EAB0 LMH). Additionally, EAB25 LMH exhibited a significant increase in maximum current density, approximately 2.2 times higher than EAB0 LMH. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between current densities and biomass quantities and an inverse correlation with startup time. Microbial analysis revealed two critical findings: (i) variations in maximum current densities across different filtration conditions were associated with redox-active substances and biomass accumulation, and (ii) the incorporation of a filtration process in EAB formation enhanced the proportion of viable cells and encouraged a more diverse range of electroactive bacteria. Moreover, the novel electroactive membrane demonstrated sustained current production and effective solid-liquid separation during prolonged operation, indicating its potential as a viable alternative in membrane-based systems. This approach not only provides a new operational model for BES but also holds promise for expanding its application in future wastewater treatment solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinning Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Mei Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jiayao Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xinyi Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 35 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tan Y, Xiao Y, Hao T. Carbon fixation via volatile fatty acids recovery from sewage sludge through electrochemical-pretreatment-based anaerobic digestion. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121736. [PMID: 38754300 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121736] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Capturing the carbon in volatile fatty acids (VFA) produced from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge has the potential to not only provide economic benefits but also reduce greenhouse gas production. This study demonstrates a chemical-free method to collect VFA from an AD instead of methane that involves electrochemical pretreatment (EPT) of sludge. Experimental results show that applying 15 V EPT for 45 min enhances acidogenesis and selectively inhibits methanogenesis, leading to a substantial VFA accumulation (2563.1 ± 307.9 mg COD/L) and achieving 2.5 times more carbon fixation than via methane production. Interfacial thermodynamic analysis shows that EPT induces a decrease in both the repulsive electrostatic energy (from 152.9 kT to 12.2 kT) and the energy barrier (from 57.0 kT to 2.6 kT) in the sludge, leading to increased sludge aggregation and entrapment of microorganisms. Molecular docking sheds lights on how the methanogens interacts with the organic matter released from EPT (e.g., alanine-tRNA ligase), showing that these interactions potentially interfere with the proteins that are associated with the activities of the methanogens and the electron transfer pathways, thereby impeding methanogenesis. Integrating EPT into AD therefore facilitates the recovery of valuable VFA and the capture of carbon from freshwater sludge, providing notable economic and environmental benefits in sewage sludge treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunkai Tan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, PR China
| | - Yihang Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, PR China
| | - Tianwei Hao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhu R, Chen Y, Huang Y, Tang Z, Li H, Gu L. Improving anaerobic digestion performance after severe acidification: Unveiling the impacts of Fe 3O 4-bentonite composites in co-digestion of waste activated sludge and food waste. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 402:130775. [PMID: 38701984 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130775] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Acidification recovery in anaerobic digestion of food waste is challenging. This study explored its in-situ recovery using a co-substrate of food waste and waste activated sludge. Fe3O4 and bentonite were used as conductor and carrier, respectively, to enhance AD performance under severe acidification. The application of Fe3O4-bentonite resulted in a 152% increase in cumulative methane in the Fe3O4-bentonite 10 digester, demonstrating its effectiveness in restoring the acidified AD system. In acidified systems, bentonite enhanced the diversity and richness of microbial communities due to its buffering capacity. The excessive non-conductive polysaccharides excreted by bacteria in extracellular polymeric substances reduced the possibility of electron transfer by Fe3O4. However, in the synergistic application of Fe3O4 and bentonite, this resistance was alleviated, increasing the possibility of direct interspecies electron transfer, and accelerating the consumption of volatile fatty acids. This approach of integrating carrier and conductive materials is significant for in-situ restoration of acidified systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China; Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environments, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, 174 Shapingba Road, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Yongdong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China; Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environments, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, 174 Shapingba Road, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Yangrui Huang
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhenzhen Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Huaizheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Li Gu
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environments, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, 174 Shapingba Road, Chongqing 400045, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liang L, Zhao Z, Zhou H, Zhang Y. Insights into feasibility and microbial characterizations on simultaneous elimination of dissolved methane from anaerobic effluents and nitrate/nitrite reduction in a conventional anoxic reactor with magnetite. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121567. [PMID: 38581983 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121567] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Discovery of nitrate/nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) challenges the conventional biological treatment processes, since it provides a possibility of simultaneously mitigating dissolved methane emissions from anaerobic effluents and reducing additional carbon sources for denitrification. Due to the slow growth of specialized DAMO microbes, this possibility has been just practiced with biofilms in membrane biofilm reactors or granular sludge in membrane bioreactors. In this study, simultaneous elimination of dissolved methane from anaerobic effluents and nitrate/nitrite reduction was achieved in a conventional anoxic reactor with magnetite. Calculations of electron flow balance showed that, with magnetite the eliminated dissolved methane was almost entirely used for nitrate/nitrite reduction, while without magnetite approximately 52 % of eliminated dissolved methane was converted to unknown organics. Metagenomic sequencing showed that, when dissolved methane served as an electron donor, the abundance of genes for reverse methanogenesis and denitrification dramatically increased, indicating that anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) coupled to nitrate/nitrite reduction occurred. Magnetite increased the abundance of genes encoding the key enzymes involved in whole reverse methanogenesis and Nir and Nor involved in denitrification, compared to that without magnetite. Analysis of microbial communities showed that, AOM coupled to nitrate/nitrite reduction was proceeded by syntrophic consortia comprised of methane oxidizers, Methanolinea and Methanobacterium, and nitrate/nitrite reducers, Armatimonadetes_gp5 and Thauera. With magnetite syntrophic consortia exchanged electrons more effectively than that without magnetite, further supporting the microbial growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianfu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Hao Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China.
| | - Yaobin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mei N, Tremblay PL, Wu Y, Zhang T. Proposed mechanisms of electron uptake in metal-corroding methanogens and their potential for CO 2 bioconversion applications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171384. [PMID: 38432383 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171384] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Some methanogens are electrotrophic bio-corroding microbes that can acquire electrons from solid surfaces including metals. In the laboratory, pure cultures of methanogenic cells oxidize iron-based materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, and Fe0. For buried or immersed pipelines or other metallic structures, methanogens are often major components of corroding biofilms with complex interspecies relationships. Models explaining how these microbes acquire electrons from solid donors are multifaceted and include electron transfer via redox mediators such as H2 or by direct contact through membrane proteins. Understanding the electron uptake (EU) routes employed by corroding methanogens is essential to develop efficient strategies for corrosion prevention. It is also beneficial for the development of bioenergy applications relying on methanogenic EU from solid donors such as bioelectromethanogenesis, hybrid photosynthesis, and the acceleration of anaerobic digestion with electroconductive particles. Many methanogenic species carrying out biocorrosion are the same ones forming the extensive abiotic-biological interfaces at the core of these bio-applications. This review will discuss the interactions between corrosive methanogens and metals and how the EU capability of these microbes can be harnessed for different sustainable biotechnologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Mei
- Institut WUT-AMU, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Pier-Luc Tremblay
- Institut WUT-AMU, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Shaoxing Institute for Advanced Research, Wuhan University of Technology, Shaoxing 312300, PR China; Sanya Science and Education Innovation Park, Wuhan University of Technology, Sanya 572024, PR China
| | - Yuyang Wu
- Institut WUT-AMU, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Institut WUT-AMU, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Shaoxing Institute for Advanced Research, Wuhan University of Technology, Shaoxing 312300, PR China; Sanya Science and Education Innovation Park, Wuhan University of Technology, Sanya 572024, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sravan JS, Matsakas L, Sarkar O. Advances in Biological Wastewater Treatment Processes: Focus on Low-Carbon Energy and Resource Recovery in Biorefinery Context. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:281. [PMID: 38534555 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in biological wastewater treatment with sustainable and circularity approaches have a wide scope of application. Biological wastewater treatment is widely used to remove/recover organic pollutants and nutrients from a diverse wastewater spectrum. However, conventional biological processes face challenges, such as low efficiency, high energy consumption, and the generation of excess sludge. To overcome these limitations, integrated strategies that combine biological treatment with other physical, chemical, or biological methods have been developed and applied in recent years. This review emphasizes the recent advances in integrated strategies for biological wastewater treatment, focusing on their mechanisms, benefits, challenges, and prospects. The review also discusses the potential applications of integrated strategies for diverse wastewater treatment towards green energy and resource recovery, along with low-carbon fuel production. Biological treatment methods, viz., bioremediation, electro-coagulation, electro-flocculation, electro-Fenton, advanced oxidation, electro-oxidation, bioelectrochemical systems, and photo-remediation, are summarized with respect to non-genetically modified metabolic reactions. Different conducting materials (CMs) play a significant role in mass/charge transfer metabolic processes and aid in enhancing fermentation rates. Carbon, metal, and nano-based CMs hybridization in different processes provide favorable conditions to the fermentative biocatalyst and trigger their activity towards overcoming the limitations of the conventional process. The emerging field of nanotechnology provides novel additional opportunities to surmount the constraints of conventional process for enhanced waste remediation and resource valorization. Holistically, integrated strategies are promising alternatives for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of biological wastewater treatment while also contributing to the circular economy and environmental protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Shanthi Sravan
- Research Center for Innovative Energy and Carbon Optimized Synthesis for Chemicals (Inn-ECOSysChem), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Leonidas Matsakas
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Omprakash Sarkar
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang G, Lin C, Hou T, Wu X, Fang Y, Yao S, Zhuang L, Yuan Y. The survival strategy of direct interspecies electron transfer-capable coculture under electron donor-limited environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168223. [PMID: 37926263 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) has been considered as an effective mechanism for interspecies electron exchange in microbial syntrophy. Understanding DIET-capable syntrophic associations under energy-limited environments is important because these conditions more closely approximate those found in natural subsurface environments than in the batch cultures in the laboratory. This study, investigated the metabolic dynamics and electron transfer mechanisms in DIET-capable syntrophic coculture of Geobacter metallireducens and Geobacter sulfurreducens under electron donor-limited condition. The wild-coculture and the mutant-coculture with a citrate synthase-deficient G. sulfurreducens exhibited similar rates of syntrophic metabolism under ethanol-limited and ethanol-replete conditions. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that, in the mutant-coculture in which interspecies electron exchange was the sole electron source for G. sulfurreducens, the transcription of genes associated with uptake hydrogenase in G. sulfurreducens were significantly repressed and thus DIET tended to be the preferred mode of interspecies electron exchange under electron donor-limited condition. To overcome electron donor limitation, c-type cytochromes in the coculture actively moved from outer membrane to extracellular environment, potentially via increased secretion of outer-membrane vesicles. These results suggested a preferred electron transfer mechanism for DIET-capable syntrophic communities' survival in the electron donor-limited environments, providing valuable insights into the biogeochemical processes mediated by DIET in natural and engineered environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guiqin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Canfen Lin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Tiqun Hou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xian Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yanlun Fang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Sijie Yao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Li Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Yong Yuan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Alam M, Dhar BR. Boosting thermophilic anaerobic digestion with conductive materials: Current outlook and future prospects. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140175. [PMID: 37714472 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD) can provide superior process kinetics, higher methane yields, and more pathogen destruction than mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD). However, the broader application of TAD is still very limited, mainly due to process instabilities such as the accumulation of volatile fatty acids and ammonia inhibition in the digesters. An emerging technique to overcome the process disturbances in TAD and enhance the methane production rate is to add conductive materials (CMs) to the digester. Recent studies have revealed that CMs can promote direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) among the microbial community, increasing the TAD performance. CMs exhibited a high potential for alleviating the accumulation of volatile fatty acids and inhibition caused by high ammonia levels. However, the types, properties, sources, and dosage of CMs can influence the process outcomes significantly, along with other process parameters such as the organic loading rates and the type of feedstocks. Therefore, it is imperative to critically review the recent research to understand the impacts of using different CMs in TAD. This review paper discusses the types and properties of CMs applied in TAD and the mechanisms of how they influence methanogenesis, digester start-up time, process disturbances, microbial community, and biogas desulfurization. The engineering challenges for industrial-scale applications and environmental risks were also discussed. Finally, critical research gaps have been identified to provide a framework for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monisha Alam
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Thapa A, Jo H, Han U, Cho SK. Ex-situ biomethanation for CO 2 valorization: State of the art, recent advances, challenges, and future prospective. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108218. [PMID: 37481094 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Ex-situ biomethanation is an emerging technology that facilitates the use of surplus renewable electricity and valorizes carbon dioxide (CO2) for biomethane production by hydrogenotrophic methanogens. This review offers an up-to-date overview of the current state of ex-situ biomethanation and thoroughly analyzes key operational parameters affecting hydrogen (H2) gas-liquid mass transfer and biomethanation performance, along with an in-depth discussion of the technical challenges. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review article to discuss microbial community structure in liquid and biofilm phases and their responses after exposure to H2 starvation during ex-situ biomethanation. In addition, future research in areas such as reactor configuration and optimization of operational parameters for improving the H2 mass transfer rate, inhibiting opportunistic homoacetogens, integration of membrane technology, and use of conductive packing material is recommended to overcome challenges and improve the efficiency of ex-situ biomethanation. Furthermore, this review presents a techno-economic analysis for the future development and facilitation of industrial implementation. The insights presented in this review will offer useful information to identify state-of-the-art research trends and realize the full potential of this emerging technology for CO2 utilization and biomethane production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Thapa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-ro, IIsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongmok Jo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-ro, IIsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Uijeong Han
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-ro, IIsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Kyung Cho
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-ro, IIsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ma K, Wang W, Guo N, Wang X, Zhang J, Jiao Y, Cui Y, Cao Z. Unravelling the resilience of magnetite assisted granules to starvation and oxytetracycline stress. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132285. [PMID: 37591174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Starvation and antibiotics pollution are two frequent perturbations during breeding wastewater treatment process. Supplying magnetite into anaerobic system has been proved efficient to accelerate microbial aggregates and alleviate the adverse effect caused by process disturbance. Nevertheless, whether these magnetite-based granules are still superior over normal granules after a long-term starvation period remains unknown, the responsiveness of these granules to antibiotics stress is also ambiguous. In current study, we investigated the resilience of magnetite-based anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS) to starvation and oxytetracycline (OTC) stress, by unravelling the variations of reactor performance, sludge properties, ARGs dissemination and microbial community. Compared with the AnGS formed without magnetite, the magnetite assisted AnGS appeared more robust defense to starvation and OTC stress. With magnetite supplement, the average methane yield after starvation recovery, 50 mg/L and 200 mg/L OTC stress was enhanced by 48.95%, 115.87% and 488.41%, respectively, accompanied with less VFAs accumulation, improved tetracycline removal rate (76.3-86.6% vs. 51.0-53.5%) and higher ARGs reduction. Meanwhile, magnetite supplement effectively ameliorated the potential sludge breakage by triggering more large granules formation. Trichococcus was considered an important impetus in maintaining the stability of magnetite-based AnGS process. By inducing more syntrophic methanogenesis partnerships, especially for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, magnetite ensured the improved reactor performance and stronger resilience at stress conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Ma
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Guo
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqi Jiao
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanrui Cui
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguo Cao
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China; Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mohammad Mirsoleimani Azizi S, Zakaria BS, Haffiez N, Kumar A, Ranjan Dhar B. Pilot-scale investigation of conductive carbon cloth amendment for enhancing high-solids anaerobic digestion and mitigating antibiotic resistance. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 385:129411. [PMID: 37394042 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of introducing conductive carbon cloth into a pilot-scale high-solids anaerobic digestion (HSAD) system. Adding carbon cloth increased methane production by 22 % and improved the maximum methane production rate by 39 %. Microbial community characterization indicated a possible direct interspecies electron transfer-based syntrophic association among microbes. Using carbon cloth also enhanced microbial richness, diversity, and evenness. Carbon cloth effectively reduced the total abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by 44.6 %, mainly by inhibiting horizontal gene transfer, as shown by the significant decrease in the relative abundance of integron genes (particularly intl1). The multivariate analysis further demonstrated strong correlations of intl1 with most of the targeted ARGs. These findings suggest that carbon cloth amendment can promote efficient methane production and attenuate the spread of ARGs in HSAD systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nervana Haffiez
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Amit Kumar
- Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ao Z, Li Y, Li Y, Zhao Z, Zhang Y. Facilitating direct interspecies electron transfer in anaerobic digestion via speeding up transmembrane transport of electrons and CO 2 reduction in methanogens by Na + adjustment. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 170:252-260. [PMID: 37729842 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of facilitating direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) in anaerobic digestion with different concentrations of NaCl was explored. Additional NaCl at 2 or 4 g/L strengthened anaerobic digestion to resist the high-organic loading rate impacts, whereas the higher concentrations of NaCl (6 or 8 g/L) suppressed methanogenesis. Additional MgCl2 with the same ion strength as NaCl at 2 g/L had no effect on performances. Additional NaCl at 2 or 4 g/L dramatically increased the abundance of Methanosarcina species (20.7%/23.4% vs 8.6%) and stimulated the growth of Sphaerochaeta and Petrimonas species that could transfer electrons to the soluble Fe(III) or elemental sulfur. Electrochemical evidences showed that, additional NaCl at 2 or 4 g/L increased capacitances and decreased charge transfer resistances of Methanosarcina-dominant communities. Metagenomic evidences showed that, additional NaCl at 2 or 4 g/L increased the abundance of genes that encoded the type IV pilus assembly proteins (1.98E-04/1.87E-04 vs 1.85E-04) and cytochrome c-like proteins (5.51E-04/5.60E-04 vs 5.31E-04). In addition, additional NaCl at 2 or 4 g/L increased the abundance of genes for methanophenazine (MP)/MPH2 transformation (1.04E-05/1.24E-05 vs 8.06E-06) and CO2 reduction (1.64E-03/1.86E-03 vs 1.06E-03), suggesting a rapid transmembrane transport of electrons and CO2 reduction in methanogens. Both processes were closely associated with F420/F420H2 transformation that required ATP. Additional NaCl at 2 or 4 g/L increased the yield of ATP (256.0/249.3 vs 231.8 nmol/L) that might promote F420/F420H2 transformation in methanogens, which overcame the thermodynamic limitations of combining electrons with protons for the reduction of CO2 to methane and facilitated DIET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Ao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yaobin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jung H, Yu H, Lee C. Direct interspecies electron transfer enables anaerobic oxidation of sulfide to elemental sulfur coupled with CO 2-reducing methanogenesis. iScience 2023; 26:107504. [PMID: 37636045 PMCID: PMC10448109 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Electric syntrophy between fatty acid oxidizers and methanogens through direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is essential for balancing acidogenesis and methanogenesis in anaerobic digestion. Promoting DIET using electrically conductive additives proved effective in enhancing methanogenesis; however, its possibility to affect other microbial redox reactions in methanogenic systems has been little studied. This study provides the first confirmation of the electro-syntrophic coupling of sulfide oxidation to S0 with CO2-reducing methanogenesis in sulfur-rich methanogenic cultures supplemented with conductive magnetite (100-700-nm particle size). The H2S content in biogas, initially exceeding 5000 ppmv, decreased to below 1 ppmv along with an accumulation of extracellular S0 (60-70 mg/L; initially <1 mg/L) at a magnetite dose of 20 mM Fe, while there were no significant changes in methane yield. A comprehensive polyphasic approach demonstrated that the S0 formation occurs through electro-syntrophic oxidation of sulfide coupled with CO2-reducing methanogenesis, involving Methanothrix as the dominant methanogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heejung Jung
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjung Yu
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsoo Lee
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Carbon Neutrality, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhou J, Smith JA, Li M, Holmes DE. Methane production by Methanothrix thermoacetophila via direct interspecies electron transfer with Geobacter metallireducens. mBio 2023; 14:e0036023. [PMID: 37306514 PMCID: PMC10470525 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00360-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanothrix is widely distributed in natural and artificial anoxic environments and plays a major role in global methane emissions. It is one of only two genera that can form methane from acetate dismutation and through participation in direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) with exoelectrogens. Although Methanothrix is a significant member of many methanogenic communities, little is known about its physiology. In this study, transcriptomics helped to identify potential routes of electron transfer during DIET between Geobacter metallireducens and Methanothrix thermoacetophila. Additions of magnetite to cultures significantly enhanced growth by acetoclastic methanogenesis and by DIET, while granular activated carbon (GAC) amendments impaired growth. Transcriptomics suggested that the OmaF-OmbF-OmcF porin complex and the octaheme outer membrane c-type cytochrome encoded by Gmet_0930, were important for electron transport across the outer membrane of G. metallireducens during DIET with Mx. thermoacetophila. Clear differences in the metabolism of Mx. thermoacetophila when grown via DIET or acetate dismutation were not apparent. However, genes coding for proteins involved in carbon fixation, the sheath fiber protein MspA, and a surface-associated quinoprotein, SqpA, were highly expressed in all conditions. Expression of gas vesicle genes was significantly lower in DIET- than acetate-grown cells, possibly to facilitate better contact between membrane-associated redox proteins during DIET. These studies reveal potential electron transfer mechanisms utilized by both Geobacter and Methanothrix during DIET and provide important insights into the physiology of Methanothrix in anoxic environments. IMPORTANCE Methanothrix is a significant methane producer in a variety of methanogenic environments including soils and sediments as well as anaerobic digesters. Its abundance in these anoxic environments has mostly been attributed to its high affinity for acetate and its ability to grow by acetoclastic methanogenesis. However, Methanothrix species can also generate methane by directly accepting electrons from exoelectrogenic bacteria through direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Methane production through DIET is likely to further increase their contribution to methane production in natural and artificial environments. Therefore, acquiring a better understanding of DIET with Methanothrix will help shed light on ways to (i) minimize microbial methane production in natural terrestrial environments and (ii) maximize biogas formation by anaerobic digesters treating waste.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinjie Zhou
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts-Amherst , Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jessica A Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts-Amherst , Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University , New Britain, Connecticut, USA
| | - Meng Li
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dawn E Holmes
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts-Amherst , Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical and Biological Science, Western New England University , Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Smith JA, Holmes DE, Woodard TL, Li Y, Liu X, Wang LY, Meier D, Schwarz IA, Lovley DR. Detrimental impact of the Geobacter metallireducens type VI secretion system on direct interspecies electron transfer. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0094123. [PMID: 37650614 PMCID: PMC10580878 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00941-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is important in anaerobic communities of environmental and practical significance. Other than the need for close physical contact for electrical connections, the interactions of DIET partners are poorly understood. Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) typically kill competitive microbes. Surprisingly, Geobacter metallireducens highly expressed T6SS genes when DIET-based co-cultures were initiated with Geobacter sulfurreducens. T6SS gene expression was lower when the electron shuttle anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate was added to alleviate the need for interspecies contact. Disruption of hcp, the G. metallireducens gene for the main T6SS needle-tube protein subunit, and the most highly upregulated gene in DIET-grown cells eliminated the long lag periods required for the initiation of DIET. The mutation did not aid DIET in the presence of granular-activated carbon (GAC), consistent with the fact that DIET partners do not make physical contact when electrically connected through conductive materials. The hcp-deficient mutant also established DIET quicker with Methanosarcina barkeri. However, the mutant also reduced Fe(III) oxide faster than the wild-type strain, a phenotype not expected from the loss of the T6SS. Quantitative PCR revealed greater gene transcript abundance for key components of extracellular electron transfer in the hcp-deficient mutant versus the wild-type strain, potentially accounting for the faster Fe(III) oxide reduction and impact on DIET. The results highlight that interspecies interactions beyond electrical connections may influence DIET effectiveness. The unexpected increase in the expression of genes for extracellular electron transport components when hcp was deleted emphasizes the complexities in evaluating the electromicrobiology of highly adaptable Geobacter species. IMPORTANCE Direct interspecies electron transfer is an alternative to the much more intensively studied process of interspecies H2 transfer as a mechanism for microbes to share electrons during the cooperative metabolism of energy sources. DIET is an important process in anaerobic soils and sediments generating methane, a significant greenhouse gas. Facilitating DIET can accelerate and stabilize the conversion of organic wastes to methane biofuel in anaerobic digesters. Therefore, a better understanding of the factors controlling how fast DIET partnerships are established is expected to lead to new strategies for promoting this bioenergy process. The finding that when co-cultured with G. sulfurreducens, G. metallireducens initially expressed a type VI secretion system, a behavior not conducive to interspecies cooperation, illustrates the complexity of establishing syntrophic relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Smith
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Morrill IV N Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA
| | - Dawn E. Holmes
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Morrill IV N Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Trevor L. Woodard
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Morrill IV N Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Morrill IV N Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinying Liu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Morrill IV N Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ying Wang
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Morrill IV N Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Meier
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Morrill IV N Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid A. Schwarz
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA
| | - Derek R. Lovley
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Morrill IV N Science Center, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhong Y, He J, Duan S, Cai Q, Pan X, Zou X, Zhang P, Zhang J. Revealing the mechanism of novel nitrogen-doped biochar supported magnetite (NBM) enhancing anaerobic digestion of waste-activated sludge by sludge characteristics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 340:117982. [PMID: 37119625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising technology in waste treatment and energy recovery. However, it suffers from long retention time and low biogas yield. In this study, novel nitrogen-doped biochar supported magnetite (NBM) was synthesized and applied to enhance the AD of waste-activated sludge. Results showed that NBM increased cumulative methane production and SCOD removal efficiency by up to 1.75 times and 15% respectively at 5 g/L compared with the blank. NBM enhanced both hydrolysis and methanogenesis process during AD and the activities of α-glucosidase, protease, coenzyme F420 and electron transport system were increased by 19%, 163%, 104% and 160% respectively at 5 g/L NBM compared with the blank. NBM also facilitated the secretion of conductive protein in extracellular polymeric substances as well as the formation of conductive pili, leading to 3.18-7.59 times higher sludge electrical conductivity. Microbial community analysis revealed that bacteria Clostridia and archaea Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta were enriched by the addition of NBM, and direct interspecies electron transfer might be promoted between them. This study provides a practical reference for future material synthesis and its application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Zhong
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China.
| | - Junguo He
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Shengye Duan
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Qiupeng Cai
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Xinlei Pan
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Xiang Zou
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mohammad Mirsoleimani Azizi S, Zakaria BS, Haffiez N, Ranjan Dhar B. Granular activated carbon remediates antibiotic resistance propagation and methanogenic inhibition induced by polystyrene nanoplastics in sludge anaerobic digestion. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 377:128938. [PMID: 36948429 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128938] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nano/microplastics (NPs/MPs) in sewage sludge can induce oxidative stress to the anaerobic digestion (AD) and also proliferate antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Recently, granular activated carbon (GAC) has been used as an additive to enhance methane production in AD via direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET); however, its impact on AD exposed to NPs/MPs is yet to be studied. This study examined the effect of GAC (5 and 15 g/L) on sludge AD exposed to 150 µg/L of polystyrene nanoplastics (PsNPs). PsNPs decreased methane yield by 32.3% due to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species. However, GAC addition counteracted this adverse effect and improved methane production, attributed to the potential enrichment of DIET-active microbes and the adsorption of PsNPs by GAC. Moreover, GAC reduced the total abundance of ARGs, which was increased by PsNPs exposure. Thus, GAC can provide dual benefits in mitigating methanogenic inhibition caused by PsNPs and ARG spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Nervana Haffiez
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Greses S, De Bernardini N, Treu L, Campanaro S, González-Fernández C. Genome-centric metagenomics revealed the effect of pH on the microbiome involved in short-chain fatty acids and ethanol production. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 377:128920. [PMID: 36934910 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Added-value chemicals production via food waste (FWs) valorization using open-mixed cultures is an emerging approach to replace petrochemical-based compounds. Nevertheless, the effects of operational parameters on the product spectrum remain uncertain given the wide number of co-occurring species and metabolisms. In this study, the identification of 58 metagenome-assembled genomes and their investigation assessed the effect of slight pH variations on microbial dynamics and the corresponding functions when FWs were subjected to anaerobic fermentation (AF) in 1-L continuous stirred tank reactors at 25 °C. The initial pH of 6.5 promoted a microbial community involved in acetate, butyrate and ethanol production, mediated by Bifidobacterium subtile IE007 and Eubacteriaceae IE027 as main species. A slight pH decrease to 6.1 shaped microbial functions that resulted in caproate and H2 production, increasing the relevance of Eubacteriaceae IE037 role. This study elucidated the strong pH effect on product outputs when minimal variations take place in AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Greses
- Biotechnological Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy, Avda. Ramón de la Sagra 3, 28935 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nicola De Bernardini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Treu
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Campanaro
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina González-Fernández
- Biotechnological Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy, Avda. Ramón de la Sagra 3, 28935 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid 47011, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, Valladolid 47011, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang ZK, Liu QH, Yang ZM. Nano magnetite-loaded biochar boosted methanogenesis through shifting microbial community composition and modulating electron transfer. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160597. [PMID: 36464047 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A batch anaerobic fermentation system was employed to clarify how nano magnetite-loaded biochar can improve methanogenic performance of the propionate-degrading consortia (PDC). The nano magnetite-loaded biochar was prepared in a sequential hydrothermal and pyrolysis procedure using the household waste (HW), biogas residue (BR) and Fe (NO3)3 as pristine materials. Comprehensive characterization showed that the nano magnetite-loaded biochar ameliorated the biochar properties with large specific surface area, high electrochemical response and low electron transfer resistance. PDC supplemented with the magnetite/BR-originated biochar composites displayed excellent methanogenic performance, where the methane production rate was enhanced by 1.6-fold compared with the control. The nano magnetite-loaded biochar promoted methane production probably by promoting direct interspecies electron transfer between syntrophic bacteria (e.g., Syntrophobacter and Thauera) and their partners (e.g., Methanosaeta). In this process, magnetite might be responsible for triggering rapidly extracellular electron release, whereas both external functional groups and intrinsic graphitic matrices of biochar might work as electron bridges for electron transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Kai Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, China
| | - Qing-Hua Liu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Man Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhong Y, He J, Zhang P, Zou X, Pan X, Zhang J. Novel nitrogen-doped biochar supported magnetite promotes anaerobic digestion: Material characterization and metagenomic analysis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 369:128492. [PMID: 36526119 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although different conductive materials have been applied to anaerobic digestion, there has not been a material that can really combine their merits and make up their shortcoming from each other. In this study, a novel nitrogen-doped biochar supported magnetite (Fe3O4@N-BC) was synthesized. Various material characterizations confirmed that nitrogen atoms were successful doped into the biochar and magnetite precipitated on its surface. 5 g/L Fe3O4@N-BC achieved the highest promotion of cumulative CH4 production by 1.75 times compared with the blank group. Further metagenomic analysis revealed that Fe3O4@N-BC could increase the gene abundances of pilA, MmcA, Fpo, Rnf and HdrEd in bacteria Clotridium, Pseudomonas and Syntrophomonas and archaea Methanosarcina. Redundancy analysis showed that it was electrical conductivity and electron exchange capacity that were the key physicochemical characteristics for Fe3O4@N-BC to facilitating direct interspecies electron transfer. This study provides a reference for future conductive material synthesis and its application for anaerobic digestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Zhong
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China.
| | - Junguo He
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Xiang Zou
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Xinlei Pan
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang T, Kuang B, Ni Z, Guo B, Li Y, Zhu G. Stimulating Anaerobic Degradation of Butyrate via Syntrophomonas wolfei and Geobacter sulfurreducens: Characteristics and Mechanism. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:535-543. [PMID: 35254501 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-01981-2] [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: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) has been widely applied for the degradation of organic wastewater due to its advantages of high-load operation and energy recovery. However, some challenges, such as low treatment capacity and instability caused by the accumulation of volatile fatty acids, limit its further application. Here, S. wolfei and G. sulfurreducens were initially co-cultured in the anaerobic anode of bio-electrochemical system for degrading butyric acid. Butyrate degradation characteristics in different conditions were quantitatively described. Moreover, G. sulfurreducens simultaneously strengthened the consumption of H2 and acetic acid via direct interspecies electron transfer, thereby strengthening the degradation of butyric acid via a co-metabolic process. During butyrate degradation, the co-culture of S. wolfei and G. sulfurreducens showed more advantages than that of S. wolfei and methanogens. This present study provides a new perspective of butyrate metabolism, which was independent of methanogens in an AD process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- School of Environment and Nature Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, People's Republic of China
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Kuang
- School of Economics and Management, Jiangmen Polytechnic, Jiangmen, 529020, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhili Ni
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Yuying Li
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, People's Republic of China
| | - Gefu Zhu
- School of Environment and Nature Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Spark of Life: Role of Electrotrophy in the Emergence of Life. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020356. [PMID: 36836714 PMCID: PMC9961546 DOI: 10.3390/life13020356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of life has been a subject of intensive research for decades. Different approaches and different environmental "cradles" have been studied, from space to the deep sea. Since the recent discovery of a natural electrical current through deep-sea hydrothermal vents, a new energy source is considered for the transition from inorganic to organic. This energy source (electron donor) is used by modern microorganisms via a new trophic type, called electrotrophy. In this review, we draw a parallel between this metabolism and a new theory for the emergence of life based on this electrical electron flow. Each step of the creation of life is revised in the new light of this prebiotic electrochemical context, going from the evaluation of similar electrical current during the Hadean, the CO2 electroreduction into a prebiotic primordial soup, the production of proto-membranes, the energetic system inspired of the nitrate reduction, the proton gradient, and the transition to a planktonic proto-cell. Finally, this theory is compared to the two other theories in hydrothermal context to assess its relevance and overcome the limitations of each. Many critical factors that were limiting each theory can be overcome given the effect of electrochemical reactions and the environmental changes produced.
Collapse
|
26
|
Johnravindar D, Kumar R, Luo L, Jun Z, Manu MK, Wang H, Wong JWC. Influence of inoculum-to-substrate ratio on biogas enhancement during biochar-assisted co-digestion of food waste and sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2023:1-13. [PMID: 36546529 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2022.2161949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
High accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) is one of the major concerns during mesophilic anaerobic co-digestion of food waste (FW) and sewage sludge (SS). Therefore, improving the stability of the anaerobic digestion process could surpass quick acidification while accelerating methanogenesis. In this study, the suitability of biochar-assisted co-digestion was evaluated at different inoculum and substrate ratios (I/S ratios: 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9). The maximum methane yield of 256.85 mL/gVSadd was observed at an I/S ratio of 0.6. The results indicated fast volatile solid removal (∼ 47.17% to 73%) and a critical role of biochar addition in alleviating the underlying inhibitions. Substantial changes in the microbial community composition including Methanosata, Methanobrevibacter, and Methanosarcina were also observed which predominated and stabilised the methanogenesis process at higher I/S ratios. These results emphasised that the anaerobic co-digestion of FW/sludge is a promising approach, wherein the biochar amendment at different I/S ratios should be well maintained to avoid inhibitions from excess microbial VFA acidification of organic waste feedstocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davidraj Johnravindar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Rajat Kumar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Liwen Luo
- Department of Biology, Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhao Jun
- Department of Biology, Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - M K Manu
- Department of Biology, Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jonathan W C Wong
- Department of Biology, Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Xu W, He X, Wang C, Zhao Z. Effect of granular activated carbon adsorption and size of microbial aggregates in inoculum on stimulating direct interspecies electron transfer during anaerobic digestion of fat, oil, and grease. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 368:128289. [PMID: 36372383 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128289] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption and size of microbial aggregates in inoculum on stimulating direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) during anaerobic digestion of fat, oil, and grease (FOG), seed sludge was divided into two inocula (big (>0.85 mm)/small (0.15-0.85 mm)) for FOG digestion with/without GAC. More long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) were adsorbed on GAC in the reactor with small aggregates than that with big aggregates, corresponding to 57 % and 10 % decreased methane production, respectively. Adsorption of unsaturated LCFAs (e.g., oleic acid) on GAC was found to reduce LCFA bioavailability, hinder DIET via GAC, and change community structure. Compared to pre-adsorption of oleic acid on GAC, pre-attachment of microbes on GAC resulted in 5.6-fold higher methane yield for oleic acid digestion. Together, competition of LCFA adsorption between GAC and microbial aggregates is essential for enhanced methane recovery from FOG digestion via GAC-induced DIET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guangxi 541006, China
| | - Xia He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guangxi 541006, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China.
| | - Chun Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guangxi 541006, China
| | - Zihao Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guangxi 541006, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liang D, He W, Li C, Liu G, Li Z, Wang F, Yu Y, Feng Y. Electron-pool promotes interfacial electron transfer efficiency between pyrogenic carbon and anodic microbes. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 366:128177. [PMID: 36283670 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128177] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Relying on surface functional groups and graphitized structure, pyrogenic carbon (PC) was reported to facilitate microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET), which plays a crucial role in diverse biogeochemical reactions. However, little is known about the role of electrical capacitance on EET between microbes and PCs. Here, PCs were obtained from fermented steam bread after carbonization at different temperatures from 700 °C to 1100 °C. PC-900 exhibited the lowest charge transfer resistance and highest electrical capacitance, ascribed to combined effects of graphitic structure and hierarchical porous structure. The interfacial EET was further investigated by enriching electroactive biofilms on PC surface. Faster interfacial EET was demonstrated in PC-900. Maximum power density was proportional to electrical capacitance rather than conductivity. PC-900 enriched the most Geobacter sp., which was positively correlated with electrical capacitance according to the distance-based redundancy analysis. Electrical capacitance was suggested to act as electron pool to facilitate interfacial EET efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Weihua He
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Chao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Guohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China.
| | - Zeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yanling Yu
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Yujie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Application of nanomaterials in anaerobic digestion processes: A new strategy towards sustainable methane production. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
30
|
Haffiez N, Chung TH, Zakaria BS, Shahidi M, Mezbahuddin S, Maal-Bared R, Dhar BR. Exploration of machine learning algorithms for predicting the changes in abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in anaerobic digestion. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156211. [PMID: 35623518 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The land application of digestate from anaerobic digestion (AD) is considered a significant route for transmitting antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) to ecosystems. To date, efforts towards understanding complex non-linear interactions between AD operating parameters with ARG/MGE abundances rely on experimental investigations due to a lack of mechanistic models. Herein, three different machine learning (ML) algorithms, Random Forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were compared for their predictive capacities in simulating ARG/MGE abundance changes during AD. The models were trained and cross-validated using experimental data collected from 33 published literature. The comparison of model performance using coefficients of determination (R2) and root mean squared errors (RMSE) indicated that ANN was more reliable than RF and XGBoost. The mode of operation (batch/semi-continuous), co-digestion of food waste and sewage sludge, and residence time were identified as the three most critical features in predicting ARG/MGE abundance changes. Moreover, the trained ANN model could simulate non-linear interactions between operational parameters and ARG/MGE abundance changes that could be interpreted intuitively based on existing knowledge. Overall, this study demonstrates that machine learning can enable a reliable predictive model that can provide a holistic optimization tool for mitigating the ARG/MGE transmission potential of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nervana Haffiez
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Tae Hyun Chung
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Holmes DE, Zhou J, Smith JA, Wang C, Liu X, Lovley DR. Different outer membrane c-type cytochromes are involved in direct interspecies electron transfer to Geobacter or Methanosarcina species. MLIFE 2022; 1:272-286. [PMID: 38818222 PMCID: PMC10989804 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) may be most important in methanogenic environments, but mechanistic studies of DIET to date have primarily focused on cocultures in which fumarate was the terminal electron acceptor. To better understand DIET with methanogens, the transcriptome of Geobacter metallireducens during DIET-based growth with G. sulfurreducens reducing fumarate was compared with G. metallireducens grown in coculture with diverse Methanosarcina. The transcriptome of G. metallireducens cocultured with G. sulfurreducens was significantly different from those with Methanosarcina. Furthermore, the transcriptome of G. metallireducens grown with Methanosarcina barkeri, which lacks outer-surface c-type cytochromes, differed from those of G. metallireducens cocultured with M. acetivorans or M. subterranea, which have an outer-surface c-type cytochrome that serves as an electrical connect for DIET. Differences in G. metallireducens expression patterns for genes involved in extracellular electron transfer were particularly notable. Cocultures with c-type cytochrome deletion mutant strains, ∆Gmet_0930, ∆Gmet_0557 and ∆Gmet_2896, never became established with G. sulfurreducens but adapted to grow with all three Methanosarcina. Two porin-cytochrome complexes, PccF and PccG, were important for DIET; however, PccG was more important for growth with Methanosarcina. Unlike cocultures with G. sulfurreducens and M. acetivorans, electrically conductive pili were not needed for growth with M. barkeri. Shewanella oneidensis, another electroactive microbe with abundant outer-surface c-type cytochromes, did not grow via DIET. The results demonstrate that the presence of outer-surface c-type cytochromes does not necessarily confer the capacity for DIET and emphasize the impact of the electron-accepting partner on the physiology of the electron-donating DIET partner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn E. Holmes
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of Massachusetts‐AmherstAmherstMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Physical and Biological ScienceWestern New England UniversitySpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jinjie Zhou
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of Massachusetts‐AmherstAmherstMassachusettsUSA
- Institute for Advanced StudyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Jessica A. Smith
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of Massachusetts‐AmherstAmherstMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesCentral Connecticut State UniversityNew BritainConnecticutUSA
| | - Caiqin Wang
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of Massachusetts‐AmherstAmherstMassachusettsUSA
- College of EnvironmentZhejiang University of TechnologyHangzhouChina
| | - Xinying Liu
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of Massachusetts‐AmherstAmherstMassachusettsUSA
- College of Environmental Science and EngineeringBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Derek R. Lovley
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of Massachusetts‐AmherstAmherstMassachusettsUSA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Derakhshesh S, Abdollahzadeh Sharghi E, Bonakdarpour B, Khoshnevisan B. Integrating electrocoagulation process with up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket for in-situ biomethanation and performance improvement. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 360:127536. [PMID: 35772719 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the integration of the electrocoagulation (EC) process with anaerobic digestion as a novel in-situ biomethanation approach was considered for the first time. As a result of this integration (iron electrodes, current density of 1.5 mA/cm2 and an exposure mode of 10-min-ON/ 30-min-OFF), the carbon dioxide content of biogas reached below 2%. Also, the methane production rate improved by 18.0 ± 0.4%, whereas the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand, turbidity, phosphate, and sulfate increased by 12.0 ± 1.5%, 30.7 ± 1.7%, > 99%, and 75.7%, respectively. Anaerobic granular sludge characteristics were also improved. Moreover, the EC process stimulated growth and quantity of functional microorganisms, especially Acinetobacter in bacterial and Methanobacterium in archaeal community. Methane concentration, however decreased due to possible excess hydrogen production. The application of the biogas as bio-hythane, and the optimization of the hybrid bioreactor to decrease hydrogen production, are possible avenues for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Derakhshesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Babak Bonakdarpour
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Benyamin Khoshnevisan
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhu R, Zhang Y, Zou H, Zheng Y, Guo RB, Fu SF. Understanding the mechanisms behind enhanced anaerobic digestion of corn straw by humic acids. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 359:127454. [PMID: 35697261 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Humic acids (HAs) are abundant on earth, yet their effects on anaerobic digestion (AD) of cellulosic substrate are not fully uncovered. The effects of HAs on AD of corn straw and the mechanisms behind were analyzed in this study. Results showed that the effects of HAs on methane yield were closely related to the total solids (TS) content. At relative high TS content of 5.0%, HAs benefited AD process by increasing 13.8% of methane yield, accelerating methane production rate by 43% and shortening lag phase time by 37.5%. Microbial community analysis indicated that HAs increased the relative abundance of syntrophic bacteria (Syntrophomonadaceae and Synergistaceae), facilitating the degradation of volatile fatty acids. HAs might act as electron shuttles to directly transfer electrons to hydrogenotrophic methanogens for CO2 reduction to CH4. This study provides a simple and efficient strategy to facilitate the AD of cellulosic substrate by HAs addition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214122, PR China; Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States.
| | - Yun Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214122, PR China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, PR China
| | - Hua Zou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214122, PR China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, PR China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - Rong-Bo Guo
- Shandong Industrial Engineering Laboratory of Biogas Production & Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, PR China
| | - Shan-Fei Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214122, PR China; Shandong Industrial Engineering Laboratory of Biogas Production & Utilization, Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dyksma S, Gallert C. Effect of magnetite addition on transcriptional profiles of syntrophic Bacteria and Archaea during anaerobic digestion of propionate in wastewater sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 14:664-678. [PMID: 35615789 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an important technology for the effective conversion of waste and wastewater to methane. Here, syntrophic bacteria transfer molecular hydrogen (H2 ), formate, or directly supply electrons (direct interspecies electron transfer, DIET) to the methanogens. Evidence is accumulating that the methanation of short-chain fatty acids can be enhanced by the addition of conductive material to the anaerobic digester, which has often been attributed to the stimulation of DIET. Since little is known about the transcriptional response of a complex AD microbial community to the addition of conductive material, we added magnetite to propionate-fed laboratory-scale reactors that were inoculated with wastewater sludge. Compared to the control reactors, the magnetite-amended reactors showed improved methanation of propionate. A genome-centric metatranscriptomics approach identified the active SCFA-oxidizing bacteria that affiliated with Firmicutes, Desulfobacterota and Cloacimonadota. The transcriptional profiles revealed that the syntrophic bacteria transferred acetate, H2 and formate to acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, whereas transcription of potential determinants for DIET such as conductive pili and outer-membrane cytochromes did not significantly change with magnetite addition. Overall, changes in the transcriptional profiles of syntrophic Bacteria and Archaea in propionate-fed lab-scale reactors amended with magnetite refute a major role of DIET in the studied system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Dyksma
- Faculty of Technology, Microbiology - Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, Emden, Germany
| | - Claudia Gallert
- Faculty of Technology, Microbiology - Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, Emden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Addition of Conductive Materials to Support Syntrophic Microorganisms in Anaerobic Digestion. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation8080354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Syntrophy and interspecies electron transfer among different microbial groups occurs in anaerobic digestion, and many papers recently reported their positive effect on biogas and methane production. In this paper, we present the results on the effect of conductive material, i.e., graphene, PAC and biochar addition in 3.5 L batch experiments, analyzing the biogas production curve. A peculiar curve pattern occurred in the presence of conductive materials. Compared to the respective controls, the addition of graphene produced a biogas surplus of 33%, PAC 20% and biochar 8%. Microbial community molecular analysis showed that syntrophic microorganisms present in the inoculum were stimulated by the conductive material addition. Graphene also appears to promote an interspecies electron transfer between Geobacter sp. and ca. Methanofastidiosum. This paper contributes to the understanding of the DIET-related microbial community dynamic in the presence of graphene and PAC, which could be exploited to optimize biogas and methane production in real-scale applications.
Collapse
|
36
|
Ziganshina EE, Ziganshin AM. Anaerobic Digestion of Chicken Manure in the Presence of Magnetite, Granular Activated Carbon, and Biochar: Operation of Anaerobic Reactors and Microbial Community Structure. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071422. [PMID: 35889142 PMCID: PMC9323702 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of magnetite nanoparticles, granular activated carbon (GAC), and biochar, as well as their combinations on the anaerobic digestion of chicken manure and the structure of microbial communities was studied. The addition of magnetite, GAC, and biochar increased the rate of methane production and the total methane yield. It has been observed that these additives stimulated anaerobic microorganisms to reduce the concentration of accumulated volatile organic acids. Various bacterial species within the classes Bacteroidia and Clostridia were found at higher levels in the anaerobic reactors but in different proportions depending on the experiment. Members of the genera Methanosarcina, Methanobacterium, Methanothrix, and Methanoculleus were mainly detected within the archaeal communities in the anaerobic reactors. Compared to the 16S rRNA gene-based study, the mcrA gene approach allowed a higher level of Methanosarcina in the system with GAC + magnetite to be detected. Based on our findings, the combined use of granular activated carbon and magnetite at appropriate dosages will improve biomethane production.
Collapse
|
37
|
Borja-Maldonado F, López Zavala MÁ. Contribution of configurations, electrode and membrane materials, electron transfer mechanisms, and cost of components on the current and future development of microbial fuel cells. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09849. [PMID: 35855980 PMCID: PMC9287189 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a technology that can be applied to both the wastewater treatment and bioenergy generation. This work discusses the contribution of improvements regarding the configurations, electrode materials, membrane materials, electron transfer mechanisms, and materials cost on the current and future development of MFCs. Analysis of the most recent scientific publications on the field denotes that dual-chamber MFCs configuration offers the greatest potential due to the excellent ability to be adapted to different operating environments. Carbon-based materials show the best performance, biocompatibility of carbon-brush anode favors the formation of the biofilm in a mixed consortium and in wastewater as a substrate resembles the conditions of real scenarios. Carbon-cloth cathode modified with nanotechnology favors the conductive properties of the electrode. Ceramic clay membranes emerge as an interesting low-cost membrane with a proton conductivity of 0.0817 S cm-1, close to that obtained with the Nafion membrane. The use of nanotechnology in the electrodes also enhances electron transfer in MFCs. It increases the active sites at the anode and improves the interface with microorganisms. At the cathode, it favors its catalytic properties and the oxygen reduction reaction. These features together favor MFCs performance through energy production and substrate degradation with values above 2.0 W m-2 and 90% respectively. All the recent advances in MFCs are gradually contributing to enable technological alternatives that, in addition to wastewater treatment, generate energy in a sustainable manner. It is important to continue the research efforts worldwide to make MFCs an available and affordable technology for industry and society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Borja-Maldonado
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Miguel Ángel López Zavala
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, 64849, N.L., Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Logan M, Tan LC, Nzeteu CO, Lens PNL. Enhanced anaerobic digestion of dairy wastewater in a granular activated carbon amended sequential batch reactor. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY. BIOENERGY 2022; 14:840-857. [PMID: 35915605 PMCID: PMC9324911 DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the potential of granular activated carbon (GAC) supplementation to enhance anaerobic degradation of dairy wastewater. Two sequential batch reactors (SBRs; 0.8 L working volume), one control and another amended with GAC, were operated at 37°C and 1.5-1.6 m/h upflow velocity for a total of 120 days (four cycles of 30 days each). The methane production at the end of each cycle run increased by about 68%, 503%, 110%, and 125% in the GAC-amended SBR, compared with the Control SBR. Lipid degradation was faster in the presence of GAC. Conversely, the organic compounds, especially lipids, accumulated in the absence of the conductive material. In addition, a reduction in lag phase duration by 46%-100% was observed at all four cycles in the GAC-amended SBR. The peak methane yield rate was at least 2 folds higher with GAC addition in all cycles. RNA-based bacterial analysis revealed enrichment of Synergistes (0.8% to 29.2%) and Geobacter (0.4% to 11.3%) in the GAC-amended SBR. Methanolinea (85.8%) was the dominant archaea in the biofilm grown on GAC, followed by Methanosaeta (11.3%), at RNA level. Overall, this study revealed that GAC supplementation in anaerobic digesters treating dairy wastewater can promote stable and efficient methane production, accelerate lipid degradation and might promote the activity of electroactive microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lea Chua Tan
- National University of Ireland, GalwayGalwayIreland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Li Y, Liang L, Sun C, Wang Z, Yu Q, Zhao Z, Zhang Y. Glycol/glycerol-fed electrically conductive aggregates suggest a mechanism of stimulating direct interspecies electron transfer in methanogenic digesters. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 217:118448. [PMID: 35430471 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of stimulating direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) within aggregates of methanogenic digesters respectively with ethanol, glycol, and glycerol as a primary substrate was investigated to better understand the mechanisms of alcohol compounds stimulating DIET. Aggregates fed with ethanol, glycol, and glycerol were electrically conductive (10.4-19.4 uS/cm), with a temperature dependence of metallic-like conductivity. Close examination of transmission electron microscope images observed the potential interspecies connected networks assembled by filaments within these aggregates. Further investigations via metatranscriptomics found that, genes for electrically conductive pili (e-pili) (Log2FPKM, 9.39-10.96) and c-type cytochromes (8.90-9.64) were highly expressed within aggregates. Glycerol-fed aggregates exhibited the highest gene expression for e-pili, while glycol-fed aggregates exhibited the highest gene expression for c-type cytochromes. Methanothrix species were dominant and metabolically active within aggregates. Genes encoding the enzymes involved in carbon dioxide reduction were highly expressed in Methanothrix species, suggesting that they participated in DIET. In addition, transcript abundance of genes encoding alcohol dehydrogenase and NADH-quinone oxidoreductase in alcohol dehydrogenation closely associated with NADH/NAD+ transformation within glycol- and glycerol-fed aggregates was generally higher than that within ethanol-fed aggregates. These results, and the fact that NADH/NAD+ transformation was very linked to the ATP synthesis complex that further supported the formation of extracellular electrical connection components, e-pili and membrane-bound multi-heme c-type cytochromes (MHCs), provided a possibility that alcohol compounds comprised of hydroxy groups could stimulate DIET and more hydroxy groups comprised were better for this stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Lianfu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Zhenxin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yaobin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Recent Advances and Perspectives of Nanotechnology in Anaerobic Digestion: A New Paradigm towards Sludge Biodegradability. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14127191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the strategy of producing environmentally sustainable bioenergy from waste-activated sludge (WAS), but its efficiency was hindered by low biodegradability. Hence, the usage of nanomaterials was found to be essential in enhancing the degradability of sludge due to its nanostructure with specific physiochemical properties. The application of nanomaterials in sludge digestion was thoroughly reviewed. This review focused on the impact of nanomaterials such as metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanomaterials, and nanocomposite materials in AD enhancement, along with the pros and cons. Most of the studies detailed that the addition of an adequate dosage of nanomaterial has a good effect on microbial activity. The environmental and economic impact of the AD enhancement process is also detailed, but there are still many existing challenges when it comes to designing an efficient, cost-effective AD digester. Hence, proper investigation is highly necessary to assess the potency of utilizing the nanomaterials in enhancing AD under various conditions.
Collapse
|
41
|
Lovley DR. On the Existence of Pilin-Based Microbial Nanowires. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:872610. [PMID: 35733974 PMCID: PMC9207759 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.872610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
42
|
Haffiez N, Chung TH, Zakaria BS, Shahidi M, Mezbahuddin S, Hai FI, Dhar BR. A critical review of process parameters influencing the fate of antibiotic resistance genes in the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 354:127189. [PMID: 35439559 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The overuse and inappropriate disposal of antibiotics raised severe public health risks worldwide. Specifically, the incomplete antibiotics metabolism in human and animal bodies contributes to the significant release of antibiotics into the natural ecosystems and the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria carrying antibiotic-resistant genes. Moreover, the organic feedstocks used for anaerobic digestion are often highly-rich in residual antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant genes. Hence, understanding their fate during anaerobic digestion has become a significant research focus recently. Previous studies demonstrated that various process parameters could considerably influence the propagation of the antibiotic-resistant genes during anaerobic digestion and their transmission via land application of digestate. This review article scrutinizes the influences of process parameters on antibiotic-resistant genes propagation in anaerobic digestion and the inherent fundamentals behind their effects. Based on the literature review, critical research gaps and challenges are summarized to guide the prospects for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nervana Haffiez
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Tae Hyun Chung
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Manjila Shahidi
- 4S Analytics & Modelling Ltd., Edmonton, AB, T6W 3V6, Canada
| | | | - Faisal I Hai
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhang Y, Zhang L, Yu N, Guo B, Liu Y. Enhancing the resistance to H 2S toxicity during anaerobic digestion of low-strength wastewater through granular activated carbon (GAC) addition. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128473. [PMID: 35739662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Low-strength wastewater was treated using two laboratory-scale up-flow anaerobic sludge blankets (UASB) for 130 days under sulfate-reducing conditions. Granular activated carbon (GAC) was added to one of the reactors. The GAC addition increased the total chemical oxygen demand removal by 21-28% and total methane production by 32-78%. The sludge from the GAC-amended UASB showed higher specific methanogenic activities (SMA) and higher activities in the presence of H2S, indicating that the GAC addition enhanced the resistance of methanogens to H2S toxicity. Further, the microbial communities showed that the GAC addition shifted microbial communities. A robust syntrophic partnership between bacteria (i.e., Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17 and Trichococcus) and methanogens was established in the GAC-amended UASB. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were enriched in the GAC biofilm, indicating the coexistence of competition and cooperation between SRB and methanogens. These findings provide significant insights regarding microbial community dynamics, especially SRB and methanogens, in a GAC-amended anaerobic digestion process under sulfate-reducing conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingdi Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Najiaowa Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada; Centre for Environmental Health and Engineering (CEHE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Yang ZM, Guo RB, Dong XH. Promoting biomethane production from propionate with Fe 2O 3@carbon nanotubes composites. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 818:151762. [PMID: 34800454 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Using a batch anaerobic system constructed with 60 mL serum bottles, potential of a composite material with Fe2O3 nanoparticles decorated on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance biomethane production was investigated. The composites (Fe2O3@CNTs) with well dispersed Fe2O3 nanoparticles (4.5 nm) were fabricated by a facile thermal decomposition method in a muffle furnace under nitrogen atmosphere. Compared with Fe2O3, Fe2O3@CNTs showed a large specific surface area and good electrical conductivity. Supplementation of Fe2O3@CNTs to the propionate-degrading enrichments enhanced the methane production rate, which was 10.4-fold higher than that in the control experiment without material addition. The addition of Fe2O3@CNTs also not only showed a clearly electrochemical response to flavin and cytochrome C, but also reduced the electron transfer resistance when compared to the control. Comparative analysis showed that Fe2O3 in Fe2O3@CNTs played a key role in initiating electrochemical response and triggering rapid methane production, while CNTs functioned as rapid electron conduits to facilitate electron transfer from iron-reducing bacteria (e.g., Acinetobacter, Syntrophomonas, and Geobacter) to methanogens (e.g. Methanosarcina).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Man Yang
- Shandong Industrial Engineering Laboratory of Biogas Production & Utilization, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266101, PR China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, PR China.
| | - Rong-Bo Guo
- Shandong Industrial Engineering Laboratory of Biogas Production & Utilization, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266101, PR China
| | - Xiao-Huan Dong
- Shandong Industrial Engineering Laboratory of Biogas Production & Utilization, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266101, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chen L, Fang W, Chang J, Liang J, Zhang P, Zhang G. Improvement of Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer via Adding Conductive Materials in Anaerobic Digestion: Mechanisms, Performances, and Challenges. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:860749. [PMID: 35432222 PMCID: PMC9005980 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.860749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is an effective and sustainable technology for resource utilization of organic wastes. Recently, adding conductive materials in anaerobic digestion to promote direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) has become a hot topic, which enhances the syntrophic conversion of various organics to methane. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent findings of DIET mechanisms with different mediating ways. Meanwhile, the influence of DIET on anaerobic digestion performance and the underlying mechanisms of how DIET mediated by conductive materials influences the lag phase, methane production, and system stability are systematically explored. Furthermore, current challenges such as the unclear biological mechanisms, influences of non-DIET mechanisms, limitations of organic matters syntrophically oxidized by way of DIET, and problems in practical application of DIET mediated by conductive materials are discussed in detail. Finally, the future research directions for practical application of DIET are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Chen
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Fang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianning Chang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinsong Liang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Panyue Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangming Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Jiang Z, Yu Q, Sun C, Wang Z, Jin Z, Zhu Y, Zhao Z, Zhang Y. Additional electric field alleviates acidity suppression in anaerobic digestion of kitchen wastes via enriching electro-active methanogens in cathodic biofilms. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 212:118118. [PMID: 35091224 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility that the suppression of acidity in anaerobic digestion of kitchen wastes could be alleviated with additional electric field. The results showed that, the accumulation of acidity seriously suppressed methanogenesis, and no methane was detected in the electrode-supplemented digester without applied voltage. In contrast, with applied voltages of 0.6-1.2 V, the suppression of acidity was alleviated, and methane production rates reached 558-669 L/kg-volatile suspended solid that were higher than that previously reported with carbon-based conductive materials, such as granular active carbon and biochar. Although the reduced peak with a potential ranging from -0.3 V to -0.2 V close to the reduced potential of CO2/CH4 detected via cyclic voltammetry, the maximum methane yield derived from cathodic reduction of CO2 only accounted for 0.13-0.33% of total methane yield with applied voltages. Microbial community analysis showed that, Methanosarcina species were specially enriched with applied voltages, accounting for ca. 40-70% of the communities. Together with the increase in the relative abundance of Syntrophomonas species, Methanosarcina species directly accepting electrons from Syntrophomonas species via DIET might be the primary reason for alleviating the suppression of acidity. Further investigations via three-dimensional excitation emission matrix and in-situ electrochemical Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy found that additional electric field stimulated the secretion of EPS primarily comprised of protein-like substance, which might mediate the EET between Syntrophomonas and Methanosarcina species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Zhenxin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Zhen Jin
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yahui Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yaobin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang G, Xing Y, Liu G, Chu Y, Yao G, Li Q, Chen R. Poorly conductive biochar boosting extracellular electron transfer for efficient volatile fatty acids oxidation via redox-mediated mechanism. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151113. [PMID: 34688743 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the performances, and associated mechanisms of biochar promoting volatile fatty acids (VFA) oxidation via extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathway. It was found that in a bioelectrochemical system, adding biochar suspension remarkably enhanced electricity generation whatever acetate or propionate used as an electron donor. The maximum current density in biochar-assisted groups reached 1.6-2.2 A/m2, which were 69.2-220.0% higher than that of control groups. The lower electrical resistance of anode in biochar-assisted groups was potentially attributed to the formed biofilm dominated by electro-active Geobacteraceae, and the electron donor type depending on dominant genus. In specific, with biochar assistance, Desulfuromonas enriched from 1.1% to 25.0% when acetate as an electron donor, and the relative abundance of Geobacter increased from 4.6% to 31.7% as dominant genus in propionate-added group. Electrochemical analysis uncovered that biochar hardly elevated sludge electrical conductivity, while the excellent redox-based electron exchange transfer capacity likely made biochar as a transient electron acceptor, which was more accessible than anode to support the metabolism of electroactive bacteria in the initial stage. Meanwhile, the porous surface area of biochar particle likely provided a "bridge" between suspended sludge and anode, to support a more directional evolution of electroactive bacteria on anode. This dual-function of biochar achieved a sustainable VFA oxidation via EET-based pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaojun Wang
- Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Yao Xing
- Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Guohao Liu
- Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Yuxi Chu
- Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Gaofei Yao
- Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Qian Li
- Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Rong Chen
- Key Lab of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Litti YV, Russkova YI, Zhuravleva EA, Parshina SN, Kovalev AA, Kovalev DA, Nozhevnikova AN. Electromethanogenesis: a Promising Biotechnology for the Anaerobic Treatment of Organic Waste. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683822010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
49
|
Li Y, Dong C, Li Y, Nie W, Wang M, Sun C, Liang L, Zhao Z, Zhang Y. Independent of direct interspecies electron transfer: Magnetite-mediated sulphur cycle for anaerobic degradation of benzoate under low-concentration sulphate conditions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:127051. [PMID: 34523502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the primary mechanism of magnetite promoting anaerobic degradation of aromatic compounds under the low-concentration sulphate conditions. Under influent conditions of benzoate at 50 mM-chemical oxygen demand (COD) and sulphate at 15 mM, magnetite promoted benzoate degradation (77.1% vs 56.3%), while the effluent sulphate concentration was slightly higher than that without magnetite (1.6 mM vs 0.7 mM), inconsistent with functional gene prediction that both sulphate respiration and sulphur compound respiration were relatively more active in the presence of magnetite. Remarkably, X-ray diffraction showed that, signal related to Fe3O4 faded away and finally was replaced by FeSO4 and FeS, indicating that magnetite participated in benzoate degradation coupled to sulphate reduction via dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction. Further X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that, signal related to S0 was only detected with magnetite, suggesting the possibility of re-oxidation of sulphide to elemental sulphur coupled to Fe(III) reduction. This was further supported by the increase in abundance of Desulfuromonas acetexigens capable of growing on Fe(III). In addition, magnetite specially enriched the chemolithotrophic sulphur-disproportionating microbes, Desulfovibrio aminophilus, which might proceed the disproportionation of elemental sulphur to sulphate and sulphide to achieve a sulphur cycle for benzoate degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Chunlei Dong
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wenqi Nie
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Lianfu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yaobin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Lovley DR. Electrotrophy: Other microbial species, iron, and electrodes as electron donors for microbial respirations. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 345:126553. [PMID: 34906705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrotrophy, the growth of microbes on extracellular electron donors, drives important biogeochemical cycles and has practical applications. Studies of Fe(II)-based electrotrophy have provided foundational cytochrome-based mechanistic models for electron transport into cells. Direct electron uptake from other microbial species, Fe(0), or cathodes is of intense interest due to its potential roles in the production and anaerobic oxidation of methane, corrosion, and bioelectrochemical technologies. Other cells or Fe(0) can serve as the sole electron donor supporting the growth of several Geobacter and methanogen strains that are unable to use H2 as an electron donor, providing strong evidence for electrotrophy. Additional evidence for electrotrophy in Geobacter strains and Methanosarcina acetivorans is a requirement for outer-surface c-type cytochromes. However, in most instances claims for electrotrophy in anaerobes are based on indirect inference and the possibility that H2 is actually the electron donor supporting growth has not been rigorously excluded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derek R Lovley
- Electrobiomaterials Institute, Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (Ministry of Education), Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China; Department of Microbiology and Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|