Evaluating the effect of gradient applied voltages on antibiotic resistance genes proliferation and biogas production in anaerobic electrochemical membrane bioreactor

Anaerobic biological treatment technologies are one of the major hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Previous studies have applied the electrochemical process to improve biogas production, however, it was challenged that high voltages might promote membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species overproduction to promote ARGs proliferation. Herein, the biogas production and ARGs proliferation in an anaerobic electrochemical membrane bioreactor (AnEMBR) were investigated at the gradient voltages of 0–0.9 V. Results show the reactor performances (average CH4 production and current generation) were distinctly improved with the increase of applied voltage, and reached the optimum at 0.9 V. However, long-term application (>30 day) of 0.9 V deteriorated the reactor performances. Meanwhile, the relative abundances of most target ARGs in the supernatant and effluent of AnEMBR at 0.9 V increased by 0.68–1.55 and 0.42–1.26 logs compared to those before applying voltage, respectively. After disconnecting the circuit, these ARGs abundances all decreased to the original level. Significant correlations between intlI and ARGs (e.g., tetA, tetQ, sulI, and sulII) were observed, indicating horizontal gene transfer may contribute to the increased ARGs. Moreover, the shift of microbial communities caused by the applied voltage enriched potential ARGs-hosts (e.g., Tolumonas), contributing to the proliferation of ARGs. [Display omitted] •Introducing low voltage greatly improved the biogas production in AnEMBR.•Long-term application of high voltage (0.9 V) deteriorated AnEMBR performance.•Applying voltage shifted the microbial community in AnEMBR.•High voltage application increased ARGs abundances in AnEMBR.•Horizontal gene transfer and microbial community shift led to ARG proliferation.