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Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds as Microecological Stability Indicators in Response to Temperature Changes
Erqi Nie1,2, Pin-Jing He1,3, Hua Zhang1
1Institute of Waste Treatment and Reclamation, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China.
Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) show promise as indicators for anaerobic digestion (AD) monitoring. These compounds reflect microbial activity and stability, offering a new approach beyond traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Biogeochemistry
- Environmental Microbiology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Traditional early warning indicators for anaerobic digestion (AD) lack sensitivity in reflecting microbial performance.
- Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) act as communication signals between microorganisms and can indicate microbial health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate temporal variations in mVOC responses to temperature changes during AD.
- To explore mVOCs as potential indicators for monitoring AD processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized time-series and comparative nontarget analyses.
- Employed headspace solid-phase microextraction and high-resolution mass spectrometry.
- Analyzed mVOCs following gradual and pulsed temperature perturbations.
Main Results:
- Identified seventy-six differential mVOCs involved in key metabolic and signaling pathways.
- Found high co-occurrence of these mVOCs with bacteria and archaea via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Demonstrated mVOCs' responsiveness to temperature fluctuations during AD.
Conclusions:
- mVOCs can serve as explanatory indicators for AD monitoring, linking process stability with anaerobic microecology.
- Further research is needed to validate the broad range of mVOC types identified.
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