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Lutzu GA, Concas A, Dunford NT. Characterization of hypersaline Oklahoma native microalgae cultivated in flowback and produced water: growth profile and contaminant removal. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2024; 47:665-681. [PMID: 38589569 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-024-02992-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
This work explores the potential of three hypersaline native microalgae strains from Oklahoma, Geitlerinema carotinosum, Pseudanabaena sp., and Picochlorum oklahomensis, for simultaneous treatment of flowback (FW) and produced wastewater (PW) and the production of algal biomass. The quality of wastewater before and after treatment with these microalgae strains was evaluated and a characterization of algal biomass in terms of moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash contents was assessed. The experimental results indicated how all the microalgae strains were able to grow in both FW and PW, revealing their potential for wastewater treatment. Although algal biomass production was limited by nutrient availability both in PW and FW, a maximum biomass concentration higher than 1.35 g L-1 were achieved by the three strains in two of the PWs and one of the FWs tested, with Pseudanabaena sp. reaching nearly 2 g L-1. Interestingly, higher specific growth rates were obtained by the two cyanobacteria strains G. carotinosum and Pseudanabaena sp. when cultivated in both PW and FW, compared to P. oklahomensis. The harvested algal biomass contained a significant amount of energy, even though it was significantly reduced by the very high salt content. The energy content fell within the recommended range of 16-17 MJ kg-1 for biomass as feedstock for biofuels. The algal treatment resulted in the complete removal of ammonia from the wastewater and a significant reduction in contaminants, such as nitrate, phosphate, boron, and micronutrients like zinc, manganese, and iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Antonio Lutzu
- Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center, FAPC Room 13, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078-6055, USA.
- Teregroup Srl, Via David Livingstone 37, 41123, Modena, MO, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Concas
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, 09123, Cagliari, CA, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nurhan Turgut Dunford
- Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center, FAPC Room 13, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078-6055, USA
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078-6055, USA
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Hassanien A, Saadaoui I, Schipper K, Al-Marri S, Dalgamouni T, Aouida M, Saeed S, Al-Jabri HM. Genetic engineering to enhance microalgal-based produced water treatment with emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9: A review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1104914. [PMID: 36714622 PMCID: PMC9881887 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1104914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the increased demand for and regional variability of available water resources, along with sustainable water supply planning, have driven interest in the reuse of produced water. Reusing produced water can provide important economic, social, and environmental benefits, particularly in water-scarce regions. Therefore, efficient wastewater treatment is a crucial step prior to reuse to meet the requirements for use within the oil and gas industry or by external users. Bioremediation using microalgae has received increased interest as a method for produced water treatment for removing not only major contaminants such as nitrogen and phosphorus, but also heavy metals and hydrocarbons. Some research publications reported nearly 100% removal of total hydrocarbons, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and iron when using microalgae to treat produced water. Enhancing microalgal removal efficiency as well as growth rate, in the presence of such relevant contaminants is of great interest to many industries to further optimize the process. One novel approach to further enhancing algal capabilities and phytoremediation of wastewater is genetic modification. A comprehensive description of using genetically engineered microalgae for wastewater bioremediation is discussed in this review. This article also reviews random and targeted mutations as a method to alter microalgal traits to produce strains capable of tolerating various stressors related to wastewater. Other methods of genetic engineering are discussed, with sympathy for CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This is accompanied by the opportunities, as well as the challenges of using genetically engineered microalgae for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Hassanien
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Imen Saadaoui
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar,Biological and environmental Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kira Schipper
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Tasneem Dalgamouni
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mustapha Aouida
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Qatar Foundation, College of Health and Life Sciences, Education City, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suhur Saeed
- ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ), Doha, Qatar
| | - Hareb M. Al-Jabri
- Algal Technologies Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar,Biological and environmental Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar,*Correspondence: Hareb M. Al-Jabri,
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Rahmani A, Zerrouki D, Tabchouche A, Djafer L. Oilfield-produced water as a medium for the growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa outdoor in an arid region. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:87509-87518. [PMID: 35809171 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21916-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oilfield-produced wastewater (OPW) provided by the local oil industry was used as a medium (without any pre-treatment) for the outdoor cultivation of microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The effectiveness of algal growth on the produced water treatment has been investigated. The experimental setups were carried out outdoor, under sunlight radiation, using an open system sited in the desert area. The highest biomass concentration was attaining 1.15 ± 0.07 g/L after 21 culture days. FTIR spectroscopy was used to estimate the lipid content in C. pyrenoidosa grown in BG11 and OPW medium. Daytime temperatures fluctuation was between 26 and 31 °C. The average insolation was no less than 10 h per day with maximum solar irradiation of 1036 ± 30 W/m2, measured between 12 and 1 p.m. C. pyrenoidosa was found highly capable of removing COD, NH4 + -N, TN, and TP by 89.67%, 100%, 57.14%, and 75.51%, respectively, throughout the cultivation period. Biosorption of toxic heavy metal pollutants such as Cu, Pb, and Cd was also achieved at rates of approximately 73.39, 72.80, and 48.42%. Overall, the achieved result of C. pyrenoidosa-based process was compared to the actual process using activated carbon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellatif Rahmani
- Faculté Des Sciences Appliquées, Laboratoire de Dynamique Interaction Et Réactivités Des Systèmes BP 511, Route de Ghardaïa, Université Ouargla, 30000, Ouargla, Algeria
| | - Djamal Zerrouki
- Faculté Des Sciences Appliquées, Laboratoire de Dynamique Interaction Et Réactivités Des Systèmes BP 511, Route de Ghardaïa, Université Ouargla, 30000, Ouargla, Algeria.
| | - Ahmed Tabchouche
- Faculté Des Sciences Appliquées, Laboratoire de Dynamique Interaction Et Réactivités Des Systèmes BP 511, Route de Ghardaïa, Université Ouargla, 30000, Ouargla, Algeria
| | - Lahcène Djafer
- Laboratoire Eau Environnement, Université Hassiba Ben Bouali, BP 151, 02000, Chlef, Algeria
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Gong Z, Zhang H, Juan Y, Zhu L, Zheng W, Ding J, Tian M, Li X, Zhang J, Guo Y, Li G. A review of application and development of combustion technology for oil sludge. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 57:396-412. [PMID: 35491824 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2022.2071067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Oil sludge is a typical hazardous waste in the petrochemical and electric power industry. It has complex components and special properties, and has serious hazards to humans, plants, water, and soil. Therefore, how to realize the effective disposal of oil sludge has become an urgent issue to be solved worldwide. Among the existing oil sludge treatment approaches, combustion has been considered to be a promising technology to realize the large-scale industrial application. In the present work, the characteristics of oil sludge were described in detail. The application and development of oil sludge combustion technology were critically summarized and discussed, including factors affecting combustion, drying process, combustion characteristics, synergistic treatment technology, and formation and control of secondary pollution. Besides, the development of combustion equipment, and integrated thermal treatment technology for oil sludge were prospected. This work can be used for guiding the industrial disposal of oil sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Gong
- State Grid Shandong Electric Power Research Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Haoteng Zhang
- College of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yonglong Juan
- State Grid Shandong Electric Power Research Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Lingkai Zhu
- State Grid Shandong Electric Power Research Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- State Grid Shandong Electric Power Research Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Junqi Ding
- State Grid Shandong Electric Power Research Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Maocheng Tian
- College of Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Yizhi Guo
- Dalian Yishunlvse Technology Co., Ltd, Dalian, China
| | - Guoen Li
- Dalian Yishunlvse Technology Co., Ltd, Dalian, China
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Feng H, Liu M, Zeng W, Chen Y, Wang M, Yuan L, Yu Z. Feasibility of resource utilization of the refractory evaporation concentrate of gas field wastewater exhibiting high salinity: Application of UV/Fenton, desulfurization, distillation and crystallization process after pre-treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112317. [PMID: 34736924 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The evaporation concentrate of gas field wastewater (EC-GFW) is a new type of refractory actual wastewater produced by the three-effect evaporation of gas field wastewater, exhibiting extremely high salinity and complex organic components. This study proposed a set of processes consisting of AOPs, precipitation, distillation, and crystallization for the systematic treatment of EC-GFW. In this paper, the optimal conditions for the processes after pre-treatment were investigated. The optimal operating parameters of UV/Fenton process were determined to be 180 min of reaction time, 4 of initial pH, 0.6 mol/L of H2O2 dosage, 10:1 of n(H2O2): n(Fe2+) value, and 30 W of UV power. Fenton's reagent was added in two steps (0 min and 90 min) for effective utilization. The results showed that the TOC (Total organic carbon) removal efficiency during the two-stage oxidation reached 93% with TOC in the effluent of 132 mg/L. Then, 82.3% of sulfate ions were removed by the desulfurization process using 50 g/L of CaCl2 within 10 min at a pH of 5 before distillation. It was found that the TOC in the influent of distillation played a decisive role in the quality of the effluent and purity of the crystalline salt, which was expected to be controlled lower than 132 mg/L. The final condensate could utilize to reuse, 99% of main pollutants of which have been removed, reducing the pressure of water supply on site. Simultaneously, the industrial-grade NaCl with extensive application prospect can be recovered. The harmless disposal and resource utilization of EC-GFW was achieved on a laboratory scale, providing the data support and theoretical guidance for treating EC-GFW at gas field project site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Feng
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Min Liu
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Wei Zeng
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Ying Chen
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Mengzhe Wang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Lin Yuan
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Zhilong Yu
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
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6
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Biological-Based Produced Water Treatment Using Microalgae: Challenges and Efficiency. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Produced water (PW) is the most significant waste stream generated in the oil and gas industries. The generated PW has the potential to be a useful water source rather than waste. While a variety of technologies can be used for the treatment of PW for reuse, biological-based technologies are an effective and sustainable remediation method. Specifically, microalgae, which are a cost-effective and sustainable process that use nutrients to eliminate organic pollutants from PW during the bioremediation process. In these treatment processes, microalgae grow in PW free of charge, eliminate pollutants, and generate clean water that can be recycled and reused. This helps to reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere while simultaneously producing biofuels, other useful chemicals, and added-value products. As such, this review focuses on PW generation in the oil and gas industry, PW characteristics, and examines the available technologies that can be used for PW remediation, with specific attention to algal-based technologies. In addition, the various aspects of algae growth and cultivation in PW, the effect of growth conditions, water quality parameters, and the corresponding treatment performance are presented. Lastly, this review emphasizes the bioremediation of PW using algae and highlights how to harvest algae that can be processed to generate biofuels for added-value products as a sustainable approach.
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Marques IM, Oliveira ACV, de Oliveira OMC, Sales EA, Moreira ÍTA. A photobioreactor using Nannochloropsis oculata marine microalgae for removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and sorption of metals in produced water. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 281:130775. [PMID: 34015656 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present work is to evaluate the potential of the removal of PAHs and metal sorption for the treatment of petroleum produced water using a photobioreactor system with Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae. A set of photobioreactors with different gradients of produced water concentration diluted in saline water was designed, establishing five gradients (v/v): 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. These concentrations were established to test the removal of PAHs. The microalgal growth was monitored daily, noting the adaptation of microalgae to the addition of produced water as a culture medium, with cell growth of 5.24 × 107 cells mL-1 from 25% (v/v), 4.09 × 107 cells mL-1 from 50% (v/v), 2.77 × 107 cells mL-1 from 75% (v/v), and 1.17 × 107 cells mL-1 from 100%. The total removal efficiency of PAHs in the produced water was 94%. Organic compounds such as naphthalene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, and acenaphthylene showed higher removal percentages, between 89 and 99% efficiency in produced water. Iron and zinc were the metals detected in the water produced, and iron reduced from 1.57 ± 0.08 mg L-1 to <0.1 mg L-1 after 28 days of cultivation, whereas zinc increased by 0.23 ± 0.05 to 3.90 ± 0.46 mg L-1. The PAHs removal may have occurred in two ways, by intracellular bioaccumulation or biodegradation by oxidoreductase enzymes. 0.2 g of dry biomass with maximum extraction of oil obtained 3.07% and generation of 3.70% of protein was considered as value-added products for biodiesel and bioplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Machado Marques
- Federal University of Bahia, Department of Environmental Engineering, R. Prof. Aristídes Novis, 2- Federação, 40210-630, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Emerson Andrade Sales
- Federal University of Bahia, Department of Environmental Engineering, R. Prof. Aristídes Novis, 2- Federação, 40210-630, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Ícaro Thiago Andrade Moreira
- Federal University of Bahia, Department of Environmental Engineering, R. Prof. Aristídes Novis, 2- Federação, 40210-630, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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Potential for Biomass Production and Remediation by Cultivation of the Marine Model Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum in Oil Field Produced Wastewater Media. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13192700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
While oilfield produced water (PW) is one of the largest, unclaimed wastewater streams of the oil industry, it could potentially be used as a cultivation medium for microalgae. Microalgae could help with the remediation of this water while also delivering biomass that can be transformed into valuable byproducts such as biofuels. The coupling of these two purposes is expected to cut production costs of biofuels while aiding environmental protection. In this study, we compared the cultivation capacity of the marine model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum in media at varying salinities and in media composed of PW from two oilfields in the Central Valley of California that differed drastically in the concentration of inorganic and organic constituents. Specifically, we measured the carrying capacity of these media, the maximum growth rates of P. tricornutum, its cellular lipid accumulation capacity, and its capacity to remediate the most polluted PW source. Our study shows that P. tricornutum can successfully adjust to the tested cultivation media through processes of short-term acclimation and long-term adaptation. Furthermore, the cultivation of P. tricornutum in the most heavily polluted PW source led to significant increases in cell yield and improved photosynthetic capacity during the stationary phase, which could be attributed chiefly to the higher levels of nitrate present in this PW source. Chemical water analyses also demonstrated the capability of P. tricornutum to remediate major nutrient content and potentially harmful elements like fluorine and copper. Because P. tricornutum is amenable to advanced genetic engineering, which could be taken advantage of to improve its cultivation resilience and productivity in an economic setting, we propose this study as a step towards essential follow-up studies that will identify the genetic regulation behind its growth in oilfield PW media and its remediation of the PW constituents.
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Leong YK, Chew KW, Chen WH, Chang JS, Show PL. Reuniting the Biogeochemistry of Algae for a Low-Carbon Circular Bioeconomy. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 26:729-740. [PMID: 33461869 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Given their advantages of high photosynthetic efficiency and non-competition with land-based crops, algae, that are carbon-hungry and sunlight-driven microbial factories, are a promising solution to resolve energy crisis, food security, and pollution problems. The ability to recycle nutrient and CO2 fixation from waste sources makes algae a valuable feedstock for biofuels, food and feeds, biochemicals, and biomaterials. Innovative technologies such as the bicarbonate-based integrated carbon capture and algae production system (BICCAPS), integrated algal bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS), as well as ocean macroalgal afforestation (OMA), can be used to realize a low-carbon algal bioeconomy. We review how algae can be applied in the framework of integrated low-carbon circular bioeconomy models, focusing on sustainable biofuels, low-carbon feedstocks, carbon capture, and advances in algal biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoong Kit Leong
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kit Wayne Chew
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Jalan Sunsuria, Bandar Sunsuria, 43900 Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Wei-Hsin Chen
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
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Fallahi A, Rezvani F, Asgharnejad H, Khorshidi Nazloo E, Hajinajaf N, Higgins B. Interactions of microalgae-bacteria consortia for nutrient removal from wastewater: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 272:129878. [PMID: 35534965 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution can cause eutrophication, resulting in ecosystem disruption. Wastewater treatment systems employing microalgae-bacteria consortia have the potential to enhance the nutrient removal efficiency from wastewater through mutual interaction and synergetic effects. The knowledge and control of the mechanisms involved in microalgae-bacteria interaction could improve the system's ability to transform and recover nutrients. In this review, a critical evaluation of recent literature was carried out to synthesize knowledge related to mechanisms of interaction between microalgae and bacteria consortia for nutrient removal from wastewater. It is now established that microalgae can produce oxygen through photosynthesis for bacteria and, in turn, bacteria supply the required metabolites and inorganic carbon source for algae growth. Here we highlight how the interaction between microalgae and bacteria is highly dependent on the nitrogen species in the wastewater. When the nitrogen source is ammonium, the generated oxygen by microalgae has a positive influence on nitrifying bacteria. When the nitrogen source is nitrate, the oxygen can have an inhibitory effect on denitrifying bacteria. However, some strains of microalgae have the capability to supply hydrogen gas for hydrogenotrophic denitrifiers as an energy source. Recent literature on biogranulation of microalgae and bacteria and its application for nutrient removal and biomass recovery is also discussed as a promising approach. Significant research challenges remain for the integration of microalgae-bacteria consortia into wastewater treatment processes including microbial community control and process stability over long time horizons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Fallahi
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Rezvani
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hashem Asgharnejad
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Khorshidi Nazloo
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Hajinajaf
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Chemical Engineering Program, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Evaluation of Galdieria sulphuraria and Chlorella vulgaris for the Bioremediation of Produced Water. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13091183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Produced water (PW) is the largest waste stream generated by the oil and gas industry. Traditional treatment of PW burdens the industry with significant expenses and environmental issues. Alternatively, microalgal-based bioremediation of PW is often viewed as an ecologically safe and sustainable platform for treating PW. Moreover, the nutrients in PW could support algal growth. However, significant dilution of PW is often required in algal-based systems due to the presence of complex chemical contaminants. In light of these facts, the current work has investigated the potential of cultivating Galdieria sulphuraria and Chlorella vulgaris in PW using multiple dilutions; 0% PW, 5% PW, 10% PW, 20% PW, 50% PW and 100% PW. While both algal strains can grow in PW, the current results indicated that G. sulphuraria has a higher potential of growth in up to 50% PW (total dissolved solids of up to 55 g L−1) with a growth rate of 0.72 ± 0.05 g L−1 d−1 and can achieve a final biomass density of 4.28 ± 0.16 g L−1 in seven days without the need for additional micronutrients. Additionally, the algae showed the potential of removing 99.6 ± 0.2% nitrogen and 74.2 ± 8.5% phosphorus from the PW.
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12
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Treatment of Wastewaters by Microalgae and the Potential Applications of the Produced Biomass—A Review. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w13010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of different types of wastewater by physicochemical or biological (non-microalgal) methods could often be either inefficient or energy-intensive. Microalgae are ubiquitous microscopic organisms, which thrive in water bodies that contain the necessary nutrients. Wastewaters are typically contaminated with nitrogen, phosphorus, and other trace elements, which microalgae require for their cell growth. In addition, most of the microalgae are photosynthetic in nature, and these organisms do not require an organic source for their proliferation, although some strains could utilize organics both in the presence and absence of light. Therefore, microalgal bioremediation could be integrated with existing treatment methods or adopted as the single biological method for efficiently treating wastewater. This review paper summarized the mechanisms of pollutants removal by microalgae, microalgal bioremediation potential of different types of wastewaters, the potential application of wastewater-grown microalgal biomass, existing challenges, and the future direction of microalgal application in wastewater treatment.
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13
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A Review of Algae-Based Produced Water Treatment for Biomass and Biofuel Production. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12092351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Produced water (PW), the largest waste stream generated in oil and gas industries, has the potential to be a harmless product rather than being a waste. Biological processes using microorganisms have proven useful to remediate PW contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons, complex organic chemicals, and solvents. In particular, the bioremediation of PW using algae is an eco-friendly and low-cost approach due to algae’s ability to utilize certain pollutants as nutrient sources. Therefore, the utilization of PW as an algal growth medium has a great potential to eliminate chemicals from the PW and minimize the large volumes of freshwater needed for cultivation. Although several reviews describing the bioremediation of PW have been published, to the best of our knowledge, no review has exclusively focused on the algae-based PW treatment. Therefore, the present review is dedicated to filling this gap by portraying the many different facets of the algae cultivation in PW. Several algal species that are known to thrive in a wide range of salinity and the critical steps for their cultivation in hypersaline PW have been identified. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights the PW bioremediation using algae and brings attention to utilizing PW to grow biomass that can be processed to generate biofuels and useful bioproducts.
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Brown biotechnology: a powerful toolbox for resolving current and future challenges in the development of arid lands. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-2980-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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A cost-effective and environmentally sustainable process for phycoremediation of oil field formation water for its safe disposal and reuse. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15232. [PMID: 31645605 PMCID: PMC6811566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51806-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High volumes of formation water comprising of complex mixture of hydrocarbons is generated during crude oil exploration. Owing to ecotoxicological concerns, the discharge of the formation water without remediation of hydrocarbonaceous pollutants is not permitted. Keeping this into mind, we carried out phycoremediation of hydrocarbons in formation water so that it can be safely discharged or re-used. For this, a native algal species was isolated from formation water followed by its morphological and 18S ribosomal RNA based identification confirming the algal isolate to be Chlorella vulgaris BS1 (NCBI GenBank Accession No. MH732950). The algal isolate exhibited high biomass productivity of 1.76 gm L−1 d−1 (specific growth rate: 0.21 d−1, initial inoculum: 1500 mg L−1) along with remediation of 98.63% petroleum hydrocarbons present in formation water within 14 days of incubation indicating an efficient hydrocarbon remediation process. Concomitantly, the hydrocarbon remediation process resulted in reduction of 75% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) load and complete removal of sulfate from formation water making it suitable for safe disposal or reuse as oil well injection water respectively. The present process overcomes the bottlenecks of external growth nutrient addition or dilution associated with conventional biological treatment resulting in a practically applicable and cost-effective technology for remediation of oil field formation water.
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Effects of salinity and nitrogen source on growth and lipid production for a wild algal polyculture in produced water media. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2018.101406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Johnson TJ, Katuwal S, Anderson GA, Gu L, Zhou R, Gibbons WR. Photobioreactor cultivation strategies for microalgae and cyanobacteria. Biotechnol Prog 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tylor J. Johnson
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
- Dept. of MicrobiologyThe University of TennesseeKnoxville TN37996
| | - Sarmila Katuwal
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept.South Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - Gary A. Anderson
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dept.South Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - Liping Gu
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - Ruanbao Zhou
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
- BioSNTR, South Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - William R. Gibbons
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
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