Comparative investigations on the incorporation of biogenic Fe products into anaerobic granular sludge of different sources: Fe loading capacity, physicochemical properties, microbial community and long-term methanogenesis performance.

Anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) has been regarded as the core of lots of advanced anaerobic reactors. Formation of biogenic Fe products and their incorporation into AGS could influence interspecies electron transfer and methanogenesis performance. In this study, with anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) from different sources (brewery, chemical plant, paper mill, citric acid factory, and food factory) as the research targets, the formation of biogenic iron products in AGS through the biologically induced mineralization process was studied. Furthermore, the influences of physicochemical properties and microbial community on methanogenesis were investigated. Results showed that all the AGS of different sources possessed the capacity to form biogenic Fe products through dissimilatory iron-reduction process, and diverse Fe minerals including magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3), goethite (FeOOH), siderite (FeCO3) and wustite (FeO) were incorporated into AGS. The AGS loaded with Fe minerals (Fe-AGS) showed increased conductivity, magnetism and zeta-potential comparing to the control. Those Fe-AGS of different sources demonstrated different methanogenesis performance during the long-term operation (50 days). Methane production was increased for the Fe-AGS of citric acid (6.99-32.50%), food (8.33-37.46%), chemical (2.81-7.22%) and brewery plants (2.27-2.81%), but decreased for the Fe-AGS of paper mill (54.81-72.2%). The changes of microbial community and microbial correlations in AGS as a response to Fe minerals incorporation were investigated. For the Fe-AGS samples with enhanced methane production capability, it was widely to find the enriched populations of fermentative and dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria Clostridium_sensu_stricto_6, Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17 and acetoclastic methanogens Methanosaeta, and positive correlations between them. This study provides comprehensive understanding on the effects of incorporation biogenic Fe products on AGS from different sources.

Enhancing methane production and interspecies electron transfer of anaerobic granular sludge by the immobilization of magnetic biochar.

Supplementation of conductive materials has been proved to be a promising approach for enhancing microbial interspecies electron transfer (IET) in anaerobic digestion systems. In this study, magnetic bamboo-based biochar was prepared at temperatures of 400-800 °C via a ball milling/carbonization method, and it immobilized in mature anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) aimed to enhance methane production by improving the IET process between syntrophic microbial communities in the AGS. Results showed that the AGS with magnetic biochar immobilization demonstrated increased glucotrophic and acetotrophic methane production by 69.54-77.56 % and 39.96-54.92 %, respectively. Magnetic biochar prepared at 800 °C with a relatively higher Fe content (0.37 g/g magnetic biochar) displayed a stronger electron charge/discharge capacity (36.66 F/g), and its immobilization into AGS promoted methane production most. The conductivity of AGS increased by 52.13-87.32 % after incorporating magnetic biochar. Furthermore, the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of AGS showed an increased capacitance and decreased electron transfer resistance possibly due to the binding of magnetic biochar and more riboflavin secretion in EPS, which could contribute to the accelerated IET process in the inner AGS. In addition, the immobilization of magnetic biochar could promote the production of volatile fatty acids by 15.36-22.50 %. All these improvements may jointly lead to the enhanced methane production capacity of AGS. This study provided a fundamental understanding of the role of incorporated magnetic biochar in AGS in promoting anaerobic digestion performance.

Mediating the performance of anaerobic granular sludge by exogenous flavin supplementation: Flavin binding capacity and behavior, interspecies electron transfer, and methane production.

Although flavins are known as effective electron mediators, the binding capacity of exogenous flavins by anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) and their role in interspecies electron transfer (IET) remains unknown. In this study, AGS was mediated by using three exogenous flavins of riboflavin (RF), flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Results showed that the total amounts of flavins associated with extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of AGS increased by 2.03-2.42 and 3.83-4.94 folds, after exposure to 50 and 200 µM of exogenous flavins, respectively. A large portion of FMN and FAD was transformed into RF by AGS. Exogenous flavin mediation also stimulated the production of EPS and cytochrome c (c-Cyts) as well as cytochrome-bound flavins. The increased abundance of these electron mediators led to a reduced electrochemical impedance of EPS and improved extracellular electron transfer capacity. The methane production of AGS after mediation with exogenous RF, FMN, and FAD increased by 19.03-31.71%, 22.86-26.04%, and 28.51-33.44%, respectively. This study sheds new light on the role of exogenous flavins in promoting the IET process of a complex microbial aggregate of AGS.

Extracellular electron transfer and the conductivity in microbial aggregates during biochemical wastewater treatment: A bottom-up analysis of existing knowledge.

Microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET) plays a crucial role in bioenergy production and resource recovery from wastewater. Interdisciplinary efforts have been made to unveil EET processes at various spatial scales, from nanowires to microbial aggregates. Electrical conductivity has been frequently measured as an indicator of EET efficiency. In this review, the conductivity of nanowires, biofilms, and granular sludge was summarized, and factors including subjects, measurement methods, and conducting conditions that affect the conductivity difference were discussed in detail. The high conductivity of nanowires does not necessarily result in efficient EET in microbial aggregates due to the existence of non-conductive substances and contact resistance. Improving the conductivity measurement of microbial aggregates is important because it enables the calculation of an EET flux from conductivity and a comparison of the flux with mass transfer coefficients. This review provides new insight into the significance, characterization, and optimization of EET in microbial aggregates during a wastewater treatment process.

Enhancing methanogenesis of anaerobic granular sludge by incorporating Fe/Fe oxides nanoparticles aided with biofilm disassembly agents and mediating redox activity of extracellular polymer substances.

Anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) is a promising technology for organic wastewater treatment and energy recovery. In this study, three different kinds of Fe and Fe oxides nanoparticles (Fe3O4, Fe2O3 and ZVI) were tried to be incorporated into AGS through direct loading or aided with biofilm disassembly agents of norspermidine and D-tyrosine, which was aimed to enhance methane production capacity of AGS via increasing redox activity of extracellular polymer substance (EPS) and interspecies electron transfer. Despite the loading methods, incorporation of Fe and Fe oxides nanoparticles into AGS increased methane production capacity remarkably, with an enhancement of 36.49-85.17%, 20.37-204.95% and 189.71-243.32%, respectively, for the Fe3O4, Fe2O3 and ZVI loaded AGS. Pretreatment of AGS using biofilm disassembly agents helped to incorporate more Fe and Fe oxides into the inner structure of AGS, which further enhanced methane production capacity by 48.68% and 184.58%, respectively, for the Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 loaded AGS. Loading Fe and Fe oxides into AGS not only introduced exogenous conductive substances and Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples into EPS matrix of AGS, but also stimulated the production of redox active components of flavins and c-Cyts. All these factors may contribute to the reduced resistance of EPS, enhanced interspecies electron transfer and methane production capacity of AGS. This study provides a novel strategy and facile method to accelerate interspecies electron transfer and enhance methane production for matured AGS.

Cytotoxicity of functionalized CeO2 nanoparticles towards Escherichia coli and adaptive response of membrane properties.

The cytotoxicity and mechanisms of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) on organisms have attracted great concerns recently, while that of CeO2-NPs with functional groups remains unclear. This study investigated cytotoxic effects and mechanisms of CeO2-NPs with hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amino functional groups towards a strain Escherichia coli (E. Coli). Results showed that CeO2-NPs produced a stronger cytotoxicity in NaCl medium than in PBS medium at the concentrations of 10-400 mg/L. The toxicity followed the order of CeO2-COOH > CeO2-NH2 > CeO2-OH. Exposing to CeO2-NPs increased cell membrane permeability and reduced membrane fluidity. The membrane phospholipid fatty acid compositions also varied greatly as a response to the stress of CeO2-NPs, with the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids increased and saturated fatty acids decreased. Both intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and malonaldehyde (MDA) level declined, suggesting the oxidative stress from ROS may be not the primary reason for the membrane damage. Other mechanisms such as direct membrane oxidation by Ce4+ or physical penetration based on a close contact between nanoparticles and microbes might contribute to the membrane damages and cell viability loss. The present study provides a significant insight into the influence of functionalized CeO2-NPs on a gram-negative bacterium.

In-situ formation and self-immobilization of biogenic Fe oxides in anaerobic granular sludge for enhanced performance of acidogenesis and methanogenesis.

Addition of ferric oxides into flocculent anaerobic sludge was reported to enhance methanogenesis due to accelerated direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between syntrophic microbial communities. However, it is generally hard to incorporate Fe oxides into already matured anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) due to its special aggregated structure. In this study, a novel method was attempted to fast incorporate Fe oxides into AGS through in-situ microbial formation and immobilization of biogenic Fe oxides. Factors influencing the formation of Fe oxides were investigated and effects of Fe oxides on the acidogenic and methanogenic performance of AGS were assessed. Results showed that AGS could form Fe oxides mainly in the form of magnetite and hematite through biological reduction of Fe(III) oxyhydroxide. A maximum loading amount of 83.9 mg Fe/g MLVSS was obtained at pH 7 after contacting with 60 mM Fe(III) oxyhydroxide. The efficiency of electron donors which supported Fe(III) reduction followed the order of pyruvate > propionate > glucose > acetate > lactate > formate. Addition of electron transfer mediators (ETMs) promoted the formation of Fe oxides and their performance followed the order of AQDS > AQC > humics > FMN > riboflavin. Presence of Fe oxides in AGS (134.6 Fe/g VSS) increased the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and methane by 16.28% and 41.94% respectively, comparing to the control. The enhancement may be attributed to increased conductivity and stimulated growth of exoelectrogens (Clostridium and Anaerolinea) and methanogenic endoelectrogens Methanosaeta in granular sludge which may strengthen direct interspecies electron transfer between syntrophic microbial communities. Overall, this study provides an alternative strategy to improve the digestion performance of AGS through in-situ formation and immobilization of biogenic Fe oxides.

Remediation of nitrogen polluted water using Fe-C microelectrolysis and biofiltration under mixotrophic conditions.

A hybrid biofilter was established on Fe-C supported carriers aimed to enhance nitrogen removal from polluted water of low Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) ratio. Effects of organic loadings, hydraulic retention time (HRT), additional electron donor (Fe2+) supplementation and operation mode on the performance of the biofilter were investigated. Results showed that up-flow operation mode was better than down-flow mode in terms of nitrate and total nitrogen (TN) removal at low COD/N. The average removal of NO3--N, NH4+ -N and TN attained 83.1%, 84.7% and 81.2%, respectively, under the conditions of influent COD/NO3--N = 1.5-3.6, HRT = 10 h and up-flow operation. When the biofilter was operated under autotrophic conditions without organic compounds in influent as electron donors, the biofilter achieved a NO3--N removal of 46% and TN removal of 56% depending on the innate electron donors provided by the Fe-C carriers. Supplementation of Fe2+ in influent further promoted autotrophic denitrifying process, and the removal of NO3--N and TN increased to 96.3% and 84.7%, respectively, at the mol ratio of Fe2+/NO3- = 10 and HRT = 10 h. The microbial community was analyzed for the biofilm samples enriched under heterotrophic and autotrophic conditions. The Fe-C biofilter boosted the growth of a large population of mixotrophic denitrifying bacteria including Gallionella, heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria Denitratisoma, and autotrophic denitrifying bacteria Thiobacillus and Thioalkalispira. On the whole, the biofilter coupled with Fe-C micro-electrolysis provides a novel strategy to treat polluted water of low C/N under both heterotrophic and autotrophic conditions.

Application of slow-release carbon sources embedded in polymer for stable and extended power generation in microbial fuel cells.

Stable and long-term power output is a prerequisite for the application of the energy recovered from microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this study, a novel fuel supplying strategy based on slow-release carbon embedded in polymer gels was attempted in MFCs aimed to achieve a sustainable power generation. Polymer gels containing starch acetate as the carbon source (40% (w/w)) were prepared, and the effects of its loading dosage on power generation and microbial community structure were investigated. Results showed that the MFCs once fed with 20.0 g/L, 37.5 g/L and 55.0 g/L polymer gels attained a long-term power generation periods of 110, 140 and 170 days, respectively, with a maximum power density of 386-427 mW/m2. The MFC with a medium loading dosage (37.5 g/L polymer gels) performed best. MFCs fed with the slow-release carbon enriched a distinct microbial community comparing to the control MFC with acetate as the carbon source, with the genera Geobacter, Sphaerochaeta, Christensenellaceae, Aminiphilus and Proteiniphilum significantly enriched on the anode electrode, and Sphaerochaeta, Proteiniphilum and Bacteroidetes in the anolyte. This carbon source providing method will promote the application of MFCs as a sustainable and stable power source for environmental monitoring and remediation.

Effects of biogenic nanopalladium precipitation on the performance and microbial community structure of anaerobic granular sludge.

Biogenic nanopalladium (BioPd) catalysts have drawn increasing attentions recently as a combination of metal catalyst over the support of biomass. Anaerobic granular sludge (AGS), as a special microbial granule, demonstrates a strong potential to reduce Pd(II) and precipitate Bio-Pd in the sludge body. The problem how the Bio-Pd precipitates would influence the function and microbial community of the Pd hosting AGS (Pd-AGS) remains unknown. In this study, Pd-AGS with different Bio-Pd loadings (1.7, 3.0, 4.4 and 8.0 wt% of Pd) was obtained through bio-reduction at different Na2PdCl4 concentrations. Effects of Bio-Pd precipitates on acidogenesis and methanogenesis of AGS were assayed. Response of bacterial and archaeal community of AGS towards Bio-Pd precipitation were also revealed based on high-throughput sequencing data on Illumina Miseq platform. Results showed that Bio-Pd precipitates affected the acidogenesis and methanogenesis process of the Pd-AGS, as the produced total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and methane were reduced by 25.8-53.0% and 33.9-87.7%, respectively, comparing to the native AGS. Bio-Pd precipitation resulted in microbial community shift and a decrease in the microbial diversity. The bacterial community suffered more influence than the archaeal community. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens were more sensitive to the toxicity of Pd(II)/Bio-Pd than acetotrophic methanogens. Overall, when the heterogeneous Pd-AGS catalyst is designed to possess both the function of microbial metabolism and Pd catalysis, it is necessary to control a suitable Pd(II) concentration during reduction process and the final Bio-Pd loading in AGS (<4.4 wt% of Pd).

Synthesis and characterization of a novel magnetic calcium-rich nanocomposite and its remediation behaviour for As(III) and Pb(II) co-contamination in aqueous systems.

Herein, a novel magnetic calcium-rich biochar (MCRB), prepared by loading Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) on crab shell-derived biochar, was studied for remediation of arsenic and lead co-contamination. Characteristics of the MCRB demonstrated that Fe3O4 NPs adhered on the biochar matrix uniformly. Batch experiments on the effects of pH, contact time and initial concentrations revealed that for both metals, removal by the MCRB was pH-dependent with an optimal pH of 6, and that the MCRB had a strong ability for removing arsenic and lead with maximum removal capacities of 15.8 and 62.4 mg g-1, respectively. The mechanisms of the simultaneous removal of arsenic and lead involved both competitive and synergistic effects. The As(III) addition enhanced Pb(II) removal by 5.4-18.8%, while the presence of Pb(II) suppressed As(III) removal by 5.8-17.8%. Competitive complexation of the two metals with biochar was responsible for the suppression, while the enhancement was due mainly to the formation of the Pb(II)-As(III)-FeO ternary surface complex with As(III) as the bridging molecule. These new insights can further our understanding of the application of MCRB as a potential material for use in the treatment of arsenic and lead co-contamination.

A novel combination of bioelectrochemical system with peroxymonosulfate oxidation for enhanced azo dye degradation and MnFe2O4 catalyst regeneration.

Advanced oxidation process (AOP) based on peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation was established in microbial fuel cell (MFC) system with MnFe2O4 cathode (MFC-MnFe2O4/PMS) aimed to enhance azo dye degradation and catalyst regeneration. The effects of loading amount of MnFe2O4 catalyst, applied voltage, catholyte pH and PMS dosage on the degradation of Orange II were investigated. The stability of the MnFe2O4 cathode for successive PMS activation was also evaluated. The degradation of Orange was accelerated in the MFC-MnFe2O4/PMS with apparent degradation rate constant increased to 1.8 times of that in the MnFe2O4/PMS control. A nearly complete removal of Orange II (100 mg L-1) was attained in the MFC-MnFe2O4/PMS under the optimum conditions of 2 mM PMS, 10 mg cm-2 MnFe2O4 loading, pH 7-8 and 480 min reaction time. MFC driven also extended the longevity of the MnFe2O4 catalyst for PMS activation due to the in-situ regeneration of ≡Mn2+ and ≡Fe2+ through accepting electrons from the cathode, and over 80% of Orange II was still removed in the 7th run. Additionally, the MFC-MnFe2O4/PMS system could recover electricity during Orange II degradation with a maximum power density of 206.2 ±â€¯3.1 mW m-2. PMS activation by MnFe2O4 was the primary pathway for SO4- generation, and SO4- based oxidation was the primary mechanism for Orange II degradation. MFCs driven coupled with PMS activated AOP systems provides a novel strategy for efficient and persistent azo dye degradation.

Degradation of diclofenac using palladized anaerobic granular sludge: Effects of electron donor, reaction medium and deactivation factors.

Biogenic nanopalladium (Bio-Pd) was formed by Anaerobic Granular Sludge (AGS). The Bio-Pd hosted in AGS (Pd-AGS) was used to degrade a pharmaceutical compound diclofenac (DCF) under the conditions of various electron donors, Pd loadings and reaction media. Results showed that hydrogen was the most effective electron donor for the Pd-AGS, followed by formate, glucose and acetate. The Pd-AGS was able to produce effective hydrogen/electron donors from organic compounds via microbial metabolism to initiate Pd activity. Over 96% of DCF (initial concentration of 20 mg L-1) was removed using the Pd-AGS within 90 min, and a maximum specific activity Kobs of 1.53 L g-1 min-1 was obtained at 3.0 wt% Pd loading, in the presence of hydrogen. The Pd-AGS exhibited a relatively high activity in the medium of PBS or Na2SO4 (25 mM) at pH = 7-7.5, but lost activity in the medium of Na2CO3 (40 mM) or NaOH (40 mM). The Pd-AGS was more resistant to deactivation by chloride or sulphide comparing to free Pd nanoparticles. The Pd-AGS could reduce DCF and nitrate simultaneously with high nitrogen selectivity. The Pd-AGS, as a novel form of Pd catalyst with AGS, shows promise for applications in reducing chlorinated organic compounds in contaminated water.

Iohexol Degradation by Biogenic Palladium Nanoparticles Hosted in Anaerobic Granular Sludge.

To improve the degradation ability of anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) toward the iodinated contrast media (ICM) iohexol, biogenic nanoscale palladium (Pd) was formed in AGS via microbial reduction. The Pd hosted in AGS (Pd-AGS) was used for iohexol degradation. The effects of the electron donor, reaction medium, iodide ion fouling, and polymer embedding of the Pd-AGS on the reactivity were investigated. Our results showed the Pd-AGS increased the degradation rate of iohexol, with a conversion rate constant increased by 86.3-fold compared to the AGS control. Various organic compounds were investigated as electron donors to initiate the catalytic activity of Pd-AGS and the promotion achieved with the tested electron donors was in the following order: formate > lactate > ethanol > glucose > acetate. The Pd-AGS had high reactivity in deionized water at mild pH, and almost no reactivity under acidic (pH = 1.2) and alkaline (pH > 11) conditions. The presence of iodide ions in the medium inhibited the catalytic activity of Pd-AGS toward iohexol because of catalyst fouling. Embedding the Pd-AGS in alginate, chitosan, or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) could prevent Pd loss but it also retarded the iohexol degradation rate. The Pd-AGS, as a combination of Pd catalyst and AGS, provides a novel strategy for iohexol degradation in polluted water and wastewater.

[Enhanced Removal of Herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid and Simultaneous Power Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells].

This study investigated the effects of a widely used herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on power generation, pollutants removal from microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial community changes, and also explored anode pre-aeration for enhanced 2,4-D removal and power generation. The results showed that when 2,4-D was inputted to the anode chamber of MFCs which was previously enriched with acetate sodium as the fuel, the voltage output and power density declined and the internal resistance increased apparently. The maximum power density declined to 0.057 W·m-2 in the presence of 300 mg·L-1 2,4-D comparing to 0.151 W·m-2 obtained with acetate alone (850 mg·L-1), and the internal resistance increased from 524 Ω to 1230 Ω correspondingly. To accelerate 2,4-D removal rate and reduce its inhibition to anode exoelectrogens, 6h pre-aeration was applied to the anode chamber. Fast removal of 2,4-D was achieved during aeration period and simultaneous high maximum voltage output (0.42-0.47 V) was obtained. Anode microbial community changed after 2,4-D addition and several 2,4-D degrading bacteria and 2,4-D tolerant exoelectrogen were enriched. MFCs could be used for 2,4-D removal and simultaneous power generation through anode pre-aeration.

A small molecule norspermidine in combination with silver ion enhances dispersal and disinfection of multi-species wastewater biofilms.

Detrimental biofilms have become a great concern in many areas due to their strong resistance and insensitivity to traditional antimicrobial agents. Norspermidine is a potent small molecule for biofilm dispersal. In this study, silver ion, a conventional inorganic biocide, was combined with norspermidine and used for control and removal of multi-species biofilms formed by a mixed culture from wastewater treatment systems. Results showed that silver ion (0.01-1 mg/L) treatment alone failed to remove the existing wastewater biofilms. Norspermidine at the concentrations of 500-1000 µM was capable to disrupt and disperse the existing biofilms with a biofilm reduction of 21-34 % after 24-h exposure. The combined treatment with norspermidine (500 µM) and silver ion (0.01 mg/L) increased biofilm reduction to 48 % (24-h exposure). The combined treatment also enhanced biofilm disinfection ratio (82 %, 2-h exposure) by 2.0- and 2.6-folds compared to norspermidine (27 %) or silver ion (23 %) treatment alone, respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) observations found that norspermidine could disrupt biofilm matrix and promote biofilm dispersal via breaking down exopolysaccharides. The combined treatment increased the reduction in biofilm cell density and viability, possibly due to the damage of biofilm matrix, enhanced silver ion diffusion in biofilms, and increased biofilm sensitivity. These findings indicate that the combination of a small molecule norspermidine with a traditional biocide silver ion presents a novel strategy to remove and kill biofilms, which have a potential application in addressing wastewater biofilm-related issues.

A small-molecule norspermidine and norspermidine-hosting polyelectrolyte coatings inhibit biofilm formation by multi-species wastewater culture.

Norspermidine is a potent and non-bactericidal small-molecule inhibitor of biofilm growth. In this study, impacts of norspermidine on biofilm control and existing biofilm dispersal by a mixed culture from wastewater treatment systems were investigated. A surface-mediated releasing approach for prevention of bacterial biofilm formation was established via encapsulating norspermidine into polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings. Results showed that the presence of norspermidine (500-1000 µM) in medium remarkably prevented biofilm formation. Norspermidine was also effective in disassembling pre-formed biofilms. Norspermidine-containing multilayer coatings were successfully fabricated on glass slides via layer-by-layer deposition in polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) solution. This coating exhibited a high anti-biofilm property against a mixed culture and three pure strains (Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli). The loading amount and space distribution of norspermidine in the multilayer coating were key factors influencing its anti-biofilm efficacy. The polymer coating with norspermidine loaded in each bilayer (each-layer-type) exhibited better anti-biofilm efficacy than the bottom-type and the top-type coating, which showed a stable biofilm inhibition rate of about 60 % even after 5-day leaching in aqueous solution. Norspermidine could retard bacterial adhesion and destruct biofilm matrix by reducing exopolysaccharides and extracellular DNA (eDNA) associated with bacteria instead of growth inhibition. Norspermidine and the norspermidine-hosting coatings in this study offer a great potential for the control of biofilms in the settings of water purification and wastewater treatment systems, which shows the advantage of broad spectrum and less risk of evolved bacterial resistance compared to conventional microbicidal agents (e.g., antibiotics).

In-situ formation and immobilization of biogenic nanopalladium into anaerobic granular sludge enhances azo dyes degradation.

Azo dyes are toxic and recalcitrant wastewater pollutants. An innovative technology based on biogenic nanopalladium (Bio-Pd) supported anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) was developed for azo dyes reduction. In-situ formation of Bio-Pd in the AGS was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The Pd associated AGS (Pd-AGS) showed enhanced decolorization rates to the three azo dyes of Congo Red, Evans Blue and Orange II, with the degradation kinetic constants increased by 2.3-10 fold compared to the control AGS in the presence of electron donor formate. Impacts of different electron donors on Orange II decolorization were further investigated. Results showed that formic acid, formate, acetate, glucose, ethanol and lactate could serve as electron and hydrogen donors to stimulate Orange II decolorization by the Pd-AGS, and their activities followed the order: formic acid > formate > ethanol > glucose > lactate > acetate. Most of the Bio-Pd was bound with microbes in the AGS with a small fraction in the extracellular polymer substances (EPS). Transmission Electronic Microscopy analysis revealed that the Bio-Pd formed in the periplasmic space, cytoplasm and on the cell walls of bacteria. This study provides a new concept for azo dye reduction, which couples sludge microbial degradation ability with Bio-Pd catalytic ability via in-situ formation and immobilization of Bio-Pd into AGS, and offers an alternative for the current azo dye treatment technology.

Bioaugmentation of half-matured granular sludge with special microbial culture promoted establishment of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid degrading aerobic granules.

Aerobic granular sludge degrading recalcitrant compounds are generally hard to be cultivated. This study investigated the feasibility of cultivating 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) degrading aerobic granules using half-matured sludge granules pre-grown on glucose as the seeds and bioaugmentation with a 2,4-D degrading strain Achromobacter sp. QXH. Results showed that bioaugmentation promoted the steady transformation of glucose-grown granules to 2,4-D degrading sludge granules and fast establishment of 2,4-D degradation ability. The 2,4-D degradation rate of the bioaugmented granules was enhanced by 36-62 % compared to the control at 2,4-D concentrations of 144-565 mg/L on Day 18. The inoculated strain was incorporated into the half-matured granules successfully and survived till the end of operation (220 days). Sludge granules at a mean size of 420 µm and capable of utilizing 500 mg/L 2,4-D as the sole carbon source were finally obtained. Sludge microbial community shifted slightly during the whole operation and the dominant bacteria species belonged to Proteobacteria.

Response of aerobic granular sludge to the long-term presence to nanosilver in sequencing batch reactors: reactor performance, sludge property, microbial activity and community.

The increasing use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) raises concerns about their potential toxic effects on the environment. Granular shape sludge is a special type of microbial aggregate. The response of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) to the long-term presence of Ag NPs has not been well studied. In this study, AGS was exposed to 5 and 50mg/L Ag NPs in sequence batch reactors (SBRs) for 69 days, and its response was evaluated based on the sludge properties, microbial activity and community, and reactor performance. The results showed that Ag NPs caused inhibition to microbial activities of AGS from Day 35. At the end of 69 days of Ag NPs exposure, the microbial activity of AGS was significantly inhibited in terms of inhibitions of the ammonia oxidizing rate (33.0%), respiration rate (17.7% and 45.6%) and denitrification rate (6.8%), as well as decreases in the ammonia mono-oxygenase and nitrate reductase activities. During the long-term exposure, the AGS maintained its granular shape and large granule size (approximately 900 µm); the microbial community of AGS slightly changed, but the dominant microbial population remained. Overall, the AGS tolerated the toxicity of Ag NPs well, but a long-term exposure may produce chronic toxicity to the AGS, which is concerning.