The responses of activated sludge to membrane cleaning reagent H2O2 and protection of extracellular polymeric substances

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is evaluated as a potential replacement for chlorine to control biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). However, H2O2 might diffuse into the mixed liquor and damage microorganisms during membrane cleaning. This study comprehensively analyzed the impacts of H2O2 on microbes. Key enzymes involved in phenol biodegradation were inhibited with H2O2 concentration increased, and thus phenol degradation efficiency was decreased. Increase of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) indicated more severe cell rupture with H2O2 concentration increased. At the same H2O2 concentration, Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extraction further led to inhibiting the activity of key enzymes, decreasing phenol degradation efficiency, and enhancing LDH release and ROS production, demonstrating that the existence of EPS moderated the adverse impacts on microbes. Spectroscopic characterization revealed the increase of H2O2 decreased tryptophan protein-like substances, protein-associated bonds and polysaccharideassociated bonds. Hydroxyl and amide groups in EPS were attacked, which might lead to the consumption of H2O2, indicated EPS protect the microorganism through sacrificial reaction with H2O2.

Automated summary

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is being considered as a potential alternative to chlorine for controlling biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs), however its use may lead to inhibition of key enzymes, decreased degradation efficiency, and increased cell damage for microorganisms, especially during membrane cleaning processes. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were found to moderate the adverse impacts on microbes by inhibiting key enzyme activity, reducing phenol degradation efficiency, and enhancing cell damage with H2O2 concentration increased.EPS also protected microorganisms by sacrificial reaction with H2O2, as indicated by spectroscopic characterization.