In a groundbreaking study published in *Frontiers in Microbiology*, researchers have identified a novel bacterium, *Thauera sp. JM12B12*, that could revolutionize wastewater treatment in agriculture. This dual-function microorganism not only excels at aerobic denitrification but also produces bioflocculants, making it a powerful tool for removing nitrogen and suspended particles from wastewater. The lead author, Mingxia Zhang from the Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application at the Guangdong Academy of Sciences, highlights the significance of this discovery: “This strain offers a sustainable solution for treating wastewater with low carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, which is particularly valuable in recirculating aquaculture systems.”
The study reveals that *Thauera sp. JM12B12* can completely remove nitrate (NO3−-N) and nitrite (NO2−-N) under microaerobic conditions with a remarkably low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 5. Using lactate as the optimal carbon source, the bacterium achieves a total nitrogen removal efficiency exceeding 93.0%. Notably, the process does not produce any harmful inorganic nitrogen species, making it an environmentally friendly option. The optimal conditions for denitrification include a pH range of 7–9, salinity of 0–1.5%, temperature of 25–40°C, and static incubation.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this research is the bacterium’s ability to synthesize extracellular bioflocculants during nitrate removal, achieving a flocculation efficiency of 91.4% with cell-free supernatant. Genome analyses further confirm the presence of a complete denitrification pathway and 80 bioflocculant-related genes, underscoring its dual capacity for nitrogen and suspended particle removal.
The commercial implications for the agriculture sector are substantial. Efficient wastewater treatment is crucial for sustainable farming practices, and the dual-functionality of *Thauera sp. JM12B12* offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. As Mingxia Zhang explains, “This strain could be a game-changer for recirculating aquaculture systems, where maintaining water quality is paramount.” The ability to remove nitrogen and suspended particles simultaneously reduces the need for multiple treatment processes, streamlining operations and lowering costs.
Looking ahead, this research opens up new avenues for developing multifunctional microbial agents in wastewater treatment. The identification of *Thauera sp. JM12B12* paves the way for further exploration of similar microorganisms that can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices. As the agricultural sector continues to seek innovative solutions to environmental challenges, the dual-functionality of this bacterium represents a significant step forward.
The study, led by Mingxia Zhang from the Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application at the Guangdong Academy of Sciences, was published in *Frontiers in Microbiology*, highlighting the potential of this discovery to shape future developments in the field of wastewater treatment and sustainable agriculture.