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Microbial community structure analysis in a hybrid membrane bioreactor via high-throughput sequencing
Ying Li1, Wei Chen2, Xiaoying Zheng2
1Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; School of Environmental Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, 221018, China.
Hybrid membrane bioreactors (HMBRs) enhance pollutant removal. Sludge retention time significantly impacts microbial communities, with longer times potentially reducing membrane fouling and increasing denitrification potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Hybrid membrane bioreactors (HMBRs) improve pollutant removal over conventional systems due to biofilm-promoting fillers.
- The microbial ecology within HMBRs, particularly how it varies across different reactor components, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sludge retention time (SRT) on microbial community structure and diversity in HMBRs.
- To compare microbial composition across membrane surfaces, suspended filler surfaces, and mixed liquor.
- To identify key microbial groups influencing HMBR performance and membrane fouling.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-scale HMBRs were operated at varying SRTs (10, 20, 30 days).
- High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze microbial communities.
- Microbial diversity and community structure were assessed on membrane surfaces, filler surfaces, and in the mixed liquor.
Main Results:
- SRT significantly altered microbial community structure across all assessed locations within the HMBR.
- Maximal overlap in operational taxonomic units between activated sludge and suspended carriers occurred at 20 and 30 days SRT.
- Proteobacteria dominated differences in the 10-day SRT group.
- Extended SRT reduced membrane fouling by decreasing the abundance of specific bacteria (Thauera, Sphaerotilus) on membranes.
- Comamonadaceae, a denitrifying bacterial family, showed increased potential with longer SRTs.
Conclusions:
- Sludge retention time is a critical factor shaping microbial communities in HMBRs.
- Optimizing SRT can mitigate membrane fouling and enhance the bioreactor's denitrification capacity.
- Understanding HMBR microbial dynamics is key to improving wastewater treatment efficiency.
