Hog Farm Lagoon – using Paracoccus to control odors.
When running Microbial Community Analysis tests wastewater treatment systems some organisms are seen at very high frequencies. Among them most interesting genera is Paracoccus. We see this organism in municipal, pulp & paper, food processing, and even petrochemical treatment systems. We don’t often hear much about this Genus, but Paracoccus has multiple important functions in wastewater treatment. The most common Paracoccus seen in wastewater treatment are Paracoccus denitrificans and Paracoccus pantotrophus.
Highly Efficient and Complete Denitrifiers
Both Paracoccus denitrificans and Paracoccus pantotrophus are known for their ability to perform complete denitrification. This means they can convert nitrate (NO3-) all the way to nitrogen gas (N2), effectively removing nitrogen from wastewater. This is crucial for preventing eutrophication, a process where excess nutrients in water bodies lead to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants, disrupting the ecosystem.
Growth on Short Chain Volatile Fatty Acids and C1 Compounds
One of the unique features of these bacteria is their ability to grow on substrates that are often inhibitory to other microorganisms. Paracoccus pantotrophus, for instance, has been evaluated for nitrogen removal using formic acid as the sole carbon source. This ability to utilize short chain volatile fatty acids and C1 compounds makes them highly adaptable and efficient in various wastewater treatment scenarios including odor control and protecting vital bacteria such as AOB & NOB.
Oxidation of Reduced Sulfur Compounds
In addition to their denitrification capabilities, Paracoccus denitrificans and Paracoccus pantotrophus can oxidize reduced sulfur compounds in wastewater. This is particularly important for treating industrial wastewater, which often contains sulfur compounds that can be harmful to the environment. Paracoccus denitrificans, for example, can metabolize compounds of hydrogen and sulfur, such as thiosulfate. This ability further enhances their utility in comprehensive wastewater treatment processes.
Using Paracoccus in Bioaugmentation
The versatility and efficiency of Paracoccus denitrificans and Paracoccus pantotrophus make them invaluable assets in the field of wastewater treatment. Their ability to perform complete denitrification, grow on inhibitory substrates, and oxidize reduced sulfur compounds positions them as key players in maintaining environmental health and sustainability.
Aster Bio has added Paracoccus cultures to improve wastewater treatment efficiency. Early field tests involved using Paracoccus for odor control where its ability to degrade volatile organic acids, mercaptans, and sulfides proved beneficial. We then found it useful in systems with C1 compounds, amines, and sulfides that harmed growth of both AOB & NOB cultures. Additional benefits are seen in increasing complete denitrification for systems with total inorganic nitrogen limits.