1
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Huang J, Wang Z, Zhao C, Yang H, Niu L. Performance of four different microalgae-based technologies in antibiotics removal under multiple concentrations of antibiotics and strigolactone analogue GR24 administration. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16004. [PMID: 38992288 PMCID: PMC11239813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67156-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The formation of symbionts by using different combinations of endophytic bacteria, microalgae, and fungi to purify antibiotics-containing wastewater is an effective and promising biomaterial technology. As it enhances the mixed antibiotics removal performance of the bio-system, this technology is currently extensively studied. Using exogenous supplementation of various low concentrations of the phytohormone strigolactone analogue GR24, the removal of various antibiotics from simulated wastewater was examined. The performances of Chlorella vulgaris monoculture, activated sludge-C. vulgaris-Clonostachys rosea, Bacillus licheniformis-C. vulgaris-C. rosea, and endophytic bacteria (S395-2)-C. vulgaris-C. rosea co-culture systems were systematically compared. Their removal capacities for tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and chlortetracycline antibiotics from simulated wastewater were assessed. Chlorella vulgaris-endophytic bacteria-C. rosea co-cultures achieved the best performance under 0.25 mg L-1 antibiotics, which could be further enhanced by GR24 supplementation. This result demonstrates that the combination of endophytic bacteria with microalgae and fungi is superior to activated sludge-B. licheniformis-microalgae-fungi systems. Exogenous supplementation of GR24 is an effective strategy to improve the performance of antibiotics removal from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengfang Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Trade & Commerce, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunzhi Zhao
- School of Ecological Technology & Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, 201400, People's Republic of China
| | - Huayun Yang
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Niu
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Nordio R, Rodríguez-Miranda E, Casagli F, Sánchez-Zurano A, Guzmán JL, Acién G. ABACO-2: a comprehensive model for microalgae-bacteria consortia validated outdoor at pilot-scale. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 248:120837. [PMID: 37984038 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120837] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Modelling microalgae-bacteria in wastewater treatment systems has gained significant attention in the last few years. In this study, we present an enhanced version of the ABACO model, named ABACO-2, which demonstrates improved accuracy through validation in outdoor pilot-scale systems. ABACO-2 enables the comprehensive characterization of microalgae-bacteria consortia dynamics, allowing to predict the biomass concentration (microalgae, heterotrophic bacteria, and nitrifying bacteria) and nutrient evolution. The updated version of the model incorporates new equations for nutrient coefficient yields, oxygen mass balance, and microorganism cellular decay, while significantly reducing the number of calibrated parameters, simplifying the parameter identification. Calibration and validation were performed using data from a 80 m2 raceway reactor operated in a semicontinuous mode over an extensive period (May to November, total of 206 days) at a fixed dilution rate of 0.2 day-1 (corresponding to 5 days of hydraulic retention time), where untreated urban wastewater was used as culture medium. ABACO-2 exhibited robustness, accurately forecasting biomass production, population dynamics, nutrient recovery, and prevailing culture conditions across a wide range of environmental and water composition conditions. Mathematical models are essential instruments for the industrial development and optimization of microalgae-related wastewater treatment processes, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the wastewater treatment industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Nordio
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain.
| | - Enrique Rodríguez-Miranda
- CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain; Department of Informatics, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Francesca Casagli
- Biocore, INRIA centre d'Université Côte d'Azur, Sophia-Antipolis F-06902, France
| | - Ana Sánchez-Zurano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - José Luis Guzmán
- CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain; Department of Informatics, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Gabriel Acién
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain
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3
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Belachqer-El Attar S, Morillas-España A, Sánchez-Zurano A, Pessôa LC, Pinna-Hernández MG, de Jesus Assis D, López JLC, Acién G. Influence of culture media composition on the rheology of microalgae concentrates on a large scale. N Biotechnol 2023; 77:90-99. [PMID: 37532220 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.07.005] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The role of microalgae in the production of bioproducts and biofuels, along with their ability to provide a sustainable pathway for wastewater treatment, makes them promising alternatives to conventional processes. Nevertheless, large-scale downstream processing requires an understanding of biomass rheology that needs to be addressed further. This study aimed to characterize microalgal concentrates rheologically in different culture media. The presence of bacteria was quantified by photorespirometry and plate counting techniques. The culture medium was found to significantly influence viscosity, with primary wastewater exhibiting the highest viscosity and seawater plus pig slurry the lowest. The concentration of heterotrophic bacteria was directly related to the viscosity. Extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) in supernatant exhibited an inverse viscosity trend compared to biomass concentrates, with pig slurry cultures having higher concentrations. These findings emphasize the profound influence of culture medium and EPS on the rheology of microalgal biomass, underscoring the need for continued research aimed at facilitating and optimizing large-scale downstream processes within the framework of a circular economy and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (6,8, and 12).
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Affiliation(s)
- Solaima Belachqer-El Attar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Solar Energy Research Centre (CIESOL), 04120 Almería, Spain.
| | - Ainoa Morillas-España
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Solar Energy Research Centre (CIESOL), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Ana Sánchez-Zurano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Solar Energy Research Centre (CIESOL), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Luiggi Cavalcanti Pessôa
- Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering (PPEQ), Polytechnic School, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Senai Cimatec University Center, Environment Department, Salvador, Brazil
| | - María Guadalupe Pinna-Hernández
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Solar Energy Research Centre (CIESOL), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Denilson de Jesus Assis
- Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering (PPEQ), Polytechnic School, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; School of Exact and Technological Sciences, University Salvador, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - José Luis Casas López
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Solar Energy Research Centre (CIESOL), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Gabriel Acién
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Solar Energy Research Centre (CIESOL), 04120 Almería, Spain
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4
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Nordio R, Viviano E, Sánchez-Zurano A, Hernández JG, Rodríguez-Miranda E, Guzmán JL, Acién G. Influence of pH and dissolved oxygen control strategies on the performance of pilot-scale microalgae raceways using fertilizer or wastewater as the nutrient source. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118899. [PMID: 37673007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118899] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Dissolved oxygen concentration and pH are controllable and cost-effective variables that determine the success of microalgae-related processes. The present study compares different control strategies for pH and dissolved oxygen in pilot-scale microalgae production systems. Two 80 m2 raceway reactors were used, one operated with freshwater plus fertilizer and the other with wastewater as the nutrient source. Both were in semi-continuous mode at a fixed dilution rate of 0.2 day-1. A comparison between the classical On-Off and more advanced pH control strategies, such as PI and Event-based control, was performed, focusing on biomass productivity and the influence of all the process parameters on microalgae growth; "No control" of pH was also assayed. The results show that Event-based control was the best algorithm when using freshwater plus fertilizer. In contrast, no significant differences were observed using the different control strategies when wastewater was the nutrient source. These experiments were performed through selective control strategy, prioritizing pH over dissolved oxygen; however, it was demonstrated that they did not allow to achieve satisfactory dissolved oxygen removal results, especially for the fertilizer system. After modifying the gas diffuser configuration and improving the mass transfer, independent on-off strategies have been developed, permitting effective control of both variables and increasing productivity by up to 20% in both systems. Concluding, a detailed analysis of the energy demand for each strategy implemented in terms of gas consumption and gas flow to biomass ratio is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Nordio
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120, Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120, Almería, Spain.
| | | | - Ana Sánchez-Zurano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120, Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | | | | | - José Luis Guzmán
- Department of Informatics, Universidad de Almería, E04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Gabriel Acién
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120, Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120, Almería, Spain
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5
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Nordio R, Delgado FJ, Sánchez-Zurano A, Hernandez JG, Rodríguez-Miranda E, Guzmán JL, Lafarga T, Acién G. Long-term assessment of the nutrient recovery capacity and biomass productivity of Scenedesmus almeriensis in raceway reactors using unprocessed urban wastewater. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 369:128374. [PMID: 36423751 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128374] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The present work aims to assess the treatment of unprocessed urban wastewater using the microalga Scenedesmus almeriensis. Two 12 m3 raceway reactors, one supplemented by wastewater and the second by chemical fertilizer, operating outdoors in a semi-continuous mode, were used for eight months. Results suggested that S. almeriensis can be produced in wastewater without affecting the photosynthetic apparatus reaching a productivity of 13 g·m-2·day-1 on average in both the systems. Furthermore, the nutrient content in terms of nitrogen, phosphorous and chemical oxygen demand of the wastewater was reduced under the European limitations during most of the period, with an average removal rate of 2.2, 0.2 and 3.0 g·m-2·day-1 respectively. Therefore, raceways demonstrated a high potential for microalgal production and successful biotreatment, proving robust and reliable. Finally, the effect of environmental conditions on biomass productivity of the clean system was evaluated in a model with high accuracy (R2 = 0.9, p = 0.0002).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Nordio
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain.
| | | | - Ana Sánchez-Zurano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | | | | | - José Luis Guzmán
- CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain; Department of Informatics, Universidad de Almería, ceiA3, E04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Tomás Lafarga
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Gabriel Acién
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain
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6
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Sánchez-Zurano A, Rossi S, Fernández-Sevilla JM, Acién-Fernández G, Molina-Grima E, Ficara E. Respirometric assessment of bacterial kinetics in algae-bacteria and activated sludge processes. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 352:127116. [PMID: 35398212 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127116] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Algae-bacteria (AB) consortia can be exploited for effective wastewater treatment, based on photosynthetic oxygenation to reduce energy requirements for aeration. While algal kinetics have been extensively evaluated, bacterial kinetics in AB systems are still based on parameters taken from the activated sludge models, lacking an experimental validation for AB consortia. A respirometric procedure was therefore proposed, to estimate bacterial kinetics in both activated sludge and AB, under different conditions of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and substrate availability. Bacterial activities were differently influenced by operational/environmental conditions, suggesting that the adoption of typical activated sludge parameters could be inadequate for AB modelling. Indeed, respirometric results show that bacteria in AB consortia were adapted to a wider range of conditions, compared to activated sludge, confirming that a dedicated calibration of bacterial kinetics is essential for effectively modelling AB systems, and respirometry was proven to be a powerful and reliable tool to this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sánchez-Zurano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain, CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - S Rossi
- Politecnico di Milano, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, P.zza L. da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - J M Fernández-Sevilla
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain, CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - G Acién-Fernández
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain, CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - E Molina-Grima
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - E Ficara
- Politecnico di Milano, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, P.zza L. da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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7
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Aparicio S, Robles Á, Ferrer J, Seco A, Borrás Falomir L. Assessing and modeling nitrite inhibition in microalgae-bacteria consortia for wastewater treatment by means of photo-respirometric and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 808:152128. [PMID: 34863736 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Total nitrite (TNO2 = HNO2 + NO-2) accumulation due to the activity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was monitored in microalgae-bacteria consortia, and the inhibitory effect of nitrite/free nitrous acid (NO2-N/FNA) on microalgae photosynthesis and inhibition mechanism was studied. A culture of Scenedesmus was used to run two sets of batch reactors at different pH and TNO2 concentrations to evaluate the toxic potential of NO2-N and FNA. Photo-respirometric tests showed that NO2-N accumulation has a negative impact on net oxygen production rate (OPRNET). Chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis was used to examine the biochemical effects of NO2-N stress and the mechanism of NO2-N inhibition. The electron transport rate (ETR), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), and JIP-test revealed that the electron transport chain between Photosystems II and I (PS II and PS I) was hindered at NO2-N concentrations above 25 g N m-3. Electron acceptor QA was not able to reoxidize and could not transfer electrons to the next electron acceptor, QB, accumulating P680+ (excited PS II reaction center) and limiting oxygen production. A semi-continuous reactor containing a Scenedesmus culture was monitored by photo-respirometry tests and Chlorophyll a fluorescence to calibrate NO2-N inhibition (5-35 g N m-3). Non-competitive inhibition and Hill-type models were compared to select the best-fitting inhibition equations. Inhibition was correctly modeled by the Hill-type model and a half inhibition constant (KI) for OPRNET, NPQ, maximum photosynthetic rate (ETRMAX) and the performance index PIABS was 23.7 ± 1.2, 26.36 ± 1.10, 39 ± 2 and 26.5 ± 0.4, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Aparicio
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100 Burjassot, València, Spain.
| | - Ángel Robles
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100 Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - José Ferrer
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Institut Universitari d'Investigació d'Enginyeria de l'Aigua i Medi Ambient - IIAMA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022, València, Spain
| | - Aurora Seco
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100 Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Luis Borrás Falomir
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100 Burjassot, València, Spain
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8
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Comprehensive assessment of the microalgae-nitrifying bacteria competition in microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems: Relevant factors, evaluation methods and control strategies. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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9
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Rossi S, Visigalli S, Castillo Cascino F, Mantovani M, Mezzanotte V, Parati K, Canziani R, Turolla A, Ficara E. Metal-based flocculation to harvest microalgae: a look beyond separation efficiency. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 799:149395. [PMID: 34426344 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149395] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metal-based flocculants are commonly used for biomass harvesting in microalgae-based bio-refineries. Besides the high separation efficiency, additional aspects should be considered, related to the toxicity of metals for the algal biomass. Partitioning tests for commonly used flocculants (i.e., FeCl3 and Al2(SO4)3) showed that metals were mostly transferred to the solid phase with more than 95% of dosed metal ending up into the biomass, and low metal concentrations in the liquid effluent (lower than 0.4 mg L-1 for both metals), thus allowing for water reuse. Photosynthesis inhibition was tested on microalgae and microalgae-bacteria cultures, using a standardized photo-respirometry protocol in which typical concentrations used during coagulation-flocculation were assessed. Modelling dose-response curves, concentrations corresponding to 50% inhibition (IC50) were obtained, describing short-term effects. The obtained IC50 ranged from 13.7 to 28.3 mg Al L-1 for Al, and from 127.9 to 195.8 mg Fe L-1 for Fe, showing a higher toxicity for the Al-based flocculant. The recovery of photosynthesis inhibition was also quantified, to evaluate the possibility of reusing/recycling the harvested biomass. The results highlighted that the residual photosynthetic activities, evaluated after 1 h and 24 h of exposure to metals were partially recovered, especially for Al, passing from 67.3% to 94.6% activity, respectively, while long-term Fe effects were stronger (passing from 64.9% to 77.6% activity). A non-toxic flocculant (cationic starch) was finally tested, excluding potential effects due to biomass aggregation, as the reduction of photosynthetic activity only reached 3.4%, compared to control. Relevant modifications to the light availability and the optical properties of algal suspensions were assessed, identifying a strong effect of iron which caused an increase of the light absorbance up to approximately 40% at high Fe concentrations. Possible implications of dosing metallic flocculants in MBWWT processes are discussed, and suggestions are given to perform inhibition tests on flocculating chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rossi
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - S Visigalli
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - F Castillo Cascino
- Istituto Sperimentale Italiano Lazzaro Spallanzani, Località La Quercia, 26027 Rivolta d'Adda, Italy
| | - M Mantovani
- Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - V Mezzanotte
- Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - K Parati
- Istituto Sperimentale Italiano Lazzaro Spallanzani, Località La Quercia, 26027 Rivolta d'Adda, Italy
| | - R Canziani
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - A Turolla
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - E Ficara
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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10
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Mainardis M, Buttazzoni M, Cottes M, Moretti A, Goi D. Respirometry tests in wastewater treatment: Why and how? A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 793:148607. [PMID: 34182438 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Respirometry tests are a widely employed method in wastewater treatment field to characterize wastewater streams, assess toxic/inhibitory effects to the biomass, calibrate mathematical models. Respirometry can allow to fractionize the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in biodegradable and inert fractions, but also provide information related to biomass kinetics and stoichiometry through standardized laboratory techniques. Considering the increasing number of emerging contaminants detected in wastewater effluents, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products and pesticides, respirometry can be a useful tool to promptly assess any toxic or inhibitory effect in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operations. Beside conventional activated sludge (CAS), in recent years respirometric methods have been applied to innovative fields, such as moving-bed bio-reactors (MBBRs), fungi and microalgae, exploiting natural remediation methods. In particular, respirometry application to microalgae, through the so-called photo-respirometry, has been investigated in the latest years in the treatment of high-nutrient loaded streams, allowing resource recovery in biomass form. In this work, respirometric methods are first introduced from a theoretical basis and then critically discussed by considering the experimental apparatus, the available characterization protocols and the fields of application; the most recent literature findings on respirometry are coupled with authors' experience in the field. A comparison between physicochemical methods and respirometry is made, considering common protocols for WWTP modelling and calibration. The future research needed on the topic is finally outlined, including the coupling of respirometry with microbial community analysis, potentially leading to an enhanced process understanding, an extended respirometry utilization to get specific kinetic and stoichiometric parameters for modelling purposes, and a wider respirometry application as diagnosis tool in WWTP operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matia Mainardis
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Via del Cotonificio 108, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Marco Buttazzoni
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Via del Cotonificio 108, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Mattia Cottes
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Via del Cotonificio 108, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretti
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Via del Cotonificio 108, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Daniele Goi
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Via del Cotonificio 108, 33100 Udine, Italy
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11
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Renuka N, Ratha SK, Kader F, Rawat I, Bux F. Insights into the potential impact of algae-mediated wastewater beneficiation for the circular bioeconomy: A global perspective. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 297:113257. [PMID: 34303940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Algae-based technologies are one of the emerging solutions to societal issues such as accessibility to clean water and carbon-neutral energy and are a contender for the circular bioeconomy. In this review, recent developments in the use of different algal species for nutrient recovery and biomass production in wastewater, challenges, and future perspectives have been addressed. The ratio and bioavailability of nutrients in wastewater are vital parameters, which significantly impact nutrient recovery efficiency and algal biomass production. However, the optimum nutrient concentration and ratio may vary depending upon the microalgal species as well as cultivation conditions. The use of indigenous algae and algae-based consortia with other microorganisms has been proved promising in improving nutrient recovery efficiency and biomass production in pilot scale operations. However, environmental and cultivation conditions also play a significant role in determining the feasibility of the process. This review further focused on the assessment of the potential benefits of algal biomass production, renewable biofuel generation, and CO2 sequestration using wastewater in different countries on the basis of available data on wastewater generation and estimated nutrient contents. It was estimated that 5-10% replacement of fossil crude requirement with algal biofuels would require ~952-1903 billion m3 of water, 10-21 billion tons of nitrogen, and 2-4 billion tons of phosphorus fertilizers. In this context, coupling wastewater treatment and algal biomass production seem to be the most sustainable option with potential global benefits of polishing wastewater through nutrients recycling and carbon dioxide sequestration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmal Renuka
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Sachitra Kumar Ratha
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Phycology Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India
| | - Farzana Kader
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Ismail Rawat
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Faizal Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, P.O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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Zurano AS, Serrano CG, Acién-Fernández FG, Fernández-Sevilla JM, Molina-Grima E. Modelling of photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient yield coefficients in Scenedemus almeriensis culture as a function of nitrogen and phosphorus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:7487-7503. [PMID: 34519856 PMCID: PMC8494708 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11484-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Photo-respirometric tecniques are applied for evaluating photosynthetic activity in phototrophic organisms. These methods allow to evaluate photosynthetic response under different conditions. In this work, the influence of nutrient availability (nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate) on the photosynthesis and respiration of Scenedesmus almeriensis was studied using short photo-respirometric measurements. Both photosynthesis and respiration increasing until saturation value and consecutively diminishing, presenting inhibition by high concentrations. Regarding the influence of phosphorus concentration in microalgae cells, a similar hyperbolic trend was observed but no inhibition was observed at high concentration. Based on these experimental data, the respiration, and the photosynthesis rate of S. almeriensis were modelled using Haldane equation for nitrate and ammonium data, and Monod equation for phosphate data. In addition, experiments were performed to determine the yield coefficients for both nitrogen and phosphorus in S. almeriensis cultures. The data showed that the nitrogen and phosphorous coefficient yields are not constant, being modified as a function of nutrients concentration, presenting the luxury uptake phenomena. Finally, the proposed models were incorporated into a simulation tool to evaluate the photosynthetic activity and the nutrient yield coefficients of S. almeriensis when different culture media and wastewaters are used as a nitrogen and phosphorous source for its growth. Key points • Microalgal photosynthesis/respiration vary as a function of nutrients availability. • Photosynthesis inhibition appears at high N-NO 3 - and N-NH4+ concentrations. • Nutrient yield coefficients are influenced by luxury uptake phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sánchez Zurano
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain.
| | - C Gómez Serrano
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - F G Acién-Fernández
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - J M Fernández-Sevilla
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - E Molina-Grima
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
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13
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Casagli F, Rossi S, Steyer JP, Bernard O, Ficara E. Balancing Microalgae and Nitrifiers for Wastewater Treatment: Can Inorganic Carbon Limitation Cause an Environmental Threat? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:3940-3955. [PMID: 33657315 PMCID: PMC8028045 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The first objective of this study is to assess the predictive capability of the ALBA (ALgae-BActeria) model for a pilot-scale (3.8 m2) high-rate algae-bacteria pond treating agricultural digestate. The model, previously calibrated and validated on a one-year data set from a demonstrative-scale raceway (56 m2), successfully predicted data from a six-month monitoring campaign with a different wastewater (urban wastewater) under different climatic conditions. Without changing any parameter value from the previous calibration, the model accurately predicted both online monitored variables (dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature) and off-line measurements (nitrogen compounds, algal biomass, total and volatile suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand). Supported by the universal character of the model, different scenarios under variable weather conditions were tested, to investigate the effect of key operating parameters (hydraulic retention time, pH regulation, kLa) on algae biomass productivity and nutrient removal efficiency. Surprisingly, despite pH regulation, a strong limitation for inorganic carbon was found to hinder the process efficiency and to generate conditions that are favorable for N2O emission. The standard operating parameters have a limited effect on this limitation, and alkalinity turns out to be the main driver of inorganic carbon availability. This investigation offers new insights in algae-bacteria processes and paves the way for the identification of optimal operational strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Casagli
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, 32, Piazza L. da Vinci, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Institut
National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA), Biocore,
Université Cote d’Azur, 2004, Route des Lucioles − BP 93, 06902 Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Simone Rossi
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, 32, Piazza L. da Vinci, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Olivier Bernard
- Institut
National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA), Biocore,
Université Cote d’Azur, 2004, Route des Lucioles − BP 93, 06902 Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Elena Ficara
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, 32, Piazza L. da Vinci, 20133 Milan, Italy
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14
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ABACO: A New Model of Microalgae-Bacteria Consortia for Biological Treatment of Wastewaters. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11030998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae-bacteria consortia have been proposed as alternatives to conventional biological processes to treat different types of wastewaters, including animal slurry. In this work, a microalgae-bacteria consortia (ABACO) model for wastewater treatment is proposed, it being calibrated and validated using pig slurry. The model includes the most relevant features of microalgae, such as light dependence, endogenous respiration, and growth and nutrient consumption as a function of nutrient availability (especially inorganic carbon), in addition to the already reported features of heterotrophic and nitrifying bacteria. The interrelation between the different populations is also included in the model, in addition to the simultaneous release and consumption of the most relevant compounds, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. The implementation of the model has been performed in MATLAB software; the calibration of model parameters was carried out using genetic algorithms. The ABACO model allows one to simulate the dynamics of different components in the system, and the relative proportions of microalgae, heterotrophic bacteria, and nitrifying bacteria. The percentage of each microbial population obtained with the model was confirmed by respirometric techniques. The proposed model is a powerful tool for the development of microalgae-related wastewater treatment processes, both to maximize the production of microalgal biomass and to optimize the wastewater treatment capacity.
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15
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Abstract
Animal production inevitably causes the emission of greenhouse gases and the generation of large amounts of slurry, both representing a serious environmental problem. Photosynthetic microorganisms such as microalgae and cyanobacteria have been proposed as alternative strategies to bioremediate agricultural waste while consuming carbon dioxide and producing valuable biomass. The current study assessed the potential of the microalga Scenedesmus sp. to remove nutrients from piggery wastewater (PWW) and the influence of the microalga on the microbial consortia. Maximum N-NH4+ consumption was 55.3 ± 3.7 mg·L−1·day−1 while P-PO43− removal rates were in the range 0.1–1.9 mg·L−1·day−1. N-NH4+ removal was partially caused by the action of nitrifying bacteria, which led to the production of N-NO3−. N-NO3− production values where lower when microalgae were more active. This work demonstrated that the photosynthetic activity of microalgae allows us to increase nutrient removal rates from PWW and to reduce the coliform bacterial load of the effluent, minimising both their environmental impact and health risks. Microalgae assimilated part of the N-NH4+ present in the media to produce biomass and did not to convert it into N-NO3− as in traditional processes.
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16
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Flores-Salgado G, Thalasso F, Buitrón G, Vital-Jácome M, Quijano G. Kinetic characterization of microalgal-bacterial systems: Contributions of microalgae and heterotrophic bacteria to the oxygen balance in wastewater treatment. Biochem Eng J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2020.107819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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17
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Sánchez Zurano A, Gómez Serrano C, Acién-Fernández FG, Fernández-Sevilla JM, Molina-Grima E. Modeling of photosynthesis and respiration rate for microalgae-bacteria consortia. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 118:952-962. [PMID: 33179264 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article, the influence of culture conditions (irradiance, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen) on the photosynthesis and the respiration rates of microalgae-bacteria consortia in wastewater treatment was analyzed. Specifically, some short photo-respirometric experiments, simulating outdoor raceway reactors, were performed to evaluate the response of microalgae, heterotrophic bacteria, and nitrifying bacteria to variations in environmental parameters. Results demonstrate that irradiance is the most dominant variable to determine microalgae photosynthesis rates. However, reduction in microalgae activity was not observed at higher irradiance, ruling out the existence of photoinhibition phenomena. Related to heterotrophic and nitrifying bacteria, their activities were strongly affected by the influence of temperature and pH. Moreover, the effect of dissolved oxygen concentrations on microalgae, and bacteria activities was studied, displaying a reduced photosynthetic rate at dissolved oxygen concentrations above 20 mg/L. Data have been used to develop an integrated model for each population (microalgae, heterotrophic bacteria, and nitrifying bacteria) based on considering the simultaneous influence of irradiance, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. The models fit the experimental results in the range of culture conditions tested, and they were validated using data obtained by the simultaneous modifications of the variables. These individual models serve as a basis for developing a global biologic microalgae-bacteria model for wastewater treatment to improve the optimal design and management of microalgae-based processes, especially outdoors, where the cultures are subject to variable daily culture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sánchez Zurano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almeria, Almería, Spain
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