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A Review of the Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Wastewater Treatment Systems

Author

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  • Lei Huang

    (Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
    Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Chongqing 400716, China)

  • Yinie Jin

    (Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

  • Danheng Zhou

    (Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

  • Linxin Liu

    (Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

  • Shikun Huang

    (Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

  • Yaqi Zhao

    (Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

  • Yucheng Chen

    (Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region’s Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
    Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Chongqing 400716, China)

Abstract

A review of the characterization and functions of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of microbial aggregates in biological wastewater treatment systems is presented in this paper. EPS represent the complex high-molecular-weight mixture of polymers excreted by microorganisms generated from cell lysis as well as adsorbed inorganic and organic matter from wastewater. EPS exhibit a three-dimensional, gel-like, highly hydrated matrix that facilitates microbial attachment, embedding, and immobilization. EPS play multiple roles in containments removal, and the main components of EPS crucially influence the properties of microbial aggregates, such as adsorption ability, stability, and formation capacity. Moreover, EPS are important to sludge bioflocculation, settleability, and dewatering properties and could be used as carbon and energy sources in wastewater treatment. However, due to the complex structure of EPS, related knowledge is incomplete, and further research is necessary to understand fully the precise roles in biological treatment processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Lei Huang & Yinie Jin & Danheng Zhou & Linxin Liu & Shikun Huang & Yaqi Zhao & Yucheng Chen, 2022. "A Review of the Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Wastewater Treatment Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12191-:d:925534
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Jasińska & Anna Grosser & Erik Meers & Dagmara Piłyp, 2024. "Stimulating Methane Production from Poultry Manure Digest with Sewage Sludge and Organic Waste by Thermal Pretreatment and Adding Iron or Sodium Hydroxide," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-23, May.
    2. Ewa Wiśniowska & Mariusz Kowalczyk, 2022. "Recovery of Cellulose, Extracellular Polymeric Substances and Microplastics from Sewage Sludge: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-11, October.

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