Optimizing aeration intensity to enhance self-flocculation in algal-bacterial symbiosis systems
Jiahui Huang, Sihan Cheng, Yuwei Zhang, Jiaheng Teng, Meijia Zhang, Hongjun Lin
Abstract
Effectuating optimal wastewater treatment via algae-bacterial symbiosis (ABS) systems necessitates the precise selection of aeration intensity. This study pioneers an in-depth investigation into the interplay of aeration intensity on the microalgal-bacterial consortia's self-flocculation efficacy and the overall treatment performance within ABS systems. The research provides evidence for a direct association between aeration intensity and biomass proliferation, indicating enhanced pollutant removal efficiency with escalated intensities (1.0 and 1.5 L min −1 ), though the variance lacks statistical significance. The peak self-flocculation efficacy of the microalgal-bacterial consortium (82.39% at 30 min) was manifested at an aeration intensity of 1.0 L min −1 . The meticulous analysis of biomass properties showed the complexity of self-flocculation capacity in the consortium, which involves a dynamic interplay of several pivotal factors, including floc size, zeta potential , and EPS content. In situations where these factors pose conflicting influences, the determining factor emerges as the dominant influencer. In this study, the optimal aeration intensity was identified as 1 L min −1 , shedding light on the critical threshold for ABS system operation. This study not only enriches the understanding of microalgal-bacterial wastewater treatment mechanisms but also fosters innovative strategies to enhance the performance of such systems.