Application of the MBBR technology to achieve nitrification below 1° C: Biofilm and microbiome analysis

Abstract

The regulatory framework throughout the world is becoming increasingly stringent with respect to ammonia discharge from municipal wastewater treatment plants. Meeting these regulations are challenging in northern and cold climate regions due to the well characterized significant temperature effects on nitrification in conventional biological treatment systems. The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of ammonia loading rates on ammonia removal rates at 1° C and determine the impact on the microbial communities at low temperatures through the application of variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and next generation sequencing. Investigating the microbial community during long exposure to 1° C will provide necessary information to understand the potential and design constraints of nitrifying MBBR systems in northern and cold climate regions.