Current extensive research on aerobic granular sludge (AGS) largely focuses on improving its microbial biodiversity, settlement behavior, nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency, and shock load resistance. Great challenges that have to be faced are the bottleneck of slow-speed granulation and easy disintegration after granulation, which are key to the extended application of AGS technology. In the present review, the typical morphological structures of AGS are firstly summarized as well as the granulation model hypotheses, and then, we analyze the dominant microflora and their spatial distribution features. The influencing factors on particle structure stability are discussed thereafter on a macro and micro scale. Prospects and future research trends are also discussed based on the current study results for AGS technology.

Mineral products provide essential fuels and raw materials for industrialization and our daily life, but their influences on other aspects of life need to be taken into consideration. While the whole world benefits from mining’s contributions, most of the resulting detrimental impacts on the environment and society fall on the local communities. The participation of the local community is one solution to decrease the risks from community-related problems. Subsequently, the requirements of mining sustainable development can be met. A literature review was conducted on mining sustainability and stakeholder participation, and the shortcomings of existing research and difficulties of further study were discussed in detail. This study covers a broad understanding of mining sustainability from a mining community’s perspective. In addition, it offers a new mining sustainability scope based on the literature review. Besides the balance of economic, environmental, and social aspects, the mine owner and local community have to be engaged in the new mining sustainability scope. This literature review could improve community engagement and help mining companies to better understand local mining communities.