Newswise — A recent study conducted by Nils Heck and PD Dr. Kenneth Dumack from the University of Cologne's Institute of Zoology sheds light on the influence of microbial predators on the bacterial community in wastewater and its impact on water treatment efficiency. Published under the title 'Microeukaryotic predators shape the wastewater microbiome' in the journal Water Research, the study reveals the role of these predators in driving seasonal variations observed in the microbial community.
Wastewater treatment plants rely on the coordinated interaction of diverse microorganisms to effectively treat wastewater. However, the understanding of the microorganisms involved in this process remains incomplete. Apart from the beneficial bacteria responsible for wastewater purification, the bioreactors also harbor a multitude of predatory microorganisms. Yet, the extent to which these predators influence wastewater treatment has remained largely unknown.
Historically, it has been observed that the bacterial community in wastewater and the efficiency of water treatment are influenced by seasonal changes. However, the underlying reasons for these variations have been a subject of inquiry, as bacteria do not possess an inherent sense of time. This question is particularly challenging due to the multitude of factors contributing to seasonal changes. While temperature and light conditions are well-recognized factors, the chemical composition of wastewater, precipitation levels, and numerous other variables also fluctuate throughout the year.
PD Dr. Kenneth Dumack, the lead researcher of the study, provided insights into the factors responsible for the seasonal changes in the bacterial community. Contrary to expectations, the study discovered that ambient temperature alone cannot account for the variations observed. This unexpected outcome led the researchers to investigate alternative explanations for the fluctuation in the bacterial community.
Nils Heck, the study's first author, highlighted the significant role played by the community of microbial predators, including amoebae, ciliates, and rotifers, in shaping the composition of the bacterial community. These predators, in turn, are influenced by the ambient temperature. Consequently, temperature indirectly affects the bacteria through its impact on the predator community.
These novel findings enhance our understanding of the intricate processes involved in wastewater treatment, which have often been regarded as a mysterious "black box." By unraveling these mechanisms, it becomes possible to mitigate health risks associated with insufficiently treated wastewater and address related concerns effectively.
RSS