Effect of multiwalled XXXX nanotubes on UASB microbial consortium.

@entity137 @entity1735 @entity505 @entity3144 @entity1718
UNASSIGNED: The continuous rise in production and applications of @entity505 nanotubes (CNTs) has grown a concern about their fate and @entity137 in the environment. After use, these nanomaterials pass through sewage and accumulate in wastewater treatment plants. Since, such plants rely on biological degradation of wastes; their activity may decrease due to the presence of CNTs. This study investigated the effect of multiwalled @entity505 nanotubes (MWCNTs) on upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) microbial activity. The toxic effect on microbial viability, @entity3144 ( @entity3144 ), volatile @entity1718 (VFA), and biogas generation was determined. The reduction in a colony-forming unit (CFU) was 29 and 58  % in 1 and 100  mg/L test samples, respectively, as compared to control. The volatile @entity1718 and biogas production was also found reduced. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescent microscopy images confirmed that the MWCNT mediated microbial cell damage. This damage caused the increase in @entity3144 @entity1735 , protein, and DNA concentration. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results supported the alterations in sludge @entity3144 due to MWCNT. Our observations offer a new insight to understand the nanotoxic effect of MWCNTs on UASB microflora in a complex environment system.
