Uptake of copper ion by activated sludge and its bacterial community variation analyzed by 16S rDNA

The effect and uptake of copper ion on SBR (sequence batch reactor) biological treatment system was studied. Special nutrient and powder activated carbon (PAC) additive were tested as uptake stimulation technique. Results showed that copper ion had higher effect on unacclimated activated sludge system than on acclimated one. The special nutrient adding could enhance the uptake of copper significantly, while PAC adding could improve the sludge settling and decrease the turbidity of effluent. The variation of bacterial community analyzed by 16S rDNA method showed the acclimation of copper could increase copper resistance species, and excess accumulation could cause some species diminish. It was confirmed that acclimation could improve the resistance and uptake ability of microorganism to heavy metal.