Biomethanation and microbial community changes in a digester treating sludge from a brackish aquaculture recirculation system

Journal article (2016)

Authors

X. Zhang Sanitary Engineering -

Yu Tao Imperial College London

Jianmei Hu

G. Liu Oasen, Sanitary Engineering -

H. Spanjers Sanitary Engineering -

J.B. van Lier Sanitary Engineering -

Research Group

Sanitary Engineering () (TU Delft)

Anaerobic digestion Brackish aquaculture recirculation systems Stepwise increased OLR Sludge retention time (SRT) Inoculum Bacterial and archaeal population

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Published Date

2016

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Water Management

Research Group

Sanitary Engineering

Abstract

Using a high-salinity-adapted inoculum and a moderate stepwise-increased organic loading rate (OLR), a stable digester performance was achieved in treating sludge from a brackish aquaculture recirculation system. The specific methane yield was distinctly enhanced, reaching 0.203 L CH4/g CODadded, compared to literature values (0.140–0.154 L CH4/g CODadded) from the salty sludges. OLR adjustment and the fecal substrate substantially influenced population changes in the digester. Within the bacterial subpopulations, the relative abundance of Bacillus and Bacteroides declined, accompanied by the increase of Clostridium and Trigonala over time. The results show Trigonala was derived from the substrate and accumulated inside the digester. The most abundant methanogen was Methanosarcina in the inoculum and the digestates. The Methanosarcina proliferation can be ascribed to its metabolic versatility, probably a feature of crucial importance for high-salinity environments. Other frequently observed methanogens were outcompeted. The population similarity at the genus level between inoculum and digestates declined during the initial stage and afterwards increased.