Article
Engineering, Chemical
B. Le Gouic, H. Marec, J. Pruvost, J. F. Cornet
Summary: This study validated the accuracy of a well-controlled photobioreactor experiment setup and investigated the transfer and assimilation of CO2 in water by photosynthetic microorganisms. The gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient (k(L)a) was modeled to understand the dissolution of CO2 in water, affected by the composition of the culture medium and its pH value. Additionally, the carbon assimilation and growth limitation by the carbon source were studied for the microalga Chlorella vulgaris.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Yahui Sun, Deshen Hu, Haixing Chang, Shengnan Li, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: This review systematically summarizes recent progress on enhancing light and CO2 availabilities in microalgal photosynthesis. Strategies for increasing light availability and enhancing CO2 light availability are discussed. The possible future directions for PBRs implementation and development are also presented.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shaghayegh Vajdi, Alireza Aslani
Summary: This research investigates the techno-economic analysis of directly capturing carbon through microalgae cultivation in photobioreactors integrated into the building facade. The results show that the designed system produced 2.2 tons of microalgae and captured 3.9 tons of CO2 yearly. The sensitive analysis demonstrates that increasing cultivation capacity or changing the microalgae species can decrease the cost of microalgae production.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Panneerselvam Ranganathan, Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, Ranjna Sirohi, Anh Tuan Hoang, Sang-Hyoun Kim
Summary: This study reviews the application of computational flow modelling in photobioreactors and discusses an integrated modelling approach for these reactors. It also reviews intensified systems for improving the performance of photobioreactors. Future considerations include the development of multi-scale modelling methods and low-cost efficient computational frameworks, as well as the use of process intensification techniques to enhance hydrodynamics, mixing, and mass transfer in photobioreactors.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Krishnamurthy Mathivanan, Fuad Ameen, Ruiyong Zhang, Gangalla Ravi, Srinivas Beduru
Summary: The present study developed a 5 L bubble column photobioreactor (BCPR) to investigate the biomass and lipid production of two microalgal strains and their consortium under different CO2 concentrations. The results showed that higher CO2 concentrations significantly increased biomass and lipid yield, as well as chlorophyll-a content. Interestingly, the lipid content of the consortium remained similar across all CO2 concentrations, with the highest fatty acid levels and favorable fuel properties observed under 10% CO2 supply.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yanmei Song, Jun Cheng, Xin Lai, Wangbiao Guo, Weijuan Yang
Summary: The novel three-dimensional tangential swirl plate (TTSP) photobioreactor enhances flow perpendicular to the central cross-section, leading to improved microalgal CO2 fixation efficiency. By adjusting the angle and relative diameter, factors such as mixing time, bubble diameter, flashlight frequency, and light time ratio can be controlled to optimize conditions for photosynthetic growth.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fariba Rezvani, Khosrow Rostami
Summary: Cultivating and controlling the growth and performance of microalgae in closed photobioreactors (PBRs) is easier than open pond systems for wastewater treatment. The design of PBRs, such as horizontal and vertical configurations, influences their performance. Vertical PBRs like bubble columns are commonly used for large-scale applications of microalgae-based processes. Additionally, an appropriate reactor design can enhance the availability of CO2 in the medium by reducing the inhibitory effect of dissolved oxygen concentration produced by microalgae.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Poone Yaqoubnejad, Hassan Amini Rad, Mohsen Taghavijeloudar
Summary: The novel hexagonal airlift flat plate photobioreactor showed significant improvements in hydrodynamic parameters, microalgae growth rate, and CO2 bio-fixation efficiency. It also exhibited high efficiency in wastewater treatment and nutrient removal.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Young Joon Sung, Hong Ki Yoon, Jeong Seop Lee, Jaemin Joun, Byung Sun Yu, Ranjna Sirohi, Sang Jun Sim
Summary: A novel 3D-printed buoyant structure was developed to suppress biofilm formation in photobioreactors, improving microalgal productivity and achieving positive results in large-scale outdoor microalgae cultivation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Han Shao, Yahui Sun, Xiaoxiang Jiang, Jun Hu, Chenglong Guo, Chenjia Lu, Feihong Guo, Chihe Sun, Yunjun Wang, Chuanchao Dai
Summary: Integrating a dialysis bag into a column photobioreactor improves microalgae growth and nutrient removal efficiency without the need for energy-intensive pretreatments. This method also provides a greener solution for purifying other types of wastewater.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yi An Lim, I. M. S. K. Ilankoon, Meng Nan Chong, Su Chern Foo
Summary: This study aims to improve the growth of microalgae and enhance their CO2 capturing ability. By designing different gas spargers and studying their mixing performances, it was found that customised sintered metal spargers achieved higher mixing performances. These findings are important for the scale-up studies of photobioreactors and the realization of the circular bioeconomy concept.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hao Cheng, Dominique Tarlet, Yilin Fan, Lingai Luo
Summary: This paper presents an experimental study on CO2 chemical absorption by Monoethanolamine (MEA) solution in microchannel. The effect of a novel spirally distributed baffle structure on the gas-liquid mass transfer performance was characterized and discussed. The results showed that the spiral baffle structure significantly enhanced the mass transfer, with a maximum volumetric mass transfer rate (kLa) of 2.35 s-1.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rui-Long Wang, Ming-Jia Li, Dong Li, Yi-Wen Yang
Summary: A novel microalgal attached membrane photobioreactor based on modified PVDF/PVP composite membrane has been developed to enhance carbon sequestration rate. Through CFD simulation, MDS study, and experiments, the synergy between light transmission, fluid flow, CO2 transmission mechanism, and microalgae attachment performance has been investigated and optimized.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
P. Sathinathan, H. M. Parab, R. Yusoff, S. Ibrahim, V. Vello, G. C. Ngoh
Summary: Industrial wastewater containing heavy metals, nutrients, and soluble salts can cause eutrophication in water bodies. Microalgae biomass has the potential to produce various valuable products, but the high production cost and sensitivity of cultivation parameters limit its global output. Combining microalgae cultivation with wastewater treatment, particularly in photobioreactors, can reduce operating costs. However, there is a limited amount of research on using industrial wastewater for microalgae cultivation in photobioreactors. Therefore, optimizing cultivation parameters using industrial wastewater in photobioreactors is crucial.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Quanrong Fu, Zhiyi Li, Wei Wei, Fengxia Liu, Xiaofei Xu, Zhijun Liu
Summary: This study presents a novel interconnector design, named groove and rib-finned interconnector, to improve the performance of planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) by enhancing fuel utilization and output power density. The novel interconnector increases reactant gas velocity and vorticity, eliminates oxygen-free zone, reduces overpotentials, and improves the electrical performance of the SOFC stack.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiang Liao, Chihe Sun, Ao Xia, Qian Fu, Yun Huang, Xun Zhu, Dong Feng
Summary: The study found that acidic conditions can increase the concentration of 5-HMF during hydrothermal treatment, but hydrothermal by-products have negative impacts on hydrogen fermentation stability, resulting in wide fluctuations in hydrogen production rates. Adding sulfuric acid for treatment may lead to fierce competition among sulfate reducing bacteria, which in turn affects methane fermentation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weida Zeng, Yun Huang, Ao Xia, Qiang Liao, Keming Chen, Xun Zhu, Xianqing Zhu
Summary: By preparing a thermoresponsive surface, the adhesion ability of microalgae cells to the surface can be enhanced, facilitating microalgae biofilm cultivation while not hindering the harvesting process. At higher temperatures, cells are more likely to attach to the surface leading to increased cell coverage rate, while at lower temperatures cells separate more easily and adhesion density decreases.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Xiaobo Guo, Huize Chen, Xianqing Zhu, Ao Xia, Qiang Liao, Yun Huang, Xun Zhu
Summary: This study investigated the thermodynamic characteristics of syntrophic methanogenesis induced by different conductive materials, revealing that conductive materials significantly affect the Gibbs free energy changes of propionate oxidation and electrotrophic methanogenesis, thereby promoting methane production in anaerobic digestion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weida Zeng, Peirong Li, Yun Huang, Ao Xia, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: This study explored the essential principle of microalgal cell adhesion onto solid substrates from the perspective of the interaction energy between microalgal cells and solid substrates. The influence of surface properties between microalgal cells and solid substrates on interaction energies was discussed. The results showed that surface properties, including surface potential and surface free energy components, significantly affect the adhesion tendency of microalgal cells on different solid substrates.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ao Xia, Huize Chen, Yun Huang, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: This forum article focuses on the formation and differences between biofilms and planktonic cells. It examines how intercellular mechanical interactions and physiological behaviors influence the morphology of biofilms and explores their characteristics through mathematical models.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ao Xia, Dong Feng, Yun Huang, Xianqing Zhu, Zhengxin Wang, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: This study investigated the effect of sustainable conductive material supplementation on the anaerobic digestion of furfural wastewater, and explored the potential mechanism of direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) in furfural degradation as the sole substrate.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaobo Guo, Ao Xia, Wuyuan Zhang, Feng Li, Yun Huang, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: Fatty acid photodecarboxylase of Chlorella variabilis NC64A (CvFAP) is a novel photoenzyme that shows potential in waste lipid treatment and sustainable aviation fuel production. However, CvFAP is susceptible to blue light. In this study, it was found that an anaerobic environment significantly improved the photostability of CvFAP. Decarboxylation of palmitic acid by CvFAP under anaerobic conditions resulted in a 44.7% increase in pentadecane yield compared to aerobic conditions. The residual activity of CvFAP after blue-light preillumination in an anaerobic environment was 80.4%, 258.7 times higher than that in an aerobic environment. The accumulation of superoxide radical and singlet oxygen in CvFAP under aerobic conditions led to its poor photostability. The anaerobic environment helped mitigate the production of these reactive species, thus improving the photostability of CvFAP.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yun Huang, Weida Zeng, Peirong Li, Ao Xia, Qiang Liao, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu
Summary: This study developed a nondependent and environmentally friendly thermoresponsive coating with temperature-switchable performance. The coating could enhance cell adhesion at the optimum growth temperature of microalgae and achieve efficient cell detachment at lower temperatures.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Feng Li, Ao Xia, Xiaobo Guo, Yun Huang, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: In this study, CvFAP was immobilized in magnetic nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles for easy recovery. The interaction between Ni2+ and histidine of CvFAP was clarified by detecting the shift of Ni 2p in electron binding energy. The coordination of NiFe2O4 and CvFAP resulted in an efficient affinity binding with a capacity of 98 mg/g carrier. Hydrocarbon fuel concentration of 3.7 mM was obtained by NiFe2O4@CvFAP-induced photoenzymatic decarboxylation. The high stability of CvFAP in terms of residual enzyme activity of 79.7% at pH 9.0 and that of 68% at organic solvent ratio of 60% was observed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nurul Syahirah Mat Aron, Kit Wayne Chew, Zengling Ma, Yang Tao, Malinee Sriariyanun, Inn Shi Tan, Cuong Nguyen Manh, Ao Xia, Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan, Pau Loke Show
Summary: The increase in global temperature requires action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the transportation sector, which contributes up to 25% of total emissions. Biofuels have emerged as a potential sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. However, the production of biofuels raises concerns about food security. This study focuses on the extraction of lipids from microalgae using a liquid biphasic flotation system combined with a sugaring-out method, demonstrating high extraction efficiency and the potential of sugar solution as a cell disruption agent.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jingmiao Zhang, Shuai Wu, Ao Xia, Dong Feng, Yun Huang, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology is an effective method for biogas production and livestock waste treatment. This study investigated the impact of oxytetracycline (OTC) on the AD process and found that OTC significantly inhibited methane production, with methane yields decreasing by 58.6% and 73.3% in mesophilic and thermophilic ADs respectively at an initial OTC concentration of 400 mg/L. OTC can be degraded by the AD process with a removal efficiency above 90% at lower concentrations. Higher OTC concentrations resulted in lower bio-methane yield, energy conversion efficiency, and contaminant removal in both mesophilic and thermophilic ADs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Feng Li, Ao Xia, Xiaobo Guo, Wuyuan Zhang, Yun Huang, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: Fatty acid photodecarboxylase (CvFAP) found in Chlorella variabilis NC64A can efficiently catalyze the conversion of C16-C18 fatty acids into shortened hydrocarbons under visible light. In this study, a cascade system integrating lipase hydrolysis and CvFAP decarboxylation was demonstrated for the efficient production of hydrocarbon fuels from waste oils, achieving a high production rate of 18.4 mM/h and an optimal conversion of 61.2% with a residence time of 50 min.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ao Xia, Xiaobo Guo, Yingxin Chai, Wuyuan Zhang, Yun Huang, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: It was documented that green light was able to enhance the photostability of fatty acid photodecarboxylase from Chlorella variabilis (CvFAP). Compared to blue light, green light increased the yield of pentadecane by 27.6% and improved the residual activity of CvFAP by 5.9-fold after preillumination. Kinetics and thermodynamics studies showed that blue light facilitated a high activity of CvFAP.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yun Huang, Weida Zeng, Peirong Li, Qiang Liao, Ao Xia, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu
Summary: This study developed a temperature-responsive coating that enhances cell adhesion of microalgae at their optimum growth temperature and enables efficient cell detachment at lower temperatures. The coating showed excellent temperature-switchable performance and significantly increased cell adhesion density and detachment efficiency compared to conventional coatings.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ao Xia, Kai Lin, Tong Zhu, Yun Huang, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu, Kaiyong Cai, Zidong Wei, Qiang Liao
Summary: Inspired by termite digestion, this study proposed a two-stage microreactor system loaded with enzymes for efficient hydrolysis of wheat straw. The results showed that the continuous action of cellulase and xylanase in this system significantly improved the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass and increased glucose production.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yinping Xiang, Meiying Jia, Rui Xu, Jialu Xu, Lele He, Haihao Peng, Weimin Sun, Dongbo Wang, Weiping Xiong, Zhaohui Yang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the non-antibiotic pharmaceutical carbamazepine on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during anaerobic digestion. The results showed that carbamazepine induced the enrichment of ARGs and increased the abundance of bacteria carrying these genes. It also facilitated microbial aggregation and intercellular communication, leading to an increased frequency of ARGs transmission. Moreover, carbamazepine promoted the acquisition of ARGs by pathogens and elevated their overall abundance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Weixin Zhao, Tianyi Hu, Hao Ma, Dan Li, Qingliang Zhao, Junqiu Jiang, Liangliang Wei
Summary: This review summarizes the effects and potential mechanisms of biochar on microbial behavior in AD systems. The addition of biochar has been found to promote microbial colonization, alleviate stress, provide nutrients, and enhance enzyme activity. Future research directions include targeted design of biochar, in-depth study of microbial mechanisms, and improved models.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Christina Karmann, Anna Magrova, Pavel Jenicek, Jan Bartacek, Vojtech Kouba
Summary: This review assesses nitrogen removal technologies in reject water treatment, highlighting the differences in environmental impacts and economic benefits. Partial nitritation-anammox shows potential for economic benefits and positive environmental outcomes when operated and controlled properly.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wei-Hao Huang, Ying-Ju Chang, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: This study modified pinecone biochar with layered double hydroxide (LDH) to enhance its adsorption capacity for heavy metal and phosphate ions. The LDH-biochar showed significantly improved adsorption capacities for Pb2+ and phosphate, and a slight increase for Cu2+ and Co2+. The LDH layer enhanced the adsorption through various mechanisms.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chao Song, Fanfan Cai, Shuang Yang, Ligong Wang, Guangqing Liu, Chang Chen
Summary: This paper developed a machine learning model to predict the biochemical methane potential during anaerobic digestion. Model analysis identified lignin content, organic loading, and nitrogen content as key attributes for methane production prediction. For feedstocks with high cellulose content, early methane production is lower but can be improved by prolonging digestion time. Moreover, lignin content exceeding a certain value significantly inhibits methane production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sang Min Lee, Ju Young Lee, Ji-Sook Hahn, Seung-Ho Baek
Summary: This study successfully developed an efficient platform strain using Yarrowia lipolytica for the bioconversion of renewable resources into adipic acid, achieving a remarkable increase in production level.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sefkan Kendir, Matthias Franzreb
Summary: This study presents a novel approach using magnetic separation to efficiently harvest freshwater microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris. By combining pH-induced calcium phosphate precipitation with cheap natural magnetite microparticles, harvesting efficiencies up to 98% were achieved in the model medium.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ishaq Kariim, Ji-Yeon Park, Wajahat Waheed Kazmi, Hulda Swai, In-Gu Lee, Thomas Kivevele
Summary: The impact of reaction temperature, residence time, and ethanol: acetone on the energy compositions and yield enhancement of biocrudes was investigated. The results showed that under appropriate conditions, biocrudes with high energy and low oxygen content can be obtained, indicating a high potential for utilization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiyue Zhang, Xiyao Li, Liang Zhang, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: Intermittent aeration is an innovative approach to enhance nitrogen removal in low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio municipal sewage, providing an efficient strategy for the continuous plug-flow AOA process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xu Yang, Mahmoud Mazarji, Mengtong Li, Aohua Li, Ronghua Li, Zengqiang Zhang, Junting Pan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of magnetite on the nitrogen cycle of pig manure biostabilisation. The addition of magnetite increased N2O emissions and decreased NH3 emissions during composting. It also increased the total nitrogen content but should be considered for its significant increase in N2O emissions in engineering practice.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Ty Shitanaka, Haylee Fujioka, Muzammil Khan, Manpreet Kaur, Zhi-Yan Du, Samir Kumar Khanal
Summary: The market value of microalgae has exponentially increased in the past two decades, thanks to their applications in various industries. However, the supply of high-value microalgal bioproducts is limited due to several factors, and strategies are being explored to overcome these limitations and improve microalgae production, thus increasing the availability of algal-derived bioproducts in the market.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Martin Kerner, Thorsten Wolff, Torsten Brinkmann
Summary: The efficiency of using enriched CO2 from flue gas for large-scale production of green microalgae has been studied. The results show that the use of membrane devices and static mixers can effectively improve the CO2 recovery rate and maintain the suitable pH and temperature during cultivation, achieving a more economical and sustainable microalgae production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rui Ma, Ji Li, Rd Tyagi, Xiaolei Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the microorganisms capable of using CO2 and CH4 to produce PHAs, illustrating the production process, factors influencing it, and discussing optimization techniques. It identifies the challenges and future prospects for developing economically viable PHAs production using GHGs as a carbon source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Bing Wang, Peng Zhang, Xu Guo, Xu Bao, Junjie Tian, Guomin Li, Jian Zhang
Summary: The addition of zeolite in the co-composting of chicken manure and straw significantly reduced the emissions of ammonia and N2O, and increased the nitrate content. Zeolite also promoted the abundance of nitrification genes and inhibited the expression of denitrification genes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rohit Dey, Franziska Ortiz Tena, Song Wang, Josef Martin Messmann, Christian Steinweg, Claudia Thomsen, Clemens Posten, Stefan Leu, Matthias S. Ullrich, Laurenz Thomsen
Summary: This study investigated the operation of a 1000L microalgae-based membrane photobioreactor system for continuous secondary wastewater treatment. The research focused on a green microalgae strain called Desmodesmus sp. The study aimed to understand key trends and optimization strategies by conducting experiments in both summer and winter seasons. The findings showed that maintaining low cell concentrations during periods of light inhibition was beneficial for nutrient uptake rates. Effective strategies for enhancing algae-based wastewater treatment included cell mass recycling and adjusting dilution rates based on light availability.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
