Performance, comparison and utilization of reduced sulfur (-2) compounds (S2-, FeS and SCN-) in autotrophic denitrification process by thiosulfate-driven autotrophic denitrifier

Liangliang Liu; Yangjin Xu; Hanping Pan; Cunxue Yu; Qian Liu; Chaohai Wei; XiuFang Zhao; Meirong Su; Jianxin Pan

doi:10.1016/j.envres.2023.116219

Performance, comparison and utilization of reduced sulfur (-2) compounds (S^2-, FeS and SCN^-) in autotrophic denitrification process by thiosulfate-driven autotrophic denitrifier

Environ Res. 2023 Aug 15;231(Pt 2):116219. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116219. Epub 2023 May 22.

Authors

Liangliang Liu¹, Yangjin Xu¹, Hanping Pan², Cunxue Yu¹, Qian Liu¹, Chaohai Wei³, XiuFang Zhao⁴, Meirong Su⁵, Jianxin Pan⁶

Affiliations

¹ Research Center for Eco-Environmental Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, PR China.
² Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
³ School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
⁴ Ecological Science Institute, LingNan Eco & Culture-Tourism Co., Ltd., Dongguan, 523125, PR China.
⁵ Research Center for Eco-Environmental Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, PR China; Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
⁶ Research Center for Eco-Environmental Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, PR China. Electronic address: panjx@dgut.edu.cn.

PMID: 37224950
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116219

Abstract

The coexistence of reduced sulfur (-2) compounds (S^2-, FeS and SCN^-) are found in some industrial wastewaters due to pre-treatment of Fe(II) salts. These compounds as electron donors have attracted increasing interest in autotrophic denitrification process. However, the difference of their functions still remain unknown, which limit efficient utilization in autotrophic denitrification process. The study aimed to investigate and compare utilization behavior of these reduced sulfur (-2) compounds in autotrophic denitrification process activated by thiosulfate-driven autotrophic denitrifiers (TAD). Results showed that the best denitrification performance was observed in SCN^-; while the reduction of nitrate was significantly inhibited in S^2- system and the efficient accumulation of nitrite was observed in FeS system with cycle experiments continuing. Additionally, intermediates containing sulfur were produced rarely in SCN^- system. However, the utilization of SCN^- was limited obviously in comparison with S^2- in coexistence systems. Moreover, the presence of S^2- increased the accumulation peak of nitrite in coexistence systems. The biological results indicated that the TAD utilized rapidly these sulfur (-2) compounds, in which genus of Thiobacillus, Magnetospirillum and Azoarcus might play main roles. Moreover, Cupriavidus might also participate in sulfur oxidation in SCN^- system. In conclusion, these might be attributed to the characteristics of sulfur (-2) compounds including the toxicity, solubility and reaction process. These findings provide theoretical basis for regulation and utilization of these reduced sulfur (-2) compounds in autotrophic denitrification process.

Keywords: Denitrification; Microbial community; Reduced sulfur (−2) compounds; Sulfur oxidation; Thiosulfate-driven autotrophic denitrifier.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Bioreactors
Denitrification
Nitrites*
Racepinephrine*
Sulfur
Thiosulfates

Substances

Nitrites
Thiosulfates
Sulfur
Racepinephrine