Dynamic modeling of the activated sludge microbial growth and activity under exposure to heavy metals. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matyja, Konrad; Wasiela, Aleksandra; Dobicki, Wojciech; Pokorny, Przemysław; Trusek, Anna
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 339(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Dehydrogenases activity -- Biosorption -- Regeneration -- Toxicity -- Metal uptake; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125623
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: The new dynamic model of activated sludge growth and activity was developed. Cu, Cd, Ni, Zn, and Ag ions inhibit dehydrogenases activity. Similar toxicity patterns were noted at the beginning of exposition to each metal. Different modes of toxic action for each metal were noted during biomass growth. The changes in energy and mass balance of activated sludge were observed. Abstract: The presence of heavy metals in the environment can lead to ecological and health problems. The evolution of biological systems, such as activated sludge, exposed to heavy metals is still underexplored. Therefore, this study sought to develop a model of microorganism activity and growth in activated sludge and used it to investigate the toxicity of five metals: Cu, Cd, Ni, Zn, and Ag. Patterns in the evolution of the toxic effects caused by these metals were similar at the beginning of exposure. Differences in toxicity between metal ions were noted for longer exposure times. Changes in model parameters indicate the influence of metal ions on the mass and energy balance of living cells. Decreases in new enzyme units and biomass production yields in contaminated activated sludge indicate a shift from anabolic reactions to metal homeostasis and resistance.