Formation and adaptation of algal–bacterial granular sludge in real Chinese liquor brewing wastewater treatment

The intricate pollutant composition and pronounced water fluctuations of Chinese liquor brewing wastewater (CLBW) pose formidable challenges for effective treatment, thereby raising significant environmental concerns. This study for the first time delves into the exploration of algal–bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) development and its efficacy in the removal of organic matter and nitrogen and phosphorus over a 100–day investigation of real CLBW treatment. Mature ABGS emerged after approximately 40 days of treating wastewater with 20% real CLBW, exhibiting exceptional settling performance and significant removal of COD (86.2%), NH4+–N (98.0%), and TP (51.5%). As the real CLBW proportion increased to 40% or higher, a stable granular structure and excellent settleability persisted, primarily attributed to the consistent content of tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances, the sustained protein–to–polysaccharide ratio, and the proliferation of microalgae within the granules. Microbial community analysis revealed the dominance of microalgal species, including Sphaeropleales, Scenedesmaceae, and Chloromonas. Moreover, the observed decline in nitrification efficiency with increasing CLBW ratio was linked to reductions in Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira populations. Conversely, the recovered TN removal was primarily associated with the accumulation of denitrifiers, including Azoarcus and Thauera, especially when the real CLBW ratio reached 100%. The findings from this study are anticipated to offer a practical reference for optimizing and promoting the treatment of real CLBW.