Review
Agricultural Engineering
Kumari Uma Mahto, Surajit Das
Summary: Moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) are widely used in wastewater treatment due to their low operational costs, technical feasibility, and stability. They are capable of achieving high removal rates of nitrogen, organic carbon, and ammonium nitrogen, and modifications in the surface properties of the biocarrier materials can further improve removal efficiency.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Themistoklis Sfetsas, Stefanos Patsatzis, Afroditi Chioti
Summary: This review discusses the optimization factors for enhancing wastewater treatment efficiency and the advancements in bio-carriers technology, including the application of 3D printing techniques. It also presents recent research data on 3D printed bio-carriers.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ellen Edefell, Per Falas, Elena Torresi, Marinette Hagman, Michael Cimbritz, Kai Bester, Magnus Christensson
Summary: A novel process configuration with additional substrate from primary treated wastewater was designed to improve micropollutant removal in MBBRs with low substrate availability. The recirculating MBBR showed a significant increase in biomass concentration and micropollutant degradation rates, with aerobic conditions being critical for high degradation rates. The results suggest that degradation rates normalized to carrier surface area can facilitate the comparison of different biofilm systems.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Zhao, Gaofeng Ni, Maria Piculell, Jie Li, Zhetai Hu, Zhiyao Wang, Jianhua Guo, Zhiguo Yuan, Min Zheng, Shihu Hu
Summary: This study investigated the establishment, structure, and microbial community composition of biofilms in three laboratory-scale moving bed biofilm reactors, and found that the depth of living space significantly influenced the biofilm formation and community composition.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
David Wolff, Lissa Helmholz, Sandro Castronovo, Ann-Kathrin Ghattas, Thomas A. Ternes, Arne Wick
Summary: The study investigated the transformation potential of micropollutants in suspended sludge and carrier-attached biofilms of three different hybrid MBBR systems. It found that the carrier-attached biofilms exhibited higher overall transformation potential compared to suspended sludge, especially for certain micropollutants. The analysis also identified specific bacterial taxa associated with micropollutant transformation rates, suggesting their potential as indicators for transformation potential.
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
Environmental Sciences
Yajun Fan, Miao Zhang, Jilin Cheng, Daming Yong, Junjie Ji, Qichao Wu, Chengda He
Summary: The three-stage plug flow moving bed biofilm reactor (PF-MBBR) demonstrated optimal NH4(+)-N removal efficiency and nitrite accumulation ratio in chamber N2, with distinct differences in bacterial community structure and biomass distribution. Ammonia oxidizing bacteria played a crucial role in the nitrification process, showing a significant advantage over nitrite oxidizing bacteria.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shasha Yuan, Ronghua Xu, Depeng Wang, Qining Lin, Shunyi Zhou, Jieying Lin, Lichao Xia, Yue Fu, Zhihao Gan, Fangang Meng
Summary: The study demonstrates that different ecological processes exist at different stages of biofilm development, where interspecific cooperation plays a key role in the initial formation and rapid development of biofilms, while interspecific competition predominantly occurs in the mature stage. These processes are crucial for understanding the linkages between development and function in biofilm-based treatment processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Water Resources
Sangeeta Madan, Richa Madan, Athar Hussain
Summary: This review examines the application and development of the moving bed biofilm process (MBBR) in wastewater treatment, as well as factors affecting system performance, current research on organic matter and nutrient removal, and the potential of MBBR technology as a hybrid system. The paper also discusses future research prospects and challenges for the moving bed process.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kai Lv, Dangcong Peng, Yun Han, Lifang Yu
Summary: Enrichment and accumulation of anammox bacteria in aerobic biofilm is crucial for successful nitrogen removal in municipal wastewater treatment plants. This study detected a relatively high percentage of anammox bacteria in the biofilm of two WWTPs in Xi'an, China, and estimated their contribution to nitrogen removal. These findings suggest that aerobic biofilm could enhance nitrogen removal in mainstream.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shasha Yuan, Sixian Guo, Xihao Huang, Fangang Meng
Summary: This study investigated the interspecies interactions during biofilm development in a moving bed biofilm reactor using regular and time-series phylogenetic molecular ecological networks. The results showed that positive interactions dominated both regular and time-series networks, indicating extensive cooperative behaviors. Time-lagged interspecies interactions prevailed in the biofilm development process, with a higher proportion of directional negative interactions than positive interactions. Keystone species with more positive interactions were positively correlated with biofilm biomass and removal efficiencies, while those targeted negatively by their neighbors showed positive correlations with specific metabolite concentrations.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Susanne Schaefer, Jakob Walther, Dorina Strieth, Roland Ulber, Ulrich Broeckel
Summary: The study combined OCT and μCT methods to effectively quantify and spatially resolve the growth of biofilms. The research showed a growth limitation in the outer region of the biocarrier at the beginning, and light limitation in the later phase. Comparison between OCT and μCT can rapidly detect biofilm formation, helping gain a deeper understanding of the process.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Liang Zhu, Jingwei Ma, Huizhou Yuan, Lin Deng, Zhou Shi, Qiulai He, Shuizhou Ke
Summary: This study investigated the effects of sulfadiazine (SDZ) on the response of biofilm in a moving bed biofilm reactor, focusing on changes in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and functional genes. The results showed that 10 mg/L SDZ significantly reduced the protein (PN) and polysaccharide (PS) contents of EPS, while maintaining a high ratio of PN to PS and unaffected functional groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed alterations in community activity, including increased expression of s_Alcaligenes faecali. The study highlights the role of EPS and functional genes in antibiotic removal and provides more insights into the biofilm community's exposure to antibiotics.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dora Olsheimer, Jes la Cour Jansen, David J. I. Gustavsson
Summary: Implementing anammox based processes in the mainstream at municipal wastewater treatment plants is challenging and requires carefully constructed control strategies. A reliable method to measure the specific anammox activity was developed and implemented in a pilot plant. The study analyzed the influence of initial nitrite and ammonium concentrations on the activity, as well as the temperature dependency.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mandar S. Bhagat, Arvind Kumar Mungray, Alka A. Mungray
Summary: This paper investigates the performance of a pilot-scale constructed wetland osmotic microbial fuel cell (CW-OMFC) under different gravel conditions. The use of high porous materials in the CW-OMFC resulted in higher power generation, lower salt flux, and higher COD removal efficiency. Additionally, the plants in the system were able to uptake nutrients from the wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurora Rosa-Masegosa, Lizandra Perez-Bou, Barbara Munoz-Palazon, Antonio Monteoliva-Garcia, Alejandro Gonzalez-Martinez, Jesus Gonzalez-Lopez, David Correa-Galeote
Summary: This study evaluated the size, structure, and dynamics of microbial communities in AGS-SBRs fed with different concentrations of amino acids. The addition of amino acids had a weak impact on the total abundances of microbial communities but significantly modulated the dominant bacterial structures. The highest concentration of amino acids under the shock strategy led to a severe change in the microbial community structure.
Article
Polymer Science
David Correa-Galeote, Lucia Argiz, Angeles Val del Rio, Anuska Mosquera-Corral, Belen Juarez-Jimenez, Jesus Gonzalez-Lopez, Belen Rodelas
Summary: The biosynthesis of PHAs from industrial wastes using MMCs enriched in PHA-accumulating bacteria is a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics. This study investigated the shifts in bacterial communities in lab-scale reactors fed with fish-canning effluents, and found that a double growth limitation strategy effectively modulated the relative abundances of PHA-accumulating bacteria and increased PHA accumulation, regardless of saline conditions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Barbara Munoz-Palazon, Aurora Rosa-Masegosa, Ramiro Vilchez-Vargas, Alexander Link, Susanna Gorrasi, Jesus Gonzalez-Lopez, Alejandro Gonzalez-Martinez
Summary: This study investigated the effect of low and high temperatures on the removal of pharmaceuticals in aerobic granular sludge reactors. The results showed that pharmaceutical removal was more efficient at high temperature, while oscillations were observed at low temperature. Naproxen was the most difficult compound to degrade, and trimethoprim had the highest removal ratios for both temperatures. The microbial community composition was highly dependent on the operational temperature, with Flavobacterium and Leadbetterella being detected in reactors with drug amendment. The metabolically active bacterial community had lower diversity compared to the total community. The statistical analysis confirmed that temperature had a more decisive impact on the microbial community than pharmaceutical treatment.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Laura Antinolo Bermudez, Juan Carlos Leyva Diaz, Jaime Martin Pascual, Maria del Mar Munio Martinez, Jose Manuel Poyatos Capilla
Summary: The growing demand for water and water scarcity due to climate change has led to a need for reusing treated water for agricultural purposes. The European Union has set minimum requirements for wastewater reuse, emphasizing its role in promoting the circular economy and reducing the use of fertilizers. This study evaluates the quality of treated water from a pilot plant in Granada, Spain, and explores the potential reuse of resources such as biogas and biostabilized sludge. The findings show that the treated water meets the quality standards for agricultural use and the byproducts can be potentially reused.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Aliya Askarova, Montserrat Zamorano, Jaime Martin-Pascual, Aizhan Nugymanova, Saltanat Bolegenova
Summary: Despite having hydrocarbon reserves, Kazakhstan has formulated a strategy to transition to a low-carbon economy by utilizing renewable energy sources. Biomass from waste has the potential to reduce emissions and improve waste management in a circular economy. The analysis shows that Kazakhstan has significant resources and energy potential from residual biomass, especially in the agricultural and animal sectors. Co-firing agricultural biomass with coal could facilitate the gradual replacement of coal with biomass, making the transition to a low-carbon economy and renewable energy sources easier.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucia Argiz, Angeles Val Del Rio, David Correa-Galeote, Belen Rodelas, Anuska Mosquera-Corral
Summary: Combining substrate hydrolysis, culture enrichment, and storage in a single reactor helps simplify the production process of TAGs and PHAs. The carbon influx during the feast phase is a key parameter in controlling storage compound production.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
David Correa-Galeote, Lucia Argiz, Anuska Mosquera-Corral, Angeles Val del Rio, Belen Juarez -Jimenez, Jesus Gonzalez-Lopez, Belen Rodelas
Summary: In this study, a lipid-rich stream produced in the fish-canning industry was used as a substrate to enrich microorganisms with high TAG-storage ability in two laboratory-scale SBRs. The results showed an increase in the abundance of total fungi under different selective pressures, but the increase in relative abundance was not significantly linked to higher TAG accumulation.
Review
Water Resources
Hesham Abdulla, Montserrat Zamorano, Miguel L. Rodriguez, Abeer El Shahawy, Sally Hosny, Jaime Martin-Pascual, Sahar El-Shatoury
Summary: The agro-food industry holds great investment opportunities by converting treated water and solid waste into value-added products. Our study conducted a scientometric analysis of extensive bibliometric data on this field, identifying leading journals, key authors and papers, and relevant regions. Previous studies on decentralized treated agro-food wastewater and its potential benefits for sustainable development were found to have significant flaws, particularly in developing countries. Emerging efforts such as coagulation/electrocoagulation/ultrasonic processes, hybrid constructed wetlands, and microbial inoculation aim to achieve SDG6, particularly in emerging economy nations. Our scientometric findings facilitate academic collaboration, joint ventures, and implementation of advanced technologies for treating agro-food wastewater and producing beneficial byproducts.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Antinolo Bermudez, Antonio Martin-Luis, Juan Carlos Leyva Diaz, Maria del Mar Munio Martinez, Jose Manuel Poyatos Capilla
Summary: This study investigated the effects of micropollutants on the biodegradation of organic substrate in a membrane bioreactor under different hydraulic retention times and low-temperature conditions. The results showed that the longer the hydraulic retention time, the faster the biodegradation of the organic substrate, regardless of the temperature. However, low temperatures negatively affected the growth rate of heterotrophic biomass. The combined effect of the pharmaceuticals did not worsen the biomass yield compared with individual effects.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Luz Marina Ruiz, Maria Fernandez, Ana Genaro, Jaime Martin-Pascual, Montserrat Zamorano
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is a viable waste-to-energy technology for organic wastes, but single-substrate digestion has limitations. Co-digestion of different substrates can improve process efficiencies and biogas production rates. This study developed a multi-parametric analysis to compare industrial wastes for co-substrate selection in anaerobic co-digestion. Factors considered included sample composition, C/N ratios, theoretical BMP, and production rates. Fried corn and wet fatty pomace showed high potential as co-substrates due to their high BMP values, lipid and carbohydrate content, and suitable C/N ratios. Other wastes like dry olive pomace, skinless corn, and grape pomace could also be used. This selection matrix can aid decision making for waste producers and WWTP operators in anaerobic co-digestion.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Jesus de la Torre Bayo, Montserrat Zamorano Toro, Luz Marina Ruiz, Juan Carlos Torres Rojo, Jaime Martin Pascual
Summary: The development in wastewater management has led to a shift towards a circular model that prioritizes energy generation and waste reduction. This study evaluated the economic and environmental viability of producing solid recovered fuel (SRF) from waste screening through multi-scenario analysis. It found that SRF production without densification using solar drying is the most acceptable scenario with the lowest net present values (NPVs).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Antinolo Bermudez, Elena Maria Martinez Sanchez, Juan Carlos Leyva Diaz, Maria del Mar Munio Martinez, Jose Manuel Poyatos Capilla, Jaime Martin Pascual
Summary: The research analyzed the impact of two different concentrations of erythromycin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac on the behavior of heterotrophic biomass in a membrane bioreactor laboratory plant with a hydraulic retention time of 24 hours, supplied with real urban wastewater. The presence of pharmaceutical compounds affected and inhibited the heterotrophic biomass in both phases. System response to low concentrations of pharmaceutical compounds occurred during the initial phase of plant doping. Under these operating conditions, there was a gradual decrease in mixed liquor suspended solids concentration and chemical oxygen demand removal, as the system was unable to absorb the effects produced by the pharmaceutical compounds added in both phases.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Jesus De la Torre Bayo, Jaime Martin Pascual, Juan Carlos Torres Rojo, Montserrat Zamorano Toro
Summary: According to a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, this study reveals that energy recovery has become an inevitable field of action in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) based on circular economy and sustainable principles. The research highlights the focus on sludge treatment in waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies, but also emphasizes the need for more studies on other wastes to achieve zero waste goals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Barbara Munoz-Palazon, Anna Mikola, Aurora Rosa-Masegosa, Ramiro Vilchez-Vargas, Alexander Link, Jesus Gonzalez-Lopez, Alejandro Gonzalez-Martinez
Summary: The aerobic granular biofilm process demonstrated efficient nitrate removal at low temperatures, with stable granule structure and high removal rates. Cold-adapted microorganisms and stable fungal communities were found in the granules. This biological technology is of great significance for nitrate treatment in oligotrophic water bodies.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL 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)
