Enhancement of denitrification in constructed wetlands microbial fuel cells at low temperature: performance and molecular mechanisms.
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75% confidenceConstructed wetland microbial fuel cells (CWMFCs) improved denitrification efficiency at low temperatures by stimulating extracellular polymeric substances production and fostering the growth of psychrophilic electroactive bacteria.
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Abstract
Constructed wetlands (CWs) effectively remove nitrate from secondary effluents of wastewater treatment plants, but denitrification is significantly limited when water temperatures drop below 15 °C. This study used constructed wetland microbial fuel cells (CWMFCs) to improve denitrification efficiency at low temperatures. At 15 °C, conventional CW achieved only 11.6 ± 3.4 % nitrate (NO 3 - -N) removal efficiency, whereas CWMFC enhanced it to 51.1 ± 1.7 %. Molecular mechanisms analyses revealed that the suppressed electron production, transfer, and utilization, as well as impaired energy utilization, are the key factors limiting denitrification efficiency at low temperatures. CWMFC stimulated extracellular polymeric substances production to protect microorganisms from cold stress and fostered the growth of psychrophilic electroactive bacteria (like Anaerolineaceae and Rhodocyclaceae), thereby restoring electron flow and energy efficiency. This work elucidates the key molecular mechanisms of denitrification in CW at low temperatures and demonstrates the potential of CWMFC to improve nitrogen removal efficiency in cold climates.