Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mingyue Geng, Shijie You, Haijuan Guo, Fang Ma, Xiao Xiao, Jinna Zhang
Summary: The study found that high FPs dosage can help maintain the morphological integrity and stable bioactivity of AGS, while also improving the efficiency of nutrient removal. Analysis of the microbial community showed that 60% FPs dosage enriched functional bacteria, contributing to the stability of AGS.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Fall, L. M. Barron-Hernandez, V. E. Gonzaga-Galeana, M. T. Olguin
Summary: The study investigates the mechanisms and microbial communities of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactor involving polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) aerobic-storing bacteria, and explores the long-term stability and removal performances of the system. The study finds that the dominant bacteria in the system are PHA-aerobic storing bacteria instead of the expected polyphosphate and glycogen accumulating organisms, providing a stable system for organic and nitrogen removal.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yanjie Wei, Yuanyao Ye, Min Ji, Shitao Peng, Feifei Qin, Wenshan Guo, Huu Hao Ngo
Summary: This study utilized aerobic granular sludge technology to remove ammonium from landfill leachate, analyzing the stability of microbial community structures using PCR-DGGE technology. It was found that high nitrogen loading rates hindered ammonium removal, while low loading rates achieved satisfactory results, indicating the importance of stable wastewater treatment bioreactors in maintaining microbial community stability.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiufang Zhang, Yongqiang Liu, Jun Li, Zhuo Wei, Wenyan Duan, Fangyuan Chen
Summary: This study investigates the use of sludge biochar as a bio-carrier to enhance aerobic granular sludge. The findings show that sludge biochar can speed up granule formation, improve denitrification performance, and enhance the long-term stability of aerobic granules.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Dong Xu, Jun Li, Jun Liu, Xinghong Qu, Hailing Ma
Summary: Aerobic granule in continuous-flow process has attracted global interest in the field of biological wastewater treatment, with advancements made in the treatment of complex pollutants, reactor configurations, and granule stability. This review discusses the challenges and prospects of applying this technology at full scale, aiming to contribute to the dissemination of practical applications.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Long Cheng, Mingyu Wei, Gang Guo, Qixing Hu, Bingtang Li, Yifeng Jiang, Zhiquan Hu
Summary: This study investigates the influence of three feeding modes on the formation and stability of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) under exposure to a mixture of antibiotics. The results show that anaerobic plug-flow (APM) and anaerobic mixed-flow (AMM) are able to achieve granulation within a short period, while aerobic feeding mode (AFM) fails to form AGS. AMM outperforms APM and AFM in terms of total phosphorus removal, antibiotic removal, and operational stability under low temperature conditions. The presence of biofilm formers and phosphorus accumulating organisms play important roles in AGS stability and high phosphorus removal in AMM.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuai Wang, Xiaoxiao Huang, Lijuan Liu, Peng Yan, Youpeng Chen, Fang Fang, Jinsong Guo
Summary: This study revealed the significant contribution of exopolysaccharide (PS) to maintaining the structural stability of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) by affecting hydrophobicity interactions and hydrogen bonds system, which are crucial parameters for gel properties. The hydrolysis of PS led to a decrease in sludge hydrophobicity, granular gel mechanical strength, and an increase in surface free energy, ultimately impacting the granular stability. Additionally, the existence of PS and PN conjugates in the EPS matrix was confirmed, proposing a new insight into the EPS system theory and granular stability mechanism.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Juan Pablo Pavissich, Nicolas Camus, Jose Luis Campos, Oscar Franchi, Alba Pedrouso, Paula Carrera, Angeles Val del Rio, Anuska Mosquera-Corral
Summary: The research found that the biomass of granular sludge showed significant fluctuations during the experimental process, but changes in the fractal dimension values of the granules were correlated with the dynamics of granule formation and disintegration. Therefore, the relative standard deviation of the granules fractal dimension can serve as an important parameter for monitoring the granules status and provide early warning of changes in the granules.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chunli Wan, Liya Fu, Zhengwen Li, Xiang Liu, Lin Lin, Changyong Wu
Summary: This paper comprehensively reviews the research on AGS over the past two decades, including culture conditions, granulation mechanisms, metabolic and structural stability, storage, and diverse applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
K. Rosas-Echeverria, C. Fall, E. Gutierrez-Segura, M. P. Romero-Camacho, K. M. Ba
Summary: This study investigated the stability, contaminant removal, and microbial structure of an aerobic granular sludge (AGS) process, with a focus on ordinary heterotrophic organisms (OHOs). Long-term stable granules and high removals of various pollutants were achieved. The most abundant bacteria in the sludge were OHOs, despite the depletion of COD in the AGS, indicating the coexistence of microbial competition and stability. Microbial analyses revealed the mechanisms by which OHOs survive in the granules. The study contributes to the understanding of microbial competition and stability in AGS.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sadiye Kosar, Onur Isik, Yasemin Akdag, Hazal Gulhan, Ismail Koyuncu, Hale Ozgun, Mustafa Evren Ersahin
Summary: Characteristics of seed sludge are crucial for the granulation and treatment performance of aerobic granular sludge process. Different types of seed sludge can affect the size of granules and the efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus removal in the sludge.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vikalp Saxena, Susant Kumar Padhi, Lopa Pattanaik, Ritik Bhatt
Summary: In this study, the aerobic granular reactor (AGR) was used to treat landfill leachate by controlling the concentrations of COD, ammonia, and phosphorus. The study found that the highest removal rates of COD, ammonia, and phosphorus were achieved at specific influent concentrations. The maximum biodegradation rate and half-saturation constant of COD in AGR were determined.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lingfeng Ouyang, Wen Huang, Mina Huang, Bin Qiu
Summary: The polyaniline (PANI) material was used to enhance the formation process of aerobic granular sludge (AGS). PANI had a positive effect on microbial aggregation, accelerating the granulation process of AGS and increasing the stability of the granules. It also stimulated cells to secrete polysaccharides, which facilitated the maintenance of AGS stability.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhuo Sun, Jiaming Zhang, Jin Wang, Hongxiang Zhu, Jianhua Xiong, Guoyou Nong, Mengqi Luo, Jue Wang
Summary: This study proposes a method for integrating spherical pelletizing granular sludge into a continuous up-flow reactor, showing good treatment efficiency and high pollutant removal rates. The presence of specific functional microorganisms promotes the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ali Elahinik, Linghang Li, Martin Pabst, Ben Abbas, Dimitrios Xevgenos, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Mario Pronk
Summary: This study investigated the conversion of glucose and its impact on phosphate removal by aerobic granular sludge. The results demonstrated that glucose could be used as a suitable substrate for achieving phosphate removal and that a microbial community consisting of fermentative organisms and polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAO) developed.
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)
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
Engineering, Environmental
Ji Li, Xiaodi Hao, Wei Gan, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Yuanyuan Wu
Summary: This study investigates the key factors and mechanisms controlling ALE formation in flocculent sludge. The experiments reveal that starch-rich influent substrate and low temperature promote ALE production in the sludge. The C/N ratio also affects ALE yield to some extent. Furthermore, the ALE extracted from flocculent sludge has the potential to substitute for commercial alginates, but its composition and chemical properties are influenced by different working conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sadiye Kosar, Onur Isik, Busra Cicekalan, Hazal Gulhan, Ece Sagir Kurt, Ezgi Atli, Safak Basa, Hale Ozgun, Ismail Koyuncu, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Mustafa Evren Ersahin
Summary: This study investigated the impact of settling prior to the aerobic granular sludge (AGS) process on granulation and treatment performance. The results showed that granulation was achieved in both stages, with over 92% COD removal efficiency in each stage. However, settling prior to the AGS process led to a decrease in nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vojtech Kouba, Kamila Hurkova, Klara Navratilova, Dana Kok, Andrea Benakova, Michele Laureni, Patricie Vodickova, Tomas Podzimek, Petra Lipovova, Laura van Niftrik, Jana Hajslova, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, David Gregory Weissbrodt, Jan Bartacek
Summary: This study investigates the adaptation mechanisms of anammox bacteria to low temperatures. Shorter ladderane lipids were found to play a key role in low-temperature adaptation. Ca. Scalindua and Ca. Kuenenia exhibited different ladderane lipid profiles compared to Ca. Brocadia, suggesting their adaptability to low temperatures. Additionally, the study proposes new mechanisms, including ladderanes with absent phosphatidyl headgroup, for the low-temperature adaptation of anammox bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. de Bruin, D. Vasquez-Cardenas, S. M. Sarbu, F. J. R. Meysman, D. Z. Sousa, M. C. M. van Loosdrecht, Y. Lin
Summary: This study analyzed the presence of sGAG in acidophilic biofilm samples collected from Sulfur Cave in Romania. Results showed that the recovered sGAG had a structure similar to chondroitin and contained polysaccharides and sulfate. Genomic sequence analysis supported the hypothesis that sGAGs are synthesized by microbes within the biofilm.
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.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Quan H. Le, Peter J. T. Verheijen, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Eveline I. P. Volcke
Summary: This study focuses on the application of data reconciliation to dynamic wastewater treatment processes. The researchers studied the SHARON partial nitritation process and found that splitting the long-term dynamic data into subsets corresponding to different pseudo-steady-state operations improved the detection of gross errors and allowed for a higher number of variables to be reconciled. They also discovered that the infiltration of air and errors in grab sampling had a significant impact on calculating N2O emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
T. Prot, W. Pannekoek, C. Belloni, A. Dugulan, R. Hendrikx, L. Korving, M. C. M. van Loosdrecht
Summary: The study found that vivianite can be efficiently formed in undigested activated sludge, and phosphorus recovery can be achieved without the use of a sludge digester. Additionally, recovering vivianite from undigested sludge can reduce waste disposal and mitigate vivianite scaling formation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Sergio Tomas-Martinez, Le Min Chen, Thomas R. Neu, David G. Weissbrodt, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Yuemei Lin
Summary: The catabolism of sialic acids in a microbial community resembles that of gut microbiota, indicating the importance of sialic acids in the absence of eukaryotic hosts.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2022)
