Next-Generation Analytical Methods for Understanding Biological Nutrient Removal Processes

Project Information Summary

The project will evaluate how next-generation molecular tools (e.g., metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics) can support biological nutrient removal (BNR) operations. A key objective will be to provide guidance on selecting and implementing appropriate workflows to enable translation of advanced multi-omics science into practical, cost-effective tools that utilities can use to better monitor and optimize BNR processes. 

Background and Project Rationale

As water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) face increasingly stringent effluent limits, rising energy and chemical costs, and the challenge of meeting nutrient targets within limited facility footprints, gaining a deeper understanding of the microbial communities that underpin BNR processes has become essential.

‘Omics tools are advanced molecular methods that identify what microorganisms are present, what they are capable of, and how active they are. ‘Omics tools can potentially provide a direct link between process performance and the biology driving BNR performance, enabling more informed monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization.

However, adopting ‘omics tools for routine use at WRRFs remains elusive. Current approaches often require specialized expertise, have long data turnaround times, and may appear to involve costs that are prohibitive for many utilities. The potential for applying ‘omics for improving BNR processes has not yet been realized.

This project aims to address these current barriers by creating streamlined, utility-ready approaches that make ‘omics information easier to generate, interpret, and apply in routine decision-making.

Research Approach

The approach to this research project consists of the following tasks:

  1. Knowledge synthesis – Conduct a comprehensive review of existing ‘omics tools and gather utility perspectives through a technology assessment and survey.
  2. HOMES workflow and development and validation – Develop the Harmonizing ‘Omics for Managing Environmental Systems (HOMES) workflow and validate it using integrated multi-omics data from BNR case studies. Collaboration with multiple full-scale WRRFs will ensure that the workflow will be based on real operational needs across a range of BNR configurations and address processes including low dissolved oxygen (DO) BNR, Enhanced Biological Phosphorous Removal (EBPR), and partial denitrification-annamox (PdNA). 
  3. Guidance and outreach – Produce practical guidance documents and deliver a workshop to support utility adoption of the HOMES workflow. 

Deliverables

The deliverables expected from this project are the HOMES workflow (available free and open source on GitHub), practical guidance materials, and a workshop to support utility implementation. Ultimately, this work will help utilities improve reliability, reduce operating costs, and better meet tightening nutrient limits by leveraging the biological information present in BNR treatment systems.
 

Associated Project
Project 5291:  Next-Generation Analytical Methods for Understanding Biological Nutrient Removal Processes

Disclaimer

This project information summary is made available for informational purposes only. The project information summary describes the planned approach for the research project; however, project methods may be modified during the course of the project as new information is uncovered and preliminary hypotheses are investigated. For updates on the status of the project, review the project updates or contact The Water Research Foundation (WRF) research manager. This information has not been reviewed by WRF to determine whether it contains patentable subject matter or third-party copyrighted materials, nor has the accuracy of its information or conclusions been evaluated. Accordingly, the information is not considered published and is not available for general distribution. Do not distribute outside your organization. WRF assumes no responsibility for the content of this project information summary or for the opinions or statements expressed. The mention of trade names or commercial products does not represent or imply the approval or endorsement of WRF.