Learning from microorganisms: using new insights in microbial physiology for sustainable nitrogen management. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garrido-Amador, Paloma; Kniaziuk, Margarita; Vekeman, Bram; Kartal, Boran
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biotechnology. Volume 67(2021)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.12.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-1669

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: To reduce nitrate to N2 distinct nitrogen-oxide-reducing microorganisms function together. Detecting nirS, nirK or narG genes cannot be directly linked to NO and N2 O emission. Nitrogen-oxide-reducing specialists can be exploited to reduce NO and N2 O emission from wwtp. Aerobic methanotrophs and methane stripping must be considered for the application of N-DAMO. Ammonium recovery could be a more sustainable alternative to nitrogen removal. Abstract : Diverse nitrogen-transforming microorganisms with a wide variety of physiological properties are employed for biological nitrogen removal from wastewater. There are many technologies that achieve the required nitrogen discharge standards; however, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption constitute the bulk of the environmental footprint of wastewater treatment plants. In this review, we highlight current and proposed approaches aiming to achieve more energy-efficient and environment-friendly biological nitrogen removal, discuss whether new discoveries in microbial physiology of nitrogen-transforming microorganisms could be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and summarize recent advances in ammonium recovery from wastewater.