Acceleration of start-up of moving bed biofilm reactor at low temperature by adding specialized quorum sensing bacteria

Abstract

This study aims to accelerate biofilm formation and operational performance of moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) at 5 ℃ by adding specialized Quorum Sensing bacteria (sphingomonas rubra BH3T). Results showed that bio augmented MBBR (RS) achieved a higher chemical oxygen demand and NH4+-N removal rate (93% and 75%), which in accordance with its increased biofilm thickness, higher biofilm activity, and nitrifying bacteria abundance (Nitrospira). The increased biofilm thickness (60.23 %) during the whole operating time, accompanied by more potent adhesion force (61.59 %), was related to increased polysaccharides and proteins in the biofilm. Pyrosequencing analysis indicated that BH3T contributed to higher species richness and triggered the rapid growth of precursor microorganisms (Nakamurella, Micropruina, and Zoogloea) and the enrichment of multifunctional microorganisms (Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Arcobacter, Dechloromonas, and Flavobacterium) at low temperatures. This study provides an economical and practical new insight into accelerating start-up of MBBR system at low temperature.