Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zahir Barahmand, Gamunu Samarakoon
Summary: Sensitive analysis is conducted to investigate the influence of key parameters on the outputs of anaerobic digestion models, which helps to better understand and operate biogas production units.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Renisha Karki, Wachiranon Chuenchart, K. C. Surendra, Shihwu Sung, Lutgarde Raskin, Samir Kumar Khanal
Summary: Anaerobic mono- and co-digestion of coffee pulp, cattle manure, food waste, and dewatered sewage sludge were evaluated using biochemical methane potential tests. Mono-digestion of coffee pulp and food waste yielded higher methane yields compared to the co-digestion ratios examined, with no synergistic or antagonistic effects observed. Nine different kinetic models were compared, with cone and modified Gompertz models identified as best-fit for mono- and co-digestion of coffee pulp and cattle manure, and superimposed model for food waste and dewatered sewage sludge.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mawaheb Mouftahi, Nawel Tlili, Nejib Hidouri, Pietro Bartocci, Francesco Fantozzi
Summary: Tunisia faces a shortage of conventional energy resources and a growing volume of organic wastes. This study explores the potential of anaerobic digestion to utilize bio-wastes for energy production and mitigate environmental issues. Experimental results demonstrate a net yield of biomethane of 0.384 Nm(3)/kg VS and a biodegradability of 66.89%. The Gompertz model showed the best fit for predicting the anaerobic digestion process.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alexandre Boutoute, Nathalie Di Miceli Raimondi, Richard Guilet, Michel Cabassud, Corrado Amodeo, Hassen Benbelkacem, Pierre Buffiere, Ruben Teixeira Franco, Stephane Hattou
Summary: Global sensitivity analysis based on Definitive Screening Design and multiple linear regression analysis is shown to be reliable and simple, allowing for accurate estimation of important kinetic and mass transfer parameters in anaerobic digestion models.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Juan C. Acosta-Pavas, Carlos E. Robles-Rodriguez, Jerome Morchain, Claire Dumas, Arnaud Cockx, Cesar A. Aceves-Lara
Summary: In this study, an extended anaerobic digestion model (ADM1_ME) was proposed to describe the dynamics of biomethanation process. The model took into account the addition of syngas flow rate (H2/CO) and the adaptation of the volumetric mass transfer coefficient for two different reactor configurations (bubble column reactor and continuous stirred tank reactor) operating at mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. A sensitivity analysis using the Sobol' and Morris methods was performed to calibrate the model with 14 selected parameters. The simulation results showed that the ADM1_ME model accurately fit the experimental conditions with a RMSE <5.15, indicating its feasibility to describe the biomethanation process under different operational conditions and reactor configurations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Da Silva, M. Peces, M. Faundez, H. Hansen, J. L. Campos, J. Dosta, S. Astals
Summary: The Gamma model is a novel approach to characterise complex degradation dynamics in anaerobic digestion. It combines the first-order kinetic model with the Gamma distribution function to analyse the variability of the kinetic constant. The model successfully approximates different probability density functions and demonstrates its potential and consistency in characterising waste degradation processes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chinenyenwa Nkeiruka Nweke, Chijioke Elijah Onu, Joseph Tagbo Nwabanne, Paschal Enyinnaya Ohale, Emeka Michael Madiebo, Monday Morgan Chukwu
Summary: This study proposed a model for the substrate treatment stage of biogas production process in an anaerobic digestion system. By utilizing various simulation and modeling techniques, such as ANFIS and ANN, and pretreating the substrate, improved biogas yield was achieved. The biogas was also purified using caustic soda and activated charcoal, resulting in an increased methane content. Pre-treatment of waste materials was found to be crucial in enhancing methane production.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
M. R. Atelge, A. E. Atabani, Serdar Abut, M. Kaya, Cigdem Eskicioglu, Georgeio Semaan, Changsoo Lee, Y. S. Yildiz, S. Unalan, R. Mohanasundaram, F. Duman, Gopalakrishnan Kumar
Summary: The study found that oil extraction from spent coffee grounds as a pre-treatment strategy has a positive impact on increasing methane yield. Moreover, co-digestion of defatted spent coffee grounds with spent tea waste, glycerin, and macroalgae showed potential advantages. Additionally, a triple mix of defatted spent coffee grounds, spent coffee grounds, and spent tea waste outperformed other mixed substrates.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fahime Mosadegh Ranjbar, Mohsen Karrabi, Bahar Shahnavaz
Summary: The study investigated the potential for biogas production from the co-digestion of lignocellulosic biomass (wheat straw) with cattle manure. The findings showed that the highest biogas production was achieved under specific conditions, and it was influenced by the volatile solids content of wheat straw and the inoculum-to-substrate ratio.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Selami Demir, Elif Burcu Atci
Summary: This study used activated sludge model no. 3 (ASM3) with biological phosphorus removal processes for simulation work and performed sensitivity analysis on 44 kinetic parameters, identifying 10 parameters suitable for calibration. Results showed negligible effects of the remaining parameters.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Afsane Sedighi, Mohsen Karrabi, Bahar Shahnavaz, Morteza Mostafavinezhad
Summary: This study investigated the potential for biogas production from anaerobic codigestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge under mesophilic conditions. The results showed that the best outputs were achieved at TS = 5% and ISR = 2, with the highest biogas yield and methane production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Iman Ebrahimzade, Mohammadali Ebrahimi-Nik, Abbas Rohani, Silvia Tedesco
Summary: This research studied the kinetics of methane production during anaerobic digestion of starch-based bioplastic using non-linear regressions and artificial neural networks. The findings showed that the M9 model proposed by the authors was the best predictor for methane production in the entire anaerobic digestion process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohamed Farghali, Israa M. A. Mohamed, Dalia Hassan, Masahiro Iwasaki, Gen Yoshida, Kazutaka Umetsu, Ikko Ihara
Summary: This study investigated the anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge, milk sludge, and food waste with glycerol from biodiesel production. The results showed that adding 5% glycerol significantly increased methane yields in both binary and ternary mixtures. However, ternary mixtures had a lower hydrolysis rate and longer lag time compared to binary mixtures, indicating a need for more time to adjust to the increased organic content. Co-digestion procedures using different substrate ratios should consider the risk of organic overloads to avoid system instability or failure.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naassom Wagner Sales Morais, Milena Maciel Holanda Coelho, Amanda de Sousa e Silva, Francisco Schiavon Souza Silva, Tasso Jorge Tavares Ferreira, Erlon Lopes Pereira, Andre Bezerra dos Santos
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the methane production potential of six agro-industrial wastewaters and determine the most suitable kinetic models for simulating their methane production. The results showed that residual glycerol had the highest methanization potential, and exponential kinetic models were more efficient in describing methane production of more soluble substrates.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Trucchia, L. Frunzo
Summary: In this study, Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) and Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) were conducted on an ADM1-based Anaerobic Digestion Model focused on municipal solid waste digestion. The model introduced a surface-based kinetic approach to better model the disintegration step of complex organic matter. GSA and UQ were essential for further improvements and a deeper understanding of the main processes and input factors.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lutfiye Yildiz Ozer, Ahmed Yusuf, Joao M. Uratani, Belen Cabal, Luis A. Diaz, Ramon Torrecillas, Jose S. Moya, Jorge Rodriguez, Giovanni Palmisano
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2020)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Mauricio Paton, Jorge Rodriguez
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wasim Ahmed, Jorge Rodriguez
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cruz E. Borges, Oihane Kamara-Esteban, Tony Castillo-Calzadilla, Cristina Martin Andonegui, Ainhoa Alonso-Vicario
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY GRIDS & NETWORKS
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Mauricio Paton, Hector H. Hernandez, Jorge Rodriguez
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jorge Rodriguez, Mauricio Paton, Joao M. Uratani, Juan M. Acuna
Summary: In this study, a SEIR-type mathematical model was developed to analyze the COVID-19 outbreak, considering different infection stages and age groups. The findings indicate that universal social isolation measures are effective in reducing total fatalities only under strict conditions, while selective isolation of high-risk groups like the elderly can be almost as effective with less social and economic impact. Increasing critical care capacity directly helps to avoid fatalities.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gabriele Scandura, Muhammad Sajjad, Nirpendra Singh, Giovanni Palmisano, Jorge Rodriguez
Summary: Commercial TiO2 (P25) and synthesized TiO2 nanorods (TNR) decorated with Pt or Au nanoparticles were studied for their performance in butyric acid photoreforming (BAPR), with a focus on the selectivity of various products under different irradiation sources. The results suggest that the reactivity of the catalysts is influenced by the valence band holes in TiO2, electrons on noble metals, conduction band electrons in TiO2, and holes on the metal. In addition, first-principles calculations using density functional theory were performed to further understand the energetic properties of metal/oxide structures and the photocatalytic mechanism observed in the experiments.
APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ahmed Taha, Mauricio Paton, Farrukh Ahmad, Jorge Rodriguez
Summary: This study developed a mechanistic biokinetic model to provide a theoretical accurate description for treating water contaminated with nitrate. The model successfully described the complex processes and the impact of design parameters on system performance, especially the effects of changing applied voltage and hydraulic retention time.
Article
Business
Tony Castillo-Calzadilla, Cristina Martin Andonegui, Mikel Gomez-Goiri, Ana M. Macarulla, Cruz E. Borges
Summary: The methodology presented in this article focuses on water-energy auditing and designing water networks supplied by photovoltaic systems. Through real validation, the method has been proven feasible and effective, contributing to sustainable development.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ahmed Taha, Mauricio Paton, David Penas, Julio Banga, Jorge Rodriguez
Summary: In this study, a method is developed to evaluate the feasibility of alternative metabolic pathways in microbes by optimizing the energy yield and driving forces of metabolic intermediates. The method uses thermodynamic principles and multi-objective optimization to consider different pathway variants. Other constraints, such as the balance of conserved components, are also taken into account. The method transforms the maximum energy yield problem into a multi-objective mixed-integer linear optimization problem and solves it using the epsilon-constraint method. The methodology is applied to analyze different pathways in propionate oxidation and CO2 fixation by microbes.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tomas Allegue, Ramis Rafay, Sanjana Chandran, Shady A. Amin, S. Jane Fowler, Jorge Rodriguez
Summary: This preliminary study aims to improve the valerate yields achievable in a lab-scale granular mixed culture fermentation. The results show that exogenous addition of lactate can significantly increase the valerate production and decrease the propionate concentration.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Mauricio Paton, Farida Al-Hosani, Anderson E. Stanciole, Bashir Aden, Andrey Timoshkin, Amrit Sadani, Omar Najim, Cybill A. Cherian, Juan M. Acuna, Jorge Rodriguez
Summary: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on large events is significant. A study on the potential impact of international arrivals due to Expo 2020 in the United Arab Emirates reveals that the number of infected arrivals is the major factor causing a surge in cases, while the vaccination status of visitors has a minor impact.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE MODELLING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tony Castillo-Calzadilla, Ainhoa Alonso-Vicario, Cruz E. Borges, Cristina Martin
Summary: This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of e-mobility in a Positive Energy District (PED), showing that the energy rating of buildings is crucial for energy balance and carbon emission reduction. A PED with high-rated buildings can support more electric vehicles and achieve a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ahmad S. Darwish, Samah E. E. Warrag, Tarek Lemaoui, Maha K. Alseiari, Farah Abu Hatab, Ramis Rafay, Inas Alnashef, Jorge Rodriguez, Nahla Alamoodi
Summary: The study evaluated the use of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for the recovery of VFAs, finding that the menthol-lauric acid eutectic mixture performed the best in liquid-liquid extraction. An efficiency of 88% was achieved through multi-stage extraction, and the HDES could be successfully regenerated through vacuum evaporation.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ramis Rafay, Joao M. Uratani, Hector H. Hernandez, Jorge Rodriguez
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2020)
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.
