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Published on: March 22, 2024
Glycine-mediated microbial interactions in biological phosphorus removal systems
Agustina Ziliani1, Patricia Bovio-Winkler2, Martin Pabst3
1Department of Environmental Microbiology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Department of Water Supply, Sanitation, and Environmental Engineering, IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands.
Glycine supports enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) by enabling phosphorus release and uptake. This study reveals key microbial players and metabolic pathways involved in glycine-driven EBPR processes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Wastewater treatment engineering
Background:
- Amino acids are understudied in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR).
- Glycine is a common amino acid found in wastewater.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of glycine as a sole carbon source in EBPR.
- To analyze phosphorus removal performance and microbial community dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Operation of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for over three months.
- Chemical analysis of phosphorus removal and dissolved organic carbon.
- Molecular analysis of microbial community composition and metabolic potential.
Main Results:
- Glycine supported EBPR, facilitating anaerobic phosphorus release and aerobic uptake.
- Observed dissolved organic carbon to phosphorus (DOC:P) removal ratio of 100:9.9.
- Enrichment of Saccharimonadales and putative polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) like Ca. Phosphoribacter and Ca. Propionivibrio.
Conclusions:
- Glycine is a viable carbon source for EBPR.
- Distinct metabolic pathways for glycine transformation and lactate utilization were identified.
- Findings expand understanding of amino acid roles in EBPR and microbial community functions.
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