Effects of exogenous N-acyl-homoserine lactones on nutrient removal, sludge properties and microbial community structures during activated sludge process.

This study investigated the effects of exogenous N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signal molecules, N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) and N-octanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL), on treatment performance, sludge properties and microbial community structures in activated sludge systems. Results showed that the nitrification and denitrification efficiencies were enhanced with the addition of signal molecules. The particle size, irregularity, and internal mass transfer resistance of activated sludge flocs (ASFs) increased, primarily because dosing AHLs led to a content increase and chemical composition variation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in sludge. Microbial analysis indicated an increase in both the bacterial richness and diversity of the systems. The relative abundances of the key functional groups, including bacteria related to C and N removal and EPS production, varied correspondingly. This study presents an insight into the comprehensive understanding of the effects of AHL-based quorum sensing on activated sludge treatment process.

Characteristics of N2O generation within the internal micro-environment of activated sludge flocs under different dissolved oxygen concentrations.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a strong greenhouse gas that is produced in significant quantities through biological nitrogen removal processes in wastewater treatment plants; however, N2O generation within the internal micro-environment of activated sludge flocs (ASFs) is poorly understood. In this study, microelectrodes and molecular techniques were employed to investigate the concentrations of N2O and other chemicals and the composition and distribution of microbes within ASFs, respectively. The results showed that N2O generation was correlated with the ASF micro-environment, and was significantly influenced by the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of the bulk wastewater. Equal N2O, DO, NH4+-N, and NO3--N concentrations were found in small flocs (<100 µm). By contrast, higher N2O generation rates and lower DO, NH4+-N, and NO3--N concentrations were detected in the center of large flocs (>200 µm) compared with those at their surfaces. Microbial structures of varying particle sizes were distinct and depended on the micro-environmental characteristics.