Biofilm characteristics for providing resilient denitrification in a hydrogen-based membrane biofilm reactor

In a hydrogen-based membrane biofilm reactor (H-2-MBfR), the biofilm thickness is considered to be one of the most important factors for denitrification. Thick biofilms in MBfRs are known for low removal fluxes owing to their resistance to substrate transport. In this study, the H-2-MBfR was operated under various loading rates of oxyanions, such as NO3-N, SO4-S, and ClO(4)e213; at an H-2 flux of 1.06 (-)213; eq/m(2)-d. The experiment was initiated with NO3-N, SO4-S, and ClO4- 213; loadings of 0.464, 0.026, and 0.211 e(-)213; eq/m(2)-d, respectively, at 20 degrees C. Under the most stressful conditions, the loading rates increased simultaneously to 1.911, 0.869, and 0.108 e213; eq/m2-d, respectively, at 10 degrees C. We observed improved performance in significantly thicker biofilms (approximately 2.7 cm) compared to previous studies using a denitrifying H-2-MBfR for 120 days. Shock oxyanion loadings led to a decrease in total nitrogen (TN) removal by 20 to 30%, but TN removal returned to 100% within a few days. Similarly, complete denitrification was observed, even at 10 degrees C. The protective function and microbial diversity of the thick biofilm may allow stable denitrification despite stress-imposing conditions. In the microbial community analysis, heterotrophs were dominant and acetogens accounted for 11% of the biofilm. Metagenomic results showed a high abundance of functional genes involved in organic carbon metabolism and homoacetogenesis. Owing to the presence of organic compounds produced by acetogens and autotrophs, heterotrophic denitrification may occur simultaneously with autotrophic denitrification. As a result, the total removal flux of oxyanions (1.84 e eq/m(2)-d) far exceeded the H-2 flux (1.06 e; eq/m(2)-d). Thus, the large accumulation of biofilms could contribute to good resilience and enhanced removal fluxes.

Automated summary

In a hydrogen-based membrane biofilm reactor (H-2-MBfR), the thickness of biofilm is crucial for denitrification. Thick biofilms have lower removal fluxes due to substrate transport resistance. This study operated the H-2-MBfR under different loading rates of oxyanions, and observed improved performance and stable denitrification under stressful conditions. Microbial community analysis showed dominant heterotrophs and the presence of functional genes related to organic carbon metabolism and homoacetogenesis.