Article
Engineering, Environmental
Biao Gao, Yu Wang, Lei Huang, Shiming Liu
Summary: The study demonstrated that modifying biochar with HNO3 can effectively enhance methane production and volatile fatty acid degradation during anaerobic digestion. The modified biochar showed higher redox activity and lower conductivity, facilitating accelerated direct interspecific electron transfer.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hongbo Liu, Xingkang Wang, Yueying Fang, Wenjia Lai, Suyun Xu, Eric Lichtfouse
Summary: Biochar addition to anaerobic digestion systems improves methane production, and the residues of anaerobic digestion can be recycled into new biochar. The study found that the residue biochar produced the highest methane yield, possibly due to its higher abundance of basic groups and electroactive microorganisms.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Haiyan Li, Mo Li, Qiang Fu, Kaihua Cao, Dong Liu, Tianxiao Li
Summary: This paper proposes an optimization method for circular agricultural systems, which achieves the coordinated regulation of water, land, energy, and carbon emissions through the circular use of biochar and electricity. It has important implications for improving regional cropland management techniques and developing sustainable circular agriculture.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Roent Dune A. Dune, Gi-Beom Kim, Jungsu Park, Yung-Hun Yang, Byong-Hun Jeon, Min Jang, Sang-Hyoun Kim
Summary: The efficiency of anaerobic digestion can be enhanced by promoting microbial retention through biofilm development using specific types of biofilm carriers. Different carrier materials can influence the dynamicity of microbial populations in each system, and improving surface contact and interspecies electron transport can greatly impact treatment results. Modern spectroscopy techniques provide valuable information on biofilm composition and structure, aiding in understanding the added function of this special layer of microbial cells.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amir Molajou, Abbas Afshar, Mina Khosravi, Elham Soleimanian, Masoud Vahabzadeh, Hossein Akbari Variani
Summary: In recent decades, global demands for freshwater, energy, and food have been influenced by population growth, economic development, international trade, and increasing urbanization and food diversity. The lack of integrated management strategies poses a threat to the security of these resources, while climate change exacerbates the adverse impacts. Therefore, understanding and studying the complex interactions and connections between these systems have become crucial.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhao-Kai Wang, Qing-Hua Liu, Zhi-Man Yang
Summary: A batch anaerobic fermentation system was used to investigate the effect of nano magnetite-loaded biochar on the methanogenic performance of the propionate-degrading consortia (PDC). The nano magnetite-loaded biochar showed improved properties, including a large specific surface area, high electrochemical response, and low electron transfer resistance. The addition of magnetite/biogas residue-originated biochar composites enhanced methane production rate by 1.6-fold compared to the control group, likely through promoting direct interspecies electron transfer between syntrophic bacteria and their partners.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jianfeng Wang, Zhiqiang Zhao, Yaobin Zhang
Summary: This study found that optimizing the pyrolytic temperature of biochar to form more redox-active organic functional groups can improve the anaerobic digestion performance of kitchen wastes.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shibao Lu, Xiaoling Zhang, Huarong Peng, Martin Skitmore, Xiao Bai, Zhihong Zheng
Summary: Energy security, food security, and water security are the three most prominent problems in human survival and sustainable development. This study uses quantitative analysis to estimate the Central China region's energy-food production water footprint (WF) and virtual trade water flow, and proposes a Modified Water Stress Index (MWSI) associated with virtual water outflows. The results indicate that the energy and food production WF and virtual trade water flow are on the rise, causing water stress in local and export areas.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Gaojun Wang, Peng Fu, Bo Zhang, Ji Zhang, Qiuyi Huang, Gaofei Yao, Qian Li, Mawuli Dzakpasu, Jianfeng Zhang, Yu-You Li, Rong Chen
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms of how biochar mitigates ammonia inhibition in anaerobic digestion of swine manure. The findings show that exogenous ammonia dosages gradually inhibit the digestion process, leading to decreased efficiencies of hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis. However, the addition of biochar can alleviate this inhibition and enhance methane production. Biochar enhances microbial activities related to electron transfer and enriches Methanosarcina, which promotes the CO2-reducing methanogenesis pathway. It is believed that biochar facilitates direct interspecies electron transfer and enhances methane production under ammonia stress.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xue Ning, Chen Deng, Xihui Kang, Richard O'Shea, David M. Wall, Richen Lin, Jerry D. Murphy
Summary: This research investigates the optimization of biomethane yield from grass silage and cattle slurry through biochar-supplemented two-stage anaerobic digestion. The results demonstrate that the addition of biochar can increase methane production and improve the electrochemical properties of the digester contents.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
K. M. Nazmul Islam, Steven J. Kenway, Marguerite A. Renouf, Ka Leung Lam, Thomas Wiedmann
Summary: This study reviewed and analyzed assessment research on water-related energy consumption in the food system, revealing different research trends and drivers in various countries. Most studies focused on irrigation energy consumption in the agricultural phase, while neglecting more energy-intensive processes such as food processing and cooking.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xunan Li, Siqin Chu, Panliang Wang, Kaiyi Li, Yinglong Su, Dong Wu, Bing Xie
Summary: This study investigated the promotion effect and mechanisms of biogas residue biochar (BRB) and BRB modified by ferric chloride (BRB-FeCl3) on anaerobic digestion of food waste (FW). It was found that BRB-FeCl3 exhibited better performance in terms of specific surface area, functional groups, and impregnated iron, resulting in accelerated transformation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and increased methane production. Furthermore, BRB-FeCl3 facilitated the growth of key microbial communities, enhanced metabolic activities, promoted the diversity of methanogenic pathways, and promoted the relative abundance of functional genes involved in direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET).
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shuo Yang, Zhiqiang Chen, Qinxue Wen
Summary: The addition of biochar significantly increased methane yield during anaerobic digestion of swine manure, while reducing the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes. Furthermore, biochar indirectly affected ARGs by altering microbial structure and the integrase gene intI1.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianyuan Zhang, Qian Tan, Tong Zhang, Jian Yang, Shuping Wang
Summary: Water rights transfer is important for alleviating water crisis, but agricultural water saving potential must be considered to ensure the security of the water-energy-food nexus. A risk-based optimization model was proposed to promote inter-sectoral water rights transfer and was applied to the Inner Mongolia section of the Yellow River Basin, China. Results showed that transferring water from agriculture to energy could support both industries without compromising agricultural production.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chen Deng, Richen Lin, Xihui Kang, Benteng Wu, David M. Wall, Jerry D. Murphy
Summary: This study investigated the effects of biochar properties on enhancing interspecies electron transfer in anaerobic digestion (AD). Results showed that biochar produced at 700 degrees C significantly increased biomethane yield, while biochars produced at 500 and 900 degrees C did not show the same effect. The addition of biochar at 700 degrees C enriched the methanogen Methanosarcina, suggesting a shift towards direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) pathway. Moderate graphitization degree and abundant active surface functional groups were found to be correlated with enhanced interspecies electron transfer through carbon matrices and surface functional groups.
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiyong Jason Ren, Gregory Lowry, William A. Arnold, Bryan W. Brooks, Pablo Gago-Ferrero, Jeannette M. Garcia, Kevin C. Leonard, Margaret Mills, Julio F. Serrano, Shuxiao Wang, Julie B. Zimmerman
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Cuihong Song, Jun-Jie Zhu, John L. Willis, Daniel P. Moore, Mark A. Zondlo, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: This study quantitatively analyzed methane emissions from different types of sewers and water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) and identified the main sources and sinks of methane in the wastewater sector. The results showed significant variations in methane emissions at the plant-level, with higher emissions observed in plants equipped with anaerobic digestion or stabilization ponds. Gravity sewers dominated most collection systems worldwide. The estimated annual methane emission from centralized municipal wastewater treatment in the U.S. was approximately 10.9 +/- 7.0 MMT CO2-eq/year, which is about twice the IPCC (2019) Tier 2 estimates.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Meiqi Yang, Jun-Jie Zhu, Allyson McGaughey, Sunxiang Zheng, Rodney D. Priestley, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: In this study, the first machine learning models were developed to predict separation factors between acetic acid and water in pervaporation. The study also assessed random seedness and data leakage problems during model development and demonstrated the importance of robust model validation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Jun-Jie Zhu, Jinyue Jiang, Meiqi Yang, Zhiyong Jason Ren
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Daniel P. Moore, Nathan P. Li, Lars P. Wendt, Sierra R. . Castaneda, Mark M. Falinski, Jun-Jie Zhu, Cuihong Song, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Mark A. Zondlo
Summary: A growing percentage of methane emissions from US waste come from wastewater treatment, but there is limited data leading to uncertainties. The largest study of methane emissions from US wastewater treatment was conducted, measuring 63 plants. The findings highlight the need for efforts to identify and mitigate methane emissions with increasing urbanization and centralized treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jun-Jie Zhu, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: Resources, Conservation & Recycling (RCR) focuses on resource management and sustainability. In this study, natural language processing and Word2vec-based techniques were used to uncover the underlying patterns and interactions between research topics and resources covered in RCR. The analysis revealed 49 trending-up topics, grouped into nine categories. The Word2vec-RCR model visualized the distribution of topic vectors and grouped them into 13 major regions. The newly developed Word2vec model is proven effective for understanding the evolution and interactions of research topics in RCR and broader environmental domains.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaohui Xu, Nehemie Guillomaitre, Kofi S. S. Christie, R. Konane Bay, Navid Bizmark, Sujit S. Datta, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Rodney D. Priestley
Summary: Hydrogels show great promise in energy and environmental applications, particularly in water purification and harvesting. The main challenge is the low water production rate, which fails to meet daily human demand. To address this issue, a rapid-response, antifouling solar absorber gel (LSAG) was developed, capable of producing potable water from contaminated sources at a rate sufficient to meet daily water demand. The LSAG integrates various materials to enhance photothermal response and prevent fouling, while its unique structure enables enhanced water transport. It can also purify water from harmful sources, including those containing small molecules, oils, metals, and microplastics.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Allyson L. McGaughey, Sneha Srinivasan, Timothy Zhao, Kofi S. S. Christie, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Rodney D. Priestley
Summary: Polymerbrush layers are important for surface modification of membranes in water treatment and reuse applications. Zwitterionic polymer brushes have been proven to be resistant to various types of fouling. However, there are challenges in scaling up traditional fabrication methods.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sunxiang Zheng, Cuihong Song, Maria C. Curria, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Claire E. White
Summary: The electrified synthesis and rejuvenation of calcium-based layered double hydroxides (Ca-based LDHs) as solid adsorbents for CO2 have been investigated, showing controllable particle morphology and phase purity, as well as lower desorption temperature. This study demonstrates a sustainable carbon capture process using LDHs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jun-Jie Zhu, Meiqi Yang, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: Machine learning is widely used in environmental research, but inadequate studies can lead to incorrect conclusions. This study provides a compilation of common pitfalls and best practice guidelines for environmental machine learning research, based on literature analysis and the authors' own experience. By analyzing highly cited research articles, the study identifies key areas of concern and provides evidence-based data analysis to address misconceptions and improve the rigor of data preprocessing and model development standards.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kofi S. S. Christie, Allyson Mcgaughey, Samantha A. Mcbride, Xiaohui Xu, Rodney D. Priestley, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: In this study, membrane distillation-crystallization is used to directly produce carbonate minerals from carbon dioxide-loaded amine solutions and waste materials. The results show that membranes with lower surface energy and greater roughness promote mineralization more rapidly.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinyue Jiang, Juan A. Lopez-Ruiz, Yanhong Bian, Dongya Sun, Yuqing Yan, Xi Chen, Junjie Zhu, Harold D. May, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: This study provides a detailed analysis of the scale-up efforts of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) and summarizes the key factors to develop the technology further. Various scale-up configurations are compared and evaluated from technical and economic perspectives. The study demonstrates that MECs can be profitable in different market scenarios with or without subsidies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaohui Xu, Yannick L. Eatmon, Kofi S. S. Christie, Allyson L. McGaughey, Nehemie Guillomaitre, Sujit S. Datta, Zhiyong Jason Ren, Craig Arnold, Rodney D. Priestley
Summary: Hydrogels can be transformed into tough and recyclable supramolecular phase-separated gels (PSGs) through a dehydration-hydration approach, which exhibit excellent mechanical performance and environmental tolerance. PSGs can be used as strain sensors in soft robotics and autonomous sensing applications.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yanhong Bian, Aaron Leininger, Harold D. May, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: In the microbial electrosynthesis (MES) system, high acetate titers can be achieved through improved in situ H2 supply by a nickel foam decorated carbon felt cathode, providing a promising development for MES.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jun-Jie Zhu, Sina Borzooei, Jiachun Sun, Zhiyong Jason Ren
Summary: Soft sensors play an important role in acquiring critical wastewater information for operation optimization. This study focused on predicting hard-to-measure variables (BOD and TSS) using advanced hyperparameter optimized deep learning models. By comparing different algorithms and optimization methods, the DBN-PSO model showed superior performance in CBOD5 and TSS predictions. The study also emphasized the value of diverse data acquisition for better soft-sensor practice.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2022)
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)
