Microalgae-mediated simultaneous treatment of toxic thiocyanate and production of biodiesel

Effect of Clay Minerals on Carbonate Precipitation Induced by Cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp

Carbonate precipitation induced by cyanobacteria is an important factor in lacustrine fine-grained carbonate rock genesis. As key components of these rocks, clay minerals play an important role in aggregating cyanobacteria. However, the formation mechanism of fine-grained carbonate under the effect of clay minerals is unclear. In this study, we investigated carbonate precipitation by Synechococcus cells under the influence of clay minerals. The results showed that clay minerals can accelerate Synechococcus aggregation, and the aggregation rate of the kaolinite group was significantly higher than that of montmorillonite. The aggregate size and Synechococcus cell content increased with an increase in clay minerals, resulting in increasing organic matter and carboxyl content in the aggregates. Due to the high affinity between carboxyl and Ca2+, the presence of Synechococcus sp. could improve the Mg/Ca molar ratio in the microenvironment of aggregates, which is conducive to aragonite precipitation. Thus, aragonite 5 to 10 μm in size precipitated when Synechococcus and clay minerals coexisted, whereas low-magnesium calcite (15 to 60 μm) was the main carbonate only in the presence of Synechococcus. This study provides important insights into the mechanisms of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation under the effect of clay minerals, which might offer theoretical support for the genesis of fine-grained lacustrine carbonate. IMPORTANCE The biogenesis of lacustrine fine-grained carbonates is of great significance to the exploitation of shale oil. Clay minerals are an important component of lacustrine fine-grained sedimentary rocks, which is conductive to the aggregation and settlement of cyanobacteria. We investigated the precipitation of carbonate induced by Synechococcus sp. with the addition of kaolinite and montmorillonite. The pH and calcium carbonate saturation of the environment increased under the effect of cyanobacteria photosynthesis. The aggregation of cyanobacteria cells increased the Mg/Ca molar ratio of the microenvironment, creating a favorable condition for the precipitation of aragonite, which was similar in size to the micritic calcite of fine-grained sedimentary rocks. This study provides theoretical support for the genesis of fine-grained carbonates.

Effects of Different pH Control Strategies on Microalgae Cultivation and Nutrient Removal from Anaerobic Digestion Effluent

This study investigated nutrient removal from anaerobic digestion effluent by cultivating mixed-culture microalgae enriched from anaerobic sludge under different pH conditions: R_UC (uncontrolled), R_7–8 (maintained at 7–8), and R_<8 (maintained below 8). Significant amounts of NH₄⁺-N were lost by volatilization in R_UC cultures due to increased pH values (≤8.6) during the early period of cultivation. The pH control strategies significantly affected the biological NH₄⁺-N removal (highest in R_7–8), microalgal growth (highest in R_7–8), biomass settleability (highest in R_<8), and microalgal growth relative to bacteria (highest in R_<8) in the cultures. Parachlorella completely dominated the microalgal communities in the inoculum and all of the cultures, and grew well at highly acidic pH (<3) induced by culture acidification with microalgal growth. Microalgae-associated bacterial community structure developed very differently among the cultures. The findings call for more attention to the influence and control of pH changes during cultivation in microalgal treatment of anaerobic digestion effluent.

Enhancement of Lipid Production under Heterotrophic Conditions by Overexpression of an Endogenous bZIP Transcription Factor in Chlorella sp. HS2

Transcription factor engineering to regulate multiple genes has shown promise in the field of microalgae genetic engineering. Here, we report the first use of transcription factor engineering in Chlorella sp. HS2, thought to have potential for producing biofuels and bioproducts. We identified seven endogenous bZIP transcription factors in Chlorella sp. HS2 and named them HSbZIP1 through HSbZIP7. We overexpressed HSbZIP1, a C-type bZIP transcription factor, in Chlorella sp. HS2 with the goal of enhancing lipid production. Phenotype screening under heterotrophic conditions showed that all transformants exhibited increased fatty acid production. In particular, HSbZIP1 37 and 58 showed fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yields of 859 and 1,052 mg/l, respectively, at day 10 of growth under heterotrophic conditions, and these yields were 74% and 113% higher, respectively, than that of WT. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the improved phenotypes, we identified candidate HSbZIP1-regulated genes via transcription factor binding site analysis. We then selected three genes involved in fatty acid synthesis and investigated mRNA expression levels of the genes by qRTPCR. The result revealed that the possible HSbZIP1-regulated genes involved in fatty acid synthesis were upregulated in the HSbZIP1 transformants. Taken together, our results demonstrate that HSbZIP1 can be utilized to improve lipid production in Chlorella sp. HS2 under heterotrophic conditions.

Potential of mixed-culture microalgae enriched from aerobic and anaerobic sludges for nutrient removal and biomass production from anaerobic effluents

This study examines the potential of the mixed-culture microalgal consortia enriched from aerobic sludge (AeS) and anaerobic sludge (AnS) with regard to nutrient removal and biomass production from four different anaerobic digestion (AD) effluents. Both the inocula achieved the complete removal of the NH₄⁺-N (initial concentration of 40 mg/L) within 14 days from all the effluents. The AeS cultures showed faster and greater microalgal growth, although the NH₄⁺-N removal rate was comparable or higher in the case of the AnS cultures. Further, the AeS and AnS cultures showed significantly different lipid production characteristics in terms of the fatty acid composition and the response to nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogen starvation caused changes in the microbial community structures in all the experimental cultures, which may have influenced the lipid metabolism and the microalgal growth. The overall results suggest that both the inocula exhibit good potential with regard to the treatment of AD effluents.

Nutrient removal and microalgal biomass production from different anaerobic digestion effluents with Chlorella species

Potential of microalgal cultivation as an alternative approach to the treatment of anaerobic digestion (AD) effluents was examined using two representative Chlorella species, Chlorella vulgaris (CV) and Chlorella protothecoides (CP). Both species effectively removed NH₄⁺-N from the AD effluents from four digesters treating different wastes under different operating conditions. In all experimental cultures on the AD effluents, NH₄⁺-N (initial concentration, 40 mg/L) was completely removed within 10 days without residual NO₃^--N or NO₂^--N in batch mode. Compared to CP, CV showed greater biomass and lipid yields (advantageous for biodiesel production), regardless of the media used. Prolonged nitrogen starvation significantly increased the lipid accumulation in all cultures on the AD effluents, and the effect was more pronounced in the CV than in the CP cultures. On the other hand, compared to CV, CP showed significantly faster settling (advantageous for biomass harvesting) in all media. Our results suggest that the Chlorella cultivation on AD effluents under non-sterile, mixed-culture conditions may provide a viable way to manage and valorize the problematic effluents. Diverse bacteria derived from the AD effluents co-existed and presumably interacted with the Chlorella species in the cultures.

Biodegradation of thiocyanate by a native groundwater microbial consortium

Gold ore processing typically generates large amounts of thiocyanate (SCN⁻)-contaminated effluent. When this effluent is stored in unlined tailings dams, contamination of the underlying aquifer can occur. The potential for bioremediation of SCN⁻-contaminated groundwater, either in situ or ex situ, remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to enrich and characterise SCN⁻-degrading microorganisms from mining-contaminated groundwater under a range of culturing conditions. Mildly acidic and suboxic groundwater, containing ∼135 mg L⁻¹ SCN⁻, was collected from an aquifer below an unlined tailings dam. An SCN⁻-degrading consortium was enriched from contaminated groundwater using combinatory amendments of air, glucose and phosphate. Biodegradation occurred in all oxic cultures, except with the sole addition of glucose, but was inhibited by NH₄⁺ and did not occur under anoxic conditions. The SCN⁻-degrading consortium was characterised using 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing, identifying a variety of heterotrophic taxa in addition to sulphur-oxidising bacteria. Interestingly, few recognised SCN⁻-degrading taxa were identified in significant abundance. These results provide both proof-of-concept and the required conditions for biostimulation of SCN⁻ degradation in groundwater by native aquifer microorganisms.

Development of a mixed microbial culture for thiocyanate and metal cyanide degradation

The degradation capacity of a mixed culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens SUTS 1 and Pseudomonas monteilii SUTS 2 for thiocyanate and metal cyanide, in the form of zinc and cadmium, has been determined. The growth of a mixed culture of SUTS 1 and SUTS 2 in cyanide complexes and the cyanide removal efficiency of a fixed-film bio-column system were studied. The results showed that the mixed culture of bacteria can survive and grow in broth media containing thiocyanate and metal cyanide complexes with a maximum cell of 1.03 × 108 CFU/mL on day 3. In addition, the optimal conditions of the fixed-film bio-column system were continuously tested for 24 h, and it was found that this system had the highest removal efficiency at a flow rate of 10 mL/min and 21 min of empty bed retention time, with decreasing thiocyanate, zinc, and cadmium from 85, 0.44, and 0.044 to 65, 0.21, and 0.038 mg/L, respectively; this is in contrast to cyanide, which was not found within 12 h. Next, the conditions were maintained for 30 days, and it was found that the system had removed more than 50% of cyanide complexes, except cadmium. The complex residues were 29.96, 0.16, 0.204, and 0.085 mg/L of thiocyanate, cyanide, zinc, and cadmium, respectively. In addition, the growth of the SUTS 1 and SUTS 2 mixed culture increased. The by-product compounds sulfate and nitrate were found throughout the experiment, whereas bicarbonate and ammonia were found only on certain days.

Feasibility of using a microalgal-bacterial consortium for treatment of toxic coke wastewater with concomitant production of microbial lipids

This study examined the feasibility of using an algal-bacterial process for removal of phenol and NH₄⁺-N from differently diluted coke wastewater with simultaneous production of biomass. Under illumination, microalgal-bacterial (MSB) cultures performed complete phenol degradation at all dilutions of coke wastewater while sole microalgal culture (MSA) degraded a maximum of 27.3% of phenol (initial concentration: 24.0mgL^-1) from 5-fold diluted wastewater. Furthermore, the MSB culture had the highest rate of NH₄⁺-N removal (8.3mgL^-1d^-1) and fatty acid production (20mgL^-1d^-1) which were 2.3- and 1.5-fold higher than those observed in the MSA cultures, probably due to decreases in toxic organic pollutants. Multivariate analyses indicated that co-cultivation of activated sludge was directly correlated with the elevated removals of phenol and NH₄⁺-N. In the presence of sludge, adequate dilution of the coke wastewater can maximize the effect of bacteria on NH₄⁺-N removal and biomass production.

A comprehensive study on algal-bacterial communities shift during thiocyanate degradation in a microalga-mediated process

Changes in algal and bacterial communities during thiocyanate (SCN(-)) decomposition in a microalga-mediated process were studied. Pyrosequencing indicated that Thiobacillus bacteria and Micractinium algae predominated during SCN(-) hydrolysis, even after its complete degradation. Principal components analysis and evenness profiles (based on the Pareto-Lorenz curve) suggested that the changes in the bacterial communities were driven by nitrogen and sulfur oxidation, pH changes, and photoautotrophic conditions. The populations of predominant microalgae remained relatively stable during SCN(-) hydrolysis, but the proportion of bacteria - especially nitrifying bacteria - fluctuated. Thus, the initial microalgal population may be crucial in determining which microorganisms dominate when the preferred nitrogen source becomes limited. The results also demonstrated that microalgae and SCN(-)-hydrolyzing bacteria can coexist, that microalgae can be effectively used with these bacteria to completely treat SCN(-), and that the structure of the algal-bacterial community is more stable than the community of nitrifying bacteria alone during SCN(-) degradation.

Advanced treatment of residual nitrogen from biologically treated coke effluent by a microalga-mediated process using volatile fatty acids (VFAs) under stepwise mixotrophic conditions

This work describes the development of a microalga-mediated process for simultaneous removal of residual ammonium nitrogen (NH4(+)-N) and production of lipids from biologically treated coke effluent. Four species of green algae were tested using a sequential mixotrophic process. In the first phase-CO2-supplied mixotrophic condition-all microalgae assimilated NH4(+)-N with no evident inhibition. In second phase-volatile fatty acids (VFAs)-supplied mixotrophic condition-removal rates of NH4(+)-N and biomass significantly increased. Among the microalgae used, Arctic Chlorella sp. ArM0029B had the highest rate of NH4(+)-N removal (0.97 mg/L/h) and fatty acid production (24.9 mg/L/d) which were 3.6- and 2.1-fold higher than those observed under the CO2-supplied mixotrophic condition. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that acetate and butyrate were decisive factors for increasing NH4(+)-N removal and fatty acid production. These results demonstrate that microalgae can be used in a sequential process for treatment of residual nitrogen after initial treatment of activated sludge.

Challenges and opportunities for microalgae-mediated CO2 capture and biorefinery

Aquacultures of microalgae are frontrunners for photosynthetic capture of CO2 from flue gases. Expedient implementation mandates coupling of microalgal CO2 capture with synthesis of fuels and organic products, so as to derive value from biomass. An integrated biorefinery complex houses a biomass growth and harvesting area and a refining zone for conversion to product(s) and separation to desired purity levels. As growth and downstream options require energy and incur loss of carbon, put together, the loop must be energy positive, carbon negative, or add substantial value. Feasibility studies can, thus, aid the choice from among the rapidly evolving technological options, many of which are still in the early phases of development. We summarize basic engineering calculations for the key steps of a biorefining loop where flue gases from a thermal power station are captured using microalgal biomass along with subsequent options for conversion to fuel or value added products. An assimilation of findings from recent laboratory and pilot-scale experiments and life cycle analysis (LCA) studies is presented as carbon and energy yields for growth and harvesting of microalgal biomass and downstream options. Of the biorefining options, conversion to the widely studied biofuel, ethanol, and manufacture of the platform chemical, succinic acid are presented. Both processes yield specific products and do not demand high-energy input but entail 60-70% carbon loss through fermentative respiration. Thermochemical conversions, on the other hand, have smaller carbon and energy losses but yield a mixture of products.

Pyrene degradation accelerated by constructed consortium of bacterium and microalga: effects of degradation products on the microalgal growth

Abundant microbes including bacteria, fungi, or algae are capable of biodegrading polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, pure cultures never occur in the contaminated environments. This study aimed to understand the general potential mechanisms of interactions between microbes under pollution stress by constructing a consortium of PAH-degrading microalga (Selenastrum capricornutum) and bacterium (Mycobacterium sp. strain A1-PYR). Bacteria alone could grow on the pyrene, whereas the growth of algae alone was substantially inhibited by the pyrene of 10 mg L(-1). In the mixing culture of algae and bacteria, the growth rate of algae was significantly increased from day 4 onward. Rapid bacterial degradation of pyrene might mitigate the toxicity of pyrene to algae. Phenolic acids, the bacterial degradation products of pyrene, could serve as the phytohormone for promoting algal growth in the coculture of algae and bacteria. In turn, bacterial growth was also enhanced by the algae presented in the mixing culture. Consequently, the fastest degradation of pyrene among all biodegradation systems was achieved by the consortium of algae and bacteria probably due to such interactions between the two species by virtue of degradation products. This study reveals that the consortium containing multiple microbial species is high potential for microbial remediation of pyrene-contaminated environments, and provides a new strategy to degrade the recalcitrant PAHs.