Direct sludge granulation by applying mycelial pellets in continuous-flow aerobic membrane bioreactor: Performance, granulation process and mechanism.

Abstract This study provides a sustainable manner for direct cultivation of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) by addition of mycelial pellets (MPs) into continuous-flow aerobic MBR. The results showed that the granulation time in MPs-MBR was shortened by at least 65 days, accounting for enhanced mean size of granules (0.68–0.76 mm), increased mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration (12.8 g/L) and improved settling ability (78.1 mL/g), in comparison with that of 0.23–0.28 mm, 9.8 g/L and 102.1 mL/g in control MBR. MPs-MBR demonstrated significant advantages in terms of COD reduction (97.0–99.1%), NH4+-N reduction (100%) and TN reduction (32.27–42.33%). MPs, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and filamentous bacteria acted as inducible nucleus, crosslinking matter and supporting skeleton, respectively, in favor of promoting the formation and stabilization of AGS with a four-layered structure. The relevant mechanism was underlined by rheological analysis, indicating that MPs addition enhanced non-Newtonian flow characteristics and network structure of sludge.