Exploring transformation of dissolved organic matters and dissolved organic nitrogen in full-scale anammox wastewater treatment: Temperature and microbial roles

Variation of dissolved organic matters (DOM) in mainstream anammox process has received limited attention. This study systematically characterized DOM and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in a full-scale mainstream anammox wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) using spectroscopy and Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Roles of bacterial community structures related with temperatures on DOM and DON transformations were analyzed. Results indicated that the WWTP removed highly bioavailable, S-containing DOM while producing more unsaturated, aromatic, and N-containing DOM. Higher relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi at low temperature resulted in greater removal rates of proteins, SMP-like and humic acid-like substances. At high temperature, higher relative abundance of Actinobacteriota increased lignin production. Principal component analysis revealed that temperature significantly impacted DOM characteristics compared to DON. These findings are crucial for understanding DOM and DON transformation during mainstream anammox WWTP.