Metagenomics reveals the metabolism of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms in biofilm sequencing batch reactor: A new model

• Published in: Bioresource technology 2022-09, Vol.360, p.127603-127603, Article 127603
• Main Authors: Ni, Min, Pan, Yang, Li, Dapeng, Huang, Yong, Chen, Zhiqiang, Li, Lu, Song, Zuowei, Zhao, Yimeng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biofilm sequencing batch reactor; Gluconeogenesis; Metabolic pathways; Polyphosphate-accumulating organisms; Process performance
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127603

[Display omitted] •BSBR and EBPR differ in the type and the metabolic process of their PAOs.•The dominant PAOs in BSBR lack inefficient pathways of C and P metabolism.•The metabolism of C, P, and glycogen in BSBR shifts to more efficient pathways.•The PAOs in BSBR have simultaneous glycogenolysis and glyconeogenesis.•BSBR can efficiently enrich phosphate from consuming low concentration carbon source. This study assessed the impact of the operating conditions of the biofilm sequencing batch reactor (BSBR) on the community structure and the growth/metabolic pathways of its polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs). There are significant difference with reference to the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process. The leading PAOs in BSBR generally are capable of high affinity acetate metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and low affinity phosphate transport, and have various carbon source supplementation pathways to ensure the efficient circulation of energy and reducing power. A new model of the metabolic mechanism of PAOs in the BSBR was formulated, which features low glycogen metabolism with simultaneous gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis and differs significantly from the classic mechanism based on Candidatus_Accumulibacter and Tetrasphaera. The findings will assist the efficient recovery of low concentration phosphate in municipal wastewater.