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Two novel bacteriophages isolated from the environment that can help control activated sludge foaming
Wenbin Xiong1, Bingxin Liu2, Han Lu1
1College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
Folia Microbiologica
|February 16, 2024
Summary
Novel bacteriophages P69 and KYD2 effectively control Nocardia bacteria, significantly reducing sludge foaming and improving water quality in wastewater treatment. This offers a sustainable solution for sewage treatment plants facing Nocardia overgrowth.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Nocardia species are filamentous bacteria known to cause sludge foaming in aeration tanks due to their hydrophobic nature and attachment to bubbles.
- This phenomenon, sludge foaming, negatively impacts wastewater treatment efficiency and effluent quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of two novel bacteriophages, P69 and KYD2, in controlling Nocardia species responsible for sludge foaming.
- To assess the impact of phage application on key water quality parameters and sludge characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of two novel bacteriophages (P69 and KYD2) targeting Nocardia transvalensis and Nocardia carnea.
- Simulation of sludge foaming in a laboratory-scale aeration tank pilot plant.
- Application of isolated phages to assess their impact on Nocardia populations, turbidity, sludge volume index, and foam disappearance time.
Main Results:
- Phage application significantly reduced Nocardia host levels, leading to a decrease in turbidity by over 68% and sludge volume index by over 25%.
- Foam disappearance was accelerated by 9 hours compared to the control group.
- Phages demonstrated effective inhibition of Nocardia propagation during simulated sludge foaming events.
Conclusions:
- The novel bacteriophages P69 and KYD2 are effective biological agents for controlling Nocardia-induced sludge foaming in wastewater treatment.
- Phage therapy presents a promising, economical, and environmentally friendly solution for managing sludge foaming and improving effluent quality in sewage treatment plants.
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