Analysis of microbial characterization in an upflow anaerobic sludge bed/biological aerated filter system for treating microcrystalline cellulose wastewater

A two-stage UASB and 2-stage BAF series bioreactor was used for treating the microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) wastewater. The treating efficiency, dominant microbes, eubacterial and archaebacterial composition and cel5A, cel6B and bglC gene expression levels were examined using combined PCR-DGGE and real-time PCR technology. The results showed that under three MCC loads (1000, 2000 and 3000 mg L−1), the total MCC degradation efficiency of the UASB-BAF system was 82.0%, 83.5% and 70.5%, respectively. In different MCC load cases, the first stage UASB and BAF formed an approximate full-value cellulase system where cellulolytic microorganisms were the dominant flora, while the second stage UASB and BAF formed a low-value cellulase system where non-cellulolytic microorganisms were the dominant flora. Eubacteria were dominant in every UASB-BAF unit. The rate-limiting enzyme gene for MCC degradation in every unit was cel6B. These results will support the development of high efficiency bio-reactors for the degradation of MCC.

► An UASB-BAF system was used for treating MCC wastewater.
► Microbial characterization in this MCC wastewater treatment process.
► The total MCC degradation efficiency of the UASB-BAF system was above 70%.
► Cellulolytic microorganisms were dominant in the first stage UASB-BAF.
► Cel6B was the rate-limiting enzyme gene of MCC degrading in the UASB-BAF bioreactor.