Algal–bacterial synergy in treatment of winery wastewater

• DOI: 10.1038/s41545-018-0005-y
• Publication Date: 2018-05-02T09:46:05Z
• Authors: Brendan T. Higgins; Ingrid Gennity; Patrick S. Fitzge...; Shannon J. Ceballos; Oliver Fiehn; Jean S. VanderGhe...
• Keywords: Chlorella sorokiniana

Abstract There is significant potential for employing algae in tertiary wastewater treatment, however, little known about the contribution of algae-bacteria synergy toward treatment performance. This study demonstrates three winery samples. Two strains green algae, Auxenochlorella protothecoides and Chlorella sorokiniana were tested each removed > 90% nitrogen, 50% phosphate, 100% acetic acid wastewater. Both grew significantly faster on wastewaters compared to growth minimal media. Organic carbon apparently played a limited role algal enhancement. When cultured sterile-filtered wastewater, A. increased soluble COD loadings two C. secreted an insoluble film. Culturing with native microbial community negated secretion photosynthate, allowing simultaneous reductions nutrient concentrations. species stimulated bacterial strain-specific way, suggesting unique responses photosynthate. Cofactor auxotrophy thiamine, cobalamin, biotin widespread among these cofactors are typically obtained from bacteria. Sequencing revealed bacteria capable synthesizing all while liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) bio-assays presence thiamine metabolites wastewaters. These likely rates, particularly , which cannot synthesize de-novo but can salvage it degradation products. Collectively, results demonstrate that provided synergistic benefits, potentially contributing higher levels than either organism type alone.