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Satiro J, Gomes A, Florencio L, Simões R, Albuquerque A. Effect of microalgae and bacteria inoculation on the startup of bioreactors for paper pulp wastewater and biofuel production. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 362:121305. [PMID: 38830287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121305] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The use of microalgae and bacteria as a strategy for the startup of bioreactors for the treatment of industrial wastewater can be a sustainable and economically viable alternative. This technology model provides satisfactory results in the nitrification and denitrification process for nitrogen removal, organic matter removal, biomass growth, sedimentation, and byproducts recovery for added-value product production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of microalgae and bacteria in their symbiotic process when used in the treatment of paper pulp industry wastewater. The experiment, lasting fourteen days, utilized four bioreactors with varying concentrations in mgVSS/L of microalgae to bacteria ratio (R1-100:100, R2-100:300, R3-100:500, R4-300:100) in the startup process. Regarding the sludge volumetric index (SVI), the results show that the R1 and R2 reactors developed SVI30/SVI10 biomass in the range of 85.57 ± 7.33% and 84.72 ± 8.19%, respectively. The lipid content in the biomass of reactors R1, R2, R3 e R4 was 13%, 7%, 19%, and 22%, respectively. This high oil content at the end of the batch, may be related to the nutritional stress that the species underwent during this feeding regime. In terms of chlorophyll, the bioreactor with an initial inoculation of 100:100 showed better symbiotic growth of microalgae and bacteria, allowing exponential growth of microalgae. The total chlorophyll value for this bioreactor was 801.46 ± 196.96 μg/L. Biological removal of nitrogen from wastewater from the paper pulp industry is a challenge due to the characteristics of the effluent, but the four reactors operated in a single batch obtained good nitrogen removal. Ammonia nitrogen removal performances were 91.55 ± 9.99%, 72.13 ± 19.18%, 64.04 ± 21.34%, and 86.15 ± 30.10% in R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josivaldo Satiro
- University of Beira Interior, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, FibEnTech, Geobiotec, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal; Federal University of Pernambuco, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Laboratory of Environmental Sanitation, Av. Academica Helio Ramos, s/n. Cidade Universitária, CEP, 50740-530, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Arlindo Gomes
- University of Beira Interior, Department of Chemistry, FibEnTech, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Lourdinha Florencio
- Federal University of Pernambuco, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Laboratory of Environmental Sanitation, Av. Academica Helio Ramos, s/n. Cidade Universitária, CEP, 50740-530, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Rogério Simões
- University of Beira Interior, Department of Chemistry, FibEnTech, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Antonio Albuquerque
- University of Beira Interior, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, FibEnTech, Geobiotec, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal.
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Zhang JT, Wang JX, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Wang JH, Chi ZY, Kong FT. Microalgal-bacterial biofilms for wastewater treatment: Operations, performances, mechanisms, and uncertainties. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167974. [PMID: 37884155 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167974] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Microalgal-bacterial biofilms have been increasingly considered of great potential in wastewater treatment due to the advantages of microalgal-bacterial synergistic pollutants removal/recovery, CO2 sequestration, and cost-effective biomass-water separation. However, such advantages may vary widely among different types of microalgal-bacterial biofilms, as the biofilms could be formed on different shapes and structures of attachment substratum, generating "false hope" for certain systems in large-scale wastewater treatment if the operating conditions and pollutants removal properties are evaluated based on the general term "microalgal-bacterial biofilm". This study, therefore, classified microalgal-bacterial biofilms into biofilms formed on 2D substratum, biofilms formed on 3D substratum, and biofilms formed without substratum (i.e. microalgal-bacterial granular sludge, MBGS). Biofilms formed on 2D substratum display higher microalgae fractions and nutrients removal efficiencies, while the adopted long hydraulic retention times were unacceptable for large-scale wastewater treatment. MBGS are featured with much lower microalgae fractions, most efficient pollutants removal, and acceptable retention times for realistic application, yet the feasibility of using natural sunlight should be further explored. 3D substratum systems display wide variations in operating conditions and pollutants removal properties because of diversified substratum shapes and structures. 2D and 3D substratum biofilms share more common in eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbial community structures, while MGBS biofilms are more enriched with microorganisms favoring EPS production, biofilm formation, and denitrification. The specific roles of stratified extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in nutrients adsorption and condensation still require in-depth exploration. Nutrients removal uncertainties caused by microalgal-bacterial synergy decoupling under insufficient illumination, limited microbial community control, and possible greenhouse gas emission exacerbation arising from microalgal N2O generation were also indicated. This review is helpful for revealing the true potential of applying various microalgal-bacterial biofilms in large-scale wastewater treatment, and will provoke some insights on the challenges to the ideal state of synergistic pollutants reclamation and carbon neutrality via microalgal-bacterial interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Tian Zhang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China
| | - Jian-Xia Wang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China
| | - Jing-Han Wang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, PR China.
| | - Zhan-You Chi
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China
| | - Fan-Tao Kong
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China
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Zhang B, Shi J, Shi W, Guo Y, Lens PNL, Zhang B. Effect of different inocula on the granulation process, reactor performance and biodiesel production of algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) under low aeration conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140391. [PMID: 37839748 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140391] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) system is a prospective wastewater treatment technology, but few studies focused on the effects of different inoculum types on the establishment of the ABGS system under low aeration conditions (step-decrease superficial gas velocity from 1.4 to 0.5 cm/s). Results from this study indicated that compared with other inocula, the ABGS formed by co-inoculating aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and targeted algae (Chlorella) exhibited a shorter granulation period (shortened by 15 days), higher total nitrogen (89.4%) and PO43--P (95.0%) removal efficiencies, and a greater yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) (9.04 mg/g MLSS). This was possibly attributed to that the functional bacteria (e.g. Thauera, Gemmobacter and Rhodobacter) in the inoculated AGS facilitated the ABGS granulation. The inoculated algae promoted their effective enrichment under illumination conditions and enhanced the production of extracellular polymeric substances, thus improving the stability of ABGS. The enriched algae were attached to the outer layer of the granules, which could provide sufficient oxygen for bacterial metabolism, revealing the inherent mechanisms for the good stability of ABGS under low aeration intensity. Overall, the rapid granulation of ABGS can be achieved by inoculating optimal inocula under low aeration conditions, which is convenient and economically feasible, and motivates the application of algal-bacterial consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Jinyu Shi
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Wenxin Shi
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| | - Yuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, China
| | - Piet N L Lens
- UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2601, DA, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Bing Zhang
- National Research Base of Intelligent Manufacturing Service, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, 400067, China.
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Nancharaiah YV, Sarvajith M, Mohan TVK. Pilot-scale aerobic granular sludge reactors with granular activated carbon for effective nitrogen and phosphorus removal from domestic wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 894:164822. [PMID: 37331394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164822] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is a breakthrough biotechnology of 21st century and an innovative alternative to activated sludge for treating wastewater. Concerns on long-start up periods for development of AGS and stability of granules are impeding its widespread implementation for treating low-strength domestic wastewater especially in tropical climate conditions. Addition of nucleating agents have been shown to improve development of AGS while treating low-strength wastewaters. There are no previous studies on AGS development and biological nutrient removal (BNR) in the presence of nucleating agents during treatment of real domestic wastewater. This study investigated AGS formation and BNR pathways while treating real domestic wastewater in a 2 m3 pilot-scale granular sequencing batch reactor (gSBR) operated without and with granular activated carbon (GAC) particles. The gSBRs were operated under tropical climate (T ≈ 30 °C) for >4-years to evaluate the effect of GAC addition on granulation, granular stability and BNR at pilot-scale. Formation of granules was observed within 3 months. MLSS values of 4 and 8 g/L were recorded within 6 months in gSBRs without and with GAC particles, respectively. The granules had an average size of 1.2 mm and SVI5 of 22 mL/g. Ammonium was mainly removed through nitrate formation in the gSBR without GAC. But, ammonium was removed by short-cut nitrification via nitrite due to washout of nitrite oxidizing bacteria in the presence of GAC. Phosphorus removal was much higher in gSBR with GAC due to the establishment of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) pathway. After 3 months, the phosphorus removal efficiencies were at 15 % and 75 %, respectively, without and with GAC particles. The addition of GAC led to moderation in bacterial community and enrichment of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms. This is the first ever report on pilot-scale demonstration of AGS technology in the Indian sub-continent and GAC addition on BNR pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y V Nancharaiah
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, WSCD, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamil Nadu, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Trombay, Mumbai 400094, India.
| | - M Sarvajith
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, WSCD, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamil Nadu, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Trombay, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - T V Krishna Mohan
- Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamilnadu, India
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Vale F, Sousa CA, Sousa H, Simões LC, McBain AJ, Simões M. Bacteria and microalgae associations in periphyton-mechanisms and biotechnological opportunities. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad047. [PMID: 37586879 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms coexist in complex and dynamic structures called periphyton. These structures shape the biogeochemistry and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. In particular, microalgae-bacteria interactions are a prominent focus of study by microbial ecologists and can provide biotechnological opportunities for numerous applications (i.e. microalgal bloom control, aquaculture, biorefinery, and wastewater bioremediation). In this review, we analyze the species dynamics (i.e. periphyton formation and factors determining the prevalence of one species over another), coexisting communities, exchange of resources, and communication mechanisms of periphytic microalgae and bacteria. We extend periphyton mathematical modelling as a tool to comprehend complex interactions. This review is expected to boost the applicability of microalgae-bacteria consortia, by drawing out knowledge from natural periphyton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Vale
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cátia A Sousa
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique Sousa
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcia C Simões
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS - Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Microelectromechanical Systems, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andrew J McBain
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Simões
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Liu Z, Wang J, Zhang S, Hou Y, Wang J, Gao M, Chen X, Zhang A, Liu Y, Li Z. Formation characteristics of algal-bacteria granular sludge under low-light environment: From sludge characteristics, extracellular polymeric substances to microbial community. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 376:128851. [PMID: 36898567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the formation characteristics of algal-bacteria granular sludge (ABGS) under low-light environment (80, 110, and 140 μmol/m2/s) were investigated. The findings revealed that the stronger light intensity favored the improvement of sludge characteristics, nutrient removal performances, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion at the growing stage, which were more preferential to facilitate the formation of ABGS. However, after the mature stage, the weaker light intensity ensured more stable operation of the system, as shown by contributing to sludge settlement performance, denitrification, and EPS secretion. According to the results of high-throughput sequencing, the dominant bacterial genus of the mature ABGS cultured under low light intensity were all Zoogloe, while the dominant algal genus was different. For the mature ABGS, the 140 and 80 μmol/m2/s light intensity had the most significant activation effect to the functional genes related to carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Yan Ta Road, No. 13, Xi'an 710055, China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Yulin Ecological Environment Monitoring Station, High-tech Zone Xingda Road, Yulin 719000, China.
| | - Jingwen Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Yan Ta Road, No. 13, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Shumin Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Yan Ta Road, No. 13, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Yiwen Hou
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Yan Ta Road, No. 13, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Jiaxuan Wang
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Yan Ta Road, No. 58, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Min Gao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Xi an Polytechnic University, Jin Hua Nan Road, No. 19, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Xingdu Chen
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Yan Ta Road, No. 13, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Aining Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Yan Ta Road, No. 13, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Yongjun Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Yan Ta Road, No. 13, Xi'an 710055, China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Yan Ta Road, No. 13, Xi'an 710055, China
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Trebuch LM, Schoofs K, Vaessen SMF, Neu TR, Janssen M, Wijffels RH, Vet LEM, Fernandes TV. N 2 -fixation can sustain wastewater treatment performance of photogranules under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1303-1315. [PMID: 36779371 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28349] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater characteristics can vary significantly, and in some municipal wastewaters the N:P ratio is as low as 5 resulting in nitrogen-limiting conditions. In this study, the microbial community, function, and morphology of photogranules under nitrogen-replete (N+) and limiting (N-) conditions was assessed in sequencing batch reactors. Photogranules under N- condition were nitrogen deprived 2/3 of a batch cycle duration. Surprisingly, this nitrogen limitation had no adverse effect on biomass productivity. Moreover, phosphorus and chemical oxygen demand removal were similar to their removal under N+ conditions. Although performance was similar, the difference in granule morphology was obvious. While N+ photogranules were dense and structurally confined, N- photogranules showed loose structures with occasional voids. Microbial community analysis revealed high abundance of cyanobacteria capable of N2 -fixation. These were higher at N- (38%) than N+ (29%) treatments, showing that photogranules could adjust and maintain treatment performance and high biomass productivity by means of N2 -fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas M Trebuch
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kobe Schoofs
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stijn M F Vaessen
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas R Neu
- Microbiology of Interfaces, Department River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Janssen
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - René H Wijffels
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Louise E M Vet
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tânia V Fernandes
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
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