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Verma S, Kuila A, Jacob S. Role of Biofilms in Waste Water Treatment. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:5618-5642. [PMID: 36094648 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04163-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm cells have a different physiology than planktonic cells, which has been the focus of most research. Biofilms are complex biostructures that form on any surface that comes into contact with water on a regular basis. They are dynamic, structurally complex systems having characteristics of multicellular animals and multiple ecosystems. The three themes covered in this review are biofilm ecology, biofilm reactor technology and design, and biofilm modeling. Membrane-supported biofilm reactors, moving bed biofilm reactors, granular sludge, and integrated fixed-film activated sludge processes are all examples of biofilm reactors used for water treatment. Biofilm control and/or beneficial application in membrane processes are improving. Biofilm models have become critical tools for biofilm foundational research as well as biofilm reactor architecture and design. At the same time, the differences between biofilm modeling and biofilm reactor modeling methods are acknowledged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samakshi Verma
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, 304022, India
| | - Arindam Kuila
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, 304022, India.
| | - Samuel Jacob
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Chengalpattu Dist., Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
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2
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Derlon N, Garcia Villodres M, Kovács R, Brison A, Layer M, Takács I, Morgenroth E. Modelling of aerobic granular sludge reactors: the importance of hydrodynamic regimes, selective sludge removal and gradients. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 86:410-431. [PMID: 35960827 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2022.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic selection is a key feature of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) systems but existing aerobic granular sludge (AGS) models neglect those mechanisms: gradients over reactor height (Hreactor), selective removal of slow settling sludge, etc. This study aimed at evaluating to what extent integration of those additional processes into AGS models is needed, i.e., at demonstrating that model predictions (biomass inventory, microbial activities and effluent quality) are affected by such additional model complexity. We therefore developed a new AGS model that includes key features of full-scale AGS systems: fill-draw operation, selective sludge removal, distinct settling models for flocs/granules. We then compared predictions of our model to those of a fully mixed AGS model. Our results demonstrate that hydraulic selection can be predicted with an assembly of four continuous stirred tank reactors in series together with a correction code for plug-flow. Concentration gradients over the reactor height during settling/plug-flow feeding strongly impact the predictions of aerobic granular sludge models in terms of microbial selection, microbial activities and ultimately effluent quality. Hydraulic selection is a key to predict selection of storing microorganisms (phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAO) and glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAO)) and in turn effluent quality in terms of total phosphorus, and for predicting effluent solid concentration and dynamic during plug-flow feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Derlon
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland E-mail:
| | - Mercedes Garcia Villodres
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland E-mail: ; WABAG Water Technology Ltd, Bürglistrasse 31, CH-8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Róbert Kovács
- Dynamita, 7 Eoupe, La Redoute, Nyons 26110, France; Nonlineum, 37 Perjes str., Budapest 1165, Hungary
| | - Antoine Brison
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland E-mail:
| | - Manuel Layer
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland E-mail:
| | - Imre Takács
- Dynamita, 7 Eoupe, La Redoute, Nyons 26110, France
| | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland E-mail: ; ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
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3
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Enrichment of phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) in a microfluidic model biofilm system by mimicking a typical aerobic granular sludge feast/famine regime. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:1313-1324. [PMID: 35032186 PMCID: PMC8816403 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11759-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Wastewater treatment using aerobic granular sludge has gained increasing interest due to its advantages compared to conventional activated sludge. The technology allows simultaneous removal of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a single reactor system and is independent of space-intensive settling tanks. However, due to the microscale, an analysis of processes and microbial population along the radius of granules is challenging. Here, we introduce a model system for aerobic granular sludge on a small scale by using a machine-assisted microfluidic cultivation platform. With an implemented logic module that controls solenoid valves, we realized alternating oxic hunger and anoxic feeding phases for the biofilms growing within. Sampling during ongoing anoxic cultivation directly from the cultivation channel was achieved with a robotic sampling device. Analysis of the biofilms was conducted using optical coherence tomography, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and amplicon sequencing. Using this setup, it was possible to significantly enrich the percentage of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAO) belonging to the family Rhodocyclaceae in the community compared to the starting inoculum. With the aid of this miniature model system, it is now possible to investigate the influence of a multitude of process parameters in a highly parallel way to understand and efficiently optimize aerobic granular sludge-based wastewater treatment systems.Key points• Development of a microfluidic model to study EBPR.• Feast-famine regime enriches polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs).• Microfluidics replace sequencing batch reactors for aerobic granular sludge research.
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Hamiruddin NA, Awang NA, Mohd Shahpudin SN, Zaidi NS, Said MAM, Chaplot B, Azamathulla HM. Effects of wastewater type on stability and operating conditions control strategy in relation to the formation of aerobic granular sludge - a review. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 84:2113-2130. [PMID: 34810301 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Currently, research trends on aerobic granular sludge (AGS) have integrated the operating conditions of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) towards the stability of AGS systems in various types of wastewater with different physical and biochemical characteristics. More attention is given to the stability of the AGS system for real site applications. Although recent studies have reported comprehensively the mechanism of AGS formation and stability in relation to other intermolecular interactions such as microbial distribution, shock loading and toxicity, standard operating condition control strategies for different types of wastewater have not yet been discussed. Thus, the dimensional multi-layer structural model of AGS is discussed comprehensively in the first part of this review paper, focusing on diameter size, thickness variability of each layer and diffusion factor. This can assist in facilitating the interrelation between disposition and stability of AGS structure to correspond to the changes in wastewater types, which is the main objective and novelty of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Hamiruddin
- School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia E-mail:
| | - N A Awang
- School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia E-mail:
| | - S N Mohd Shahpudin
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - N S Zaidi
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - M A M Said
- School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia E-mail:
| | - B Chaplot
- Department of Geography, M.J.K College, Bettiah, a constituent unit of B.R.A., Bihar University, Bettiah, Muzaffarpur, India
| | - H M Azamathulla
- Faculty of Engineering, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad
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5
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Kirkland CM, Krug JR, Vergeldt FJ, van den Berg L, Velders AH, Seymour JD, Codd SL, Van As H, de Kreuk MK. Characterizing the structure of aerobic granular sludge using ultra-high field magnetic resonance. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2020; 82:627-639. [PMID: 32970616 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2020.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite aerobic granular sludge wastewater treatment plants operating around the world, our understanding of internal granule structure and its relation to treatment efficiency remains limited. This can be attributed in part to the drawbacks of time-consuming, labor-intensive, and invasive microscopy protocols which effectively restrict samples sizes and may introduce artefacts. Time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) allows non-invasive measurements which describe internal structural features of opaque, complex materials like biofilms. NMR was used to image aerobic granules collected from five full-scale wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands and United States, as well as laboratory granules and control beads. T1 and T2 relaxation-weighted images reveal heterogeneous structures that include high- and low-density biofilm regions, water-like voids, and solid-like inclusions. Channels larger than approximately 50 μm and connected to the bulk fluid were not visible. Both cluster and ring-like structures were observed with each granule source having a characteristic structural type. These structures, and their NMR relaxation behavior, were stable over several months of storage. These observations reveal the complex structures within aerobic granules from a range of sources and highlight the need for non-invasive characterization methods like NMR to be applied in the ongoing effort to correlate structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Kirkland
- Department of Civil Engineering, Montana State University, 205 Cobleigh, Bozeman, Montana, 59717, USA E-mail: ; Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, 366 Barnard, Bozeman, Montana, 59717, USA
| | - Julia R Krug
- Laboratory of BioNanoTechnology, Wageningen University and Research, Axis building, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Biophysics and MAGNEtic Resonance Research FacilitY (MAGNEFY), Wageningen University and Research, Helix building, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Vergeldt
- Laboratory of Biophysics and MAGNEtic Resonance Research FacilitY (MAGNEFY), Wageningen University and Research, Helix building, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lenno van den Berg
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Aldrik H Velders
- Laboratory of BioNanoTechnology, Wageningen University and Research, Axis building, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph D Seymour
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, 366 Barnard, Bozeman, Montana, 59717, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, 306 Cobleigh, Bozeman, Montana, 59717, USA
| | - Sarah L Codd
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, 220 Roberts, Bozeman, Montana, 59717, USA
| | - Henk Van As
- Laboratory of Biophysics and MAGNEtic Resonance Research FacilitY (MAGNEFY), Wageningen University and Research, Helix building, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Merle K de Kreuk
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands
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6
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Baeten JE, Batstone DJ, Schraa OJ, van Loosdrecht MCM, Volcke EIP. Modelling anaerobic, aerobic and partial nitritation-anammox granular sludge reactors - A review. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 149:322-341. [PMID: 30469019 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment processes with granular sludge are compact and are becoming increasingly popular. Interest has been accompanied by the development of mathematical models. This contribution simultaneously reviews available models in the scientific literature for anaerobic, aerobic and partial nitritation-anammox granular sludge reactors because they comprise common phenomena (e.g. liquid, gas and granule transport) and thus pose similar challenges. Many of the publications were found to have no clearly defined goal. The importance of a goal is stressed because it determines the appropriate model complexity and helps other potential users to find a suitable model in the vast amount of literature. Secondly, a wide variety was found in the model features. This review explains the chosen modelling assumptions based on the different reactor types and goals wherever possible, but some assumptions appeared to be habitual within fields of research, without clear reason. We therefore suggest further research to more clearly define the range of operational conditions and goals for which certain simplifying assumptions can be made, e.g. when intragranule solute transport can be lumped in apparent kinetics and when biofilm models are needed, which explicitly calculate substrate concentration gradients inside granules. Furthermore, research is needed to better mechanistically understand detachment, removal of influent particulate matter and changes in the mixing behaviour inside anaerobic systems, before these phenomena can be adequately incorporated in models. Finally, it is suggested to perform full-scale model validation studies for aerobic and anammox reactors. A spreadsheet in the supplementary information provides an overview of the features in the 167 reviewed models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis E Baeten
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Damien J Batstone
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Australia
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7
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Baeten JE, van Loosdrecht MCM, Volcke EIP. Modelling aerobic granular sludge reactors through apparent half-saturation coefficients. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 146:134-145. [PMID: 30243057 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
During biological wastewater treatment, substrates undergo simultaneous diffusion and reactions inside microbial aggregates, creating microscale spatial substrate gradients and limiting the macroscale reaction rates. For flocculent and anaerobic granular sludge, this rate-limiting effect of diffusion is often lumped in model parameters, like the half-saturation coefficients of Monod kinetics in activated sludge models (ASM). Yet, an explicit description of the reaction-diffusion process with biofilm models is more common for aerobic granular sludge. This work investigates whether apparent half-saturation coefficients could have applications for aerobic granular sludge as well and examines the implications of this simplification. To this end, the macroscopic reaction rates predicted with a one-dimensional biofilm (1D) model were fitted with Monod kinetics. The results showed that the macroscale rates could indeed be described using apparent kinetics, at the very least over a time scale where the microbial population distribution stays fixed. However, the coefficients were sensitive to changes in the microbial population distribution, which can be affected by long-term changes in operating conditions. Also the activity of organisms that compete for the same substrates affect the parameter value. Be that as it may, apparent kinetics also depend on the operating conditions for flocculent and anaerobic granular sludge, but they have still been used successfully for design and optimization. Therefore, the last section of this work illustrates that they may also have applications for aerobic granular sludge. A simple model for ammonium removal using apparent half-saturation coefficients for oxygen and ammonium is applied to a full-scale reactor, taking advantage of the batch-wise operation and on-line monitoring data for regular recalibration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis E Baeten
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium.
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Eveline I P Volcke
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
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8
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Zheng G, Su K, Zhang S, Wang Y, Wang W. Three-dimensional multi-species mathematical model of the aerobic granulation process based on cellular automata theory. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2018; 77:2761-2771. [PMID: 30065128 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2018.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic granular sludge is a kind of microbial polymer formed by self-immobilization under aerobic conditions. It has been widely studied because of its promising application in wastewater treatment. However, the granulation process of aerobic sludge is still a key factor affecting its practical application. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) multi-species mathematical model of aerobic granular sludge was constructed using the cellular automata (CA) theory. The growth process of aerobic granular sludge and its spatial distribution of microorganisms were studied under different conditions. The simulation results show that the aerobic granules were smaller under high shear stress and that the autotrophic bacterial content of the granular sludge interior was higher. However, the higher the dissolved oxygen concentration, the larger the size of granular sludge and the higher the content of autotrophic bacteria in the interior of the granular sludge. In addition, inhibition of toxic substances made the aerobic granule size increase more slowly, and the spatial distribution of the autotrophic bacteria and the toxic-substance-degrading bacteria were mainly located in the outer layer, with the heterotrophic bacteria mainly existing in the interior of the granular sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Zheng
- School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China E-mail:
| | - Kuizu Su
- School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China E-mail:
| | - Shuai Zhang
- School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China E-mail:
| | - Yulan Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China E-mail:
| | - Weihong Wang
- Department of Hydraulic and Civil Engineering, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830091, China
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9
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Zheng XY, Lu D, Wang MY, Chen W, Zhou G, Zhang Y. Effect of chromium (VI) on the multiple nitrogen removal pathways and microbial community of aerobic granular sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2018; 39:1682-1696. [PMID: 28562229 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2017.1337230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The frequent appearance of Cr(VI) significantly impacts the microbial metabolism in wastewater. In this study, long-term effects of Cr(VI) on microbial community, nitrogen removal pathways and mechanism of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) were investigated. AGS had strong resistance ability to 1.0 mg/L Cr(VI). 3.0 mg/L Cr(VI) increased the heterotrophic-specific ammonia uptake rate (HSAUR) and heterotrophic-specific nitrate uptake rate (HSNUR) transiently, whereas 5.0 mg/L Cr(VI) sharply decreased the specific ammonia uptake rate (SAUR), specific nitrate uptake rate (SNUR) and simultaneous nitrification denitrification rate (SNDR). It was found that Cr (VI) has a greater inhibitory effect on autotrophic nitrification (ASAUR), and the maximal inhibition rate (IR) was 139.19%. Besides, the inhibition of Cr (VI) on nitrogen removal process belongs to non-competitive inhibition. Cr(VI) had a weaker negative impact on heterotrophic bacteria compared with that on autotrophic bacteria. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses suggest that Acidovorax sp., flavobacterium sp., uncultured soil bacterium, uncultured nitrosospira sp., uncultured prokaryote, uncultured β-proteobacterium and uncultured pseudomonas sp. were the dominant species. The inhibition of Cr(VI) on nitrite-oxidizing bacteria was the strongest, followed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria. Linear correlations between bacterial count and biomass-specific uptake rate were observed when the Cr(VI) concentration exceeded 3 mg/L. This study revealed the effect of Cr(VI) on nitrification is more serious than that on denitrification. Autotrophic and heterotrophic nitrification, heterotrophic denitrification and simultaneous nitrification denitrification played a significant role on nitrogen removal under Cr(VI) stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ying Zheng
- a Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes , Hohai University , Nanjing , People's Republic of China
- b College of Environment , Hohai University , Nanjing , People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Lu
- b College of Environment , Hohai University , Nanjing , People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Yang Wang
- b College of Environment , Hohai University , Nanjing , People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- a Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes , Hohai University , Nanjing , People's Republic of China
- b College of Environment , Hohai University , Nanjing , People's Republic of China
| | - Gan Zhou
- b College of Environment , Hohai University , Nanjing , People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- b College of Environment , Hohai University , Nanjing , People's Republic of China
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10
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Xia J, Ye L, Ren H, Zhang XX. Microbial community structure and function in aerobic granular sludge. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:3967-3979. [PMID: 29550989 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8905-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aerobic granular sludge (AGS), a self-immobilized microbial consortium containing different functional microorganisms, is receiving growing attention, since it has shown great technological and economical potentials in the field of wastewater treatment. Microbial community is crucial for the formation, stability, and pollutant removal efficiency of aerobic granules. This mini-review systematically summarizes the recent findings of the microbial community structure and function of AGS and discusses the new research progress in the microbial community dynamics during the granulation process and spatial distribution patterns of the microbiota in AGS. The presented information may be helpful for the in-depth theoretical study and practical application of AGS technology in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xu-Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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11
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Continuum and discrete approach in modeling biofilm development and structure: a review. J Math Biol 2017; 76:945-1003. [PMID: 28741178 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-017-1165-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The scientific community has recognized that almost 99% of the microbial life on earth is represented by biofilms. Considering the impacts of their sessile lifestyle on both natural and human activities, extensive experimental activity has been carried out to understand how biofilms grow and interact with the environment. Many mathematical models have also been developed to simulate and elucidate the main processes characterizing the biofilm growth. Two main mathematical approaches for biomass representation can be distinguished: continuum and discrete. This review is aimed at exploring the main characteristics of each approach. Continuum models can simulate the biofilm processes in a quantitative and deterministic way. However, they require a multidimensional formulation to take into account the biofilm spatial heterogeneity, which makes the models quite complicated, requiring significant computational effort. Discrete models are more recent and can represent the typical multidimensional structural heterogeneity of biofilm reflecting the experimental expectations, but they generate computational results including elements of randomness and introduce stochastic effects into the solutions.
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12
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Tao J, Qin L, Liu X, Li B, Chen J, You J, Shen Y, Chen X. Effect of granular activated carbon on the aerobic granulation of sludge and its mechanism. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 236:60-67. [PMID: 28390278 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.03.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The granulation of activated sludge and effect of granular activated carbon (GAC) was investigated under the alternative anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The results showed that GAC accelerated the granulation, but had no obvious effect on the bacterial community structure of granules. The whole granulation process could be categorized into three phases, i.e. lag, granulation and granule maturation phase. During lag period GAC provided nuclei for sludge to attach, and thus enhanced the morphological regularization of sludge. During granulation period the granule size increased significantly due to the growth of bacteria in granules. GAC reduced the compression caused by the inter-particle collisions and thus accelerate the granulation. GAC has no negative effect on the performance of SBR, and thus efficient simultaneous removal of COD, nitrogen and phosphorus were obtained during most of the operating time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Tao
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lian Qin
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Bolin Li
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junnan Chen
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Juan You
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yitian Shen
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaoguo Chen
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan 430070, China.
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13
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Boltz JP, Johnson BR, Takács I, Daigger GT, Morgenroth E, Brockmann D, Kovács R, Calhoun JM, Choubert JM, Derlon N. Biofilm carrier migration model describes reactor performance. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2017; 75:2818-2828. [PMID: 28659522 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2017.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The accuracy of a biofilm reactor model depends on the extent to which physical system conditions (particularly bulk-liquid hydrodynamics and their influence on biofilm dynamics) deviate from the ideal conditions upon which the model is based. It follows that an improved capacity to model a biofilm reactor does not necessarily rely on an improved biofilm model, but does rely on an improved mathematical description of the biofilm reactor and its components. Existing biofilm reactor models typically include a one-dimensional biofilm model, a process (biokinetic and stoichiometric) model, and a continuous flow stirred tank reactor (CFSTR) mass balance that [when organizing CFSTRs in series] creates a pseudo two-dimensional (2-D) model of bulk-liquid hydrodynamics approaching plug flow. In such a biofilm reactor model, the user-defined biofilm area is specified for each CFSTR; thereby, Xcarrier does not exit the boundaries of the CFSTR to which they are assigned or exchange boundaries with other CFSTRs in the series. The error introduced by this pseudo 2-D biofilm reactor modeling approach may adversely affect model results and limit model-user capacity to accurately calibrate a model. This paper presents a new sub-model that describes the migration of Xcarrier and associated biofilms, and evaluates the impact that Xcarrier migration and axial dispersion has on simulated system performance. Relevance of the new biofilm reactor model to engineering situations is discussed by applying it to known biofilm reactor types and operational conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Imre Takács
- Dynamita, 7 Eoupe, La Redoute, Nyons 26110, France
| | - Glen T Daigger
- University of Michigan, 1351 Beal Avenue, 177 EWRE, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Zürich 8093, Switzerland and EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Doris Brockmann
- INRA Transfert Environnement, Avenue des Etangs, Narbonne F-11100, France
| | | | - Jason M Calhoun
- Renewable Fibers Wastewater (RF WW), 733 W. Johnson St., Ste. 200, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA
| | - Jean-Marc Choubert
- IRSTEA, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua BP 32108, Villeurbanne, FR 69616, France
| | - Nicolas Derlon
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Zürich 8093, Switzerland and EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
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14
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Weissbrodt DG, Holliger C, Morgenroth E. Modeling hydraulic transport and anaerobic uptake by PAOs and GAOs during wastewater feeding in EBPR granular sludge reactors. Biotechnol Bioeng 2017; 114:1688-1702. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.26295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David G. Weissbrodt
- ETH Zürich; Institute of Environmental Engineering; Zürich 8093 Switzerland
- Eawag-Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology; Dübendorf 8600 Switzerland
- School of Architecture; Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne; Lausanne 1015 Switzerland
- Department of Biotechnology; Delft University of Technology; Delft 2629 HZ The Netherlands
| | - Christof Holliger
- School of Architecture; Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne; Lausanne 1015 Switzerland
| | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- ETH Zürich; Institute of Environmental Engineering; Zürich 8093 Switzerland
- Eawag-Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology; Dübendorf 8600 Switzerland
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15
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Boltz JP, Smets BF, Rittmann BE, van Loosdrecht MCM, Morgenroth E, Daigger GT. From biofilm ecology to reactors: a focused review. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2017; 75:1753-1760. [PMID: 28452767 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2017.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are complex biostructures that appear on all surfaces that are regularly in contact with water. They are structurally complex, dynamic systems with attributes of primordial multicellular organisms and multifaceted ecosystems. The presence of biofilms may have a negative impact on the performance of various systems, but they can also be used beneficially for the treatment of water (defined herein as potable water, municipal and industrial wastewater, fresh/brackish/salt water bodies, groundwater) as well as in water stream-based biological resource recovery systems. This review addresses the following three topics: (1) biofilm ecology, (2) biofilm reactor technology and design, and (3) biofilm modeling. In so doing, it addresses the processes occurring in the biofilm, and how these affect and are affected by the broader biofilm system. The symphonic application of a suite of biological methods has led to significant advances in the understanding of biofilm ecology. New metabolic pathways, such as anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) or complete ammonium oxidation (comammox) were first observed in biofilm reactors. The functions, properties, and constituents of the biofilm extracellular polymeric substance matrix are somewhat known, but their exact composition and role in the microbial conversion kinetics and biochemical transformations are still to be resolved. Biofilm grown microorganisms may contribute to increased metabolism of micro-pollutants. Several types of biofilm reactors have been used for water treatment, with current focus on moving bed biofilm reactors, integrated fixed-film activated sludge, membrane-supported biofilm reactors, and granular sludge processes. The control and/or beneficial use of biofilms in membrane processes is advancing. Biofilm models have become essential tools for fundamental biofilm research and biofilm reactor engineering and design. At the same time, the divergence between biofilm modeling and biofilm reactor modeling approaches is recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barth F Smets
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljøvej 113, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA
| | - Mark C M van Loosdrecht
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Eberhard Morgenroth
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland and Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Glen T Daigger
- University of Michigan, 1351 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA E-mail:
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16
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Galvanauskas V, Grincas V, Simutis R, Kagawa Y, Kino-oka M. Current state and perspectives in modeling and control of human pluripotent stem cell expansion processes in stirred-tank bioreactors. Biotechnol Prog 2017; 33:355-364. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vykantas Grincas
- Department of Automation; Kaunas University of Technology; Kaunas Lithuania
| | - Rimvydas Simutis
- Department of Automation; Kaunas University of Technology; Kaunas Lithuania
| | - Yuki Kagawa
- Department of Biotechnology; Osaka University; Osaka Japan
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17
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Vital-Jacome M, Buitrón G, Moreno-Andrade I, Garcia-Rea V, Thalasso F. Microrespirometric determination of the effectiveness factor and biodegradation kinetics of aerobic granules degrading 4-chlorophenol as the sole carbon source. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 313:112-121. [PMID: 27054670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.02.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a microrespirometric method was used, i.e., pulse respirometry in microreactors, to characterize mass transfer and biodegradation kinetics in aerobic granules. The experimental model was an aerobic granular sludge in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) degrading synthetic wastewater containing 4-chlorophenol as the sole carbon source. After 15 days of acclimation, the SBR process degraded 4-chlorophenol at a removal rate of up to 0.9kg CODm(-3)d(-1), and the degradation kinetics were well described by the Haldane model. The microrespirometric method consisted of injecting pulses of 4-chlorophenol into the 24 wells of a microreactor system containing the SBR samples. From the respirograms obtained, the following five kinetic parameters were successfully determined during reactor operation: (i) Maximum specific oxygen uptake rate, (ii) substrate affinity constant, (iii) substrate inhibition constant, (iv) maximum specific growth rate, and (v) cell growth yield. Microrespirometry tests using granules and disaggregated granules allowed for the determination of apparent and intrinsic parameters, which in turn enabled the determination of the effectiveness factor of the granular sludge. It was concluded that this new high-throughput method has the potential to elucidate the complex biological and physicochemical processes of aerobic granular biosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Vital-Jacome
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Av. IPN 2508, 07360 México DF, México
| | - Germán Buitrón
- Laboratory for Research on Advanced Process for Water Treatment, Unidad Académica Juriquilla, Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Blvd. Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro 76320, México
| | - Ivan Moreno-Andrade
- Laboratory for Research on Advanced Process for Water Treatment, Unidad Académica Juriquilla, Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Blvd. Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro 76320, México
| | - Victor Garcia-Rea
- Laboratory for Research on Advanced Process for Water Treatment, Unidad Académica Juriquilla, Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Blvd. Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro 76320, México
| | - Frederic Thalasso
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Av. IPN 2508, 07360 México DF, México.
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18
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Pronk M, de Kreuk MK, de Bruin B, Kamminga P, Kleerebezem R, van Loosdrecht MCM. Full scale performance of the aerobic granular sludge process for sewage treatment. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 84:207-217. [PMID: 26233660 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Recently, aerobic granular sludge technology has been scaled-up and implemented for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment under the trade name Nereda(®). With full-scale references for industrial treatment application since 2006 and domestic sewage since 2009 only limited operating data have been presented in scientific literature so far. In this study performance, granulation and design considerations of an aerobic granular sludge plant on domestic wastewater at the WWTP Garmerwolde, the Netherlands were analysed. After a start-up period of approximately 5 months, a robust and stable granule bed (>8 g L(-1)) was formed and could be maintained thereafter, with a sludge volume index after 5 min settling of 45 mL g(-1). The granular sludge consisted for more than 80% of granules larger than 0.2 mm and more than 60% larger than 1 mm. Effluent requirements (7 mg N L(-1) and 1 mg P L(-1)) were easily met during summer and winter. Maximum volumetric conversion rates for nitrogen and phosphorus were respectively 0.17 and 0.24 kg (m(3) d)(-1). The energy usage was 13.9 kWh (PE150·year)(-1) which is 58-63 % lower than the average conventional activated sludge treatment plant in the Netherlands. Finally, this study demonstrated that aerobic granular sludge technology can effectively be implemented for the treatment of domestic wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pronk
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands.
| | - M K de Kreuk
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628CN, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - B de Bruin
- Royal HaskoningDHV B.V., P.O Box 1132, 3800 BC Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - P Kamminga
- Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, Stedumermaar 1, 9735 AC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R Kleerebezem
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
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19
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Winkler MKH, Le QH, Volcke EIP. Influence of Partial Denitrification and Mixotrophic Growth of NOB on Microbial Distribution in Aerobic Granular Sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:11003-11010. [PMID: 26248168 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In aerobic granular sludge (AGS), the growth of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) can be uncoupled from the nitrite supply of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Besides, unlike for conventional activated sludge, Nitrobacter was found to be the dominant NOB and not Nitrospira. To explain these experimental observations, two possible pathways have been put forward in literature. The first one involves the availability of additional nitrite from partial denitrification (nitrite-loop) and the second one consists of mixotrophic growth of Nitrobacter in the presence of acetate (ping-pong). In this contribution, mathematical models were set up to assess the possibility of these pathways to explain the reported observations. Simulation results revealed that both pathways influenced the nitrifier distribution in the granules. The nitrite-loop pathway led to an elevated NOB/AOB ratio, while mixotrophic growth of Nitrobacter guaranteed their predominance among the NOB population. Besides, mixotrophic growth of Nitrobacter could lead to NO emission from AGS. An increasing temperature and/or a decreasing oxygen concentration led to an elevated NOB/AOB ratio and increased NO emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari-K H Winkler
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Ghent University , Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195-2700, United States
| | - Quan H Le
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Ghent University , Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Eveline I P Volcke
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Ghent University , Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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20
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Modeling microbial growth and dynamics. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:8831-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6877-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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21
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Chihara K, Matsumoto S, Kagawa Y, Tsuneda S. Mathematical modeling of dormant cell formation in growing biofilm. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:534. [PMID: 26074911 PMCID: PMC4446547 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of dormant cells in microbial biofilms, in which the bacteria are embedded in extracellular matrix, is important for developing successful antibiotic therapies against pathogenic bacteria. Although some of the molecular mechanisms leading to bacterial persistence have been speculated in planktonic bacterial cell, how dormant cells emerge in the biofilms of pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains unclear. The present study proposes four hypotheses of dormant cell formation; stochastic process, nutrient-dependent, oxygen-dependent, and time-dependent processes. These hypotheses were implemented into a three-dimensional individual-based model of biofilm formation. Numerical simulations of the different mechanisms yielded qualitatively different spatiotemporal distributions of dormant cells in the growing biofilm. Based on these simulation results, we discuss what kinds of experimental studies are effective for discriminating dormant cell formation mechanisms in biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Chihara
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Matsumoto
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Yuki Kagawa
- Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Waseda University Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tsuneda
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University Tokyo, Japan ; Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Waseda University Tokyo, Japan
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