Long-term effects of cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on the performance, microbial community and enzymatic activity of activated sludge in a sequencing batch reactor
Some CuO NPs appeared on the sludge surface or in the interior of microbial cells. The variation of microbial community was analyzed at phylum, class and genus level. The ROS and LDH respectively increased by 43.6% and 56.4% at 60 mg/L CuO NPs. CuO NPs at 60 mg/L respectively reduced SAOR and SNOR by 13.4% and 24.5%. SPUR and SPRR decreased at 0–10 mg/L CuO NPs and slightly increased at 60 mg/L.