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Role of extracellular polymeric substances in the acute inhibition of activated sludge by polystyrene nanoparticles
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Researchers investigated how extracellular polymeric substances — the sticky biofilm matrix produced by bacteria — affected the acute inhibition of activated sludge by microplastics, finding that these substances played a protective role by reducing microplastic toxicity in wastewater treatment systems.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic systems have become a global concern because of their persistence and adverse consequences to ecosystems and potentially human health. Though wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered a potential source of microplastics in the environment, the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of activated sludge on the fate of nanoplastics is not clear. In this study, the role of EPS in the influence of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on the endogenous respiration of activated sludge was investigated for the first time. The results showed that the acute inhibition of activated sludge by PS-NPs was enhanced with increasing PS-NPs concentration. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicate that the functional groups involved in the interactions between PS-NPs and EPS were carbonyl and amide groups and the side chains of lipids or amino acids. Furthermore, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results show that the protein secondary structures in EPS were changed by PS-NPs and lead to the bioflocculation of activated sludge, which provides a better understanding on the fate of nanoplastics in WWTPs.
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Researchers found that both micro- and nanoplastics at realistic concentrations harmed the performance of aerobic granular sludge, a technology used for wastewater treatment, by reducing its ability to remove nitrogen. The plastic particles interacted with the sticky substances that hold the sludge granules together, weakening their structural integrity. The study reveals a specific mechanism by which plastic pollution can undermine wastewater treatment systems that communities rely on for clean water.
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Researchers investigated how three types of polystyrene nanoplastics with different surface functional groups affect activated sludge used in wastewater treatment. All three types significantly reduced total protein production in the sludge and caused cellular oxidative stress and membrane damage, with positively charged particles causing the most harm. The findings suggest that nanoplastic contamination in wastewater could impair the biological processes essential for effective sewage treatment.
Polyethylene microplastics increase extracellular polymeric substances production in aerobic granular sludge
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Polyethylene microplastics at concentrations of 1-50 mg/L did not impair biological nutrient removal efficiency in aerobic granular sludge but stimulated production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), including alginate, by up to several-fold. The EPS response may represent a defensive microbial adaptation that also affects sludge settling behavior in wastewater treatment.
The effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on nitrogen removal, extracellular polymeric substances and microbial community in sequencing batch reactor
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Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics and microplastics impaired nitrogen removal in sequencing batch reactors by reducing denitrification rates, altering extracellular polymeric substances, and shifting microbial community composition in activated sludge.
Analytical methods for quantifying PS and PVC Nanoplastic attachment to activated sludge Bacteria and their impact on community structure
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Researchers developed and evaluated analytical methods for quantifying the attachment of polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride nanoplastics to activated sludge bacteria, while also examining the impact of these nanoplastics on microbial community structure.
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