Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huihui Chen, Zheng Chen, Mila Nasikai, Gang Luo, Shicheng Zhang
Summary: Cationic polyacrylamide (cPAM) enhances methane yield and biodegradability in the hydrothermal treatment - anaerobic digestion process. HTT reduces cPAM's molecular weight and leads to the production of easily degradable byproducts.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna Hamalainen, Marika Kokko, Pritha Chatterjee, Viljami Kinnunen, Jukka Rintala
Summary: This study piloted the use of pyrolysis process to produce biochar from digestate of municipal sewage sludge in a central biogas plant. The study also investigated the effects of adding pyrolysis liquid to sewage sludge and thermal hydrolysis pretreated sewage sludge on methane production in a full-scale centralized biogas plant. The results showed that pyrolysis liquid can be treated in anaerobic digestion (AD) and has the potential to increase methane production and ammonium recovery.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kang Song, Zhouyang Li, Xu Zhou, Guojun Xie, Lu Li, Shengyan Pu
Summary: The study investigated the potential of improving methane production from algal sludge anaerobic digestion by peroxydisulfate (PDS) pretreatment. Results showed that PDS dosage at 0.02 g PDS/g algal sludge TSS led to the highest accumulative methane production after 60 days fermentation. The addition of PDS inhibited microbial activities but improved short chain fatty acids production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
V Khanh Nguyen, Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary, Ram Hari Dahal, N. Hoang Trinh, Jaisoo Kim, S. Woong Chang, Yongseok Hong, Duong Duc La, X. Cuong Nguyen, H. Hao Ngo, W. Jin Chung, D. Duc Nguyen
Summary: Anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge is an efficient remediation technique, but the presence of complex floc structures and high organic matter content hinder hydrolysis. Pretreatment techniques such as mechanical, chemical, thermal, and biological processes can accelerate hydrolysis and improve AD efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
C. Aragon-Briceno, A. B. Ross, M. A. Camargo-Valero
Summary: The study evaluated the potential of coupling hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) with anaerobic digestion (AD) for sewage sludge treatment, finding that total solid and COD reduction could reach up to 68% and 66% respectively. The inclusion of hydrochar as a fuel source increased net energy production 10 times, with scenarios using 250 degrees C thermal treatment temperature providing better economic benefits.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rixiang Huang, Yuanzhi Tang, Lei Luo
Summary: This study compared the transformations of sulfur and several related metals during pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization treatments of sewage sludge, finding the formation of metal sulfides and thiophenes in both processes, with different sulfur species playing a critical role in regulating metal speciation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qian Chen, Bing Zhao, Yuhui Zhang, Fenfen Zhu, Huan Wang, Jiawei Wang, Xingmin Fu
Summary: The environmental risk of heavy metals in sewage sludge from a full-scale Cambi (R) thermal hydrolysis + anaerobic digestion sludge treatment plant was discussed based on four seasons' data. Results showed that the heavy metal concentrations in the sludge increased significantly due to enrichment effect caused by organic degradation, except for Cd. The chemical fractions of different heavy metals varied greatly in the raw sludge, and their residual fractions slightly increased after treatment. Thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion transformed some heavy metal fractions. Deep dehydration reduced the mass of heavy metals in the sludge (less than 10%). The potential ecological risk of heavy metals was low when sludge was applied to soil according to GB 4284-2018, and the accumulation amounts of heavy metals in test soil and rural soil did not exceed GB 36600-2018 and GB 15618-2018.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tingjiao Liu, Chunshan Wu, Yulan Wang, Guoyi Xue, Menglu Zhang, Changqing Liu, Yuyi Zheng
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is crucial for stabilizing, reducing, and recovering resources from sewage sludge, but low organic content can inhibit methane production. Thermal hydrolysis is a promising pretreatment method to improve efficiency, with extended contact time at low temperatures showing significant improvements in solubilization of organic matter and overall digestion efficiency. By enhancing energy balance and dewatering properties while stabilizing heavy metals, this approach offers a more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution for treating and disposing of low-organic content sludge.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiaqi Zhao, Chunsheng Qiu, Xiaodan Fan, Jinxin Zheng, Nannan Liu, Chenchen Wang, Dong Wang, Shaopo Wang
Summary: The pyrolysis of dewatered sewage sludge and anaerobically digested sludge resulted in biochars with increased heavy metal concentrations but decreased bioavailability fractions, thereby reducing environmental risk.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hasan Pasalari, Ali Esrafili, Abbas Rezaee, Mitra Gholami, Mahdi Farzadkia
Summary: The study investigated the use of electrochemical oxidation (EO) to improve the biodegradability and energy output of landfill leachate (LL) in anaerobic co-digestion processes. Optimal operational parameters were identified for increased soluble COD (sCOD) and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), resulting in higher methane yield and energy efficiency. Results showed that EO pretreatment significantly reduced lag phase and improved methane production in high-volume LL anaerobic co-digestion reactors, validating the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the method.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hasan Merdun, Zakari Boubacar Laouge, Ismail Veli Sezgin, Asli Seyhan Ciggin
Summary: Studies on evaluating sewage sludge as a feedstock for thermochemical processes have made significant progress. It is important to determine the stage of sewage sludge treatment for incorporating thermochemical processes into wastewater treatment plants and configuring the optimal process scheme. Pyrolysis is a crucial process for resource recovery, producing bio-oil and biochar. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal process scheme for pyrolysis of different sewage sludges, and the conditions for maximum bio-oil yield were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Li-Jie Wu, Xiao-Xiao Li, Yu-Xiang Liu, Fan Yang, Quan Zhou, Rui-Peng Ren, Yong-Kang Lyu
Summary: The study optimized hydrothermal pretreatment conditions for continuous mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion, finding that hydrothermal pretreatment significantly increased methane production and volatile solids reduction in both systems.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Menghuan Zhong, Donghai Yang, Rui Liu, Yanyan Ding, Xiaohu Dai
Summary: This study investigated the effects of hydrothermal treatment on organic matter solubilization and structure changes of secondary sludge and digested sludge. It was found that organic matter solubilization increased significantly at lower temperatures, but decreased at higher temperatures. Polysaccharides were easier to dissolve than protein, and protein was the main soluble component. Damage to the EPS structure contributed to higher organic matter solubilization. The concentration of soluble organic components was the result of dissolution and hydrolysis reactions. Hydrolysis and polymerization reactions were intensified at higher temperatures. The highest methane production was observed at 170℃ for digested sludge. This study provides insights into the mechanism of hydrothermal treatment and its application.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Li, Dongliang Hua, Haipeng Xu, Fuqiang Jin, Yuxiao Zhao, Lei Chen, Baofeng Zhao, Lasse A. Rosendahl, Zhe Zhu
Summary: This study investigated the disposal and reutilization of hydrothermal liquefaction wastewater (HTLWW) and found that anaerobic digestion (AD) is an alternative method for treating organic wastewater. Results showed that the highest bio-crude yield was obtained at 350 degrees C. The presence of toxic substances in HTLWW decreased methane yield at high organic loading. The microbial community and diversity were influenced by the complex compounds in the wastewater.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinru Jiang, Qingyang Lyu, Liefeng Bi, Yang Liu, Yandong Xie, Gaosheng Ji, Chenchen Huan, Lishan Xu, Zhiying Yan
Summary: The double E strategy, combining trace elements enhancer and enzyme pretreatment, effectively enhances sewage sludge anaerobic digestion efficiency. By promoting the growth of acetogens and protein fermenting bacteria, the strategy increases methane production and improves the overall efficiency of AD process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Li, Lanjia Pan, Guangwei Yu, Chunxing Li, Shengyu Xie, Yin Wang
Summary: By optimizing operational conditions, a easily recyclable adsorbent with good adsorption performance and safety was successfully prepared for ciprofloxacin adsorption. The adsorbent exhibited excellent adsorption performance at specific temperature and pH conditions, and showed good adsorption effect after thermal desorption regeneration.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kumuduni N. Palansooriya, Jie Li, Pavani D. Dissanayake, Manu Suvarna, Lanyu Li, Xiangzhou Yuan, Binoy Sarkar, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Joerg Rinklebe, Xiaonan Wang, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: This study uses machine learning approaches to predict the immobilization efficiency of heavy metals in biochar-amended soils, and finds that the nitrogen content and application rate of biochar are the most significant features affecting the immobilization.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Song Han Lee, Jie Li, Xiaonan Wang, Kun-Lin Yang
Summary: A study developed an online framework using orthogonal experimental design and machine learning algorithm to optimize critical conditions for the conversion of oil palm mesocarp fibers into fermentable sugar. The optimized strategy can significantly increase solid reduction and sugar conversion, leading to potential environmental and economic benefits.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jie Li, Lanyu Li, Manu Suvarna, Lanjia Pan, Meisam Tabatabaei, Yong Sik Ok, Xiaonan Wang
Summary: This study comprehensively reviews various conversion technologies for transforming wet wastes to bioenergy and biochar, including anaerobic digestion, gasification, incineration, and more. The challenges hindering the widespread adoption of these technologies are critically examined, and insightful recommendations for technological advancements and wider acceptance are presented.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xingdong Wang, Victor Wei-Chung Chang, Zhiwei Li, Yang Song, Chunxing Li, Yin Wang
Summary: The study revealed that food waste digestate (FWD) as an additive can significantly reduce the heavy metal content in blended biochar, thereby improving its ecological risk index and phytotoxicity index.
Editorial Material
Engineering, Chemical
Xiaonan Wang, Jie Li, Yingzhe Zheng, Jiali Li
Summary: This paper provides an overview of the applications of multi-scale smart systems engineering (SSE) approaches in crucial domains such as materials discovery, intelligent manufacturing, and environmental management. The focus of SSE is to design, operate, and manage multi-scale systems with enhanced economic and environmental performance. The emergence of big data analytics, internet of things, machine learning, and general artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize research, industry, and society in the future.
FRONTIERS OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jie Li, Manu Suvarna, Lanyu Li, Lanjia Pan, Javier Perez-Ramirez, Yong Sik Ok, Xiaonan Wang
Summary: This review highlights the application of computational modeling techniques, including computational fluid dynamics, process simulation, and machine learning, in waste conversion technologies. The authors summarize the advantages and disadvantages of these modeling techniques and provide case studies. They also emphasize the importance of hybrid frameworks to advance future wet waste valorization strategies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chunxing Li, Jie Li, Shengyu Xie, Guangyi Zhang, Lanjia Pan, Ruming Wang, Gang Wang, Xiaofang Pan, Yin Wang, Irini Angelidaki
Summary: In this study, a combination of hydrothermal treatment and alkaline hydrothermal treatment with pyrolysis was used to immobilize heavy metals in sewage sludge. The results showed that the heavy metals mainly remained in the hydrochar and biochar, and alkaline hydrothermal treatment combined with pyrolysis was particularly effective for immobilizing zinc and nickel. Additionally, the potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the sewage sludge-based biochar significantly decreased after treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiangzhou Yuan, Yang Cao, Jie Li, Anil Kumar Patel, Cheng-Di Dong, Xin Jin, Cheng Gu, Alex C. K. Yip, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: This review provides an overview of emerging synthesis routes for multifunctional biochar-based catalysts and discusses recent advances in biorefinery and pollutant degradation. It critically reviews the catalytic performance and deactivation mechanisms under different catalytic systems, and highlights the application of machine learning and inverse design. Finally, it proposes environmental benefit and economic feasibility assessments as science-based guidelines for industries and policymakers.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jie Li, Lanyu Li, Yen Wah Tong, Xiaonan Wang
Summary: Gasification is a sustainable method for treating biomass waste and producing combustible H-2-syngas. The distribution and composition of the generated products depend on the feedstock information and gasification condition. Machine learning models have been used to predict and optimize the gasification process, providing valuable insights for the production of H-2-rich syngas.
GREEN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jie Li, Di Yu, Lanjia Pan, Xinhai Xu, Xiaonan Wang, Yin Wang
Summary: To mitigate the serious plastic pollution, urgent attention is required to promote the development of plastic waste (PW) valorization technology. Pyrolysis has been extensively utilized for sustainable conversion of PW into high-value-added products, particularly liquid fuels. However, achieving high yield and quality of liquid fuel remains challenging due to the optimization of pyrolysis process and synthesis of exceptional catalysts. This work comprehensively reviewed PW pyrolysis from technical and computational aspects, highlighting challenges and providing insights for improving efficiency and commercialization.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Lanyu Li, Jie Li, Yuchen Li, Jing Luo, Yin Wang, Xiaonan Wang
Summary: This review evaluates various wet-waste conversion technologies and highlights their carbon emissions and negative emission potential for different wet-waste categories. The study finds that anaerobic digestion performs well in terms of sustainability and commercial maturity, and all wet-waste conversion technologies are more environmentally favorable than traditional landfilling or composting methods.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Li, Lanjia Pan, Zhiwei Li, Yin Wang
Summary: This study used machine learning to predict the total concentration and retention rate of heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in sludge and manure biochar, and found that the retention rate of Cd is mainly determined by the total concentration of biochar and feedstock information, while the retention rate of Cr is influenced by both the feedstock information and additives. The predictive models and insights provided by this study can contribute to the understanding of heavy metal migration during pyrolysis and guide the preparation of low heavy metal-containing biochar.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Xiangzhou Yuan, Jie Li, Juin Yau Lim, Ashkan Zolfaghari, Daniel S. Alessi, Yin Wang, Xiaonan Wang, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Research on machine learning (ML)-aided investigations for the removal of heavy metals (HMs) from contaminated waters has shown great potential. This approach offers the opportunity to optimize physiochemical processes and gain deeper insights into HM removal behaviors. However, challenges such as limited data availability, data formatting inconsistencies, and data collection inefficiencies need to be addressed. To overcome these challenges, centralized and decentralized data sharing methodologies should be promoted to accelerate ML-guided strategies for HM removal.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jie Li, Le Zhang, Chunxing Li, Hailin Tian, Jing Ning, Jingxin Zhang, Yen Wah Tong, Xiaonan Wang
Summary: This study utilized ensemble machine learning algorithms to predict and understand the anaerobic digestion (AD) system and developed a reversible design method. The critical factors influencing methane yield and content were identified and the computational results were experimentally validated in a real-world food waste AD process.
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)
