Metagenomic decoding and oxidation pond-based treatment of domestic wastewater using 16 s V3-V4 rRNA sequencing tool

The oxidation pond, also known as the stabilization pond, is a traditional method of wastewater treatment with a water purification mechanism in which microbial diversity plays a significant role in the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater. The 16 S V3-V4 rRNA tool was used in this study to unveil the taxonomy of microflora present inside the oxidation pond, which aided in lowering the pollution level in domestic wastewater. The physicochemical parameters of water quality, which are important for its further reuse for irrigation, landscaping, or other purposes, have been analyzed alongside the microbial community. This system reduced nitrate and lead concentrations by 55.9 and 71.43%, respectively, with a treatment efficiency of 55.9 and 71.43%. COD, phosphorus, TDS, and BOD levels are also reduced by 41.18, 46.5, 23.4, and 47.44%, respectively. The metagenomic study found that bacteria dominated domestic wastewater, with archaea accounting for only 1% of the total. The bacterial diversity in the effluent was greater than in the influent. Mycobacterium was also found in higher concentrations in treated water, with immunotherapeutic properties against MDR-TB patients. Opitutus and Hydrodictyon reticulatum species contributed to nitrate and phosphate reduction in domestic wastewater, respectively. An antibiotic resistance genus Pedobacter was also discovered in domestic wastewater, and its abundance increased after treatment, posing a potential threat. The harmful pathogen Legionella pneumophila is abundant in oxidation pond-based treatment. Overall, the oxidation pond system was found remarkable approach for low-cost wastewater treatment for those areas where lands are easily available, and metagenomic study can be an attainable approach to monitor the microbial profile of treated and untreated water.

Automated summary

Oxidation pond, as a traditional method of wastewater treatment, utilizes microbial diversity to degrade organic pollutants. This study used 16S V3-V4 rRNA analysis to reveal the microbial taxonomy in the oxidation pond, and found that bacteria dominated the microbial community. Species that contributed to nitrate and phosphate reduction, antibiotic resistance bacteria, and a potentially harmful pathogen were also identified. Overall, the oxidation pond system is a cost-effective approach for wastewater treatment in areas with available land.