You have probably read about probiotics (bioaugmentation) and prebiotics being used in wastewater treatment, postbiotics are another less talked about potential tool available for optimizing your biomass performance. Postbiotics application in wastewater treatment is an emerging field with promising implications. Let’s dive into how these metabolic by-products can transform wastewater treatment processes.
What are Postbiotics?
Postbiotics are non-living metabolites produced by bacteria. These can include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), enzymes, peptides, cell wall fragments, and vitamins. In producing bioaugmentation products using aseptic fermentation, Aster Bio has evaluated both adding just the bioaugmentation cultures in a pure dried form versus adding the cultures along with biochemical products produced during fermentation. The resulting “Full Fementation Products” have demonstrated interesting benefits for enhancing biomass preformance.
Mechanisms of Action in Wastewater Treatment
- Enhanced Microbial Activity: Postbiotics can stimulate the activity of beneficial microbes in the wastewater biomass. This can lead to more efficient biodegradation processes.
- Biofilms and Flocs Formation: Adding postbiotics might promote the formation of biofilms and flocs, improving the clarification and settling properties of the biomass.
- Problem Organism Reduction: Certain postbiotics have antimicrobial properties that can help control pathogen populations in wastewater systems, enhancing overall treatment efficiency.
- Nutrient Removal: Postbiotics can enhance the uptake of nutrients by microorganisms, potentially improving nutrient removal efficiencies.
Practical Applications
- Aerobic Treatment Systems: Integrating postbiotics in aerated bioreactors can boost microbial efficiency, leading to better organic load reduction.
- Anaerobic Digesters: Postbiotics can enhance biogas production by stabilizing microbial communities and improving the breakdown of complex organic matter.
- Sludge Management: Addition of postbiotics can improve sludge dewatering and reduce odor issues, making the management and disposal of sludge more efficient.
While the application of postbiotics in wastewater treatment is still in its early stages, the benefits are clear. They offer a novel and sustainable approach to enhancing microbial efficiency, controlling pathogens, and improving overall treatment performance. Continued research and field trials will pave the way for wider adoption and optimization of postbiotic applications in wastewater management.