Zhaozhou Peng , Lei Zhang , Panpan Li , Junzhang Li , Chen Shen , Xia Tian , Shouxin Liu
{"title":"Functional biochar and catalytic sustainable biosynthesis of PHA derived from waste activated sludge","authors":"Zhaozhou Peng , Lei Zhang , Panpan Li , Junzhang Li , Chen Shen , Xia Tian , Shouxin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132613","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132613","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Advancing circular wastewater management, this study developed an innovative solution for waste activated sludge (WAS) utilisation by constructing a system in which<!--> <!-->WAS was<!--> <!-->converted to biochar and feedback catalysed biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). After PHA extraction, residual sludge was pyrolysed into biochar, which acted as a catalyst to further enhance PHA production by the self-fermentation conversion of WAS. Biochar significantly improved electron transfer during anaerobic digestion (by 61.36 %) and boosted the proportion of PHA-producing bacteria by 12.33%, resulting in an 81.04% increase in PHA yield, comprising 66.14% of the dry sludge weight. Multi-omics analysis showed that biochar amplified the expression of key PHA synthesis genes (phaA, 4.69-fold;<!--> <!-->phaB,<!--> <!-->10.04-fold; and<!--> <!-->phaC,<!--> <!-->12.02-fold). This study offers a sustainable approach for WAS management, thereby advancing resource efficiency and providing ecological benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"431 ","pages":"Article 132613"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143905965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yong-Tao Lv , Jin Zhang , Ting Sun , Jian Dong , Yongbao Pan , Yixin Wang , Xudong Wang , Lei Wang
{"title":"Rapid formation of partial denitrification biofilm using gas–liquid separation membrane as carrier: Performance and mechanism","authors":"Yong-Tao Lv , Jin Zhang , Ting Sun , Jian Dong , Yongbao Pan , Yixin Wang , Xudong Wang , Lei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132611","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132611","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Partial denitrification (PD) can ensure stable supply of electron acceptors for anaerobic ammonia oxidation, and biofilm is an effective method to prevent biomass loss, which are crucial for stable operation of PD. In this study, hydrophobic hollow-fiber gas–liquid separation membranes were placed in a denitrification sequencing batch reactor, and dense biofilms were formed within just 3 days. Confocal laser microscopy showed the preferential attachment of the protein (PN) content in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to the membrane surface, followed by exopolysaccharides. Further analyses showed the decrease in the types of signal molecules from six to two (i.e., C4-HSL, C6-HSL) due to negative pressure operation. Importantly, the concentration of C4-HSL increased dramatically with the increase in PN concentration, suggesting that negative pressure promoted the synthesis of C4-HSL signal molecules, which further mediated the secretion of PN for biofilm formation. In addition, biofilm formation was accompanied by nitrite accumulation, leading to successful achievement of PD. Furthermore, 60 % of nitrate-to-nitrite transformation ratio was obtained even when COD/N was increased from 4.5 to 5.0 and influent nitrate concentration was reduced to 25 mg/L. This confirmed the stability of PD, which was mainly attributed to a change in the microbial community and a decrease in nitrite reductase (Nir) activity, with microorganisms enriched through the gas–liquid separation operation exhibiting low Nir activity. This study provides a new method for rapid formation of biofilm for wastewater treatment and stable operation of PD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"431 ","pages":"Article 132611"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143906838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Insights into long-term effects of low-dose cerium on partial-nitrification process: Accelerating nitrite supply by endogenous heterotrophic nitrification partial denitrification","authors":"Hao Su , Bingyan Dong , Longwen Xiao , Dachao Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cerium (Ce(III)) is ubiquitously quantified in many rivers (up to 4.48 mg/L), especially in nitrogen-rich streams affected by rare earth mining. This study investigated effects and mechanisms for long-term (123 d) low-dose (0.5–5.0 mg/L) Ce(III) on partial-nitrification (PN) process. In this study, Ach1 and PrpE were upregulated by 1.0 mg/L Ce(III), which increased the proportion of acetate in metabolic products and enriched <em>Pseudofulvimonas</em>. Moreover, PN/endogenous nitrification partial denitrification (PN/ENPD) process established via the synergy of <em>Pseudofulvimonas</em> and <em>Nitrosomonas</em>, which increased specific nitrite production rate (60 %) and decreased N<sub>2</sub>O (95 %). Furthermore, the “biotic/abiotic synergistic detoxification mechanism” activated when Ce(III) concentration reached 1.0 mg/L, which increased abundance of <em>Nitrosomonas</em>, performance, and secretion of biomolecules. Finally, PN/ENPD process collapsed when Ce(III) concentration reached 5.0 mg/L due to Ce(III) accumulated toxicity. Overall, this study advances the understanding of long-term risks of low-dose Ce(III) to PN process and provides novel insights into accelerating nitrite supply.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"431 ","pages":"Article 132604"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143901858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fangzhou Wang , Ge Song , Mou Zhang , Shunan Zhao , Tuo Wang , Kai Zhao , Xin Wang , Ruiping Liu
{"title":"Fe3O4 nanoparticles promote methanogenesis in propionate acclimated system","authors":"Fangzhou Wang , Ge Song , Mou Zhang , Shunan Zhao , Tuo Wang , Kai Zhao , Xin Wang , Ruiping Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Propionate accumulation is common in anaerobic digestion systems, while Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles (Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs) show potential in steering direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) to facilitate methanogenesis from propionate. However, the effect of Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs in stable microbial communities remains unclear. This study demonstrated that 1.0 g/L Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs enhanced propionate degradation and methane production by 220 % and 55 % of the propionate-acclimated microbial consortia post-shock loading, as evidenced by batch-test. High propionate concentrations suppressed <em>Geobacter</em>, yet Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs enabled electron syntrophy between alternative DIET-participants (<em>Arcobacter</em>, <em>Syntrophobacter</em>) and methanogens (<em>Methanothrix</em>, <em>Methanobacterium</em>) serving as electron conduits. Network analysis further revealed that Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs activated interactions among potential electroactive microbes, highlighting the potentially ubiquitous presence of electron syntrophy. Even in propionate-stressed microbial communities, such mutualism may be rapidly activated by Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs, offering a practical solution for mitigating propionate accumulation and enhance digester performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"431 ","pages":"Article 132608"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143901857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ziyi Cheng , Jinyan Wang , Xinping Liu , Shenbin Cao
{"title":"Accelerated sludge granulation of novel complete ammonium and nitrate removal via denitratation anammox over nitrite process at elevated loading rates","authors":"Ziyi Cheng , Jinyan Wang , Xinping Liu , Shenbin Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Complete Ammonium and Nitrate Removal via Denitratation Anammox Over Nitrite (CANDAN) process was evaluated for rapid sludge granulation in a lab-scale sequencing batch reactor. Over 119 days under increasing nitrogen loading rates (NLRs), the system finally achieved average 89.2 % total nitrogen removal at 1.93 kg N/m<sup>3</sup>/d NLR, with sludge particle sizes increasing from 215.6 μm to 924.5 μm. Higher NLRs significantly increased extracellular polymeric substances, especially hydrophobic proteins, enhancing sludge hydrophobicity and aggregation. Metagenomic analysis identified <em>Candidatus Brocadia</em> and <em>Thauera</em> as predominant and key microbial genera for nitrogen removal. Furthermore, the upregulation of carbon metabolism under heightened NLRs facilitated the synthesis of hydrophobic amino acids, promoting sludge granulation. These findings demonstrate NLR-driven granulation mechanisms, highlight optimizing NLR as key for accelerating granulation, providing insights to improve start-up and operational efficiency of CANDAN systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"431 ","pages":"Article 132610"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143903360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lili Yang , Xin Sun , Hongwei Li , Ran Hao , Fengling Liu
{"title":"New insights into microalgal-bacterial immobilization systems for wastewater treatment: mechanisms, enhancement strategies, and application prospects","authors":"Lili Yang , Xin Sun , Hongwei Li , Ran Hao , Fengling Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The wastewater treatment based on the symbiosis of microalgae and bacteria has attracted increasing attention for its excellent pollutant removal efficiency, energy savings, and resource recovery. Among them, the microalgae-bacteria immobilization (MABI) system stands out by enhancing the electron transfer efficiency through carrier domain confinement, thereby overcoming bottlenecks of low light energy utilization and challenging biomass recycling. MABI is considered a key breakthrough for advancing engineering applications. However, a comprehensive exploration of MABI systems remains lacking. This review systematically summarizes the latest advancements, covering major immobilization techniques and the intrinsic mechanisms underlying microalgae-bacteria interactions and electron transport. Additionally, it explores enhancement strategies aimed at balancing microbial light energy allocation, optimizing nutrient supply, and constructing complementary ecological niches. The advantages and application prospects of MABI systems are highlighted. The review contributes to structuring the knowledge framework of MABI research and identifies critical gaps for future investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"431 ","pages":"Article 132609"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143928064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qing Jiang , Xing Dong , Yang Liu , Xiaoyu Zhou , Guomeng Sun , Ke Shi , Yanlu Qiao , Hao Jiang , Yujie Feng
{"title":"Deciphering of electron transfer and microbial community of electrogenic oxygen reducing biofilms to sulfamethoxazole stress","authors":"Qing Jiang , Xing Dong , Yang Liu , Xiaoyu Zhou , Guomeng Sun , Ke Shi , Yanlu Qiao , Hao Jiang , Yujie Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132597","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132597","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study first evaluated the sulfamethoxazole (SMX) effects on oxygen-reducing biocathodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Low SMX (0.5 mg L<sup>–1</sup>) enhanced current density by 20 % via increased direct electron transfer and lower charge transfer resistance. High SMX (10–30 mg L<sup>–1</sup>) suppressed electrochemical performance. SMX preferentially bound protein-like EPS components over fulvic-like fractions, inducing sequential structural changes (1054 > 970 > 3464 > 2921 > 1643 > 1350 cm<sup>−1</sup>). SMX exposure reshaped microbial communities, enriching antibiotic-resistant genera (<em>Truepera</em>, <em>Nitrospira</em>, <em>Brevundimonas</em>, etc.). Network analysis revealed low SMX enhanced community complexity/stability, while high doses simplified biofilm structure. Functional genes for electron transfer, carbon metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation increased at 0.5 mg L<sup>–1</sup> SMX but decreased under high concentrations. Overall, this study elucidates the dual role of SMX in modulating oxygen-reducing biofilm composition, function, and capability, laying the groundwork for optimized application of MFC in treating SMX-contaminated wastewater.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"430 ","pages":"Article 132597"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143890655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Weimeng Li , Hang Yuan , Yun Hu , Shaohua Dou , Ezhen Zhang , Qun Wu , Fubao Sun
{"title":"Construction of new thermostable MtLPMO9V in synergism with cellulases for efficient lignocellulosic hydrolysis","authors":"Weimeng Li , Hang Yuan , Yun Hu , Shaohua Dou , Ezhen Zhang , Qun Wu , Fubao Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) can promote cellulose hydrolysis by disrupting its crystalline zone. This study focused on an uncharacterized thermophilic <em>Myceliophthora thermophila</em> LPMO (<em>Mt</em>LPMO9V) in synergism with cellulases for efficient ligocellulosic hydrolysis. After <em>Mt</em>LPMO9V was successfully expressed in <em>P. pastoris</em> GS115, the oxidative depolymerization of it was characterized by HPLC, HPAEC-PAD, and MALDI-TOF MS, indicating C4 oxidative cleavage activity. With combination of computer-aided design and MD simulation, <em>Mt</em>LPMO9V was improved for a higher catalytic activity and thermostability by introduction of disulfide bonds, followed by point mutation. The mutant, A170C/A175C/Q120Y (M3), exhibited a remarkable enzymatic activity, increasing by 88 % as compared to the wild-type <em>Mt</em>LPMO9V (WT), in which the catalytic efficiency (<em>k<sub>cat</sub></em>/<em>K<sub>m</sub></em>) was roughly 1.90 folds that of the WT. The M3 demonstrated broad applicability, not only showing synergism with the thermostable endoglucanase <em>Dt</em>CelA for efficient high-temperature saccharification of cellulosic substrates, but also enhancing the saccharification of lignocellulosic substrates when combined with the commercial cellulase blend Celluclast 1.5L, where LPMO accounts for only 2–4 % of the cellulase mixture. This study provides valuable insights into engineering of new extreme LPMOs and also exhibits their potential applicability in development of cellulase-mediated lignocellulosic biorefinery industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"430 ","pages":"Article 132594"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143890656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hong Wang , Shiyu Liu , Yanzeng Li , Xinyu Li , Lei Li , Shijie Yuan , Xiaohu Dai
{"title":"Enhancing simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater using micron zeolite powder carrier and hydrocyclone separator: Microbial distribution and correlation analysis","authors":"Hong Wang , Shiyu Liu , Yanzeng Li , Xinyu Li , Lei Li , Shijie Yuan , Xiaohu Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132598","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132598","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study developed a novel wastewater treatment process for efficient nitrogen and phosphorus removal using micron zeolite powder carriers and hydrocyclone separator. Under anaerobic/intermittent aeration, the total nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies reached 85.2 ± 1.9 % and 78.9 ± 3.4 %, respectively, significantly outperforming conventional activated sludge system. High specific surface area and porosity of zeolite powder facilitated microbial aggregation and biofilm formation, resulting in an average sludge size of 125.3 ± 5.3 μm. The combination of powder carriers and hydrocyclone separators resulted in the differentiated distribution of functional microorganisms. Denitrifying bacteria, such as norank_Comamonadaceae (4.34 %), norank_AKYH767 (1.90 %), and Candidatus_Microthrix (2.61 %), were enriched in biofilm, while nitrifying bacteria and polyphosphate-accumulating organisms predominated in floc. Functional gene abundance related to denitrification and phosphorus removal was significantly upregulated. Correlation network analysis revealed enhanced microbial cooperation, improving the functionality and stability of community. This study offers the potential pathway for efficient nitrogen and phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"431 ","pages":"Article 132598"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143891889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaojin Song , Weijian Wan , Yuedong Zhang , Guang Yu , Bin Li , Qiu Cui , Ya-Jun Liu , Yingang Feng
{"title":"Production of docosahexaenoic acid from corncob residue wastes through integrated whole-cell lignocellulosic saccharification and lipid fermentation by Aurantiochytrium","authors":"Xiaojin Song , Weijian Wan , Yuedong Zhang , Guang Yu , Bin Li , Qiu Cui , Ya-Jun Liu , Yingang Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To convert lignocellulose waste into high-value-added products, we successfully produced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil by <em>Aurantiochytrium</em> sp. SD116 using hydrolysates obtained through a consolidated bio-saccharification (CBS) process with corncob residue (CCR) as the substrate. We conducted fed-batch fermentations using CBS hydrolysates supplemented with sea salt and ammonia, requiring no additional nutrients, and achieved the lipid and DHA titer of 45.10 g L<sup>−1</sup> and 16.87 g L<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. Consequently, 12.6 % (w/w) of the initial CCR was converted to DHA oil. We also assessed the viability of achieving nutrient balance and wastewater recycling in the processes for a substantial reduction of cost.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":258,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology","volume":"431 ","pages":"Article 132606"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143912927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}