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Metabolic Profiling to Determine Bactericidal or Bacteriostatic Effects of New Natural Products using Isothermal Microcalorimetry
Published on: October 29, 2020
Enhanced biodegradation of fluoroquinolones and the changes of bacterial communities and antibiotic-resistant genes
Mukadasi Abudureheman1, Nuerla Ailijiang1, Anwar Mamat2
1Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, PR China; Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Urumqi 830017, PR China.
Abstract:
In this study, an anaerobic-aerobic coupling system under intermittent electrical stimulation was used to improve the biodegradation of synthetic wastewater containing fluoroquinolones (FQs). The effect of electrical stimulation on FQ removal performance is more pronounced with appropriate voltage and hydraulic retention time. In addition, the combination of anaerobic-anodic and aerobic-cathodic chambers is more conducive to improving the removal efficiency of FQs. Under 0.9 V, the removal efficiencies of ofloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin were significantly improved in the anaerobic-anodic and aerobic-cathodic system. The contribution of the anaerobic/aerobic anodic chambers to FQ removal was greater than that of the anaerobic/aerobic cathodic chambers. Electrical stimulation selectively enriched electroactive bacteria related to biodegradation (Desulfovibrio and Terrimonas), antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Atopobium and Neochlamydia), and nitrifying bacteria (SM1A02 and Reyranella). This study indicated the potential effectiveness of intermittent electrical stimulation in treating fluoroquinolone-containing wastewater in a biofilm reactor. However, electrical stimulation led to an increase in mobile genetic elements , induced horizontal gene transfer and enriched resistant bacteria, which accelerated the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in the system, indicating that the diffusion of ARGs remains a challenge.
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