GOALI: Effect of Hydroxylamine on the Structure and Function of Nitrifying Biofilms

环境保护需要废水处理，但大多数处理过程都是非常耗能的。最近开发的一种生物处理工艺，称为部分亚硝化-厌氧氨氧化(PNA)，可以节省能源。然而，在大多数处理过程中很难使用它，因为它需要抑制废水中常见的一些细菌。这项研究探索了一种新型的反应器结构，以及化学羟胺的添加，可以使PNA有效地用于废水处理。这项研究涉及与苏伊士工业合作伙伴的合作。它将培养本科生和研究生，以及博士后研究人员，并将包括在垂直农场开设新项目的社区大学。圣母大学与膜技术领先者苏伊士大学的一项合作研究提出了一项基于生物膜的新型处理技术，该技术允许控制生物膜中的内部物理和化学环境。这种方法可以在现有的污水处理厂实现部分亚硝化，这是节能PNA工艺的一个关键瓶颈。此外，这种生物膜环境控制可以实现废水处理中目前无法实现的其他关键功能，可能成为一种颠覆性技术。新处理工艺的一个关键部分是向生物膜供应化学品。特别是，这个项目将调查羟胺的供应如何改变PNA过程的有效性。羟胺是氨氧化细菌(AOB)的中间体，可以刺激AOB的生长并抑制亚硝酸盐氧化细菌(NOB)。研究人员将首先表征羟胺对AOB和NOB生长动力学的影响。然后，将利用微型传感器、分子工具和成像来探索羟胺尖峰对硝化生物膜结构和功能的影响。先进的生物膜模型将被用来预测PNA的最佳策略。最后，将进行试点研究，以确定实地进程的有效性，并为扩大规模和潜在的商业化收集数据和建议。这是首次研究羟胺对硝化生物膜微生物群落结构的影响。通过测定AOB和NOB在暴露于羟胺期间和之后的动力学，这项工作将为深入了解基本的抑制机制提供依据。这些信息还将为预测间歇性暴露于羟胺的生物膜的行为提供基础。通过用微型传感器和分子工具研究混合培养的生物膜，这项研究可以揭示新细菌的潜在生态位。模拟和生物膜实验将有助于设计更有效的水处理工艺。圣母大学和苏伊士大学的研讨会、讲座和研讨会将向本科生、研究生和常春藤科技社区学院的学生传播有关生物膜研究和工艺开发的知识。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Wastewater treatment is needed for environmental protection, but most treatment processes are very energy intensive. A recently developed biological treatment process, called partial nitritation-anammox (PNA), can save energy. However, it is difficult to use in most treatment processes because it requires the suppression of some bacteria commonly found in wastewater. This research explores a new type of reactor configuration, along with the addition of the chemical hydroylamine, that may allow PNA to be effectively used for wastewater treatment. The research involves a collaboration with SUEZ, an industrial partner. It will train undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a post-doctoral researcher, and will include outreach to a community college with a new program in vertical farms.A collaborative study between the University of Notre Dame and SUEZ, a leader in membrane technologies, is proposed for a novel biofilm-based treatment technology that allows control of the internal physical and chemical environment in the biofilm. This method enables partial nitritation in existing wastewater treatment plants, a critical bottleneck in the energy-efficient PNA process. Furthermore, this biofilm environment control could enable other critical functions not currently possible in wastewater treatment, potentially serving as a disruptive technology. A key part of the new treatment process is the supply of chemicals to biofilms. In particular, this project will investigate how the supply of hydroxylamine, an intermediate of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) that can stimulate AOB growth and suppress nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) will alter the effectiveness of the PNA process. Researchers will first characterize the effects of hydroxylamine on the growth kinetics of AOB and NOB. Then the effects of hydroxylamine spikes on the structure and function of nitrifying biofilms will be explored using micro sensors, molecular tools, and imaging. An advanced biofilm model will be used to predict the best strategies for PNA. Finally, pilot-scale studies will be carried out to determine the process effectiveness in the field and to gather data and recommendations for scale-up and potential commercialization. This is the first research to study the effects of hydroxylamine on the microbial community structure of nitrifying biofilms. By determining the kinetics of AOB and NOB during and following exposure to hydroxylamine, this work will provide insights into fundamental inhibition mechanisms. This information will also provide a foundation for predicting the behavior of biofilms intermittently exposed to hydroxylamine. By studying mixed-culture biofilms with microsensors and molecular tools, the research could reveal potential niches for novel bacteria. The modeling and biofilm experiments will help engineer more effective water treatment processes. Workshops, lectures, and seminars at the University of Notre Dame and SUEZ will disseminate knowledge on biofilm research and process development to undergraduate, graduate, and Ivy Tech Community College students.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.