Review
Environmental Sciences
Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, S. Pilli, P. Bhunia, R. D. Tyagi, Y. Rao Surampalli, C. Tian Zhang, Sang-Hyoun Kim, Ashok Pandey
Summary: VFAs are the building blocks of the chemical industry and play a key role in the planet's organic carbon cycle. To address the issues of unsustainable VFA production from fossil fuels, it is crucial to develop alternate sources through anaerobic digestion. By researching accessible feedstocks, influencing parameters, and utilizing VFAs to create consumer products, economic stability can be achieved through traditional and advanced production methods.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rodrigo B. Carneiro, Gisele M. Gomes, Marcelo Zaiat, Alvaro J. Santos-Neto
Summary: This study investigates the impact of phase separation on the performance of anaerobic digestion (AD) by operating different configurations of anaerobic fixed bed biofilm reactors. The results show that feeding the effluent stream from the acidogenic reactor to the methanogenic reactor improves system start-up, alkalinity generation, and biomethane production. The COD removal kinetics is also enhanced in the sequential two-phase system. Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is the predominant pathway in the methanogenic reactor, while the Methanosaeta-driven acetoclastic pathway predominates in the acidogenic reactor. The higher diversity of bacteria and archaea in the methanogenic reactor indicates a better balance between volatile organic acid degradation and methane generation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Siran Feng, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Soon Woong Chang, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Yi Liu, Shicheng Zhang, Hoang Nhat Phong Vo, Xuan Thanh Bui, Bich Ngoc Hoang
Summary: This review provides an overview of the roles and applications of enzymes in volatile fatty acids production, as well as feasible measures to enhance enzyme processes. It critically evaluates the major obstacles and possible future research directions for the better utilization of enzymatic processes in promoting volatile fatty acids production from wastewater.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ben-Yan Li, Zi-Yuan Xia, Min Gou, Zhao-Yong Sun, Yu-Lian Huang, Shuo-Bo Jiao, Wen-Ying Dai, Yue-Qin Tang
Summary: This study investigated the performance and microbial community dynamics of an anaerobic VFA production reactor for treating fruit waste. The results showed that increasing the organic loading rate resulted in higher VFA concentrations and yields, with acetate and butyrate being the dominant products. The microbial community analysis revealed the presence of Lactobacillus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_12, and Caproiciproducens genera, which were closely associated with anaerobic VFA production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Umarin Jomnonkhaow, Clarisse Uwineza, Amir Mahboubi, Steven Wainaina, Alissara Reungsang, Mohammad J. Taherzadeh
Summary: Cow manure has long been seen as a waste management challenge, but its organic content presents opportunities for producing value-added bioproducts like VFAs through anaerobic digestion. This study applied thermal pretreatment to inhibit methanogens and utilized an immersed membrane bioreactor for in situ recovery of VFAs, achieving stable long-term production and recovery.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junkai Hu, Yongde Liu, Xue Song, Jihong Zhao, Qiaochong He
Summary: This study investigated the potential of using Brassica chinensis waste (BCW) for anaerobic fermentative production of volatile fatty acids (VFA). The results showed that stacking time, initial pH, inoculum dose, and temperature all had significant effects on VFA yield and the microbial community structure. Stacking BCW for 3 days resulted in the highest VFA yield of 187.79 mgCOD/gVS. VFA production was inhibited under acidic and alkaline conditions, and the optimal inoculum dose was found to be 2 gTS/L. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were identified as the dominant microorganisms involved in the acid production step of hydrolysis in anaerobic fermentation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Liu, Yinguang Chen, Haining Huang, Xu Duan, Lei Dong
Summary: This study reported a new strategy for improving anaerobic digestion (AD) performance under ammonia pressure by regulating the microbiome and enzymes to enhance volatile fatty acids (VFAs) bioconversion. The addition of glutathione significantly increased methane yield and enhanced bioconversion and cell viability under ammonia stress. Metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses revealed that key microbiota and vital proteins involved in enzyme synthesis and catalysis were enriched in the presence of glutathione. The findings suggest that glutathione plays a role in regulating functional microbiome and enzyme activity, offering an alternative approach for improving AD performance under high ammonia conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kasra Khatami, Merve Atasoy, Maximilian Ludtke, Christian Baresel, Ozge Eyice, Zeynep Cetecioglu
Summary: The study investigated the impact of different sludge inoculums, pH levels, and retention times on the generation of VFAs during anaerobic digestion of food waste. Acetic acid was the dominant product under alkaline conditions, while propionic and acetic acids were dominant under acidic conditions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Lukitawesa Lukitawesa, Yumin Duan, Mohammad J. Taherzadeh, Zengqiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, the bacterial community in anaerobic digestion of citrus wastes inoculated with sludge was evaluated, revealing that key bacteria associated with volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production mainly belonged to Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The study also observed changes in bacterial diversity among different treatment groups during the anaerobic digestion process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huda Al Battashi, Shatha Al-Kindi, Vijai Kumar Gupta, Nallusamy Sivakumar
Summary: The study demonstrated that utilizing waste paper as a resource for PHA production through anaerobic digestion is a low-cost strategy. By optimizing the synthesis conditions of PHA from VFAs produced from waste paper, a significantly higher yield of PHA was achieved with a limited nutrient medium.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chidinma A. Tennison-Omovoh, Michael O. Fagbohungbe, Paul O. Bankole, Kirk T. Semple
Summary: This study evaluated the production of volatile fatty acids from the acidogenic anaerobic digestion of sucrose in continuous-stirred tank reactors. It found that increasing nitrogen content in the substrate led to higher VFA production, with acetic acid being the predominant VFA observed. The study highlighted the importance of carbon-nitrogen ratios in improving VFA production from acidogenic fermentation of sucrose.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Juan Cubero-Cardoso, Egidio Russo, Antonio Serrano, Angeles Trujillo-Reyes, Denys Villa-Gomez, Giovanni Esposito, Fernando G. Fermoso
Summary: This study assessed the potential use of strawberry extrudate (SE) as a carbon source for volatile fatty acid (VFA) production under different pH conditions. Anaerobic digestion at pH 7 resulted in methane production, while at pH 9 and 5, VFA accumulated with acetic acid being the predominant VFA at pH 9 and propionic and butyric acids being the major VFAs at pH 5.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xian Du, Yue Zhang, Yan-wen Ma, Shao-xuan Feng, Yi-xin Zhang, Hui-juan Kou, Ying Sun
Summary: This study investigated the effect of persul-fate/biochar treatment on the hydrolysis and acidification stages of cow wastewater anaerobic digestion. The results showed that persul-fate/biochar treatment reduced the total solids and volatile solids content, and increased the production of volatile fatty acids. The molecular analysis indicated that the increase in volatile fatty acids production was due to the increase in low molecular weight dissolved organic matter and enhanced activity of fermentative bacteria. However, excessive persul-fate treatment prolonged the acidification period and caused the inactivation of fermentative bacteria. The findings suggest that the combination of chemical and microbial effects is responsible for the enhanced volatile fatty acids production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wenkai Nie, Yan Lin, Xin Wu, Shaohua Wu, Xiang Li, Jay J. Cheng, Chunping Yang
Summary: In this study, chitosan-Fe3O4 was prepared and its effects on anaerobic digestion processes under acid stress were investigated. The results revealed that chitosan-Fe3O4 significantly increased the methanogenesis rate and accelerated the restoration of acidified anaerobic systems. The analysis of sludge characteristics indicated that chitosan-Fe3O4 promoted the secretion of proteins and humic substances, and enhanced the electron transfer activity of the system. Microbial community analysis showed that chitosan-Fe3O4 enriched the abundance of Peptoclostridium and facilitated direct interspecies electron transfer. These findings suggest that chitosan-Fe3O4 can be used to improve the efficiency of anaerobic digestion of high concentration organic wastewater under acid inhibition conditions.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thierry Ribeiro, Laura Andre, Xiaojun Liu, Mael Mercier-Huat, Joseph Fayolle, Jean-Marie Grosmaitre, Andre Pauss
Summary: In the anaerobic digestion field, the dry matter and organic matter contents of samples are crucial for the design, operation, and maintenance of biogas plants. Volatile compounds can distort dry matter measurements, while the partial decomposition of bicarbonate in the digestion media leads to an underestimation of dry matter measurements. These factors have significant implications for accurate data assessment and balance.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chiqian Zhang, Pamela J. B. Brown, Randall J. Miles, Tommi A. White, DeAna G. Grant, David Stalla, Zhiqiang Hu
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chiqian Zhang, Pamela J. B. Brown, Zhiqiang Hu
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2019)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Liyuan Hou, Nick Griswold, Junyuan Ji, Zhiqiang Hu
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Brent Rood, Chiqian Zhang, Enos Inniss, Zhiqiang Hu
WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2020)
Correction
Microbiology
Linwei Wu, Daliang Ning, Bing Zhang, Yong Li, Ping Zhang, Xiaoyu Shan, Qiuting Zhang, Mathew Robert Brown, Zhenxin Li, Joy D. Van Nostrand, Fangqiong Ling, Naijia Xiao, Ya Zhang, Julia Vierheilig, George F. Wells, Yunfeng Yang, Ye Deng, Qichao Tu, Aijie Wang, Tong Zhang, Zhili He, Jurg Keller, Per H. Nielsen, Pedro J. J. Alvarez, Craig S. Criddle, Michael Wagner, James M. Tiedje, Qiang He, Thomas P. Curtis, David A. Stahl, Lisa Alvarez-Cohen, Bruce E. Rittmann, Xianghua Wen, Jizhong Zhou
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liyuan Hou, Nicholas Griswold, Zhiqiang Hu
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yang Wu, Chung-Yu Guan, Nicholas Griswold, Li-yuan Hou, Xin Fang, Anyi Hu, Zhi-qiang Hu, Chang-Ping Yu
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feng Feng, Yan Li, Benjamin Latimer, Chiqian Zhang, Satish S. Nair, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: A new algal growth model was developed in this study, taking into account factors such as light intensity, biomass concentration, and solids retention time. By simulating light decay and biomass concentration in indoor and outdoor A-MBRs, the model successfully predicted maximum algal productivity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Li, Chiqian Zhang, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: A novel photocatalyst, titanium incorporated hierarchical diatoms, was prepared to selectively remove pharmaceutical and personal care products in water bodies. The silica-titania frustules with nanopores effectively rejected high molecular weight organic matter while allowing the passage of small molecules.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rahamat Ullah Tanvir, Jianying Zhang, Timothy Canter, Dick Chen, Jingrang Lu, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: Phototrophic microorganisms, such as microalgae and cyanobacteria, use light as an energy source to produce bioenergy and biomaterials efficiently. Improving light-harvesting efficiency and metabolic pathways can enhance biomass yield and product production. Future research should focus on integrating phototrophic microorganisms with emerging technologies for harnessing solar energy.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rahamat Ullah Tanvir, Zhiqiang Hu, Yanyan Zhang, Jingrang Lu
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive review of the impact of different eutrophic scenarios on cyanobacterial community succession and cyanotoxin production. It highlights the key roles of temperature, nitrogen fixation, and nitrogen and phosphorus levels in regulating cyanobacterial communities and toxin production in freshwater bodies.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yurong Zhao, Xing Xing, Congbin Xu, Yali He, Chen Yang, Jianzhong Zheng, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: In this study, a novel method was developed to construct a biomimetic nanostructure with omniphobicity on a polypropylene membrane. The modified membrane showed improved salt rejection and antiwetting capacity against surfactants compared to the pristine membrane.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Li, Chiqian Zhang, Xiaoqing He, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: This study demonstrates that tunable diatom micro/nanostructures can be produced by adjusting the solids retention time (SRT) of membrane bioreactors (MBRs). As the SRT increases, the porosity of diatoms decreases and the silicon content increases. The surface area and pore numbers of diatoms decrease linearly with SRT. Additionally, the efficiency of nitrate and phosphorus removal by diatoms changes with SRT.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rahamat Ullah Tanvir, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: A systematic N-2-based assay was developed to evaluate the denitrification kinetics of various carbon sources under anoxic conditions. Acetate had the fastest denitrification rate, while formate and disaccharides exhibited slower kinetics.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liyuan Hou, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: This study compared the overall treatment performance and methanogenic populations in AnMBRs treating low strength wastewater containing simple and complex carbohydrates at decreasing HRTs. The results showed that decreasing HRTs improved the effluent quality and methane yield in AnMBR-A, while the effect on AnMBR-G was smaller and the methanogenic population decreased. The study also found that decreasing HRTs were mainly limited by slow biochemical reactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rong-Gui Zhu, Chang-Gui Pan, Feng-Jiao Peng, Chao-Yang Zhou, Jun-Jie Hu, Kefu Yu
Summary: This comprehensive survey investigated the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and trophic magnification of parabens and their metabolite 4-HB in a marine food web. Results showed that parabens were the predominant pollutants in marine organisms, with significant bioaccumulation from sediments. The estimated trophic magnification factor indicated biomagnification for MeP and trophic dilution for 4-HB. Overall, the risks for humans consuming marine organisms were found to be low.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Andres F. Torres-Franco, Deborah Leroy-Freitas, Cristina Martinez-Fraile, Elisa Rodriguez, Pedro A. Garcia-Encina, Raul Munoz
Summary: Anaerobic and microalgae-based technologies have emerged as sustainable alternatives for municipal wastewater treatment. However, the presence of viruses in the treated wastewater is a major concern for reuse applications. This study assessed the ability of these technologies to reduce viruses during secondary wastewater treatment. The results showed that all technologies were effective in reducing the concentration of viruses, with microalgae-based treatment exhibiting the highest potential for reducing the disinfection requirements of treated wastewater.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Young Gwang Kim, Sae Yun Kwon, Spencer J. Washburn, Scott C. Brooks, Ji Won Yoon, Lucien Besnard
Summary: The study uses Hg isotope ratios to identify the sources and exposure pathways of mercury in bivalves, finding that dissolved Hg phases in the water column are the primary source and exposure pathway to bivalves. This provides new insights into using bivalves as bioindicators for sediment quality monitoring.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Geng, Ying Xu, Rui Liu, Dianhai Yang, Xiaohu Dai
Summary: This study investigates the effect of cation exchange resin (CER) on the sequential recovery of hydrogen and methane from anaerobic digestion (AD) and the corresponding mechanisms. The results show that CER can simultaneously enhance the production of hydrogen and methane by promoting the solubilisation, hydrolysis, and acidification of organic matter. Additionally, CER facilitates effective contact between bacteria and organic particulates and reduces the energy barrier for mass transfer during methane production. The study also reveals changes in the microbial community structure and metagenomics during the AD process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Lin, Zhan Jin, Shunfeng Jiang, Zhiquan Wang, Suqing Wu, Ke Bei, Min Zhao, Xiangyong Zheng
Summary: Dehumidification combined with addition of absorbent resin supplement (ARS) was used to achieve rapid evaporation of non-pretreated urine, resulting in high water evaporation efficiency and nutrient recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yangli Che, Chaoran Lin, Shen Li, Jiao Liu, Longhai Zhu, Shilei Yu, Nan Wang, Haoshuai Li, Mutai Bao, Yang Zhou, Tonghao Si, Rui Bao
Summary: Hydrodynamic processes play a crucial role in the transmission of sediments, microbial assembly, and organic carbon redistribution in the ocean. Through experiments and analysis, we found that hydrodynamics shape the assembly of microbial communities and control the redistribution of different sourced organic carbon, thereby influencing microbial-mediated biogeochemical transformation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Chen, Yu Yang, Nigel J. D. Graham, Zhenyu Li, Xingtao Yang, Zhining Wang, Nadia Farhat, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Li -an Hou
Summary: The fouling of seawater reverse osmosis membranes is a persistent challenge in desalination. This study monitored the operational performance of a desalination plant for 7 years and the fouling development in different areas of membrane modules. The findings showed that operational performance declined over time and fouling mainly occurred at the feed side of the modules, with the highest microbial diversity. Keystone species like Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes played an important role in maintaining community structure and biofilm maturation. Polysaccharides, soluble microbial products, marine humic acid-like substances, and inorganic substances contributed to fouling. Overall, biofouling had a significant impact on membrane fouling after 7 years of operation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dan Li, Jieyi Sun, Yibo Fu, Wentao Hong, Heli Wang, Qian Yang, Junhong Wu, Sen Yang, Jianhui Xu, Yunfei Zhang, Yirong Deng, Yin Zhong, Ping'an Peng
Summary: Sulfidation-oxidation treatment of magnetite (Fe3O4) enhances the production of dark center dot OH, which can efficiently degrade dissolved organic matter (DOM) and accelerate carbon cycling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng Yu, Kaijun Wang, Kaiyuan Zhang, Ruiyang Liu, Pingping Zheng
Summary: This study implemented a microaerobic-aerobic configuration in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment facility and investigated the effects on sludge characteristics, pollutant removal, microbial community, and granulation mechanisms. The results showed successful transition from flocculent-activated sludge to well-defined AGS after two months of operation. The primary pathways for pollutant removal were simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus removal. Moreover, the incorporation of internal separators induced shifts in the flow pattern, which promoted granulation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhe Zhang, Shaoyang Hu, Guangrong Sun, Wei Wang
Summary: Halogenated aromatic disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as halogenated phenols, have garnered widespread attention due to their high toxicity and prevalence. This study reports on the analysis, occurrence, and cytotoxicity of a group of emerging halogenated aromatic DBPs, known as halogenated polyhydroxyphenols (HPPs), in drinking water.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shengyue Chen, Jinliang Huang, Peng Wang, Xi Tang, Zhenyu Zhang
Summary: Accurate prediction of river water quality is crucial for sustainable water management. This study introduces wavelet analysis and transfer learning techniques to assist LSTM modeling, proposing a newly coupled modeling approach that improves short-term prediction of river water quality.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bang Du, Xinmin Zhan, Piet N. L. Lens, Yifeng Zhang, Guangxue Wu
Summary: Efficient anaerobic digestion relies on the cooperation of different microorganisms with different metabolic pathways. This study investigated the effects of different operational modes and the addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) on ethanol metabolic pathways. The results showed that the SBR mode and the presence of CO2 facilitated ethanol metabolism towards propionate production, while the CFR mode with extended solids retention time enriched Geobacter. Adjusting operational modes and PAC addition can modulate anaerobic ethanol metabolism and enrich Geobacter.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wanfa Wang, Si-Liang Li, Jun Zhong, Yuanbi Yi, Fujun Yue, Zenglei Han, Qixin Wu, Ding He, Cong-Qiang Liu
Summary: This study compares the carbon biogeochemical processes in karst and non-karst regions within large thermal stratified river-reservoir systems. The results demonstrate that karst reservoirs have a reduced potential for carbon emissions and highlight the importance of considering geologic settings to improve accuracy in regional and global CO2 emission estimates.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunxia Jiang, Zelong Zhao, Dong Zhu, Xiong Pan, Yuyi Yang
Summary: This study analyzed the occurrence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different environmental media of the Yangtze River using metagenomics. Core resistome dominated by multidrug resistance genes was found in all samples, while rare resistome dominated by various resistance genes was more prevalent in plasmids. Specific bacteria were identified as hosts for both core and rare resistomes, with high clinical concern ARGs found in the rare resistome. Particle-associated environment provided the most ideal conditions for resistome hosts. This study provided insights into the genetic locations of ARGs and the community assembly mechanisms of ARG hosts in freshwater environments.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Zhang, Yongtao He, Linchun Jia, Lei Xu, Zheng Wang, Yueling He, Ling Xiong, Xumeng Lin, Hong Chen, Gang Xue
Summary: By synergizing organic carbon source, thiosulfate, and zero-valent iron, efficient mixotrophic denitrification of oligotrophic secondary effluent can be achieved. Thiosulfate plays a vital role in promoting TN removal efficiency, while corrosion of Fe0 releases OH- to neutralize H+ from thiosulfate-driven denitrification, creating a suitable environment for denitrification. The coordination of thiosulfate and Fe0 maintains the dominance of Thiobacillus for denitrification.