Defence Asala Mahajna: "Demystifying water microbiomes in engineered ecosystems: from drinking water distribution systems to saline activated sludge"
| When: | Tu 08-04-2025 14:30 - 15:30 |
| Where: | Aula Academy Building |
Promotors: Prof.dr. B. Jayawardhana, Prof.dr. G.J.W. Euverink, Prof.dr.ir. K.J. Keesman
Abstract: In wastewater treatment, a unique two-year metatranscriptomic dataset from saline activated sludge bacteriota in the Netherlands provides critical insights into microbial composition and metabolic functionality. The data highlights key stress response genes and their associated metabolic pathways, which are upregulated in response to high sulfate concentrations in influent wastewater. Additionally, this research introduces the Diversity-Informed Valuation of Ecosystem Functioning (DIVE) framework, which links microbial diversity to ecosystem performance. Metatranscriptomic analyses identify essential functional genes and microbial adaptations, while stress-related gene studies reveal resilience mechanisms. By integrating meta-omics, AI, and domain expertise, this work advances microbial ecology research and supports sustainable water quality management.