Review
Environmental Sciences
Mamta Bhandari, Pushpendar Kumar, Pankaj Bhatt, Halis Simsek, Ravinder Kumar, Aman Chaudhary, Anushree Malik, Sanjeev Kumar Prajapati
Summary: Eutrophication poses a major challenge in aquatic environments due to the discharge of nutrient-rich industrial wastewater. Algae offer a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment, with the potential for biomass production and biofuel generation. Factors such as growth media composition, light intensity, temperature, and pH influence algal growth and remediation potential. Additionally, anaerobic digestion of wastewater-grown algae can produce methane-rich biogas, further enhancing the potential of this technology.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elizandro Oliveira Silveira, Nathalia Mendes Felizzola, Eugenia Vargas Hickmann, Odorico Konrad, Carlos Alexandre Lutterbeck, Enio Leandro Machado, Lucia Ribeiro Rodrigues
Summary: The present study evaluated the potential for biogas generation from microalgae biomass and macrophytes used in vertical flow constructed wetlands. The results showed that this method can effectively degrade pollutants while producing usable biomass energy and biogas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
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)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Xiao-ya Liu, Yu Hong
Summary: With economic development and population increase, environmental pollution and water shortages have become inevitable global problems. Microalgae-based wastewater treatment technology has attracted more and more attention due to its ability to purify wastewater and produce algal biomass from nutrient elements. This review discusses the current status of microalgae bioremediation of wastewater and the mechanisms by which microalgae remove nutrients and pollutants.
CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hoang Tam Nguyen, Yeomin Yoon, Huu Hao Ngo, Am Jang
Summary: This paper reviews the potential and mechanisms of microalgae-based systems for removing organic micropollutants, compares them with other treatment methods, and provides recommendations for future research.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
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
Engineering, Chemical
Donghan Kang, Keugtae Kim
Summary: The study shows that algal-bacterial consortia with moving media in photobioreactors can significantly improve oxygen concentration, organic and nutrient removal efficiency, algal growth, and settleability compared to photobioreactors without moving media.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amit Dan Grossman, Yonas Zeslase Belete, Sammy Boussiba, Uri Yogev, Clemens Posten, Franziska Ortiz Tena, Laurenz Thomsen, Song Wang, Amit Gross, Stefan Leu, Roy Bernstein
Summary: The study developed a near-zero waste treatment system for food processing wastewater, utilizing AnMBR and photobioreactor for microalgae cultivation, achieving effective recovery and utilization of waste. The research found variations in microalgal biomass and nitrogen-phosphorus uptake in wastewater among seasons, but overall, the treatment system was efficient, meeting irrigation water standards.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Josue Gonzalez-Camejo, Jose Ferrer, Aurora Seco, Ramon Barat
Summary: The article discusses the application of microalgae-based wastewater treatment in the circular economy, highlighting the challenges and trends in scaling up microalgae systems. Progress has been made in applying open systems at large scale, but issues such as land requirements, economic feasibility, and process robustness still need to be addressed.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-WATER
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qian Wang, Hui Li, Qingyue Shen, Jixiang Wang, Xingyu Chen, Zhenya Zhang, Zhongfang Lei, Tian Yuan, Kazuya Shimizu, Yu Liu, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: This study compared a novel biogranulation system with a traditional suspended culture system for microalgae cultivation, and found that the biogranulation system significantly improved biomass productivity and facilitated easier harvesting of microalgae.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Laura Vargas-Estrada, Adriana Longoria, Patrick U. Okoye, P. J. Sebastian
Summary: This study integrated microalgae culture into wastewater treatment as tertiary treatment to recover nutrients for energy recovery in the form of biogas. Different wastewater dilutions were assessed, with PBR3 containing 50% wastewater showing the highest biomass productivity. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using microalgae culture for nutrient recovery in wastewater treatment.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bhupendra Koul, Komal Sharma, Maulin P. Shah
Summary: Wastewater generated from various sources poses significant threats to the environment and human health. Conventional treatment methods are inefficient, while non-conventional bioremediation techniques offer cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions. Phycoremediation, utilizing algal diversity, shows promise in removing hazardous contaminants and producing value-added products. Future research should focus on developing and conserving hyperaccumulator microalgal strains to achieve sustainable wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Lixin Li, Taojie Liang, Mengjie Zhao, Ying Lv, Zhiwei Song, Tao Sheng, Fang Ma
Summary: This article analyzes the theoretical basis and mechanism of mycelial pellets as a biological carrier, and introduces their applications and development trends in wastewater treatment and energy recovery. The symbiotic system of mycelial pellets and microalgae is considered an important means to solve the technical challenges of biodiesel recovery from wastewater.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rahul Kumar Goswami, Sanjeet Mehariya, Pradeep Verma, Roberto Lavecchia, Antonio Zuorro
Summary: Improper utilization of water from various activities leads to 380 trillion L/y of wastewater worldwide. Microalgae-based technologies have shown potential for sustainable and low-cost treatment of wastewater and nutrient recovery. However, high operational costs currently limit the development of microalgae-based biorefineries.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Meiyue Ding, Chuansheng Wang, Sung Woo Bae, How Yong Ng
Summary: MPBR showed better nutrient removal, higher nutrient utilization and CO2 assimilation, as well as enhanced production of algal biomass and biogas with superior methane percentage, making it an attractive decarbonized technology for future sustainable wastewater treatment.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Emma Deniere, Herman Van Langenhove, Stijn Van Hulle, Kristof Demeestere
Summary: Ozone-activated peroxymonosulfate process (O3/PMS) is a promising method for the removal of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) from wastewater, but its effectiveness is limited compared to ozone oxidation. Spectral surrogate models based on UV absorbance and fluorescence can be used to predict TrOCs removal.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hao Wang, Siyu Zhang, Xuwen He, Yongyuan Yang, Xuetong Yang, Stijn W. H. Van Hulle
Summary: This study compared the performance of single ozonation and two ozone-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for polishing biotreated landfill leachate. The results showed that catalytic ozonation enhances direct ozone oxidation, while the O3/H2O2 process promotes indirect oxidation. The removal of UV-quenching substances correlated well with the elimination of MPs, providing a predictive model for high-strength leachate. The energy consumption of the processes varied depending on the desired COD removal efficiency.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xuetong Yang, Changtao Chen, Tao Zhang, Xiang Tian, Rui Zhang, Dave Manhaeghe, Yunliang Zhao, Shaoxian Song, Kristof Demeestere, Stijn W. H. Van Hulle
Summary: This study applied two minerals, lava rock and expanded clay aggregate (ECA), to build mineral-packed bubble columns (LBC and EBC) for enhancing O3 mass transfer and increasing the removal of micropollutants in bio-treated landfill leachate. The O3 gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient (kLa) and O3 decomposition coefficient (kd) were significantly increased in EBC and LBC compared to a non-packed bubble column (BC). The mineral-packed columns showed improved removal of O3-recalcitrant compounds and enhanced UV254 reduction, resulting from improved O3 mass transfer and the catalytic function of the minerals.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Stef Ghysels, Adriana Estrada, Lena Vanderhaeghen, Diederik Rousseau, Ann Dumoulin, Simon Backx, Sven Mangelinckx, Frederik Ronsse
Summary: This pioneering work explores the thermocatalytic conversion of tagua seeds from the palm Phytelephas aequatorialis into key chemical building blocks. The results demonstrate the potential of using mannan-rich feedstock for biorefining and can be applied to other mannan-rich agricultural residues.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rui Zhang, Xianchang Liu, Lutian Wang, Pan Xu, Kai Li, Xiaoxiao Chen, Rong Meng, Yuewu Pu, Xuetong Yang, Diederik P. L. Rousseau, Stijn W. H. Van Hulle
Summary: A novel WABR-CW system was developed to address the challenge of nutrient removal in decentralized wastewater treatment. The lab-scale experiment showed high removal efficiencies for COD (85-98%), NH4+-N (100%), TN (60-90%), and TP (85%-95%). The CW improved overall performance and provided denitrification capacity when the OLR was not optimal for the WABR.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun Li, Lila Otero-Gonzalez, Piet N. L. Lens, Ivet Ferrer, Gijs Du Laing
Summary: Selenium and zinc are essential micronutrients often lacking in human and animal diets. SeZn-enriched duckweed and sludge can be used as slow-release biofertilizers, significantly increasing selenium concentrations in plants, particularly organic selenium-methionine in seeds, without negative effects on plant growth.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vincenzo Senatore, Estel Rueda, Marta Bellver, Ruben Diez-Montero, Ivet Ferrer, Tiziano Zarra, Vincenzo Naddeo, Joan Garcia
Summary: This study evaluates the cultivation of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. in a pilot scale photobioreactior to produce phycobiliproteins, PHB, and lipids. The results show that under nutrient starvation, the content of PHB and lipids reached 4.8% and 44.7%, respectively.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Silvio Matassa, Pascal Boeckx, Jos Boere, Jan Willem Erisman, Miao Guo, Raffaele Manzo, Francis Meerburg, Stefano Papirio, Ilje Pikaar, Korneel Rabaey, Diederik Rousseau, Jerald Schnoor, Peter Smith, Erik Smolders, Stefan Wuertz, Willy Verstraete
Summary: Nitrogen is crucial for the production of nutritious feeds and foods, but the production and use of fertilizer nitrogen pose a major threat to environmental health and sustainability. It is important to promote consumer acceptance and awareness of proteins produced by highly effective microorganisms as an alternative to proteins obtained from plants and animals with low nitrogen efficiencies. Additionally, recovering and upgrading used nitrogen from secondary resources and integrating biological nitrogen fixation into feed and food supply chains are promising solutions for a more sustainable agriculture.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Irene Josa, Marianna Garfi
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the social impacts of microalgae-based systems for wastewater treatment and bioproducts recovery. Through Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), two systems were analyzed: one treating urban wastewater and another treating wastewater from the food industry. Comparisons were made to a system producing bioproducts from microalgae grown in a standard growth medium. Results showed that the system using standard growth medium had the best performance in all impact categories and stakeholder considerations, mainly due to its simplicity, absence of contaminants, and established legislation and frameworks.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Changtao Chen, Chuanlong Ma, Yongyuan Yang, Xuetong Yang, Kristof Demeestere, Anton Nikiforov, Stijn Van Hulle
Summary: A novel cascade reactor design was used to remove micropollutants from secondary municipal wastewater effluent, and the parameters such as gas flow rate, water flow rate, and discharge power greatly influenced the performance of the reactor. The utilization of different reactive oxygen species was improved by introducing an ozonation chamber preceding a dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor. This study provides valuable insights and optimal settings for an energy-efficient removal of micropollutants from wastewater.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Marta Bellver, Ruben Diez-Montero, Monica Escola Casas, Victor Matamoros, Ivet Ferrer
Summary: This study evaluated the use of cyanobacteria in tertiary wastewater treatment and the recovery of value-added phycobiliproteins. It also analyzed the presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in wastewater, cyanobacterial biomass, and pigment extracts. The results showed stable phycobiliprotein production and a high phycocyanin purity ratio. Only a few CECs were detected in the phycobiliprotein extracts, suggesting potential applications in pigment purification.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nazia Hassan, Jente Lezy, Dries Parmentier, Henk Van Hulle
Summary: Electrocoagulation flotation (ECF) is a promising compact alternative technology for municipal wastewater treatment, achieving significant pollutant removal efficiencies. Both iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) anodes showed promising results in treating rainy weather wastewater, with Fe ECF performing better at low current density.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dario Calzadilla Cabrera, Qintong Wang, Miguel Martin, Nuria Oliver Rajadel, Diederik P. L. Rousseau, Carmen Hernandez-Cresbo
Summary: Treatment wetlands (TWs) have been proven to be an effective technology for removing microplastics (MPs) from wastewater. This study investigates the dynamics and fate of MPs in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using TWs, highlighting the role of macrophyte roots in retention.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Suanny Mosquera-Romero, Eleftheria Ntagia, Diederik P. L. Rousseau, Abraham Esteve-Nunez, Antonin Prevoteau
Summary: Seasonal or permanent water scarcity can be alleviated by recycling water in decentralized wastewater treatment systems, particularly using nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands. These wetlands efficiently remove solids and organics, but further polishing of parameters like pathogens and nutrients is needed. The combination of wetlands with electrochemical systems has shown potential for improving treatment efficiency and meeting stricter water reuse standards. However, more research is needed to explore the application of electrochemical modules for polishing wetland effluents.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
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)
