Interaction of graphene-family nanomaterials with microbial communities in sequential batch reactors revealed by high-throughput sequencing

Abstract

The accelerated development and application of graphene-family nanomaterials (GFNs) have increased their release to various environments and converged in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, little is known about the interactions between GFNs and microbes in WWTPs. In this study, the interaction of graphene oxide (GO) or graphene (G) at different concentrations with microbial communities in sequential batch reactors was investigated. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy analyses showed that the structures of GFNs were obviously changed, which suggested GFNs could be degraded by some microbes. Significantly higher DNA concentration and lower cell number in high-concentration GO group were detected by DNA leakage test and qPCR analysis, which confirmed the microbial toxicity of GO. The chemical oxygen demand and ammonia nitrogen removals were significantly affected by G and GO with high concentrations. Further, high-throughput sequencing confirmed the composition and dynamic changes of microbial communities under GFNs exposure. Saccharibacteria genera incertae sedis (12.55–28.05%) and Nakamurella (20.45–29.30%) were the predominant genera at two stages, respectively. FAPROTAX suggested 12 functional groups with obvious changes related to the biogeochemical cycle of C, N and S. Molecular ecological network analysis showed that the networks were more complex in the presence of GFNs, and the increased negative interactions reflected more competition relationships in microbial communities. This study is the first to report the effect of GFNs on network of microbial communities, which provides in-depth insights into the complex and highlights concerns regarding the risk of GFNs to WWTPs.