How Does the Fermentation Bio-Reactor Utilize Indigenous Functional Microbial Consortia to Achieve Efficient Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal?
Publish Time: 2026-02-05
Rural sewage in China is characterized by high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, variable flow rates, and limited infrastructure for centralized treatment. The Fermentation Bio-Reactor addresses these challenges through an innovative integration of ecological microbiology and advanced engineering. Central to its success is the use of indigenous, environmentally sourced functional bacteria—collectively known as the FB series—which are specifically selected and enriched to thrive in local conditions. This approach not only enhances treatment efficiency but also ensures long-term system resilience and sustainability.
Harnessing Locally Adapted Microbial Communities
Unlike conventional bioreactors that rely on imported or lab-cultured strains, the FBR leverages native microorganisms originally isolated from Chinese soil, water bodies, and natural wastewater ecosystems. These include denitrifying bacteria capable of converting nitrate into harmless nitrogen gas , and polyphosphate-accumulating organisms that uptake and store excess phosphorus intracellularly during aerobic phases. Because these microbes have naturally evolved in regional environments, they exhibit superior adaptability to local temperature fluctuations, pH variations, and organic load changes—critical factors in decentralized rural settings where operational control is limited.
Synergistic Bacterial Consortium Design
The FB series is not a single strain but a carefully balanced consortium: denitrifiers work in tandem with PAOs under alternating anaerobic–anoxic–aerobic conditions within the FBR’s integrated tank compartments. Meanwhile, oil-degrading bacteria break down grease and lipids common in rural kitchen wastewater, preventing clogging and maintaining microbial activity. COD-reducing heterotrophs further stabilize the system by rapidly consuming organic matter, creating favorable redox conditions for nutrient removal. This multi-functional synergy eliminates the need for chemical additives and reduces sludge production, aligning with eco-friendly treatment principles.
Biofilm and Granular Sludge Enhancement
Within the FBR, the indigenous bacteria form robust biofilms on structured media or self-aggregate into dense granules—both of which significantly increase biomass retention and metabolic efficiency. The granular sludge, in particular, allows for excellent settling properties and high microbial concentration without requiring secondary clarifiers. Because the functional bacteria originate from the same ecological niche as the influent wastewater, they readily colonize these carriers, accelerating system startup and recovery after shock loads—a common issue in rural areas with intermittent water usage.
Integration with Japanese Purification Tank Philosophy The FBR incorporates key design elements from Japan’s proven Johkasou purification tanks, such as compact modular chambers, controlled hydraulic retention times, and staged aeration. However, it innovates by replacing generic activated sludge with the tailored FB bacterial community. This hybrid model ensures that the physical environment optimally supports the metabolic pathways of the native microbes. For instance, precise aeration control creates ideal anoxic zones for denitrification while preserving energy—enhancing both nitrogen removal and phosphorus uptake without external carbon sources.
Sustainability and Practical Advantages By using locally derived bacteria, the FBR avoids the risks associated with introducing non-native species, such as ecological imbalance or poor survival rates. Moreover, the system requires minimal maintenance: once inoculated, the microbial community self-regulates and regenerates over time. Combined with intelligent monitoring for dissolved oxygen, pH, and flow, the FBR achieves consistent compliance with China’s stringent rural discharge standards . Its economic applicability stems from low operational costs, long service life, and reduced sludge handling—making it a scalable solution for thousands of villages nationwide.
The Fermentation Bio-Reactor exemplifies how ecological intelligence can be engineered into wastewater technology. By harnessing the power of indigenous functional bacteria—adapted, resilient, and synergistic—it achieves high-efficiency nitrogen and phosphorus removal without relying on chemicals or complex infrastructure. This biologically grounded approach not only meets regulatory demands but also fosters a circular, low-carbon model for rural environmental governance in China and beyond.
