Effect of aeration on nitrogen removal-associated microbial community in an innovative vertical cork-based constructed wetland for winery wastewater treatment

The wine industry produces large quantities of wastewater that often contains high levels organic matter and nutrients, like nitrogen phosphorous. In particular, pollution can be harmful, even at low levels, since infants are vulnerable to nitrates in drinking water, excess harm the health soils waterways. Herein, an innovative compact, modular, mobile treatment wetland (TW) using cork by product as only granular media was used treat final effluents from Codorniu winery (Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Spain). TW operated during two 5-month periods with or without intermittent induced aeration (40 min cycles, 90 L/min air flow rate). Nitrate (N-NO3) total (TN) removal were higher (52.8% 46.8%, respectively, p < 0.05) operation under aerated-condition. Additionally, qPCR analysis 16S rRNA, nirS nosZ genes revealed facilitates N-NO3 reduction stimulation denitrifying bacteria biofilm (11.4% increase copies number/g sample, well increasing number heterotrophic adhered (25.5% rRNA 0.05). Moreover, SEM images demonstrated suitability a resistant filter for after long-term system (1.5 years). conclusion, our results suggest improved compounds compared non-aerated period, affecting phosphorous elimination. residual is presented here circular bioeconomy view, suitable filling provide additional carbon source C/N rate stimulating denitrification, reliable substrate biomass growth.