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The ecology of the sewer systems: Microbial composition, function, assembly, and network in different spatial
Yiming Yuan1, Guangyi Zhang2, Hongyuan Fang1
1School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University. Zhengzhou 450001, China; Yellow River Laboratory, Zhengzhou University. Zhengzhou 450001, China; National Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Major Infrastructure Testing and Rehabilitation Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Water Conservancy and Transportation Infrastructure Safety, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
Journal of Environmental Management
|May 10, 2024
Summary
Microbial induced concrete corrosion (MICC) is a major sewer issue. This study reveals distinct microbial communities and functions in different pipe locations, highlighting sulfur cycling as a key corrosion risk and stochasticity in community assembly.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Microbial ecology
- Civil engineering infrastructure
Background:
- Microbial induced concrete corrosion (MICC) is the primary cause of global sewer deterioration.
- Understanding sewer microbial ecology is crucial for developing protective policies and trenchless technologies.
- Key aspects to investigate include microbial composition, interactions, functions, and assembly processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze microbial communities, functions, and assembly processes across different spatial locations within sewer pipes.
- To identify environmental factors influencing microbial community structure and function.
- To assess the microbial contribution to concrete corrosion risk.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to analyze microbial samples from sewer wastewater and pipe surfaces (upper, middle, and bottom parts).
- Microbial community composition, functional potential (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur cycles), and network interactions were analyzed.
- Environmental factors like oxidation-reduction potential and sulfate levels were correlated with microbial data.
Main Results:
- The bottom part (BP) of pipes harbored distinct microbial communities with a high proportion of unique species and a tendency towards clustering.
- Significant spatial variations in microbial functions, particularly in the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles, were observed.
- Active microbial sulfur cycling in BP indicated a high risk of MICC. Stochastic processes dominated community assembly, and BP exhibited a more complex, modular microbial network.
Conclusions:
- Spatial location significantly impacts sewer microbial community structure, function, and network complexity.
- Microbial sulfur cycling is a key indicator of MICC risk in sewers.
- Insights into sewer microbial ecology can inform engineering strategies for infrastructure protection and disaster prevention.
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