Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hao Jiang, Wenchuan Hao, Yeqing Li, Hongjun Zhou
Summary: Biological methanation process is beneficial for upgrading anaerobic digestion, efficient utilization of surplus electricity and H-2, energy storage and peak regulation, as well as CO2 emission reduction. Continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) is an economical and convenient method for methanation. The study found that the reactor could run stably at a pH around 8.5, and CO2 flow was adjusted for pH control. Different stages of the process showed significant succession in the microbial community.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Dong-Mei Zhang, Qing Teng, Dongqing Zhang, Ghulam Jilani, Wei-Ming Ken, Zhi-Peng Yang, Tajwar Alam, Muhammad Ikram, Zahid Iqbal
Summary: The study investigated the impacts of magnesium-ammonium-phosphate (MAP) precipitation on the performance and microbial dynamics in an anaerobic continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) coupled with sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for swine wastewater treatment. Results showed an overall higher removal efficiency for COD, NH4+ and PO43- with MAP precipitation. The increase in microbial community richness and diversity with MAP was conducive to nitrogen and phosphorus removal, as well as biogas production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Hilal Unyay, Fatih Yilmaz, brahim Alper Basar, Nuriye Altinay Perendeci, Isik Coban, Erkan Sahinkaya
Summary: This study investigated long-term anaerobic digestion of switchgrass in batch and semi-continuous reactors, finding that methane yield varied at different Substrate to Inoculum ratios and organic loading rates. In the semi-continuous configuration, the optimal OLR was determined to be 1.0 gVS/(L.d), achieving 35% of the theoretical methane yield and 38% energy recovery.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Qiong Yu, Chen Sun, Ronghou Liu, Dominic Yellezuome, Xianpu Zhu, Ruifeng Bai, Mingquan Liu, Mengzeng Sun
Summary: The study investigates the performance of biochar mediated anaerobic co-digestion of corn stover and chicken manure, showing that urea pretreatment and biochar addition can improve co-AD, with a synergistic effect under medium and high OLR conditions. The results reveal that urea pretreatment and biochar addition promoted the AD process by strengthening the buffer capacity system and improving the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shinichi Akizuki, Hiromi Joo, Mitsuhiko Koyama, Tatsuki Toda
Summary: This study found that deliberate starvation operation in an appropriate timeframe applied to a CSTR treating food waste is beneficial to proliferate cells and, at the same time, reduce residual substrate.
BIOPROCESS AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sameena Begum, Tanmoy Das, Gangagni Rao Anupoju, Nicky Eshtiaghi
Summary: This study evaluates the performance of a pilot-scale auto-fed continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system for the solid-state anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) of acetic acid-rich food waste (FW) and cardboard (CB). The results show that a mixing ratio of 100:0 of FW:CB achieved the highest biodegradability of 76% at an organic loading rate >4 g volatile solids (VS)/(L.d). Micro-feeding the reactor on an hourly basis helped to overcome system failures, and exposing CB to acetic acid-rich FW assisted in the disintegration and depolymerization of CB.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Leone Mazzeo, Antonella Signorini, Giuseppe Lembo, Irene Bavasso, Luca Di Palma, Vincenzo Piemonte
Summary: In this study, a novel configuration of BM digester, the Gas Stirred Tank Reactor (GSTR) filled with random packing, was modeled to explore the working principle of in situ Bio-Methanation. The research found that the mass transfer coefficient is the limiting step of the process, as indicated by a dimensionless analysis involving Stanton (St) and beta numbers.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Daniel Francis, A. John Blacker, Nikil Kapur, Stephen P. Marsden
Summary: The new modular photochemical continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) design utilizes light-source units developed for the fReactor CSTR platform, making it suitable for both homogeneous and multiphasic reactions. By using slurries as input feeds, the system intensifies photochemical brominations, and its modular nature facilitates the integration of downstream reaction steps.
ORGANIC PROCESS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ziqi Xu, Hairong Yuan, Xiujin Li
Summary: This study found that using longer hydraulic retention time and higher load in anaerobic bioconversion of rice straw can lead to increased biogas and methane production. Systems with different HRTs and loads have impacts on microbial richness, diversity, and bacterial and archaeal community compositions, thus affecting bioconversion efficiencies.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nor Habsah Md Sabiani, Husnul Azan Tajarudin, Wan Azlina Wan Ab Karim Ghani, Azni Idris, Azhari Samsu Baharuddin
Summary: This study evaluated the anaerobic digestion process of sonicated food waste using different kinetic models, with the Monod model proving to be the most suitable for understanding the system's kinetic parameters.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Luka Safaric, Annika Bjorn, Bo H. Svensson, David Bastviken, Sepehr Shakeri Yekta
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is an important technology for sustainability, but its optimization is challenging due to a lack of understanding of the interactions within the digesters. This study proposes a novel conceptual model and focuses on key operational parameters to improve our understanding and develop advanced strategies for operational optimization.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Monika Yadav, Vivekanand Vivekanand
Summary: In this study, chitinolytic bacteria were used for bioaugmentation of fungal pretreated agricultural residues to enhance biogas production. Batch and continuous experiments showed that the addition of chitinolytic bacteria to wheat and pearl millet straw pretreated with Chaetomium globosporum resulted in increased biogas yield. Microbial community analysis revealed higher abundance of methanogens in reactors running with pretreated wheat straw, mainly consisting of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria phyla.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Qi Zhang, Leizhen Zhao, Jiaqi Zhang, Wenru Liu, Shu Cai, Liwei Chen, Tianming Cai, Xiao-Ming Ji
Summary: This study investigated the microbial diversity and nitrogen transformation contribution of size-fractionated anammox sludge in a well-mixed system. The results showed that small granules contributed the most to nitrogen removal rate, while large granules had the highest specific anammox activity. The microbial diversity decreased as the granular size increased, resulting in a simpler microbial community model. Fine sludge was identified as a potential major contributor to NO/N2O production in the system. This study provides guidance for evaluating nitrogen contribution and inhibiting potential NO/N2O emission in anammox processes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gaoyuan Shang, Kai Cui, Wenfang Cai, Xiaona Hu, Pengkang Jin, Kun Guo
Summary: A novel 20 L electrochemical continuous stirred-tank reactor (E-CSTR) was reported for methane production from CO2. The reactor showed high methane production rates, coulombic efficiency, and excellent robustness, indicating great potential for scaling up and practical application.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiang Fang, Yihuan Yan, Xiujin Li, Fajiang He, Jiyuan Tu
Summary: This study numerically investigated the dynamic characteristics of flow patterns in an industrial CSTR test site with a downward pumping agitation system and varied pitched blade turbine (PBT) design. A novel approach was developed to visually distinguish the agitation zone in the CSTR tank, quantitatively assess the agitation performance, and assist the design of impeller spacing. The findings revealed that the pitched angle had significant effects on the shape and size of formed circulation loops, with 45 degrees being the critical value beyond which the agitation zone would rapidly shrink.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tomas Pose-Boirazian, Gemma Eibes, Natalia Barreiro-Pineiro, Cristina Diaz-Jullien, Juan M. Lema, Jose Martinez-Costas
Summary: A novel methodology for encapsulating proteins inside micro/nanospheres has been developed, providing a cost-effective way to produce immobilized enzymes for industrial use. The encapsulated protein showed enhanced characteristics such as wider pH working range, high resistance to chemical inactivation, and maintained activity even under extreme temperature conditions. Additionally, the encapsulated laccase demonstrated efficient dye decolorization at room temperature.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
David M. Kennes-Veiga, Lorena Gonzalez-Gil, Marta Carballa, Juan M. Lema
Summary: This review focuses on the metabolic activities, mechanisms, and enzymatic activities involved in the biotransformation of organic micropollutants in wastewater treatment plants under different redox environments. Common methodologies for studying such enzymes, including in vitro enzyme assays, enzymatic inhibitors, analysis of transformation products, and various -omic techniques, are discussed. Perspectives on major challenges and future research requirements to enhance the biotransformation of organic micropollutants are proposed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Miguel Alvarez Pallin, Sandra Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Gemma Eibes, Maria Lopez-Abelairas, Maria Teresa Moreira, Juan M. Lema, Thelmo A. Lu-Chau
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using the white-rot fungus Irpex lacteus for fungal pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass at a demonstration scale. A versatile vertical design of a 22 L SSF reactor was selected, and the results showed similar wheat straw digestibility to that achieved on a small scale. Online monitoring variables were also found to correlate with fungal action on the straw, and comparable weight loss results were obtained at flask and reactor scale.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
B. Conall Holohan, M. Salome Duarte, M. Alejandra Szabo-Corbacho, Ana J. CavaleiroAna, Andreia F. Salvador, M. Alcina Pereira, Ryan M. ZielsRyan, Carla T. M. J. Frijters, Santiago Pacheco-Ruiz, Marta Carballa, Diana Z. Sousa, Alfons J. M. Stams, Vincent O'Flaherty, Jules B. van Lier, M. Madalena Alves
Summary: Lipids in wastewater treatment plants pose challenges, but can be effectively treated using appropriate strategies and technologies. Understanding microbial communities and interactions enhances understanding of lipid degradation in anaerobic reactors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jara Laso, Israel Ruiz-Salmon, Maria Margallo, Pedro Villanueva-Rey, Lucia Poceiro, Paula Quinteiro, Ana Claudia Dias, Cheila Almeida, Antonio Marques, Eduardo Entrena-Barbero, Maria Teresa Moreira, Gumersindo Feijoo, Philippe Loubet, Guido Sonnemann, Ronan Cooney, Eoghan Clifford, Leticia Regueiro, David Alonso Baptista de Sousa, Celine Jacob, Christelle Noirot, Jean-Christophe Martin, Morgan Raffray, Neil Rowan, Sinead Mellett, Ruben Aldaco
Summary: This paper presents the objectives and methodologies of the NEPTUNUS project, which aims to enhance the sustainability of the seafood sector by promoting eco-innovation and eco-labelling methods for a transition towards a circular economy. The project focuses on resource efficiency and the water-energy-seafood nexus, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and European policy frameworks.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
David M. Kennes-Veiga, Alba Trueba-Santiso, Valentina Gallardo-Garay, Sabela Balboa, Marta Carballa, Juan M. Lema
Summary: This study investigated the impact of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) on microbial activities and enzymatic expression in activated sludge. Metaproteomic analysis showed that SMX slightly affected the microbial community structure, with an enhanced activity of the genus Corynebacterium at increased SMX concentrations. These findings suggest a potential role of Corynebacterium in mitigating SMX risks in bioreactors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Manuela Antonelli, Andrea Turolla, Elena Ficara, Juan Lema, Roberto Canziani, Francesca Malpei
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Regueira, R. Turunen, K. S. Vuoristo, M. Carballa, J. M. Lema, J. Uusitalo, M. Mauricio-Iglesias
Summary: To accelerate the design of novel bioprocesses, researchers proposed a workflow based on mathematical models and wet experimentation. The workflow demonstrated superior performance in designing and optimizing symbiotic microbial co-culture systems, as verified through experiments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ander Castro-Fernandez, Anton Taboada-Santos, Sabela Balboa, Juan M. Lema
Summary: The study compared the potential to produce volatile fatty acids (VFA) from sewage sludge, both raw and thermally pre-treated. In batch mode, raw sludge obtained the highest maximum VFA yield at pH 8, while pre-treated sludge achieved a lower value. Continuous reactor operation showed that thermal hydrolysis pre-treatment (THP) did not significantly influence VFA yields. Microbial community analysis revealed that the phylum Fumicutes was predominant in both reactors and the enzymatic profiles involved in VFA production were similar regardless of the substrate fed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jan Struckmann Poulsen, Alba Trueba-Santiso, Juan M. Lema, Simon Gregersen Echers, Reinhard Wimmer, Jeppe Lund Nielsen
Summary: In this study, the biodegradability of PBAT monomers in thermophilic conditions was investigated using anaerobic digester sludge. 13C-labelled monomers and proteogenomics were used to track labelled carbon and identify the microorganisms involved in the process. Bacteroides, Ichthyobacterium, and Methanosarcina were found to be directly involved in the metabolization of at least one monomer.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
R. Bevilacqua, M. Mauricio-Iglesias, S. Balboa, J. M. Lema, M. Carballa
Summary: This study investigates the influence of sugar-to-protein (STP) ratio on anaerobic cofermentation outcomes, finding that glucose had no effect on casein conversion as long as the STP ratio was ≤1, but promoted the production of fatty acids. However, an STP ratio >1 inhibited amino acid consumption and reduced volatile fatty acid production.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
R. Bevilacqua, A. Regueira, M. Mauricio-Iglesias, J. M. Lema, M. Carballa
Summary: This study demonstrated the feasibility of chain elongation processes during protein mixed culture fermentation without electron donor supplementation. Key parameters for the occurrence of chain elongation include simultaneous availability of suitable amino acids and short chain volatile fatty acids, as well as an acid equivalent concentration threshold. Initial supplementation of acetic acid can alter the selectivity of the elongation process.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
R. Bevilacqua, A. Regueira, M. Mauricio-Iglesias, J. M. Lema, M. Carballa
Summary: This study found that the addition of trace elements under neutral conditions can increase the acidification degree of proteins and promote the production of valeric acids and other VFAs, thereby altering the selectivity of anaerobic fermentation processes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
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)
