Long-term effect of seasonal and constant low temperatures on mesophilic biomass treating sewage in continuously stirred tank anaerobic granular reactor

A Continuously Stirred Tank Anaerobic Granular Reactor seeded with mesophilic biomass was studied for 1733 days analysing the impact of seasonal (12-23 degrees C) and controlled (8-15 degrees C) low temperatures on anaerobic treatment of sewage. Aided by intermittent dosing of 0.04% (v/v) methanol, the microbiota quickly adapted to temperature fluctuations. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was high but low temperatures affected methane production. Under low-temperature stress, the Methanomythylovorans and Methanosaetadominated methanogenic community shifted focus to cellular repair and transport, with carbon diversion towards assimilative pathways, thereby decreasing methane yields. Specific methanogenic activity at 15 degrees C and 30 degrees C increased by five and four times, respectively, from their initial values indicating microbiota retained its mesophilic properties. Despite lower methane yield, stable and high COD removals, along with low dissolved methane and volatile fatty acids indicated that low-temperature anaerobic sewage treatment using mesophilic biomass in the long run is sustainable.

Automated summary

A study was conducted on a Continuously Stirred Tank Anaerobic Granular Reactor to investigate the impact of seasonal and controlled low temperatures on anaerobic treatment of sewage. The microbiota quickly adapted to temperature fluctuations with intermittent dosing of methanol. Low temperatures affected methane production, leading to a shift in the methanogenic community's focus on cellular repair and transport, thereby decreasing methane yields. However, in the long run, stable and high COD removals, along with low dissolved methane and volatile fatty acids, indicated that low-temperature anaerobic sewage treatment using mesophilic biomass is sustainable.