Integrating sulfur, iron(II), and fixed organic carbon for mixotrophic denitrification in a composite filter bed reactor for decentralized wastewater treatment: Performance and microbial community

Decentralized wastewater treatment in rural areas is an imperative challenge around the world, particularly in developing countries. The composite filter bed reactor is viable for decentralized wastewater treatment, but its performance on nitrogen removal often fluctuates with the unstable influent characteristics and loadings. Here, a composite filter bed reactor integrating sulfur, iron(II), and fixed organic carbon (shaddock peel) was developed and continuously operated under different conditions. The fixed organic carbon source promoted nitrogen removal with an efficiency higher than 90% and reduced effluent sulfate level by 40%, indicating that the integrated electron donors could improve the resistance and stability of the reactor. Moreover, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (Thiomonas, Sulfuriferula, and Acidithiobacillus), iron-oxidizing bacteria (Ferritrophicum), and denitrifiers (Simplicispira and Hydrogenophaga) were identified in the anoxic/anaerobic layer of the reactor, suggesting that mixotrophic denitrification was stimulated by sulfur, iron(II), and fixed organic carbon. The findings of this study indicate that the developed reactor with the integrated electron donors could be reliable for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal and promising for the application of decentralized wastewater treatment.