Floc-size effects of the pathogenic bacteria in a membrane bioreactor plant

The size nature of sludge flocs could affect the occurrence and distribution of bacterial pathogens in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, the floc-size dependence of bacterial pathogens in the activated sludge of a WWTP was investigated using high-throughput metagenomic sequencing approaches. The results showed that a total of 423 pathogenic species belonging to 123 genera were identified in the three size-fractionated flocs. Also, we found that all the pathogens on the WHO's global priority pathogens list were detected in the size-fractionated flocs, with relative abundance of 0.4%, 0.3% and 0.3% for large-size, medium-size and small-size flocs, respectively, indicating the severe human and environmental health risks of activated sludge. Importantly, our results revealed that the pathogenic species showed a clear floc-size dependent distribution manner, leading to significant differences (P < 0.05) of pathogenic communities among the size-fractionated flocs. Additionally, by partitioning pathogens based on the occurrence and significant difference in abundances, we suggested the following distribution features: 1) large flocs-associated pathogens, such as Borrelia recurrentis, Actinobacillus ureae and Campylobacter gracilis; 2) medium flocs-associated pathogens, such as Mycobacterium szulgai and Ureaplasma urealyticum; and 3) small flocs-associated pathogens, such as Rickettsia akari, Staphylococcus anginosus and Helicobacter cinaedi. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of pathogens in activated sludge, which is expected to aid in assessment and management of pathogen risks.