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Synergistic inhibition and microbial adaptation in anammox systems under long-term salinity and fulvic acid stress
Wenjun Yin1, Yilin Li2, Aodong Pan2
1Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Monitoring and Restoration of Watershed Environment, College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; Honghe Branch of Yunnan Hydrology and Water Resources Bureau, Mengzi 661100, China.
Abstract:
Salinity and fulvic acid frequently coexist in high-strength wastewater, yet their combined effects on anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) remain unclear. This study evaluated their impacts on reactor performance, microbial community structure, and functional genes. Moderate salinity (5-10 g L-1 NaCl) slightly enhanced anammox activity, whereas higher salinity (15 g L-1) and fulvic acid (> 60 mg L-1) significantly inhibited nitrogen removal. Under such combined stress, specific anammox activity decreased by about 40%, indicating a synergistic inhibition. Extracellular polymeric substances increased by 198%, suggesting a microbial stress-response strategy. Microbial community analysis showed a decline in Planctomycetes by 11%, and enrichment of Proteobacteria by 7% and Chloroflexi by 4%. Metagenomic results revealed suppression of key anammox genes and enrichment of denitrification genes, with quorum sensing and polysaccharide biosynthesis genes increased, suggesting EPS-mediated adaptation under combined stress. These findings provide insights for improving anammox stability in saline and humic-rich wastewater treatment systems.
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