4.7 Review

New mechanistic model to simulate microalgae growth

Journal

ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
Volume 12, Issue -, Pages 350-358

Publisher

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2015.09.008

Keywords

Photobioreactors; HRAP(S); Photolimitation; Oxygen inhibition; Irradiance; Photosynthetic factories

Funding

  1. Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the project DIPROBIO [CTM2012-37860]
  2. Spanish Ministry of Education and Science

Ask authors/readers for more resources

The prospect of treating wastewater and at the same time producing microalgae biomass is receiving increasing attention. Mechanistic models for microalgae growth in wastewater are currently being developed for new systems design as well as to improve the understanding of the involved biokinetic processes. However, mathematical models able to describe the complexity of microalgal cultures are still not a common practice. The aim of the present study is to present and calibrate a new mechanistic model built in COMSOL Multiphysics (TM) platform for the description of microalgae growth. Carbon-limited algal growth, transfer of gases to the atmosphere; and photorespiration, photosynthesis kinetics and photoinhibition are included. The model considers the growth of microalgae as a function of light intensity and temperature, as well as availability of nitrogen and other nutrients. The model was calibrated using experimental data from a case study based on the cultivation of microalgae species in synthetic culture medium. The model was able to reproduce experimental data. Simulation results show the potential of the model to predict microalgae growth and production, nutrient uptake, and the influence of temperature, light intensity and pH on biokinetic processes of microalgae. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Environmental Sciences

Removal and environmental risk assessment of contaminants of emerging concern from irrigation waters in a semi-closed microalgae photobioreactor

Ma Jesus Garcia-Galan, Victor Matamoros, Enrica Uggetti, Ruben Diez-Montero, Joan Garcia

Summary: The study evaluated the efficiency of a new type of reactor in treating different types of pollutants, and indicated through risk assessment that it has minimal impact on the environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2021)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Boosting pharmaceutical removal through aeration in constructed wetlands

Cristina Avila, Maria Jesus Garcia-Galan, Enrica Uggetti, Nicola Montemurro, Manuel Garcia-Vara, Sandra Perez, Joan Garcia, Cristina Postigo

Summary: This study evaluated the removal efficiency of 13 wastewater-borne pharmaceuticals in a pilot constructed wetland operated under different aeration strategies. Aeration was found to improve the removal of conventional wastewater parameters and the targeted micropollutants, with varying effects on different pharmaceuticals.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2021)

Article Environmental Sciences

Promotion of full-scale constructed wetlands in the wine sector: Comparison of greenhouse gas emissions with activated sludge systems

Laura Flores, Marianna Garfi, Rocio Pena, Joan Garcia

Summary: This study aimed to quantify and compare greenhouse gas emissions from two full-scale winery wastewater and sludge treatment systems in Galicia, Spain. The results showed that surface emission rates were lower in the constructed wetlands system compared to the activated sludge system.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2021)

Article Environmental Sciences

New insights on the combined removal of antibiotics and ARGs in urban wastewater through the use of two configurations of vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands

Cristina Avila, Maria J. Garcia-Galan, Carles M. Borrego, Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz, Joan Garcia, Damia Barcelo

Summary: The study investigated the removal of 49 antibiotics and 11 selected antibiotic resistance genes in two vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands. It was found that the partially saturated unit (SVF) showed more significant removal of certain antibiotics compared to the unsaturated unit (UVF). All selected antibiotic resistance genes were detected in influent wastewater and in the biofilm of both wetlands, with varying removal rates.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2021)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Optimization and operation of a demonstrative full scale microalgae harvesting unit based on coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation

Antonio Ortiz, Maria Jesus Garcia-Galan, Joan Garcia, Ruben Diez-Montero

Summary: The study evaluated the performance of a harvesting unit in a demonstration scale microalgae biorefinery for wastewater treatment and resource recovery, finding that the coagulant dose could be determined daily by measuring influent turbidity, and the suspended solids concentration and turbidity in the clarified water met the requirements. The volume of harvested biomass correlated well with results of standard V-30 tests, showing how a full scale coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation process for microalgae separation and concentration can be operated with few simple tools.

SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY (2021)

Article Environmental Sciences

A new evaluation framework for nature-based solutions (NBS) projects based on the application of performance questions and indicators approach

Barbara Sowinska-Swierkosz, Joan Garcia

Summary: This paper introduces a new evaluation framework for NBS projects at the stage of solution selection, based on performance questions and indicators approach. By conducting a systematic review to consider a wide range of influencing factors, around 130 indicators were identified for the evaluation of NBS projects. This work contributes to the discussion on the conceptual sphere of NBS and its practical implementation by introducing multi-perspective standards and guidelines for project selection.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2021)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Optimization of multi-stage thickening of biomass in a demonstrative full-scale microalgae-based wastewater treatment system

Antonio Ortiz, Joan Garcia, Enrica Uggetti, Ruben Diez-Montero

Summary: This study focuses on the operation and optimization of thickening microalgal biomass in photobioreactors using agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater. Through the use of two gravity thickeners in series, the concentration of microalgae biomass was successfully improved. The study also identified key factors such as adjusting the purge flowrate, coordinating purge times and volumes, and proper operation of the scrapers for successful thickening of biomass.

SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Advanced biokinetic and hydrodynamic modelling to support and optimize the design of full-scale high rate algal ponds

Antonio Ortiz, Ruben Diez-Montero, Joan Garcia, Nadeem Khalil, Enrica Uggetti

Summary: In this study, a demonstrative-scale high rate algal pond (HRAP) system for secondary wastewater treatment in India was designed and optimized using simulations and modelling. The study found that a hydraulic retention time of 4 days was optimal for nutrient removal and biomass production. The most efficient design configuration was determined, and a technical-economic assessment of the system was conducted.

COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL (2022)

Article Microbiology

Screening and Application of Ligninolytic Microbial Consortia to Enhance Aerobic Degradation of Solid Digestate

Ulysse Bremond, Aude Bertrandias, Jerome Hamelin, Kim Milferstedt, Valerie Bru-Adan, Jean-Philippe Steyer, Nicolas Bernet, Helene Carrere

Summary: The recirculation of solid digestate with ligninolytic aerobic consortia did not increase methane recovery during the short-term aerobic post-treatment. The decrease in methane yields was attributed to the respiration of easily degradable fractions by the selected consortia.

MICROORGANISMS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Machine Learning Methods Modeling Carbohydrate-Enriched Cyanobacteria Biomass Production in Wastewater Treatment Systems

Hector Rodriguez-Rangel, Dulce Maria Arias, Luis Alberto Morales-Rosales, Victor Gonzalez-Huitron, Mario Valenzuela Partida, Joan Garcia

Summary: This paper develops a model to forecast biomass production in wastewater treatment systems by analyzing the accumulation of carbohydrates and using artificial intelligence algorithms. After comparing five learning models, the CNN-1D model obtains the best results.

ENERGIES (2022)

Article Environmental Sciences

Fate and removal of emerging contaminants in anaerobic fluidized membrane bioreactor filled with thermoplastic gel as biofilm support

Bruna Chyoshi, Lucia Helena Gomes Coelho, Joan Garcia, Eduardo Lucas Subtil

Summary: The Anaerobic Fluidized Membrane Bioreactor (AnFMBR) is an effective technology for removing conventional organic pollutants as well as emerging contaminants (ECs) like diclofenac and 17 beta-estradiol. However, it has lower removal efficiency for 17a-ethinylestradiol and amoxicillin. The study suggests that a combination of other treatment processes is necessary to prevent the release of these contaminants into the environment.

CHEMOSPHERE (2022)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Recent advances and perspectives in the use of conductive materials to improve anaerobic wastewater treatment: A systematic review approached

Thalita Gouveia Castilho, Jose Alberto Domingues Rodrigues, Joan Garcia, Eduardo Lucas Subtil

Summary: In recent years, research has shown that the addition of conductive materials can significantly improve anaerobic digestion and methane production. However, there are still questions regarding the mechanism and impact of material properties on methanogenic pathways. A systematic review and statistical analysis of recent studies found that the use of conductive materials is associated with changes in the microbial community and that millimeter-scale materials may be more effective in increasing methane production. Overall, the use of conductive materials shows promise in improving anaerobic digestion and methane production.

JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING (2022)

Article Environmental Sciences

Sludge Treatment Wetland for Treating Microalgae Digestate Grown in Agricultural Runoff: A Technical, Economic, and Environmental Assessment

Eva Gonzalez-Flo, Antonio Ortiz, Carlos A. Arias, Ruben Diez-Montero, Norbert Kohlheb, Ulf-Henning Schauser, Joan Garcia, Peder K. S. Gregersen

Summary: The management and disposal of wastewater treatment sludge can be a costly and resource-intensive process. Sludge Treatment Wetlands (STW) offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for enhancing sludge quality. A study evaluated the effectiveness of a full-scale STW in stabilizing and dewatering digested microalgal biomass, finding that it was a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for land application.

WATER (2023)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Examining the Potential of Marine Renewable Energy: A Net Energy Perspective

Roger Samso, Julia Crespin, Antonio Garcia-Olivares, Jordi Sole

Summary: Based on a literature review, it is found that the total energy potential of marine renewable energy is uncertain and highly dependent on various factors. The actual net energy contribution is limited by technical, economic, and sustainable constraints.

SUSTAINABILITY (2023)

Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from brown seaweed (Undaria pinnatiida) sporophyll using two sequential green extraction techniques

Sung-Yeoul Kim, Vikash Chandra Roy, Jin-Seok Park, Byung-Soo Chun

Summary: This study aims to extract functional substances from Undaria pinnatiida sporophyll using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and subcritical water extraction (SWE). The results showed that the consecutive green extraction method can yield extracts rich in fucoxanthin and beta-carotene, and the sporophyll of Undaria pinnatiida contains health-beneficial fatty acids. Additionally, SWE can extract substances with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antihypertensive activities.

ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS (2024)