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Microbial augmented aerobic composting for effective phthalates degradation in activated sludge
Bogui Pan1, Hong Tian1, Qi-Feng Liang1
1College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China.
Bacterial-augmented aerobic composting (AEB) significantly enhances phthalate ester (PAE) removal from activated sludge. AEB reshapes microbial communities for more effective PAE degradation, aiding safe sludge disposal and resource utilization.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Phthalate esters (PAEs) in activated sludge pose environmental risks.
- Conventional aerobic and anaerobic composting methods show limited PAE degradation due to microbial community limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of bacterial-augmented aerobic composting (AEB) for PAE reduction in activated sludge.
- To investigate the microbiological mechanisms behind PAE degradation in AEB compared to anaerobic composting (ANB).
Main Methods:
- Batch degradation experiments were conducted to assess PAE removal efficiency.
- Microbial community analysis, including network analysis, was performed.
- Functional gene prediction and environmental factor analysis (pH, oxygen, C:N metabolism) were utilized.
Main Results:
- AEB treatments significantly increased PAE degradation rates (2.11-3.93-fold for DBP, 2.18-3.36-fold for DEHP).
- AEB fostered bacterial communities dominated by efficient PAE degraders.
- Microbial networks in AEB were more complex (1.5-1.8 times higher node count and connectivity).
- Increased abundance of PAE degradation-related genes and optimized environmental conditions were observed.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial-augmented aerobic composting is a highly effective method for removing PAEs from activated sludge.
- AEB promotes a favorable microbial community structure and function for enhanced PAE biodegradation.
- This approach supports safe disposal and resource utilization of PAE-contaminated activated sludge.
