Improved Denitrification Performance of Polybutylene Succinate/Corncob Composite Carbon Source by Proper Pretreatment: Performance, Functional Genes and Microbial Community Structure

Abstract

Blending biodegradable polymers with plant materials is an effective method to improve the biodegradability of solid carbon sources and save denitrification costs, but the recalcitrant lignin in plant materials hinders the microbial decomposition of available carbon sources. In the present study, corncob pretreated by different methods was used to prepare polybutylene succinate/corncob (PBS/corncob) composites for biological denitrification. The PBS/corncob composite with alkaline pretreatment achieved the optimal NO3−-N removal rate (0.13 kg NO3−-N m−3 day−1) with less adverse effects. The pretreatment degree, temperature, and their interaction distinctly impacted the nitrogen removal performance and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release, while the N2O emission was mainly affected by the temperature and the interaction of temperature and pretreatment degree. Microbial community analysis showed that the bacterial community was responsible for both denitrification and lignocellulose degradation, while the fungal community was primarily in charge of lignocellulose degradation. The outcomes of this study provide an effective strategy for improving the denitrification performance of composite carbon sources.

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on biological activity and biochemical properties of soil under vetch growing conditions in calcareous soils

“…In this study, this means that the NV plant is texturally more rigid and more resistant to decomposition than the CV plant. In addition, soils with a high C:N ratio have poor mineralization and nitrification, which is against nitrate formation and accumulation [ 53 ] because N mineralization and nitrification are positively correlated with soil NO 3 − -N content [ 54 ], which was supported by our results ( Table 4 ).…”

Reinforced Bioremediation of Excessive Nitrate in Atrazine-Contaminated Soil by Biodegradable Composite Carbon Source

“…After passing through a 2 mm sieve to remove debris, the collected topsoil (0-20 cm) was placed in a cool and ventilated place to air dry for physicochemical characteristics and further use. The corncob was pretreated with a dilute sodium hydroxide solution and biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate purchased from Shenzhen Huixin Plastic Chemical Co. Ltd. (Shenzhen, China) was used for the preparation of composite carbon source [8]. In order to mix thoroughly with the soil, the composite carbon source was ground and sieved (2 mm).…”

“…However, the decomposition rate of returned straw is very slow due to the recalcitrant lignin. In order to reduce the recalcitrant lignin, improve resource utilization of crop straw and strengthen denitrification performance, the corncob was pretreated with dilute sodium hydroxide solution and blended with the biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate to prepare the composite carbon source [8], which was used to reinforce bioremediation of excessive nitrate in the soil in the present study.…”

The Microbiome and Antibiotic Resistome in Soil under Biodegradable Composite Carbon Source Amendment

“…In detail, corncob was soaked in NaOH solution (0.01 mol/L) to remove ingredients difficult to biodegrade, washed with deionized water and dried to constant weight. After, equal weights of polybutylene succinate and pretreated corncob were added into the internal mixer, blended smoothly together and heated to prepare the composite carbon source [ 17 ]. The composite carbon source was crushed and passed through a 2 mm sieve.…”