Insights into the role of biochar on the acidogenic process and microbial pathways in a granular sulfate-reducing up-flow sludge bed reactor

Abstract

In this study, the effect of biochar on sulfate reduction and anaerobic acidogenic process was explored in a granular sulfate-reducing up-flow sludge bed reactor in both long-term operation and batch tests. Both bioreactors had a high sulfate reduction efficiency of over 95% during the long-term operation, while the reactor with biochar addition showed higher sulfate reduction efficiency and stronger robustness against volatile fatty acids accumulation with a higher organic loading and sulfate loading rate. Batch tests showed that adding biochar significantly lessened the lag phase of the sulfate-reducing process, accelerated the adaption of acidogens, and facilitated both production and utilization of volatile fatty acids. The microbial pathways proved that biochar could regulate the acidification fermentation pathway and facilitate the enrichment of assimilative desulfurization bacteria. Overall, this study revealed that the acidogenic sulfate-reducing metabolic pathway could be enhanced by biochar, offering a potential application for effective sulfate-laden wastewater treatment.