Integrating vegetated biofiltration systems with post AnMBRs to reuse the nutrient water and support landscaping

Reclaimed wastewater reuse is considered a sustainable solution to the water crisis. Integrating an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) and vegetated biofiltration system (VBS) could achieve the water and nutrient reclaimed. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the suitability of reusing post-AnMBR effluent by VSB. post-AnMBR effluent was compared against chlorinated post-AeMBR effluent to dose the VSB. The growth of plants, nutrient removal, and bacteria removal were monitored. In addition, to elucidate the mechanisms of VSB performance, microbial community assembly, and associated functional bacteria were analyzed. Results from this study indicated AnMBR effluent can support robust plant growth of VBS. The VBS could in turn remove nitrogen nutrients in AnMBR effluent due to the enrichment of nitrification-associated bacteria (i.e., Nitrosopumilaceae and Nitrosomonas). In addition, AnMBR effluent dosed VSB showed enhancement for pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but not Legionella. In summary, our findings suggest that coupling AnMBR and VSB presented a promising sustainable solution for regions facing water scarcity and nutrient management challenges.