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Tian L, Wang L, Zhang X, Huang X, Wang F, Zhu S, Li X, Guan Y. Multi-omics analysis on seasonal variations of the biofilm microbial community in a full-scale pre-denitrification biofilter. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:24284-24298. [PMID: 36334202 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23539-y] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The seasonal variations of biofilm communities in a municipal wastewater treatment plant were investigated using multi-omics techniques. The abundance of the main phyla of microorganisms varied with summer (July 2019) and winter (January 2019) samples considerably, the Bacteroidetes enriched in winter and Chloroflexi in summer. The results of metaproteomic and metagenomic showed that most of the functional microorganisms belonged to the Betaproteobacteria class, and the enrichment of Flavobacteria class in winter guaranteed the stability of denitrification performance to some extent. Seasonal variations affected the proteomic expression profiling, a total of 2835 differentially expressed proteins identified were significantly enriched in quorum sensing, two-component system, ribosome, benzoate degradation, butanoate metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), and cysteine and methionine metabolism pathways. With the expression of nitrogen metabolic proteins decreases in winter, the overall expression of denitrification-related enzymes in winter was much lower than that in summer, the nitrogen metabolism pathway varied significantly. Seasonal variations also induced the alteration of the biofilm metabolite profile; a total of 66 differential metabolites, 8 potential biomarkers, and 8 perturbed metabolic pathways such as TCA cycle were detected. It was found that most of the perturbed pathways are directly related to nitrogen metabolism, and several amino acids and organic acids associated with the TCA cycle were significantly perturbed, the accumulation of TCA cycle intermediates, ornithine, and L-histidine in winter might be conducive to resisting cold temperatures. Furthermore, the correlation between biofilm microbial communities and metabolites was identified by the combined analysis of metabolomic and metaproteomic. The differences of microbial community structure, function, and metabolism between winter and summer in a full-scale pre-denitrification biofilter were revealed for the first time, strengthening our understanding of the microbial ecology of biofilm communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tian
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Qingdao Water Development Service Center, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xuda Huang
- Qingdao Water Development Service Center, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fuhao Wang
- Qingdao Water Affairs Group, Environmental Energy Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266075, China
| | - Sifu Zhu
- Qingdao Haibo River Water Operation Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xueqiang Li
- Qingdao Haibo River Water Operation Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Ying Guan
- Qingdao Haibo River Water Operation Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266021, China
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Langlois K, Collier JL. Matrix-associated microbial communities in a nitrogen-removing on-site wastewater treatment system are largely structured by niche processes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2023; 52:35-48. [PMID: 36305592 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
On-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) can be designed to promote microbial communities with naturally occurring metabolic functions desirable to wastewater treatment. Among such OWTSs are nitrogen-removing biofilters (NRBs), comprising a sand layer overlying a sand-lignocellulose (sand-lc) layer and intended to promote sequential nitrification and denitrification. The design of NRBs is based on the hypothesis that niche processes like environmental selection strongly structure the microbial communities, which predicts that immigrating wastewater communities and matrix-associated communities will be distinct and that the matrix communities in the two layers will be distinct. We characterized NRB microbial communities by 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing. Selection of the matrix-associated communities was indicated by clear differences from the immigrating community. For matrix-associated communities, alpha and beta diversity differed between the matrix layers, as did the relative abundances of many functional groups and genera. Functional groups with strict metabolisms were nearly exclusively detected in either the sand (ammonia and nitrite oxidizers) or sand-lc layer (methanogens), consistent with the niche hypothesis. Contrary to expectations, denitrifiers as a functional group were not present at greater relative abundance in the sand-lc than sand matrix because of a portfolio effect: some denitrifying genera were more abundant in the sand layer, whereas others were more abundant in the sand-lc layer. This study reveals niche processes acting at different levels of community organization for different biogeochemical functions, a crucial consideration in designing effective and reliable OWTSs to mitigate nitrogen pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Langlois
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook Univ., Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
- Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook Univ., Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Jackie L Collier
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook Univ., Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
- Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook Univ., Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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Chen S, Wang M, Russo FM, Gobler CJ, Mao X. Efficient nitrogen removal from onsite wastewater by a novel continuous flow biofilter. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134642. [PMID: 35439482 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134642] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soil-based passive biofiltration system is an economically feasible technology for nitrogen removal from onsite wastewater. However, the conventional design requires a large system footprint with limited treatment capacity. In this study, a novel continuous flow biofilter (CFB) with adjustable recirculation and continuous flow pattern was developed for onsite wastewater treatment with a small footprint. Efficient total nitrogen removal (80.1-97.5%) was observed at various hydraulic loadings (0.03-0.12 m3 m-2 d-1), nitrogen loadings (1.1-8.6 g N m-2 d-1) and recycle ratios (2-3) when treating septic tank effluent (STE), with low effluent TN (0.7-13.6 mg N L-1). Nitrous oxide was observed in the denitrification effluent indicating incomplete denitrification at elevated dissolved oxygen levels (3.3-5.8 mg L-1). Nitrogen removal rate (2.9-7.0 g N m-2 d-1) and ammonium removal rate (2.4-7.2 g N m-2 d-1) were positively correlated with nitrogen loadings increase (1.1-8.6 g N m-2 d-1) but were not significantly impacted by the hydraulic loading rate change (0.08-0.12 m3 m-2 d-1). The total biomass abundance and nitrifying microorganisms decreased significantly as the nitrification columns depth increased, while homogeneous microbial distribution was observed in the denitrification columns. The abundance of ammonium oxidizing archaea (AOA) increased significantly at increased hydraulic and nitrogen loading rate, while the ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) abundance remained steady. The abundance of functional genes involved in denitrification process (nirS, nirK and nosZ) responded differently when hydraulic and nitrogen loading rate changes. Collectively, this study suggested the CFB could efficiently remove nitrogen from onsite wastewater with fluctuating influent compositions and various hydraulic loadings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Chen
- Department of Civil Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Mian Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Frank M Russo
- New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Christopher J Gobler
- New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Xinwei Mao
- Department of Civil Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA; New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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Criado Monleon AJ, Knappe J, Somlai C, Betancourth CO, Ali M, Curtis TP, Gill LW. Spatial Variation of the Microbial Community Structure of On-Site Soil Treatment Units in a Temperate Climate, and the Role of Pre-treatment of Domestic Effluent in the Development of the Biomat Community. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:915856. [PMID: 35814661 PMCID: PMC9263727 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.915856] [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: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth of microbial mats or "biomats" has been identified as an essential component in the attenuation of pollutants within the soil treatment unit (STU) of conventional on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs). This study aimed to characterize the microbial community which colonizes these niches and to determine the influence of the pre-treatment of raw-domestic wastewater on these communities. This was achieved through a detailed sampling campaign of two OWTSs. At each site, the STU areas were split whereby half received effluent directly from septic tanks, and half received more highly treated effluents from packaged aerobic treatment systems [a coconut husk media filter on one site, and a rotating biodisc contactor (RBC) on the other site]. Effluents from the RBC had a higher level of pre-treatment [~90% Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal], compared to the media filter (~60% TOC removal). A total of 92 samples were obtained from both STU locations and characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The fully treated effluent from the RBC resulted in greater microbial community richness and diversity within the STUs compared to the STUs receiving partially treated effluents. The microbial community structure found within the STU receiving fully treated effluents was significantly different from its septic tank, primary effluent counterpart. Moreover, the distance along each STU appears to have a greater impact on the community structure than the depth in each STU. Our findings highlight the spatial variability of diversity, Phylum- and Genus-level taxa, and functional groups within the STUs, which supports the assumption that specialized biomes develop around the application of effluents under different degrees of treatment and distance from the source. This research indicates that the application of pre-treated effluents infers significant changes in the microbial community structure, which in turn has important implications for the functionality of the STU, and consequently the potential risks to public health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Javier Criado Monleon
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jan Knappe
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin College Green, Dublin, Ireland
- Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry (MASCI), Limerick University, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Celia Somlai
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin College Green, Dublin, Ireland
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thomas P. Curtis
- Department of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence William Gill
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin College Green, Dublin, Ireland
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Mesocosm- and Field-Scale Evaluation of Lignocellulose- Amended Soil Treatment Areas for Removal of Nitrogen from Wastewater. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13152137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Non-proprietary N-removal onsite wastewater treatment systems are less costly than proprietary systems, increasing the likelihood of adoption to lower N inputs to receiving waters. We assessed the capacity of non-proprietary lignocellulose-amended soil treatment areas (LCSTAs)—a 45-cm-deep layer of sand above a 45-cm-deep layer of sand and sawdust—to lower the concentration of total N (TN) in septic tank effluent (STE) at mesocosm and field scales. The mesocosm received wastewater for two years and had a median effluent TN concentration of 3.1 mg/L and TN removal of 60–100%, meeting regulatory standards of 19 mg/L or 50% removal. Removal varied inversely with temperature, and was lower below 10 °C. Removal was higher in the mesocosm than in five field sites monitored for 12–42 months. Median effluent TN concentration and removal met the standard in three continuously-occupied homes but not for two seasonally-occupied homes. Sites differed in temporal pattern of TN removal, and in four of five sites TN removal was greater—and effluent TN concentration lower—in the LCSTA than in a control STA containing only sand. The performance of non-proprietary LCSTAs was comparable to that for proprietary systems, suggesting that these may be a viable, more affordable alternative for lowering N inputs to receiving waters.
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Ross BN, Lancellotti BV, Brannon EQ, Loomis GW, Amador JA. Greenhouse gas emissions from advanced nitrogen-removal onsite wastewater treatment systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 737:140399. [PMID: 32783877 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) designed to remove nitrogen from residential wastewater play an important role in protecting environmental and public health. Nevertheless, the microbial processes involved in treatment produce greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to global climate change, including CO2, CH4, N2O. We measured GHG emissions from 27 advanced N-removal OWTS in the towns of Jamestown and Charlestown, Rhode Island, USA, and assessed differences in flux based on OWTS technology, home occupancy (year-round vs. seasonal), and zone within the system (oxic vs. anoxic/hypoxic). We also investigated the relationship between flux and wastewater properties. Flux values for CO2, CH4, and N2O ranged from -0.44 to 61.8, -0.0029 to 25.3, and -0.02 to 0.23 μmol GHG m-2 s-1, respectively. CO2 and N2O flux varied among technologies, whereas occupancy pattern did not significantly impact any GHG fluxes. CO2 and CH4 - but not N2O - flux was significantly higher in the anoxic/hypoxic zone than in the oxic zone. Greenhouse gas fluxes in the oxic zone were not related to any wastewater properties. CO2 and CH4 flux from the anoxic/hypoxic zone peaked at ~22-23 °C, and was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen levels, the latter suggesting that CO2 and CH4 flux result primarily from anaerobic respiration. Ammonium concentration and CH4 flux were positively correlated, likely due to inhibition of CH4 oxidation by NH4+. N2O flux in the anoxic/hypoxic zone was not correlated to any wastewater property. We estimate that advanced N-removal OWTS contribute 262 g CO2 equivalents capita-1 day-1, slightly lower than emissions from conventional OWTS. Our results suggest that technology influences CO2 and N2O flux and zone influences CO2 and CH4 flux, while occupancy pattern does not appear to impact GHG flux. Manipulating wastewater properties, such as temperature and dissolved oxygen, may help mitigate GHG emissions from these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca N Ross
- Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology, University of Rhode Island, 1 Greenhouse Rd., Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | - Brittany V Lancellotti
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Dr., Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Q Brannon
- Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, 417 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA.
| | - George W Loomis
- New England Onsite Wastewater Training Center, University of Rhode Island, 102 Coastal Institute, 1 Greenhouse Rd., Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | - Jose A Amador
- Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology, University of Rhode Island, 1 Greenhouse Rd., Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
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