Biological sulfur oxidation in wastewater treatment: A review of emerging opportunities. (15th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Sen; Mackey, Hamish R.; Hao, Tianwei; Guo, Gang; van Loosdrecht, Mark C.M.; Chen, Guanghao
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 143(2018)
• Page Start: 399
• Page End: 415
• Publication Date: 2018-10-15
• Subjects: Biological sulfur oxidation -- Sulfur bacteria -- Wastewater treatment -- Energy and resource recovery; Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.06.051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Abstract: Sulfide prevails in both industrial and municipal waste streams and is one of the most troublesome issues with waste handling. Various technologies and strategies have been developed and used to deal with sulfide for decades, among which biological means make up a considerable portion due to their low operation requirements and flexibility. Sulfur bacteria play a vital role in these biotechnologies. In this article, conventional biological approaches dealing with sulfide and functional microorganisms are systematically reviewed. Linking the sulfur cycle with other nutrient cycles such as nitrogen or phosphorous, and with continued focus of waste remediation by sulfur bacteria, has led to emerging biotechnologies. Furthermore, opportunities for energy harvest and resource recovery based on sulfur bacteria are also discussed. The electroactivity of sulfur bacteria indicates a broad perspective of sulfur-based bioelectrochemical systems in terms of bioelectricity production and bioelectrochemical synthesis. The considerable PHA accumulation, high yield and anoxygenic growth conditions in certain phototrophic sulfur bacteria could provide an interesting alternative for bioplastic production. In this review, new merits of biological sulfide oxidation from a traditional environmental management perspective as well as a waste to resource perspective are presented along with their potential applications. Highlights: Principles and microbiology of biological sulfur oxidation are reviewed. The current applications of biological sulfur oxidation are summrized. The emerging applications of biological sulfur oxidation are introduced. Energy and resources recovery from biological sulfur oxidation are discussed.