Underestimated roles of phages in biological wastewater treatment systems: Recent advances and challenges

Bacteriophages (phages) are vital components in biological wastewater ecosystems, whose concentrations are far exceeding those bacteria. Despite their importance, they are often overlooked and regarded as the “dark matter” in biological treatment processes. Phages play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamic evolution of host microbial communities within wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), driving their functional evolution through interactions with host microorganisms. Phages are crucial in driving microbial ecological dynamics and regulating metabolic functions. At the macroscopic scale, the organic matters released through viral shunting demonstrate enhanced bioavailability and facilitated organic element cycling based on viral shuttle-mediated bio-pump. Additionally, at the micro-scale, gene transfer mediated by phages can assist functional microorganisms in enhancing metabolic efficiency and adapting to environmental stress. However, this process also introduces environmental risks, particularly the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer and plasmids. Phages offer distinct advantages over conventional chemical and physical methods, including superior efficiency and environmental sustainability. Nonetheless, the development of phage-based biocontrol strategies is constrained by phage specificity and the complexity of biological treatment systems. Recent advances in artificial intelligence and genetic technologies provide promising avenues for optimizing phage applications. Further research into phage ecology is essential to lay a theoretical foundation for enhancing operational stability, treatment efficiency, and targeted biocontrol strategies.