Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiyao Wang, Min Zheng, Haoran Duan, Shihu Hu, Zhiguo Yuan
Summary: Sewage treatment with partial nitritation and anammox (PN/A) has gained attention for its potential to establish energy-neutral/positive sewage treatment plants. One key challenge for this process is the suppression of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). This study proposes a three-stage configuration comprising a PN/A reactor, an acidic PN reactor, and an anammox reactor to address this challenge. Simulation results indicate that the three-stage process can achieve stable and high-quality effluent with a nitrogen removal efficiency over 90%.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiyao Wang, Min Zheng, Haoran Duan, Zhiguo Yuan, Shihu Hu
Summary: This study examines the progress of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) suppression in both the sidestream and mainstream partial nitritation and anammox (PN/A) processes over the past two decades. It highlights the challenges in achieving stable NOB suppression in mainstream treatment and suggests the potential of a hybrid process and combination of strategies for efficient mainstream PN/A.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anndee L. Huff Chester, Kiwon Eum, Michael Tsapatsis, Marc A. Hillmyer, Paige J. Novak
Summary: Utilizing zeolite-coated hollow fiber membranes improved the growth of anammox bacteria and total nitrogen removal in mainstream-type media. Increasing the quantity of zeolite further enhanced the retention of anammox bacteria and the removal of total nitrogen. Application of membranes with higher zeolite content in integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) or membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) systems could facilitate mainstream anammox.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiyao Wang, Min Zheng, Zhetai Hu, Haoran Duan, Haydee De Clippeleir, Ahmed Al-Omari, Shihu Hu, Zhiguo Yuan
Summary: This study successfully controlled nitrite-oxidizing bacteria through the application of three consecutive suppression strategies, ultimately achieving significant improvement in nitrogen removal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huihui Cui, Liang Zhang, Yongzhen Peng, Qiong Zhang, Xiyao Li
Summary: This study achieved stable nitritation by eliminating both Nitrobacter and Nitrospira through combining nitrite exposure inhibition with high dissolved oxygen reactivation. High dissolved oxygen reactivation promoted the growth of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria while severely inhibiting Nitrospira.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hoang Phuc Trinh, Sang-Hoon Lee, Garam Jeong, Hyeokjun Yoon, Hee-Deung Park
Summary: Mainstream anammox processes face challenges such as difficulty in out-selection of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, high organic carbon to nitrogen ratio, retention of anammox bacteria, and influence of high concentrations of ammonia and nitrite compounds. Efficient strategies are necessary to manage high carbon to nitrogen ratios, improve performance in low-intensity wastewater, and retain anammox bacteria for widespread application in full-scale WWTPs. Key elements in the design, operation, and maintenance of mainstream anammox processes in full-scale WWTPs are also suggested.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. Hausherr, R. Niederdorfer, H. Buergmann, M. F. Lehmann, P. Magyar, J. Mohn, E. Morgenroth, A. Joss
Summary: The development of new wastewater treatment processes can reduce the environmental impact. Stable nitritation at mainstream conditions remains challenging. This study explores the potential and mechanism of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria suppression in a bottom-fed sequencing batch reactor (SBR), concluding that bottom-fed SBRs with anaerobic phases allow for stable nitritation over a broad range of operational parameters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Parin Izadi, Parnian Izadi, Ahmed Eldyasti
Summary: Deammonification process, characterized by partial nitritation-anammox, is a favorable and innovative method for treating nitrogen-rich wastewater with reduced oxygen and carbon requirements at high nitrogen loadings. The process involves anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria in symbiosis with ammonium oxidizing bacteria, showing potential for sustainable and energy-neutral municipal wastewater treatment. However, further investigation is needed to assess the feasibility of applying deammonification in mainstream treatment processes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biology
Robert Niederdorfer, Damian Hausherr, Alejandro Palomo, Jing Wei, Paul Magyar, Barth F. Smets, Adriano Joss, Helmut Buergmann
Summary: The research found that anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (anammox) bacteria are highly sensitive to fluctuations in oxygen concentration and temperature under mainstream wastewater treatment conditions, leading to inhibition that affects the efficiency of nitrogen removal. Genomic analysis showed that changes in temperature and oxygen concentration resulted in alterations in gene expression levels within microbial communities, affecting the nitrogen removal process.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mohamad-Javad Mehrani, Mohammad Azari, Burkhard Teichgraber, Peter Jagemann, Jens Schoth, Martin Denecke, Jacek Makinia
Summary: This study aimed to optimize mainstream deammonification in an integrated fixed-film activated sludge pilot plant under natural seasonal temperature variations. The effect of temperature on the performance was evaluated and the correlation of performance parameters was investigated. Optimizing intermittent aeration significantly increased the N-removal rate and N removal efficiency. This study's findings are important for enhancing the efficiency of mainstream deammonification.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rongfen Chen, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrates a synchronized aerobic and anaerobic ammonium removal process in a membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) by adjusting the lumen pressure. The results show improved nitrogen removal efficiency by minimizing interference from nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and achieving stable anammox bacteria. Connecting two MABRs in series further enhances the total nitrogen removal efficiency.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lisheng Wang, Wancong Gu, Yanchen Liu, Peng Liang, Xiaoyuan Zhang, Xia Huang
Summary: This paper summarizes the challenges and solutions of mainstream anammox-based process by reviewing the literature of the past decade. The slow growth rate of anammox bacteria and the need for enhancing bacteria retention are identified as the main challenges. Various methods to culture anammox bacteria and improve their activity are discussed. Other challenges include the elimination of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and achieving the ideal ratio of NH4+ and NO2-. To overcome these challenges, composite control strategies based on low sludge retention time (SRT) and limited aeration are suggested. Interference from low temperature and influent components in actual wastewater treatment is addressed, as well as the use of coupling processes to reduce nitrate concentration in the effluent. The paper concludes with future prospects for the mainstream anammox-based process.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Songkai Qiu, Zebing Li, Yuansheng Hu, Lin Shi, Rui Liu, Lei Shi, Lujun Chen, Xinmin Zhan
Summary: The partial nitritation-anammox (PN-A) process offers a game-changing alternative for nitrogen removal in municipal wastewater treatment, with potential challenges including process instability, low nitrogen removal efficiency, and poor effluent quality at low temperatures, highlighting the importance of efficient anammox biomass retention for successful implementation.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Kirim, Kester McCullough, Thiago Bressani Ribeiro, Carlos Domingo-Felez, Haoran Duan, Ahmed Al-Omari, Haydee De Clippeleir, Jose Jimenez, Stephanie Klaus, Mojolaoluwa Ladipo-Obasa, Javad Mehrani, Pusker Regmi, Elena Torfs, Eveline I. P. Volcke, Peter A. Vanrolleghem
Summary: This article provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art in modelling short-cut nitrogen removal processes in mainstream wastewater treatment, identifying future research directions and challenges. The importance of mathematical models in considering N2O emissions and the need for new, advanced approaches are emphasized.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Karol Trojanowicz, Jozef Trela, Elzbieta Plaza
Summary: The study presented a possible mechanism of efficient PN/A in hybrid bioreactors, where nitritation is the bottleneck process requiring surplus nitrite production by AOB. AnAOB bacteria should out-compete NOB in biofilms, while in activated sludge, the growth of r-AOB allows for out-selecting NOB. The impact of different factors on nitrogen removal rates in hybrid PN/A systems across temperature ranges was discussed, with conditions being more favorable in intermittently aerated 'IFAS-SBR' or 'IFAS-plug flow' bioreactors.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lenno van den Berg, Mario Pronk, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Merle K. de Kreuk
Summary: This study compared four methods to measure the density of granular sludge in a full-scale plant treating domestic sewage, and assessed the effect of salinity on granule density. Most methods yielded reliable results, as long as the effect of salinity was considered.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
V. Kouba, Ch. Bachmannova, T. Podzimek, P. Lipovova, M. C. M. van Loosdrecht
Summary: This study reviewed the mechanisms of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria adaptation to low temperatures, which include synthesizing molecular chaperones and chemical chaperones, reducing biosynthesis, and preserving energy for core metabolism. The study proposed biomarkers to assess the extent of bacteria adaptation and predict the decomposition of biofilms/granules or slower growth.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Edward J. H. van Dijk, Viktor A. Haaksman, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Mario Pronk
Summary: In this study, a mathematical framework was developed to describe aerobic granulation based on 6 main mechanisms: microbial selection, selective wasting, maximizing transport of substrate into the biofilm, selective feeding, substrate type and breakage. A numerical model was developed to explain the dynamics of the granulation process observed in practice. Selective feeding was identified as an important mechanism that was not yet reported in literature. The break-up of large granules into smaller well-settling particles was shown to be an important source for new granules. This model provides a theoretical framework to analyze the different mechanisms for aerobic granular sludge formation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaodi Hao, Daoqi Wu, Ji Li, Ranbin Liu, Mark Van Loosdrecht
Summary: Entropy and negentropy are important concepts for ecological balance. Conventional wastewater treatment contributes to entropy production, therefore sustainable methods should be developed to minimize entropy and accelerate negentropy. Resource and energy recovery are crucial in this process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Roos Goedhart, Simon Muller, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Doris van Halem
Summary: The addition of phosphate to groundwater can recover anaerobic iron(II) as valuable vivianite. Increasing the pH can enhance the precipitation of vivianite, resulting in higher iron removal efficiency. Therefore, anaerobic iron removal is a promising and sustainable approach for groundwater treatment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
W. K. Wijdeveld, T. Prot, G. Sudintas, P. Kuntke, L. Korving, M. C. M. van Loosdrecht
Summary: Phosphorus is a crucial resource for food production and chemical industry, and its sustainable use requires recycling from secondary sources. Recovering phosphorus from sewage sludge, particularly vivianite, can be achieved at wastewater treatment plants. By increasing iron dosing, the vivianite content and phosphorus recovery can be maximized, meeting German legislation requirements.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Karel Olavarria, Yared O. Pijman, Ricardo Cabrera, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, S. Aljoscha Wahl
Summary: The cofactor preference of the acetoacetyl-CoA reductase encoded by the phaB1 gene from Cupriavidus necator was studied in relation to PHB accumulation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaodi Hao, Xiangyang Wang, Chen Shi, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Yuanyuan Wu
Summary: Sludge incineration and seawater desalination are two approaches of waste activated sludge disposal and obtaining fresh water, which are of great significance in resource recovery and water purification. The synthesized liquid poly-aluminum chloride (PAC) has the potential to reduce effluent turbidity of wastewater treatment plants, providing feasibility for the establishment of a circular/blue economy.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ji Li, Xiaodi Hao, Wei Gan, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Yuanyuan Wu
Summary: This study aimed to enhance the extraction of alginate-like extracellular polymers (ALE) from flocculent sludge by using different surfactants. The results showed that surfactants could improve the extraction efficiency of ALE and also enhance the purification of alginate. Among the tested surfactants, Triton X-100 performed the best in enhancing ALE extraction. The mechanisms of surfactants included solubilizing flocs and extracellular biopolymers, similar structures with ALE, and functional group adsorption.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Laurence Strubbe, Edward J. H. van Dijk, Pascalle J. M. Deenekamp, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Eveline I. P. Volcke
Summary: In the pursuit of reducing carbon footprint and energy costs, energy efficiency is crucial. This study focused on aerobic granular sludge reactors and found that they consume up to 50% less energy compared to conventional activated sludge systems. The study also investigated the dynamic behavior of the alpha factor and identified exchange ratio and temperature as the main influencing factors on its rate of increase during the aeration phase.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sadiye Kosar, Onur Isik, Busra Cicekalan, Hazal Gulhan, Seyma Cingoz, Mustafa Yoruk, Hale Ozgun, Ismail Koyuncu, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Mustafa Evren Ersahin
Summary: Achieving a neutral/positive energy balance without compromising discharge standards is a key goal in wastewater treatment plants. This study explores the coupling of high-rate activated sludge (HRAS) process with aerobic granular sludge (AGS) process as an energy-efficient pre-treatment option. The results show that feeding the AGS process with a mixture of HRAS process effluent and raw municipal wastewater can increase energy recovery potential and maintain high effluent quality.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Amir Tabakovic, Jeremy Lemmens, Jelmer Tamis, Dave van Vliet, Sayeda Nahar, Willem Suitela, Mark van Loosdrecht, Greet Leegwater
Summary: Bitumen is essential in asphalt pavements for its binding properties and ability to restore damage caused by traffic loading. With the decline in crude oil production, there is a need to find environmentally sustainable alternatives for bitumen modifiers. This paper investigates the potential use of the bio-based co-polymer PHBV as an alternative bitumen modifier and presents positive results from various tests.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Navid Ahmadi, Mona Abbasi, Ali Torabian, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Joel Ducoste
Summary: The transformation of four pharmaceuticals in a moving bed biofilm reactor was investigated under different COD/N ratios. Changes in the COD/N ratio influenced the competition between heterotrophic and nitrifying communities, resulting in shifts in microbial populations and composition in the biofilms. Autotrophic conditions exhibited higher transformation rates, indicating the importance of nitrification.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Nam Kyeun Kim, Debes Bhattacharyya, Mark van Loosdrecht, Yuemei Lin
Summary: This research developed a bio-based flame retardant using a biopolymer derived from wastewater sludge to enhance the fire performance of polypropylene (PP). The study found that the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from wastewater sludge played a significant role in improving the char formation of PP composite. The incorporation of the bio-based flame retardant restricted the vertical burning characteristics of PP and improved its tensile moduli.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lenno van den Berg, Sara Toja Ortega, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Merle K. de Kreuk
Summary: This study investigated the diffusion of different molecular weight substrates within aerobic granular sludge, and found that the diffusion coefficients within the granules were not significantly different from those in water for substrates with molecular weights up to 4000 Da. The structure of the granules was characterized as having large macropores and semi-solid regions, with different degrees of obstruction to diffusion. Furthermore, the majority of the influent soluble COD was found to be lighter than 1 kDa, indicating that it can be considered as diffusible COD.
