Article
Environmental Sciences
S. K. Tellez-Perez, S. Wyffels, H. KleinJan, C. Meunier, R. Gerards
Summary: Partial nitritation-anammox process was successfully conducted in a continuous fed Sequencing Batch Reactor (cf-SBR) to remove nitrogen from anaerobic effluent of the potato industry at different loading rates, with nitrogen removal and ammonia oxidation reaching 62% and 74% respectively at the highest loading rate. The study also observed improvements in sludge characteristics and confirmed the presence of anammox bacteria through molecular analysis. The cf-SBR demonstrated its capability as a suitable and feasible technology for advanced nitrogen removal under partial nitritation and anammox conditions.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wenyu Li, Yongzhen Peng, Ruitao Gao, Qiong Zhang, Xiyao Li, Chengkun Kao, Jianwei Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of low salinity levels on a double-anammox system in treating municipal wastewater, finding that a salinity of 1.0% led to a nitrogen removal efficiency of 81.2%, with a significant contribution of 76.5% from anammox. Low salinity was also found to promote nitritation and denitratation, enhancing the overall nitrogen removal efficiency. The enrichment of specific microbial populations, such as Ca. Brocadia and Nitrosomonas, further supported the effectiveness of the double-anammox process in treating saline wastewater.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qiongpeng Dan, Rui Du, Tong Wang, Tiantian Sun, Honggui Han, Xiaorong Zhu, Xiyao Li, Qiong Zhang, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: A hybrid system of anammox combined with heterotrophic endogenous metabolisms was developed in a single-stage bioreactor to treat real domestic wastewater. Nitrogen removal was achieved at a low carbon to nitrogen ratio and maintained under an extremely low ratio. The coexistence and enrichment of different bacteria contributed to the co-metabolism of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yongxing Chen, Haochuan Chen, Zhenguo Chen, Zijian Zhu, Xiaojun Wang
Summary: The proposed one-stage autotrophic nitrogen removal reactor (SABF) is an efficient and economical method for urea wastewater treatment, which can simultaneously achieve urea hydrolysis, partial nitritation, and anammox. It has low operational cost and high removal efficiency, and can enable the reuse of urea wastewater.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenyu Li, Qiong Zhang, Jianwei Li, Ruitao Gao, Chengkun Kao, Xiyao Li, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: Nitrogen removal from saline municipal wastewater has become an area of interest, leading to the development of the energy-efficient technique of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) for advanced nitrogen removal. This study investigated the long-term salt adaptation and evolution mechanisms of an anammox-based process under different salinities. The results showed that the anammox bacteria had strong adaptability to salinity, with contribution levels of over 85% even at high salinity levels. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that the production of multiple nitrite substrates by specific bacteria ensured a high anammox contribution. This study provides valuable insights for the improved application of anammox-based processes in saline wastewater treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongxing Chen, Haochuan Chen, Zhenguo Chen, Haolin Hu, Cuilan Deng, Xiaojun Wang
Summary: A novel two-stage partial nitritation-anammox process was investigated to achieve high efficiency and save operational costs for high-concentration urea wastewater treatment. The results showed that intracellular hydrolysis and persistent free ammonia inhibition on nitrite-oxidizing bacteria were key mechanisms for efficient urea removal and stable nitrogen removal. The proposed process demonstrated promising potential for sustainable development in the urea industry.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Guo, Chenglei Xie, Yujie Chen, Kampachiro Urasaki, Yu Qin, Kengo Kubota, Yu-You Li
Summary: The application of granule sludge in a one-stage partial nitritation/anammox (PNA) reactor achieved high nitrogen removal rate in low-strength ammonium wastewater (LSAWW) treatment. Addition of hydroxyapatite (HAP) increased the density of granules, improved settlability of sludge and made high biomass achievable in a short HRT.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenyu Li, Xiyao Li, Jianwei Li, Ruitao Gao, Chengkun Kao, Qiong Zhang, Xiaohang Hou, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: This study evaluated the stability of a step-feed bioreactor dominated by denitratation/anammox (PD/A) for treating municipal wastewater with decreased temperature. By operating at low temperature, the nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) was improved, and the contribution of anammox increased. The study also identified the key microbial populations responsible for denitrification and anammox in the system. This research provides an optimistic prospect for promoting anammox in mainstream applications at low temperature.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shenhua Yang, Yongzhen Peng, Shujun Zhang, Xiaoyu Han, Jialin Li, Liang Zhang
Summary: This study analyzed and compared the biofilm structure, performance, and nitrogen removal pathways of microporous and macroporous carriers from a full-scale partial nitritation/anammox reactor. Microporous carriers had thicker biofilms, higher biomass, and nitrogen removal efficiency due to the integration of denitrifying and anammox bacteria, while macroporous carriers had thinner biofilms, lower microbial richness, but strong network correlation among genera.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dawoon Jeong, Hyunman Lim, Weonjae Kim
Summary: This study investigated a combined partial nitritation and anammox process for treating low-strength ammonia synthetic wastewater at 20 degrees C. Limited dissolved oxygen concentrations suppressed nitrite-oxidizing bacteria activity, but an undesired nitrite oxidation rate was observed at 20 degrees C.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xueming Chen, Jinzhong Liu, Pengfei Huo, Fuyi Li, Linyan Yang, Wei Wei, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This study investigated the impacts of key granule properties on the performance of a granular reactor conducting partial nitritation/anammox from a modeling perspective. The findings can provide guidance for reliable modeling as well as practical startup and operation of the reactor.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuansheng Yuan, Bo Wang, Yongzhen Peng, Xiyao Li, Qiong Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of a novel process for treating municipal wastewater, which involves simultaneous enhanced biological phosphorus removal and seminitritation. The results showed that reliable nutrient removal efficiency could be maintained in winter using this method.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chihao Lin, Xiangmin Xiao, Yu-You Li, Jianyong Liu
Summary: Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) technology is seen as a promising alternative for wastewater treatment, with partial denitrification anammox (PDA) and partial nitritation anammox (PNA) being the mainstream processes. Comprehensive evaluation of their economic and environmental benefits is essential. The study proposed and analyzed two plant-wide processes, and showed that high rate activated sludge-PNA (HRAS-PNA) was more energy-efficient and cost-effective compared to chemically enhanced primary treatment-PDA (CEPT-PDA), with a significant decrease in total environmental impacts.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Rong, Zibin Luo, Tianjie Wang, Yu Qin, Jiang Wu, Yan Guo, Yisong Hu, Zhe Kong, Taira Hanaoka, Shinichi Sakemi, Masami Ito, Shigeki Kobayashi, Masumi Kobayashi, Yu-You Li
Summary: Partial nitritation-anammox (PN/A) is a promising energy-neutral wastewater treatment process. However, the mainstream application of PN/A still faces challenges of low nitrogen concentration and low temperatures. In this study, a pilot-scale one-stage PN/A with an integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) configuration was successfully operated to treat real municipal wastewater. The results demonstrate the strong feasibility of PN/A as a mainstream nitrogen removal process in temperate climates.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wenyu Li, Jianwei Li, Ying Liu, Ruitao Gao, Liyan Deng, Chengkun Kao, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: A novel double-anammox process for advanced mainstream nitrogen removal was established using a step-feed sequencing batch reactor (SBR) system, which effectively reduced total inorganic nitrogen concentration and achieved a 71.4% contribution of anammox to nitrogen removal. Gradient C/N reduction facilitated denitratation/anammox in the anoxic stage, and simultaneous nitritation and anammox were achieved in the oxic stage.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Francesca Casagli, Fabrice Beline, Elena Ficara, Olivier Bernard
Summary: This study explores and quantifies the advantage of adding a solid/liquid separation system to uncouple Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) and Solid Retention Time (SRT) in High Rate Algal/Bacterial Ponds (HRABP). The results show that by uncoupling HRT and SRT and adapting the liquid depth and alkalinity content, the productivity of algae can be increased. Simulations indicate that maximizing algae productivity and the fraction of nitrogen recovered in the algae biomass are conflicting goals achieved under different operating conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Teresa Palumbo, Simona Russo, Stefano Polesello, Licia Guzzella, Claudio Roscioli, Laura Marziali, Lucia Valsecchi, Francesca Cappelli, Simona Pascariello, Stefano Tasselli, Sara Villa, Massimo Peruzzo, Stefano Culatina, Giovanni Bellotti, Andrea Turolla, Manuela Antonelli, Francesca Malpei, Sara Valsecchi
Summary: This study evaluated the toxicity and contaminant removal efficiency in wastewater treatment processes through chemical and ecotoxicological analyses. It found that the tertiary treatment process was highly efficient in improving wastewater quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Gabrielli, Riccardo Delli Compagni, Lucia Gusmaroli, Francesca Malpei, Fabio Polesel, Gianluigi Buttiglieri, Manuela Antonelli, Andrea Turolla
Summary: Wastewater treatment plants play a crucial role in preventing the discharge of emerging contaminants into the environment. However, the removal mechanisms of these contaminants are still not well understood. This study investigated the effects of operational parameters on the sorption and biodegradation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in activated sludge biological treatment.The developed models successfully described the dynamic behavior of a large-scale WWTP and showed significant uncertainty reduction compared to traditional modeling approaches. The models also highlighted the importance of operational parameters in CECs removal, but no globally optimum conditions for CECs removal exist. These models could aid in the improved assessment and management of CEC fate and removal in WWTPs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Federica Piergiacomo, Lorenzo Brusetti, Leonardo Pagani
Summary: According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistant genes are considered the major public health threats in the twenty-first century. The increase in overall antimicrobial consumption in various sectors has led to the global prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, aided by the release of antibiotic residues into the environment. Reports suggest that metal contamination and the abundance of metal concentrations contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, microplastics have emerged as a threat due to their presence in various environments and their ability to facilitate the horizontal transfer of genetic information between bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Francesca Marazzi, Riccardo Fornaroli, Elisa Clagnan, Lorenzo Brusetti, Elena Ficara, Micol Bellucci, Valeria Mezzanotte
Summary: This study evaluates a biotechnological process involving a microalgae/bacteria consortium for the simultaneous bioremediation and valorization of wastewater from textile digital printing technology. Lab-scale batch and continuous experiments were conducted to assess nutrient and colour removal, and the produced biomass was characterized for pigment content and biomethane potential. Microbial community analysis revealed a complex community structure responsible for the bioremediation action, with dominance of Scenedesmus spp. and xenobiotic and dye degrading bacteria in continuous photobioreactors. The findings highlight the capability of the microalgae/bacteria consortium to grow in textile wastewater while reducing nutrients and colour, and suggest improvement strategies for biomass growth and process performances. These experimental results lay the foundation for integrating a microalgal-based process into the textile sector within the framework of a circular economy.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Elisa Clagnan, Marta Dell'Orto, Karolfna Sterbova, Tomas Grivalsky, Joao Artur Camara Manoel, Jiri Masojidek, Giuliana D'Imporzanoa, Francisco Gabriel Acien-Fernandez, Fabrizio Adani
Summary: The performance and composition of eight microalgal communities cultivated in two different thin-layer photobioreactor designs were investigated. The study found that Chlorella vulgaris showed robustness in both designs, while reactor type and inoculum brought variability. Eukaryotic microalgae led to a more stable community, while RWs showed higher variability and did not favor eukaryotic microalgae. The reactor design also had an effect on the nitrogen cycle.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yankai Xie, Mingsheng Jia, Fabian De Wilde, Katrien Daeninck, Haydee De Clippeleir, Willy Verstraete, Siegfried E. Vlaeminck
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of cost-effective partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) in packed-bed trickling filters (TFs). It finds that using the inexpensive Argex expanded clay can achieve similar nitrogen removal rates as commercially used plastics. The top-only ventilation at an optimum hydraulic loading rate of 1.8 m3 m-2 h-1 can remove around 60% of the total nitrogen load and achieve relatively low NO3--N accumulation. The results demonstrate that TFs are suitable for low-energy shortcut nitrogen removal.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
S. Rossi, D. Carecci, E. Ficara
Summary: This review focuses on the influence of cultivation temperature on the productivity of microalgae and other phototrophic microorganisms. A structured database was created to analyze the optimal growth condition and temperature limits for 424 strains belonging to 148 genera. These data can assist in reducing energy consumption and production costs, as well as facilitate thermal and biological modeling for different strain performances.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Axel Herrera, Giuliana D'Imporzano, Elisa Clagnan, Ambrogio Pigoli, Elena Bonadei, Erik Meers, Fabrizio Adani
Summary: Using membrane technology to treat manure can reduce its volume and produce a nutrient-rich concentrate, allowing the recovery of 46% of total nitrogen and 43% of total phosphorus. Compared to synthetic mineral fertilizers, this process has lower environmental impacts in 12 categories studied. The study also suggests precautions to further reduce environmental impacts and reduce energy consumption.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Silvia Pioli, Elisa Clagnan, Atif Aziz Chowdhury, Alessia Bani, Luigimaria Borruso, Maurizio Ventura, Giustino Tonon, Lorenzo Brusetti
Summary: In this study, changes in microbial community diversities and functions in natural downed wood at different decay stages were investigated using metagenomics analysis and in vitro analysis in a natural oak forest in the Italian Alps. The alpha diversity of bacterial communities was influenced by decay stage and log characteristics, while beta diversity was mainly driven by log diameter. Fungal and archaeal beta diversities were affected by the size of the sampled wood (log diameter), with fungi being predominantly influenced by wood decay stage. The analysis of genes targeting cell wall degradation revealed higher abundances of cellulose and pectin-degrading enzymes in bacteria, while in fungi the enzymes targeting cellulose and hemicellulose were more abundant. Decay class affected the abundance of single enzymes, indicating a shift in complex hydrocarbon degradation pathways during the decay process. Furthermore, genes related to Coenzyme M biosynthesis were found to be most abundant, especially in the early stages of wood decomposition, while overall methanogenesis did not appear to be influenced by decay stage. Intra- and inter-kingdom interactions between bacteria and fungi revealed a complex pattern of community structure in response to decay stage, possibly reflecting both direct and indirect interactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinte Zou, Lei Cai, Jianrui Lin, Ruyi Wang, Jun Li, Mingsheng Jia
Summary: This study investigated the effect of granule size and sludge structure on the hydrolysis and acidification of aerobic granular sludge. The findings showed that aerobic granular sludge exhibited higher soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) dissolution and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) production compared to conventional activated sludge. The optimal granule size for AGS fermentation was found to be 500-1600 μm.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Elisa Clagnan, Fabrizio Adani
Summary: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a new frontier in bioplastic production. In this study, the performance and composition of microbial communities developed from the same inoculum on different feedstocks were investigated. High PHA production efficiencies were seen across all samples, but differences in the composition of organic acids led to different ratios of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (3HB) to poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (3HV). The communities differed across all feedstocks, but there was some functional redundancy in terms of enzymatic activity, leading to high efficiency in PHA production.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Elisa Clagnan, Mirko Cucina, Raveena Vilas Sajgule, Patrizia De Nisi, Fabrizio Adani
Summary: This paper reports a novel study on the microbial acclimatization for anaerobic degradation and conversion of bioplastics into biogas. The results showed that microbial acclimatization can enhance the biogas production from starch-based and polyactic-acid bioplastics. This study highlights the importance of microbial acclimatization for the circularity of bioplastics.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
