[Effect of On-line NaClO Backwashing on Microbial Communities in an Inverted A²O-MBR System]

To study the effect of on-line NaClO backwashing on the microbial community structure of membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems, a reversed A²O-MBR reactor was used to monitor system performance, membrane fouling, and microbial community structure. Measurements were made during the stabilization stage, the on-line pure water backwashing stage, and the on-line NaClO backwashing stage. The results showed that key system performance indicators during NaClO backwashing stage, such as COD, ammonia nitrogen, and TN treatment efficiency, were similar to previous stages. The average membrane fouling rate during the on-line pure water backwashing period was lower than that of the stable stage, while the membrane fouling rate increased during the on-line NaClO backwashing stage, and EPS concentration was the highest and membrane fouling was aggravated. The results of the Chao index, Simpson index, and Shannon index showed that the microbial diversity in the aerobic tank sludge remained almost stable after on-line NaClO backwashing, while the abundance of cake layer sludge increased slightly, but the microbial diversity decreased significantly. Proteobacteria was the main microbial phylum in both the aerobic tank and cake layer sludge, followed by Bacteroidetes. After on-line NaClO backwashing, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroides in the aerobic tank sludge did not change notably, but the composition of filter cake sludge changed significantly. Proteobacteria that possess resistance to chlorine disinfectant increased from 53.4% to 77.8%, while Bacteroides decreased from 33.44% to 14.5%. After on-line NaClO backwashing, the composition of the microbial community in aerobic tank and cake layer was similar. Azospira and Comamonadaceaea also increased significantly after NaClO backwashing. Microbial species that can tolerate NaClO treatment may be the main cause of membrane fouling.