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Updated: Sep 1, 2025

A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Interaction mechanism between nitrogen conversion and the microbial community in the hydrodynamic heterogeneous
Lei Duan1,2, Jinghui Fan1,2, Yike Wang1,2
1School of Hydraulic Engineering and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
River and groundwater interactions significantly impact inorganic nitrogen removal, with microbial communities driving these transformations. Both upwelling and downwelling modes achieved over 99% nitrate-nitrogen removal, showcasing effective biogeochemical cycling.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- River-groundwater interaction zones are critical for nutrient cycling.
- Understanding inorganic nitrogen transformation and microbial responses is vital for water quality management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate inorganic nitrogen transformation and microbial community changes in river-groundwater interfaces.
- To elucidate the interaction mechanisms between nitrogen cycling and microbial communities under hydrodynamic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a vertical simulation device to mimic upwelling (groundwater to river) and downwelling (river to groundwater) scenarios.
- Assessed inorganic nitrogen concentrations and microbial community characteristics in soil and water solutions.
Main Results:
- Achieved >99% removal of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N) in both simulated modes.
- Identified complete inorganic nitrogen transformation, influenced by prolonged hydraulic retention time (HRT) and high organic matter.
- Denitrification was more pronounced during upwelling, while Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium (DNRA) was more intense during downwelling.
Conclusions:
- Hydrodynamic conditions in river-groundwater interfaces significantly influence nitrogen transformation pathways and microbial community structure.
- Microbial communities play a dominant role in the high efficiency of inorganic nitrogen removal in these zones.
- Specific microbial groups, including Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Desulfovibrio, are key players in denitrification and DNRA processes.
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