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Alam MM, Hodaei M, Hartnett E, Gincley B, Khan F, Kim GY, Pinto AJ, Bradley IM. Community structure and function during periods of high performance and system upset in a full-scale mixed microalgal wastewater resource recovery facility. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121819. [PMID: 38823147 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121819] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae have the potential to exceed current nutrient recovery limits from wastewater, enabling water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) to achieve increasingly stringent effluent permits. The use of photobioreactors (PBRs) and the separation of hydraulic retention and solids residence time (HRT/SRT) further enables increased biomass in a reduced physical footprint while allowing operational parameters (e.g., SRT) to select for desired functional communities. However, as algal technology transitions to full-scale, there is a need to understand the effect of operational and environmental parameters on complex microbial dynamics among mixotrophic microalgae, bacterial groups, and pests (i.e., grazers and pathogens) and to implement robust process controls for stable long-term performance. Here, we examine a full-scale, intensive WRRF utilizing mixed microalgae for tertiary treatment in the US (EcoRecover, Clearas Water Recovery Inc.) during a nine-month monitoring campaign. We investigated the temporal variations in microbial community structure (18S and 16S rRNA genes), which revealed that stable system performance of the EcoRecover system was marked by a low-diversity microalgal community (DINVSIMPSON = 2.01) dominated by Scenedesmus sp. (MRA = 55 %-80 %) that achieved strict nutrient removal (effluent TP < 0.04 mg·L-1) and steady biomass concentration (TSSmonthly avg. = 400-700 mg·L-1). Operational variables including pH, alkalinity, and influent ammonium (NH4+), correlated positively (p < 0.05, method = Spearman) with algal community during stable performance. Further, the use of these parameters as operational controls along with N/P loading and SRT allowed for system recovery following upset events. Importantly, the presence or absence of bacterial nitrification did not directly impact algal system performance and overall nutrient recovery, but partial nitrification (potentially resulting from NO2- accumulation) inhibited algal growth and should be considered during long-term operation. The microalgal communities were also adversely affected by zooplankton grazers (ciliates, rotifers) and fungal parasites (Aphelidium), particularly during periods of upset when algal cultures were experiencing culture turnover or stress conditions (e.g., nitrogen limitation, elevated temperature). Overall, the active management of system operation in order to maintain healthy algal cultures and high biomass productivity can result in significant periods (>4 months) of stable system performance that achieve robust nutrient recovery, even in winter months in northern latitudes (WI, USA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahbubul Alam
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Mahdi Hodaei
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | | | - Benjamin Gincley
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Farhan Khan
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ga-Yeong Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ameet J Pinto
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ian M Bradley
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA; Research and Education in Energy, Environmental and Water (RENEW) Institute, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.
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2
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Meng Q, Zeng W, Zhang J, Liu H, Li S, Peng Y. Combined Phototrophic Simultaneous Nitrification-Endogenous Denitrification with Phosphorus Removal (P-SNDPR) System Treating Low Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio Wastewater for Potential Carbon Neutrality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2902-2911. [PMID: 38294202 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Conventional biological nutrient removal processes rely on external aeration and produce significant carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This study constructed a phototrophic simultaneous nitrification-denitrification phosphorus removal (P-SNDPR) system to treat low carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios wastewater and investigated the impact of sludge retention time (SRT) on nutrient removal performance, nitrogen conversion pathway, and microbial structure. Results showed that the P-SNDPR system at SRT of 15 days had the highest nutrient removal capacity, achieving over 85% and 98% removal of nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively, meanwhile maintaining minimal CO2 emissions. Nitrogen removal was mainly through assimilation at SRTs of 5 and 10 days, and nitrification-denitrification at SRTs of 15 and 20 days. Stable partial nitrification was facilitated by photoinhibition and low DO levels. Flow cytometry sorting technique results revealed SRT drove community structural changes in translational activity (BONCAT+) microbes, where BONCAT+ microbes were mainly simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal bacteria (Candidatus Accumulibacter), denitrifying bacteria (Candidatus Competibacter and Plasticicumulans), ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (Nitrosomonas), and microalgae (Chlorella and Dictyosphaerium). The P-SNDPR system represents a novel, carbon-neutral process for efficient nutrient removal from low C/N ratio wastewater without aeration and external carbon source additions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingan Meng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Hongjun Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yongzhen Peng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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Meng Q, Zeng W, Liu H, Zhang J, Ma B, Peng Y. Optimizing sludge retention time for sustainable photo-enhanced biological phosphorus removal systems: Insights into nutrient fate, microbial community, and bacterial phototolerance. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119839. [PMID: 38104464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119839] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Photo-enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (PEBPR) systems, promising wastewater treatment technology, offer efficient phosphorus removal without external oxygen. However, comprehending the impact of sludge retention time (SRT) on the system is crucial for successful implementation. This study investigated the SRT effect on nutrient fate, microbial community, and bacterial phototolerance in PEBPR systems. PEBPR systems exhibited good bacterial phototolerance at SRT of 10, 15, and 20 d, with optimal phosphorus-accumulation metabolism observed at SRT of 10 and 15d. However, at SRT of 5d, increased light sensitivity and glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs) growth resulted in poor P removal (71.9%). Accumulibacter-IIC were the dominant P accumulating organisms (PAOs) at SRT of 10, 15, and 20 d. Accumulibacter-I, IIC and IIF were the major PAOs at SRT of 5 d. The decrease in SRT promoted the microalgal population diversity, and Dictyosphaerium and Chlorella were the major microalgal species in this study. Flow cytometry results revealed high light intensity triggered intracellular Fe2+ efflux, limiting translation activity and metabolism. Moreover, PAOs had lower phototolerance than GAOs due to Poly-P bound intracellular Mg2+ affecting enzyme activity. This study provides an in-depth understanding of PEBPR systems operation strategy toward environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingan Meng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Hongjun Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Biao Ma
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Yongzhen Peng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
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Zhang B, Shi J, Shi W, Guo Y, Lens PNL, Zhang B. Effect of different inocula on the granulation process, reactor performance and biodiesel production of algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) under low aeration conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140391. [PMID: 37839748 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140391] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) system is a prospective wastewater treatment technology, but few studies focused on the effects of different inoculum types on the establishment of the ABGS system under low aeration conditions (step-decrease superficial gas velocity from 1.4 to 0.5 cm/s). Results from this study indicated that compared with other inocula, the ABGS formed by co-inoculating aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and targeted algae (Chlorella) exhibited a shorter granulation period (shortened by 15 days), higher total nitrogen (89.4%) and PO43--P (95.0%) removal efficiencies, and a greater yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) (9.04 mg/g MLSS). This was possibly attributed to that the functional bacteria (e.g. Thauera, Gemmobacter and Rhodobacter) in the inoculated AGS facilitated the ABGS granulation. The inoculated algae promoted their effective enrichment under illumination conditions and enhanced the production of extracellular polymeric substances, thus improving the stability of ABGS. The enriched algae were attached to the outer layer of the granules, which could provide sufficient oxygen for bacterial metabolism, revealing the inherent mechanisms for the good stability of ABGS under low aeration intensity. Overall, the rapid granulation of ABGS can be achieved by inoculating optimal inocula under low aeration conditions, which is convenient and economically feasible, and motivates the application of algal-bacterial consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Jinyu Shi
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Wenxin Shi
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| | - Yuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, China
| | - Piet N L Lens
- UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2601, DA, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Bing Zhang
- National Research Base of Intelligent Manufacturing Service, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, 400067, China.
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Kadri MS, Singhania RR, Haldar D, Patel AK, Bhatia SK, Saratale G, Parameswaran B, Chang JS. Advances in Algomics technology: Application in wastewater treatment and biofuel production. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 387:129636. [PMID: 37544548 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129636] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Advanced sustainable bioremediation is gaining importance with rising global pollution. This review examines microalgae's potential for sustainable bioremediation and process enhancement using multi-omics approaches. Recently, microalgae-bacterial consortia have emerged for synergistic nutrient removal, allowing complex metabolite exchanges. Advanced bioremediation requires effective consortium design or pure culture based on the treatment stage and specific roles. The strain potential must be screened using modern omics approaches aligning wastewater composition. The review highlights crucial research gaps in microalgal bioremediation. It discusses multi-omics advantages for understanding microalgal fitness concerning wastewater composition and facilitating the design of microalgal consortia based on bioremediation skills. Metagenomics enables strain identification, thereby monitoring microbial dynamics during the treatment process. Transcriptomics and metabolomics encourage the algal cell response toward nutrients and pollutants in wastewater. Multi-omics role is also summarized for product enhancement to make algal treatment sustainable and fit for sustainable development goals and growing circular bioeconomy scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sibtain Kadri
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung City 804201, Taiwan
| | - Reeta Rani Singhania
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dibyajyoti Haldar
- Department of Biotechnology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore 641114, India
| | - Anil Kumar Patel
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Shashi Kant Bhatia
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 805029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ganesh Saratale
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Binod Parameswaran
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Trivandrum 695 019, Kerala, India
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tunghai University, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taiwan.
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Gorzelnik SA, Zhu X, Angelidaki I, Koski M, Valverde-Pérez B. Daphnia magna as biological harvesters for green microalgae grown on recirculated aquaculture system effluents. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162247. [PMID: 36791858 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162247] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The sustainability of recycling aquaculture systems (RAS) is challenged by nutrient discharges, which cause water eutrophication. Efficient treatments for RAS effluents are needed to mitigate its environmental impacts. Microalgae assimilate nutrients and dissolved carbon into microbial biomass with value as feed or food ingredient. However, they are difficult to harvest efficiently. Daphnia magna is an efficient filter feeder that grazes on microalgae at high rates and serves as valuable fish feed. Combining nutrient removal by microalgae and biomass harvesting by D. magna could be a cost-effective solution for wastewater valorization. Nutrient removal from unsterilized aquaculture wastewater was evaluated using the microalgae species Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus dimorphus, and Haematococcus pluvialis. The first two algae were subsequently harvested using D. magna as a grazer, while H. pluvialis failed to grow stably. All phosphorus was removed, while only 50-70 % nitrogen was recovered, indicating phosphorus limitation. Shortening the hydraulic retention time (HRT) or phosphorus dosing resulted in increased nitrogen removal. C. vulgaris cultivation was unstable at 3 days HRT or when supplied with extra phosphorus at 5 days HRT. D. magna grew on produced algae accumulating protein at 20-30 % of dry weight, with an amino acid profile favorable for use as high value fish feed. Thus, this study demonstrates the application of a two steps multitrophic process to assimilate residual nutrients into live feeds suitable for fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley A Gorzelnik
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Xinyu Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Søltofts Plads 228A, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Irini Angelidaki
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Søltofts Plads 228A, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marja Koski
- National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Kemitorvet 202, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Borja Valverde-Pérez
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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Trebuch LM, Bourceau OM, Vaessen SMF, Neu TR, Janssen M, de Beer D, Vet LEM, Wijffels RH, Fernandes TV. High resolution functional analysis and community structure of photogranules. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:870-879. [PMID: 36997724 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
AbstractPhotogranules are spherical aggregates formed of complex phototrophic ecosystems with potential for “aeration-free” wastewater treatment. Photogranules from a sequencing batch reactor were investigated by fluorescence microscopy, 16S/18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, microsensors, and stable- and radioisotope incubations to determine the granules’ composition, nutrient distribution, and light, carbon, and nitrogen budgets. The photogranules were biologically and chemically stratified, with filamentous cyanobacteria arranged in discrete layers and forming a scaffold to which other organisms were attached. Oxygen, nitrate, and light gradients were also detectable. Photosynthetic activity and nitrification were both predominantly restricted to the outer 500 µm, but while photosynthesis was relatively insensitive to the oxygen and nutrient (ammonium, phosphate, acetate) concentrations tested, nitrification was highly sensitive. Oxygen was cycled internally, with oxygen produced through photosynthesis rapidly consumed by aerobic respiration and nitrification. Oxygen production and consumption were well balanced. Similarly, nitrogen was cycled through paired nitrification and denitrification, and carbon was exchanged through photosynthesis and respiration. Our findings highlight that photogranules are complete, complex ecosystems with multiple linked nutrient cycles and will aid engineering decisions in photogranular wastewater treatment.
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Zhou Q, Sun H, Jia L, Wu W, Wang J. Simultaneous biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from secondary effluent of wastewater treatment plants by advanced treatment: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 296:134054. [PMID: 35202664 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
With the advancement of water ecological protection and water control standard, it is the general trend to upgrade the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The simultaneous removal of nitrogen and phosphorus is the key to improve the water quality of secondary effluent of WWTPs to prevent the eutrophication. Therefore, it is urgent to develop the applicable technologies for simultaneous biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from secondary effluent. In this review, the composition of secondary effluent from municipal WWTPs were briefly introduced firstly, then the three main treatment processes for simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal, i.e., the enhanced denitrifying phosphorus removal filter, the pyrite-based autotrophic denitrification and the microalgae biological treatment system were summarized, their performances and mechanisms were analyzed. The influencing factors and microbial community structure were discussed. The advanced removal of nitrogen and phosphorus by different technologies were also compared and summarized in terms of performance, operational characteristics, disadvantage and cost. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of simultaneous removal of nitrogen and phosphorus technologies for secondary effluent were proposed. This review will deepen to understand the principles and applications of the advanced removal of nitrogen and phosphorus and provide some valuable information for upgrading the treatment process of WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China.
| | - Haimeng Sun
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China.
| | - Lixia Jia
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China.
| | - Weizhong Wu
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China.
| | - Jianlong Wang
- Laboratory of Environmental Technology, INET, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
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Haffiez N, Chung TH, Zakaria BS, Shahidi M, Mezbahuddin S, Hai FI, Dhar BR. A critical review of process parameters influencing the fate of antibiotic resistance genes in the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 354:127189. [PMID: 35439559 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The overuse and inappropriate disposal of antibiotics raised severe public health risks worldwide. Specifically, the incomplete antibiotics metabolism in human and animal bodies contributes to the significant release of antibiotics into the natural ecosystems and the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria carrying antibiotic-resistant genes. Moreover, the organic feedstocks used for anaerobic digestion are often highly-rich in residual antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant genes. Hence, understanding their fate during anaerobic digestion has become a significant research focus recently. Previous studies demonstrated that various process parameters could considerably influence the propagation of the antibiotic-resistant genes during anaerobic digestion and their transmission via land application of digestate. This review article scrutinizes the influences of process parameters on antibiotic-resistant genes propagation in anaerobic digestion and the inherent fundamentals behind their effects. Based on the literature review, critical research gaps and challenges are summarized to guide the prospects for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nervana Haffiez
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Tae Hyun Chung
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Manjila Shahidi
- 4S Analytics & Modelling Ltd., Edmonton, AB, T6W 3V6, Canada
| | | | - Faisal I Hai
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
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Alam MM, Masud A, Scharf B, Bradley I, Aich N. Long-Term Exposure and Effects of rGO-nZVI Nanohybrids and Their Parent Nanomaterials on Wastewater-Nitrifying Microbial Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:512-524. [PMID: 34931813 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Single nanomaterials and nanohybrids (NHs) can inhibit microbial processes in wastewater treatment, especially nitrification. While existing studies focus on short-term and acute exposures of single nanomaterials on wastewater microbial community growth and function, long-term, low-exposure, and emerging NHs need to be examined. These NHs have distinctly different physicochemical properties than their parent nanomaterials and, therefore, may exert previously unknown effects onto wastewater microbial communities. This study systematically investigated long-term [∼6 solid residence time [(SRT)] exposure effects of a widely used carbon-metal NH (rGO-nZVI = 1:2 and 1:0.2, mass ratio) and compared these effects to their single-parent nanomaterials (i.e., rGO and nZVI) in nitrifying sequencing batch reactors. nZVI and NH-dosed reactors showed relatively unaffected microbial communities compared to control, whereas rGO showed a significantly different (p = 0.022) and less diverse community. nZVI promoted a diverse community and significantly higher (p < 0.05) biomass growth under steady-state conditions. While long-term chronic exposure (10 mg·L-1) of single nanomaterials and NHs had limited impact on long-term nutrient recovery, functionally, the reactors dosed with higher iron content, that is, nZVI and rGO-nZVI (1:2), promoted faster NH4+-N removal due to higher biomass growth and upregulation of amoA genes at the transcript level, respectively. The transmission electron microscopy images and scanning electron microscopy─energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed high incorporation of iron in nZVI-dosed biomass, which promoted higher cellular growth and a diverse community. Overall, this study shows that NHs have unique effects on microbial community growth and function that cannot be predicted from parent materials alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahbubul Alam
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Arvid Masud
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Brianna Scharf
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Ian Bradley
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
- Research and Education in Energy, Environmental and Water (RENEW) Institute, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Nirupam Aich
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
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11
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Bradley IM, Li Y, Guest JS. Solids Residence Time Impacts Carbon Dynamics and Bioenergy Feedstock Potential in Phototrophic Wastewater Treatment Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12574-12584. [PMID: 34478624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02590] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of wastewater-grown microalgae has the potential to reduce the cost of algae-derived biofuels while simultaneously advancing nutrient recovery at water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). However, a significant barrier has been the low yield and high protein content of phototrophic biomass. Here, we examine the use of solids residence time (SRT) as a selective pressure in driving biochemical composition, yield, biofuel production, and WRRF nutrient management cost. We cultivated mixed phototrophic communities in controlled, laboratory-scale photobioreactors on the local WRRF secondary effluent to link SRT with biochemical composition and techno-economic analysis to yield insights into biomass composition and downstream processing effects on minimum fuel selling price. SRT significantly impacted biochemical composition, with total and dynamic carbohydrates the highest at low SRT (total carbohydrates being 0.60 and 0.32 mg-carbohydrate·mg-protein-1 at SRT 5 and 15 days, respectively). However, there were distinct differences between extant, steady-state performance and intrinsic potential, and longer SRT communities were able to accumulate significant fractions (51% on an ash-free dry weight basis, AFDW %) of carbohydrate reserves under nutrient starvation. Overall, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) was found to be more suitable than lipid extraction for hydrotreating (LEH) and combined algal processing (CAP) for conversion of biomass to fuels, but LEH and CAP became more competitive when intrinsic carbon storage potential was realized. The results suggest that the use of algae for nutrient recovery could reduce the nutrient management cost at WRRFs through revenue from algal biofuels, with HTL resulting in a net revenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Bradley
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo, 212 Ketter Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
- Research and Education in Energy, Environment and Water Institute, University at Buffalo, 112 Cooke Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Yalin Li
- Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1101 West Peabody Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Jeremy S Guest
- Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1101 West Peabody Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 205 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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12
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Lin Y, Wang L, Xu K, Huang H, Ren H. Algae Biofilm Reduces Microbe-Derived Dissolved Organic Nitrogen Discharges: Performance and Mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:6227-6238. [PMID: 33891391 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microbe-derived dissolved organic nitrogen (mDON) can readily induce harmful phytoplankton blooms, and thus, restricting its discharges is necessary. Recently, algae biofilm (AB) has attracted increasing interest for its advantages in nutrient recovery. However, its features in mDON control remain unexplored. Herein, AB's mDON formation and utilization performance, molecular characteristics, and metabolic traits have been investigated, with activated sludge (AS) as the benchmark for comparisons. Comparatively, AB reduced mDON formation by 83% when fed with DON-free wastewater. When fed with AS's effluent, it consumed at least 72% of the exogenous mDON and notably reduced the amount of protein/amino sugar-like compounds. Irrespective of the influent, AB ultimately produced more various unsaturated hydrocarbon and lignin analogues. Redundancy and network analysis highlighted the algal-bacterial synergistic effects exemplified by cross-feeding in reducing mDON concentrations and shaping mDON pools. Moreover, metagenomics-based metabolic reconstruction revealed that cyanobacteria Limnothrix and Kamptonema spp. facilitated mDON uptake, ammonification, and recycling, which supplied the extensive nitrogen assimilatory demand for amino acids, vitamins, and cofactors biosynthesis, and therefore promoted mDON scavenging. Our findings demonstrate that regardless of the secondary or tertiary process, cyanobacteria-dominated AB is promising to minimize bioavailable mDON discharges, which has implications for future eutrophication control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Liye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Ke Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Hui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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13
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Flores-Alsina X, Ramin E, Ikumi D, Harding T, Batstone D, Brouckaert C, Sotemann S, Gernaey KV. Assessment of sludge management strategies in wastewater treatment systems using a plant-wide approach. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 190:116714. [PMID: 33307375 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to use plant-wide modeling to assess the net impacts of varying sludge management strategies. Special emphasis is placed on effluent quality, operational cost and potential resource recovery (energy, nutrients). The study is particularly focused on a centralized bio-solids beneficiation facility (BBF), which enables larger, more capital intensive sludge management strategies. Potential barriers include the ability to process reject streams from multiple donor plants in the host plant. Cape Flats (CF) wastewater treatment works (WWTW) (Cape Town, South Africa) was used as a relevant test case since it is currently assessing to process sludge cake from three nearby facilities (Athlone, Mitchells Plain and Wildevoelvlei). A plant-wide model based on the Benchmark Simulation Model no 2 (BSM2) extended with phosphorus transformations was adapted to the CF design / operational conditions. Flow diagram and model parameters were adjusted to reproduce the influent, effluent and process characteristics. Historical data between January 2014 and December 2019 was used to compare full-scale measurements and predictions. Next, different process intensification / mitigation technologies were evaluated using multiple criteria. Simulation values for COD, TSS, VSS/TSS ratio, TN, TP, NH4+/NH3, HxPO43-x, NOx alkalinity and pH fall within the interquartile ranges of measured data. The effects of the 2017 severe drought on influent variations and biological phosphorus removal are successfully reproduced for the entire period with dynamic simulations. Indeed, 80% of all dynamically simulated values are included within the plant measurement uncertainty ranges. Sludge management analysis reveals that flow diagrams with thermal hydrolysis pre-treatment (THP) result in a better energy balance in spite of having higher heat demands. The flow diagram with THP is able to i) increase biodegradability/solubility, ii) handle higher sludge loads, iii) change methanogenic microbial population and iv) generate lower solids volumes to dispose by improving sludge dewaterability. The study also reveals the importance of including struvite precipitation and harvesting (SPH) technology, and the effect that pH in the AD and the use of chemicals (NaOH, MgO) may have on phosphorus recovery. Model-based results indicate that the current aerobic volume in the water line (if properly aerated) would be able to handle the returns from the sludge line and the contribution of a granular partial nitritation/Anammox (PN/ANX) reactor on the overall nitrogen removal would be marginal. However autotrophic N denitrification generates a much lower sludge production and therefore increases AD treatment capacity. The study shows for the very first time in Africa how the use of a (calibrated) plant-wide model could assist water utilities to decide between competing plant layouts when upgrading a WWTW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Flores-Alsina
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Elham Ramin
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David Ikumi
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosh, South Africa
| | - Theo Harding
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosh, South Africa
| | - Damien Batstone
- Advanced Water Management Center, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chris Brouckaert
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sven Sotemann
- Department of Water and Sanitation, City of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Krist V Gernaey
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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14
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Trebuch LM, Oyserman BO, Janssen M, Wijffels RH, Vet LEM, Fernandes TV. Impact of hydraulic retention time on community assembly and function of photogranules for wastewater treatment. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 173:115506. [PMID: 32006806 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Photogranules are dense, spherical agglomerates of cyanobacteria, microalgae and non-phototrophic microorganisms that have considerable advantages in terms of harvesting and nutrient removal rates for light driven wastewater treatment processes. This ecosystem is poorly understood in terms of the microbial community structure and the response of the community to changing abiotic conditions. To get a better understanding, we investigated the effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on photogranule formation and community assembly over a period of 148 days. Three laboratory bioreactors were inoculated with field samples from various locations in the Netherlands and operated in sequencing batch mode. The bioreactors were operated at four different HRTs (2.00, 1.00, 0.67, 0.33 days), while retaining the same solid retention time of 7 days. A microbial community with excellent settling characteristics (95-99% separation efficiency) was established within 2-5 weeks. The observed nutrient uptake rates ranged from 24 to 90 mgN L-1 day-1 and from 3.1 to 5.4 mgP L-1 day-1 depending on the applied HRT. The transition from single-cell suspension culture to floccular agglomeration to granular sludge was monitored by microscopy and 16S/18S sequencing. In particular, two important variables for driving aggregation and granulation, and for the structural integrity of photogranules were identified: 1. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with high protein to polysaccharide ratio and 2. specific microorganisms. The key players were found to be the cyanobacteria Limnothrix and Cephalothrix, the colony forming photosynthetic eukaryotes within Chlamydomonadaceae, and the biofilm producing bacteria Zoogloea and Thauera. Knowing the makeup of the microbial community and the operational conditions influencing granulation and bioreactor function is crucial for successful operation of photogranular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Trebuch
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - B O Oyserman
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Bioinformatics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Janssen
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - R H Wijffels
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, N-8049, Bodø, Norway
| | - L E M Vet
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - T V Fernandes
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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15
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Zuo X, Zhang H, Yu J. Microbial diversity for the improvement of nitrogen removal in stormwater bioretention cells with three aquatic plants. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 244:125626. [PMID: 32050356 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The aquatic plants Iris pseudacorus L., Canna indica L. and Lythrum salicaria L. have been proved to be potential choices for nitrogen removal. However, little is known about microbial diversity for the improvement of nitrogen removal (nitrification and denitrification) in stormwater bioretention cells with the above plants. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to investigate nitrogen removal, substrate layer status, and bacterial community structure to understand microbial diversity and evaluate its effects on performances of nitrogen removal. Ammonia nitrogen removal in the bioretention cell with Lythrum salicaria L. was the highest (88.1%), which was consistent with oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in the bioretention cells. Whilst, removals for both total nitrogen and nitrate were the highest in the bioretention cell with Canna indica L., which was in line with urease activity in the mentioned cells. The used plants had different impact on top 11 dominant microflora at phylum level in the used bioretention cells. Ramlibacter and Nitrosomonadaceaea were both responsible for the difference of nitrogen removal in the bioretention cells with three aquatic plants, suggesting the enhancement of the above dominant microflora could strengthen nitrogen removal in the used bioretention cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoJun Zuo
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Joint Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution Control, Nanjing, 210044, China.
| | - HongSheng Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Joint Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution Control, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Jianghua Yu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Joint Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution Control, Nanjing, 210044, China
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16
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Yoshino H, Hori T, Hosomi M, Terada A. Identifying prokaryotes and eukaryotes disintegrated by a high-pressure jet device for excess activated sludge reduction. Biochem Eng J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2020.107495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Mishra A, Medhi K, Malaviya P, Thakur IS. Omics approaches for microalgal applications: Prospects and challenges. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 291:121890. [PMID: 31378447 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent impetus of phycological research, microalgae have emerged as a potential candidate for various arena of application-driven research. Omics-based tactics are used for disentangling the regulation and network integration for biosynthesis/degradation of metabolic precursors, intermediates, end products, and identifying the networks that regulate the metabolic flux. Multi-omics coupled with data analytics have facilitated understanding of biological processes and allow ample access to diverse metabolic pathways utilized for genetic manipulations making microalgal factories more efficient. The present review discusses state-of-art "Algomics" and the prospect of microalgae and their role in symbiotic association by using omics approaches including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Microalgal based uni- and multi-omics approaches are critically analyzed in wastewater treatment, metal toxicity and remediation, biofuel production, and therapeutics to provide an imminent outlook for an array of environmentally sustainable and economically viable microalgal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arti Mishra
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Kristina Medhi
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Piyush Malaviya
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Jammu, Jammu (J&K), India
| | - Indu Shekhar Thakur
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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