An overview of quorum sensing in shaping activated sludge forms: Mechanisms, applications and challenges

Activated sludge method is an effective method for the wastewater treatment and has been widely applied. Activated sludge usually exists in various forms such as activated sludge floc, biofilm and granule. Due to the different character and function for each sludge type, the role and mechanism in the wastewater treatment process are also different, but all were crucial. The quorum sensing (QS) /quorum quenching (QQ) have been demonstrated and proved to regulate the group behavior by secreting signaling molecules among microorganisms and thus affect the manifestation of sludge. However, the complex mechanisms and regulatory strategies of QS/QQ in sludge forms have not been systematically summarized. This review provided an overview on the mechanism of QS/QQ shaping sludge forms from macro to micro (Explore it through signaling molecules, extracellular polymeric substances and microorganisms). In addition, the application and challenges of QS/QQ regulating sludge forms in various wastewater treatment processes including biofilm batch reactor, granule sludge and membrane bioreactor were discussed. Finally, some suggestions for further research and development of effective and economical QS/QQ strategies are put forward.