This study case aimed at using the GLOMICAVE platform to integrate data on microbial conversions in relation to biological P-removal by linking metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomics data to full-scale observations on P transformations.
Phosphate removal and recovery
PREVIOUS CONTEXT
Phosphate (P) is a scarce resource and a pollutant that should be removed from wastewater to protect the environment and recovered as an important P-resource (fertiliser as biosolids in agriculture, as struvite or other means). Additionally, phosphate can cause excessive growth of algae in lake and rivers, leading to eutrophication and other kind of environmental problems.
Enhanced biological removal of phosphate is a wastewater treatment process that uses specialized bacteria to remove excess amounts of phosphate from wastewater. For this reason, the recovery of phosphorus through this process is an important development in sustainable wastewater treatment, which presents an important potential to contribute to the circular economy by reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency
GLOMICAVE SOLUTION
Currently the identity and physiology of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) are poorly known and analysed. Most knowledge arise from enriched lab-scale reactors, and little is known from full-scale wastewater treatment plants. With the objective to maximise the abundance and activity of PAOs in the wastewater treatment plants it is important to investigate and discover more in full-scale wastewater treatment plants.
By using the GLOMICAVE platform it has been possible to know more about PAOs, creating and offering a very large dataset and providing guidance and tools to look more deeply into the diversity, physiology and ecology of these microorganisms.
EXPECTED BENEFITS
- Overview of the identity and abundance of PAOs and other relevant microorganisms in full-scale wastewater treatment plants.
- Help to establish metabolic models for prediction of their physiology and ecology.
- Guidance to ensure high level of PAOs and stable operation of the plants.
USE CASE LEADERS
