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Han J, Jia J, Hu X, Sun L, Ulbricht M, Lv L, Ren Z. Effect of magnetic field coupled magnetic biochar on membrane bioreactor efficiency, membrane fouling mitigation and microbial communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172549. [PMID: 38643881 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172549] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The excitation by magnetic field was established to mitigate the membrane fouling of magnetic biochar (MB)-supplemented membrane bioreactor (MBR) in this study. The results showed that the transmembrane pressure (TMP) increase rates decreased by about 8 % after introducing the magnetic field compared with the magnetic biochar-MBR (MB-MBR). Membrane characterization suggested that the flocs in the magnetic field-magnetic biochar-MBR (MF-MB-MBR) formed a highly permeable developed cake layer, and a fluffier and more porous deposited layer on membrane surface, which minimized fouling clogging of the membrane pores. Further mechanistic investigation revealed that the decrease in contact angle of fouled membrane surface in MF-MB-MBR, i.e. an enhanced membrane hydrophilicity, is considered important for forming highly permeable layers. Additionally, the magnetic field was demonstrated to have a positive effect on the improvement of the magneto-biological effect, the enhancement of charge neutralization and adsorption bridging between sludge and magnetic biochar, and the reduction of formation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), which all yielded sludge flocs with a large pore structure conducive to form a fluffy and porous deposited layer in the membrane surface. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that the magnetic field also led to a reduction in microbial diversity, and that it promoted the enrichment of specific functional microbial communities (e.g. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes) playing an important role in mitigating membrane fouling. Taken together, this study of magnetic field-enhanced magnetic biochar for MBR membrane fouling mitigation provides insights important new ideas for more effective and sustainable operation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Han
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Jianna Jia
- Tianjin Research Institute for Water Transport Engineering, M.O.T., China
| | - Xiangjia Hu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China; Wuqing District Environmental Protection Bureau, Tianjin, 301700, China
| | - Li Sun
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
| | - Mathias Ulbricht
- Lehrstuhl für Technische Chemie II and Center for Envirommental Research (ZWU), Universität Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Longyi Lv
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Zhijun Ren
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
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Yang Y, Guo W, Hao Ngo H, Zhang X, Ye Y, Peng L, Wei C, Zhang H. Mini critical review: Membrane fouling control in membrane bioreactors by microalgae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 406:131022. [PMID: 38914234 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) hold significant promise for wastewater treatment, yet the persistent challenge of membrane fouling impedes their practical application. One promising solution lies in the synergy between microalgae and bacteria, offering efficient nutrient removal, reduced energy consumption, and potential mitigation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentrations. Inoculating microalgae presents a promising avenue to address membrane fouling in MBRs. This review marks the first exploration of utilizing microalgae for membrane fouling control in MBR systems. The review begins with a comprehensive overview of the evolution and distinctive traits of microalgae-MBRs. It goes further insight into the performance and underlying mechanisms facilitating the reduction of membrane fouling through microalgae intervention. Moreover, the review not only identifies the challenges inherent in employing microalgae for membrane fouling control in MBRs but also illuminates prospective pathways for future advancement in this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanying Yang
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Wenshan Guo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Joint Research Centre for Protective Infrastructure Technology and Environmental Green Bioprocess, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Joint Research Centre for Protective Infrastructure Technology and Environmental Green Bioprocess, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China.
| | - Xinbo Zhang
- Joint Research Centre for Protective Infrastructure Technology and Environmental Green Bioprocess, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Yuanyao Ye
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Lai Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chunhai Wei
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huiying Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Alhajeri NS, Tawfik A, Elsamadony M, Al-Fadhli FM, Meng F. Synergistic algal/bacterial interaction in membrane bioreactor for detoxification of 1,2-dichloroethane-rich petroleum wastewater. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134125. [PMID: 38565016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134125] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The study addressed the challenge of treating petroleum industry wastewater with high concentrations of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) ranging from 384 to 1654 mg/L, which poses a challenge for bacterial biodegradation and algal photodegradation. To overcome this, a collaborative approach using membrane bioreactors (MBRs) that combine algae and bacteria was employed. This synergistic method effectively mitigated the toxicity of 1,2-DCA and curbed MBR fouling. Two types of MBRs were tested: one (B-MBR) used bacterial cultures and the other (AB-MBR) incorporated a mix of algal and bacterial cultures. The AB-MBR significantly contributed to 1,2-DCA removal, with algae accounting for over 20% and bacteria for approximately 49.5% of the dechlorination process. 1,2-DCA metabolites, including 2-chloroethanol, 2-chloro-acetaldehyde, 2-chloroacetic acid, and acetic acid, were partially consumed as carbon sources by algae. Operational efficiency peaked at a 12-hour hydraulic retention time (HRT) in AB-MBR, enhancing enzyme activities crucial for 1,2-DCA degradation such as dehydrogenase (DH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). The microbial diversity in AB-MBR surpassed that in B-MBR, with a notable increase in Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Planctomycetota, and Verrucomicrobiota. Furthermore, AB-MBR showed a significant rise in the dominance of 1,2-DCA-degrading genus such as Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. Additionally, algal-degrading phyla (e.g., Nematoda, Rotifera, and Streptophyta) were more prevalent in AB-MBR, substantially reducing the issue of membrane fouling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawaf S Alhajeri
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait.
| | - Ahmed Tawfik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait
| | - Mohamed Elsamadony
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad M Al-Fadhli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Petroleum, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait
| | - Fangang Meng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Wang Z, Liao Y, Yan L, Liao B. Biological performance and membrane fouling of a microalgal-bacterial membrane photobioreactor for wastewater treatment without external aeration and carbonation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 247:118272. [PMID: 38246292 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118272] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Biological nutrient removal processes involving the use of activated sludge (AS) to treat municipal wastewater normally result in high aeration energy consumption and significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, developing cost-efficient and environmentally friendly processes for wastewater treatment is vital. In this work, a novel non-aerated microalgal-bacterial membrane photobioreactor (MB-MPBR) was proposed, and its feasibility for organic contaminant and nutrient removals was evaluated, for the first time. The effects of inoculation ratio (microalgae to bacteria (M/B)) on the biological performance and membrane fouling were systematically investigated. The results showed that 95.9% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD), 74.5% of total nitrogen (TN), 98.5% of NH4+-N and 42.0% of total phosphorus (TP) were removed at an inoculation M/B ratio of 3:2 at steady state, representing a significant improvement compared to the M/B inoculation ratio of 1:3. Additionally, the higher inoculation M/B ratio (3:2) significantly promoted the biomass production owing to the favorable mutual exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between microalgae and bacteria. Cake layer formation was the primary fouling mechanism owing to the absence of aeration scouring on the membrane surface. The membrane fouling rate was slightly higher at the higher inoculation ratio (M/B = 3:2) owing to the increased biomass and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) productions, despite the larger particle size. These results demonstrated that the non-aerated MB-MPBR could achieve superior biological performance, of which the inoculation M/B ratio was of critical importance for the initiation and maintenance of microalgal-bacterial symbiotic system, yet possibly caused severer membrane fouling in the absence of external aeration and carbonation. This study provides a new perspective for further optimizing and applying non-aerated MB-MPBR to enhance municipal wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaozhao Wang
- College of Civil and Architectural Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, PR China; College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, PR China; Department of Chemical Engineering, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Yichen Liao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Lina Yan
- College of Chemical Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, PR China
| | - Baoqiang Liao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1, Canada.
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Li H, Wang Z, Feng T, Guo Y, Lv J, Li N, Liu X, Liu J. A fungal-algal self-flocculation system and its application to treat filter sludge leachate in the sugar industry. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122718. [PMID: 37821041 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The efficient and economical treatment of wastewater using microalgae has attracted much attention. However, harvesting microalgae cells from treated wastewater remains challenging. In the present study, a Chlorella vulgaris suspension containing filamentous fungi Aspergillus niger and Chaetomium gracile was successfully used to construct a self-flocculating system, with a microalgae flocculation efficiency of 99.6% achieved by gravity sedimentation within 4 h. The diameter of fungi played an important role in determining flocculation efficiency, and the optimal particle size was 10 mm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicated that the sweeping action of fungal mycelia and the interaction between the functional groups of fungi and the C. vulgaris surface contributed to improve flocculation. Co-cultivation of C. vulgaris and fungi could effectively remove 83.53%, 94.45% and 76.88% of total phosphorus, total nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand, respectively, from the sludge leachate from a sugar mill. The fungal-algal biomass reached 5.75 g/L. Herein, the constructed self-flocculation system had coupled efficient flocculation of C. vulgaris with removal of pollutants from wastewater in a short period of time, and providing a green, pollution-free, low-cost method for simultaneous wastewater treatment and the production of high quality biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China; Academy of Sugarcane and Sugar Industry, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
| | - Tingting Feng
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yan Guo
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
| | - Jing Lv
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
| | - Ning Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
| | - Xinliang Liu
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Jidong Liu
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China; Academy of Sugarcane and Sugar Industry, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
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