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Di Costanzo N, Di Capua F, Cesaro A, Carraturo F, Salamone M, Mascolo MC, Carpentieri A, Esposito G. Low-intensity magnetization pretreatment to enhance biomethane generation and the abundance of key microorganisms for anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 413:131534. [PMID: 39326538 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
This work explores the impact of static magnetic field (SMF) intensity on biomethane production from anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge. Two different SMF intensities (20 mT and 1.5 T) were applied to magnetize the sludge destined to the AD process. The magnetic pretreatment at 20 mT was particularly effective, as it increased biomethane production by 12.7 % compared to the control test. On the contrary, exposing the sludge to 1.5 T adversely affected biomethane production, resulting in a 15.1 % decrease. The positive correlation observed between low-intensity SMF exposure and enhanced biomethane yield, in contrast to the inhibitory effect of high-intensity SMF, suggests the existence of an optimal intensity threshold within the lower range for maximizing methane production. The impact of magnetic pretreatment on the anaerobic microbial community was investigated through high-throughput sequencing analysis of magnetized sludge samples. This approach enabled the identification of specific shifts in microbial populations associated with SMF exposure, thereby elucidating the role of SMF in modulating key microbial communities for the AD process. The findings of this study provide insights into the potential mechanisms underlying these responses and underscore the potential of SMF application for improving the anaerobic valorization of sewage sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Di Costanzo
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy; Department of Engineering, University of Basilicata, Via dell' Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Francesco Di Capua
- Department of Engineering, University of Basilicata, Via dell' Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cesaro
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Carraturo
- Hygiene Laboratories, Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Salamone
- Hygiene Laboratories, Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mascolo
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Via Gaetano di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
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Hong Q, Wang K, Huang Y, Zhang Z, Jiang Y, Wang S, Wang H. Enhanced methane production from anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge with weak magnetic field: Insights into performances and mechanisms. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 408:131174. [PMID: 39084537 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131174] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The impact of weak magnetic field (WMF) on anaerobic digestion (AD) performance of waste activated sludge (WAS) and underlying mechanism were investigated. Results showed that WMF significantly stimulated the methane yield by 12.9∼25.1% with 15 and 30 mT WMF addition, but high WMF (60 mT) attenuated the positive effect. The WMF enriched the anaerobic microbes, especially the acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogen. Additionally, the WMF dramatically facilitated the metabolic pathways of key enzymes for methanogenesis, which was validated by the significant increase of absolute abundance of anaerobic functional genes (mcrA). The enzyme activities of ATP and F420 were also significantly promoted by 30 mT WMF, but high WMF (60 mT) resulted in increased activity of lactate dehydrogenase. This study reveals that low WMF can promote AD performance of WAS through enhancing microbial activities especially methanogen, but high WMF leads to the loss of cell membrane integrity and attenuates its positive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiankun Hong
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Tongji Vocational College of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 311231, China
| | - Kanming Wang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Yan Huang
- Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Station of Deqing County, Huzhou 313200, China
| | - Zhengyan Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yulian Jiang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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Guzmán-Armenteros TM, Ruales J, Villacís-Chiriboga J, Guerra LS. Experimental Prototype of Electromagnetic Emissions for Biotechnological Research: Monitoring Cocoa Bean Fermentation Parameters. Foods 2023; 12:2539. [PMID: 37444278 DOI: 10.3390/foods12132539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A Helmholtz-type electromagnetic emission device, which uses an oscillating magnetic field (OMF), with potential applications in biotechnological research, was built and validated. The coils were connected to an alternating current (AC) generator to generate a 0.5 to 110 mT field at their center. OMF measurements were performed with a Hall effect sensor with a digital signal connection (Arduino nano) and data output to a PC using LabVIEW v2017SP1 software. The fermentation process of the cocoa bean variety CCN 51, exposed to four levels of OMF density for 60 min (0, 5, 40, and 80 mT/60 min), was analyzed. Different variables of the grain fermentation process were evaluated over six days. The ANOVA test probed the device's linearity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, reliability, and robustness. Moreover, CCN 51 cocoa beans' EMF-exposure effect was evaluated under different OMF densities for 60 min. The results show the validity of the equipment under working conditions and the impact of EMF (electromagnetic fields) on the yield, deformation, and pH of cocoa beans. Thus, we concluded that the operation of the prototype is valid for use in biotechnological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Ruales
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito P.O. Box 17-01-2759, Ecuador
| | - José Villacís-Chiriboga
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito P.O. Box 17-01-2759, Ecuador
| | - Luis Santiago Guerra
- Carrera de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito P.O. Box 17-12-759, Ecuador
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Application of Magnetite-Nanoparticles and Microbial Fuel Cell on Anaerobic Digestion: Influence of External Resistance. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030643. [PMID: 36985216 PMCID: PMC10055030 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, the application of magnetite-nanoparticles and a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was studied on the anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge. The experimental set-up included six 1 L biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests with different external resistors: (a) 100 Ω, (b) 300 Ω, (c) 500 Ω, (d) 800 Ω, (e) 1000 Ω, and (f) a control with no external resistor. The BMP tests were carried out using digesters with a working volume of 0.8 L fed with 0.5 L substrate, 0.3 L inoculum, and 0.53 g magnetite-nanoparticles. The results suggested that the ultimate biogas generation reached 692.7 mL/g VSfed in the 500 Ω digester, which was substantially greater than the 102.6 mL/g VSfed of the control. The electrochemical efficiency analysis also demonstrated higher coulombic efficiency (81.2%) and maximum power density (30.17 mW/ m2) for the 500 Ω digester. The digester also revealed a higher maximum voltage generation of 0.431 V, which was approximately 12.7 times the 0.034 V of the lowest-performing MFC (100 Ω digester). In terms of contaminants removed, the best-performing digester was the digester with 500 Ω, which reduced contaminants by more than 89% on COD, TS, VS, TSS and color. In terms of cost-benefit analysis, this digester produced the highest annual energy profit (48.22 ZAR/kWh or 3.45 USD/kWh). This infers the application of magnetite-nanoparticles and MFC on the AD of sewage sludge is very promising for biogas production. The digester with an external resistor of 500 Ω showed a high potential for use in bioelectrochemical biogas generation and contaminant removal for sewage sludge.
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Kazimierowicz J, Dębowski M, Zieliński M. Technological, Ecological, and Energy-Economic Aspects of Using Solidified Carbon Dioxide for Aerobic Granular Sludge Pre-Treatment Prior to Anaerobic Digestion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4234. [PMID: 36901245 PMCID: PMC10002249 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The technology of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) seems prospective in wastewater bio-treatment. The characteristics as well as compactness and structure of AGS have been proved to significantly affect the effectiveness of thus far deployed methods for sewage sludge processing, including anaerobic digestion (AD). Therefore, it is deemed necessary to extend knowledge on the possibilities of efficient AGS management and to seek viable technological solutions for methane fermentation of sludge of this type, including by means of using the pre-treatment step. Little is known about the pre-treatment method with solidified carbon dioxide (SCO2), which can be recovered in processes of biogas upgrading and enrichment, leading to biomethane production. This study aimed to determine the impact of AGS pre-treatment with SCO2 on the efficiency of its AD. An energy balance and a simplified economic analysis of the process were also carried out. It was found that an increasing dose of SCO2 applied in the pre-treatment increased the concentrations of COD, N-NH4+, and P-PO43- in the supernatant in the range of the SCO2/AGS volume ratios from 0.0 to 0.3. No statistically significant differences were noted above the latter value. The highest unit yields of biogas and methane production, reaching 476 ± 20 cm3/gVS and 341 ± 13 cm3/gVS, respectively, were obtained in the variant with the SCO2/AGS ratio of 0.3. This experimental variant also produced the highest positive net energy gain, reaching 1047.85 ± 20 kWh/ton total solids (TS). The use of the higher than 0.3 SCO2 doses was proved to significantly reduce the pH of AGS (below 6.5), thereby directly diminishing the percentage of methanogenic bacteria in the anaerobic bacterial community, which in turn contributed to a reduced CH4 fraction in the biogas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kazimierowicz
- Department of Water Supply and Sewage Systems, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marcin Dębowski
- Department of Environment Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marcin Zieliński
- Department of Environment Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
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Characteristics of Solidified Carbon Dioxide and Perspectives for Its Sustainable Application in Sewage Sludge Management. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032324. [PMID: 36768646 PMCID: PMC9916872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate management is necessary to mitigate the environmental impacts of wastewater sludge. One lesser-known technology concerns the use of solidified CO2 for dewatering, sanitization, and digestion improvement. Solidified CO2 is a normal byproduct of natural gas treatment processes and can also be produced by dedicated biogas upgrading technologies. The way solidified CO2 is sourced is fully in line with the principles of the circular economy and carbon dioxide mitigation. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the production and application of solid CO2 in the pretreatment and management of sewage sludge. Using solidified CO2 for sludge conditioning causes effective lysis of microbial cells, which destroys activated sludge flocs, promotes biomass fragmentation, facilitates efficient dispersion of molecular associations, modifies cell morphology, and denatures macromolecules. Solidified CO2 can be used as an attractive tool to sanitize and dewater sludge and as a pretreatment technology to improve methane digestion and fermentative hydrogen production. Furthermore, it can also be incorporated into a closed CO2 cycle of biogas production-biogas upgrading-solidified CO2 production-sludge disintegration-digestion-biogas production. This feature not only bolsters the technology's capacity to improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of digestion processes, but can also help reduce atmospheric CO2 emissions, a crucial advantage in terms of environment protection. This new approach to solidified CO2 generation and application largely counteracts previous limitations, which are mainly related to the low cost-effectiveness of the production process.
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Kazimierowicz J, Dębowski M, Zieliński M. Effect of Pharmaceutical Sludge Pre-Treatment with Fenton/Fenton-like Reagents on Toxicity and Anaerobic Digestion Efficiency. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010271. [PMID: 36612592 PMCID: PMC9819895 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge is successfully used in anaerobic digestion (AD). Although AD is a well-known, universal and widely recognized technology, there are factors that limit its widespread use, such as the presence of substances that are resistant to biodegradation, inhibit the fermentation process or are toxic to anaerobic microorganisms. Sewage sludge generated by the pharmaceutical sector is one such substance. Pharmaceutical sewage sludge (PSS) is characterized by high concentrations of biocides, including antibiotics and other compounds that have a negative effect on the anaerobic environment. The aim of the present research was to determine the feasibility of applying Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP) harnessing Fenton's (Fe2+/H2O2) and Fenton-like (Fe3+/H2O2) reaction to PSS pre-treatment prior to AD. The method was analyzed in terms of its impact on limiting PSS toxicity and improving methane fermentation. The use of AOP led to a significant reduction of PSS toxicity from 53.3 ± 5.1% to 35.7 ± 3.2%, which had a direct impact on the taxonomic structure of anaerobic bacteria, and thus influenced biogas production efficiency and methane content. Correlations were found between PSS toxicity and the presence of Archaea and biogas yields in the Fe2+/H2O2 group. CH4 production ranged from 363.2 ± 11.9 cm3 CH4/g VS in the control PSS to approximately 450 cm3/g VS. This was 445.7 ± 21.6 cm3 CH4/g VS (1.5 g Fe2+/dm3 and 6.0 g H2O2/dm3) and 453.6 ± 22.4 cm3 CH4/g VS (2.0 g Fe2+/dm3 and 8.0 g H2O2/dm3). The differences between these variants were not statistically significant. Therefore, due to the economical use of chemical reagents, the optimal tested dose was 1.5 g Fe2+/6.0 g H2O2. The use of a Fenton-like reagent (Fe3+/H2O2) resulted in lower AD efficiency (max. 393.7 ± 12.1 cm3 CH4/g VS), and no strong linear relationships between the analyzed variables were found. It is, therefore, a more difficult method to estimate the final effects. Research has proven that AOP can be used to improve the efficiency of AD of PSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kazimierowicz
- Department of Water Supply and Sewage Systems, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-571-443-143
| | - Marcin Dębowski
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marcin Zieliński
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
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Dębowski M, Kazimierowicz J, Świca I, Zieliński M. Ultrasonic Disintegration to Improve Anaerobic Digestion of Microalgae with Hard Cell Walls- Scenedesmus sp. and Pinnularia sp. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:53. [PMID: 36616189 PMCID: PMC9823343 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are considered to be very promising feedstocks for biomethane production. It has been shown that the structure of microalgal cell walls can be highly detrimental to the anaerobic digestibility of biomass. Therefore, there is a real need to seek ways to eliminate this problem. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of ultrasonic disintegration of Scenedesmus sp. and Pinnularia sp. microalgal biomass on the performance and energy efficiency of anaerobic digestion. The pretreatment was successful in significantly increasing dissolved COD and TOC in the system. The highest CH4 yields were noted for Scenedesmus sp. sonicated for 150 s and 200 s, which produced 309 ± 13 cm3/gVS and 313 ± 15 cm3/gVS, respectively. The 50 s group performed the best in terms of net energy efficiency at 1.909 ± 0.20 Wh/gVS. Considerably poorer performance was noted for Pinnularia sp., with biomass yields and net energy gains peaking at CH4 250 ± 21 cm3/gVS and 0.943 ± 0.22 Wh/gVS, respectively. Notably, the latter value was inferior to even the non-pretreated biomass (which generated 1.394 ± 0.19 Wh/gVS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Dębowski
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Kazimierowicz
- Department of Water Supply and Sewage Systems, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Izabela Świca
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marcin Zieliński
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
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Das S, Manoli K, Sharma VK, Dagnew M, Ray MB. Effect of ferrate pretreatment on anaerobic digestibility of primary sludge spiked with resin acids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:91201-91211. [PMID: 35879637 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21599-8] [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: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Resin acids are mixtures of high molecular weight carboxylic acids found in tree resins. Due to higher hydrophobicity and low solubility, they tend to adsorb on the suspended solids in pulp and paper (P&P) mill wastewater and accumulate in primary sludge through settling. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a common practice stabilizing sludge; however, high concentration of resin acids affects the AD process. The aim of this research was mainly to determine the impact of ferrate (Fe (VI)) oxidation on selected resin acids and anaerobic digestibility of ferrate-treated primary sludge (PS) spiked with the resin acids. First, batch control oxidation of model resin acids with Fe (VI) was conducted to identify an optimum dosage, pH and contact time using a Box-Behnken design approach. Thereafter, anaerobic treatability studies of primary sludge spiked with resin acids both under control condition and optimum ferrate pretreatment were conducted. Up to 97% oxidation of resin acids occurred in pure water, while only 44%-62% oxidation of resin acids occurred in PS with an increasing Fe (VI) dosage from 0.034 to 0.137 mg Fe (VI)/mg tCODfed. The pretreatment did not affect the anaerobic biodegradability of resin acids; however, it lowered their negative influences on the PS digestibility. About 0.076 mg Fe (VI) dosage/mg tCODfed solubilized the sludge increasing the methane production by 40% compared to the untreated digester. The potential benefits of ferrate pretreatment of P&P primary sludge include resin acids oxidation and subsequent toxicity reduction, higher sludge solubilization enhancing methane production and enabling anaerobic digestion at higher COD loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreejon Das
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, London, ON, N6A5B9, Canada
| | - Kyriakos Manoli
- Program for the Environment and Sustainability, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Virender K Sharma
- Program for the Environment and Sustainability, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Martha Dagnew
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London, ON, N6A5B9, Canada.
| | - Madhumita B Ray
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, London, ON, N6A5B9, Canada
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The use of the electromagnetic field in microbial process bioengineering. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 121:27-72. [PMID: 36328731 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
An electromagnetic field (EMF) has been shown to have various stimulatory or inhibitory effects on microorganisms. Over the years, growing interest in this topic led to numerous discoveries suggesting the potential applicability of EMF in biotechnological processes. Among these observations are stimulative effects of this physical influence resulting in intensified biomass production, modification of metabolic activity, or pigments secretion. In this review, we present the current state of the art and underline the main findings of the application of EMF in bioprocessing and their practical meaning in process engineering using examples selected from studies on bacteria, archaea, microscopic fungi and yeasts, viruses, and microalgae. All biological data are presented concerning the classification of EMF. Furthermore, we aimed to highlight missing parts of contemporary knowledge and indicate weak spots in the approaches found in the literature.
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Application of Bioelectrochemical System and Magnetite Nanoparticles on the Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge: Effect of Electrode Configuration. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12060642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional anaerobic digestion is currently challenged by limited degradability and low methane production. Herein, it is proposed that magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) and bioelectrochemical systems can be employed for the improvement of organic content degradation. In this study, the effect of electrode configuration was examined through the application of a bioelectrochemical system and Fe3O4-NPs in anaerobic digestion (AD). A microbial electrolysis cell with cylindrical electrodes (MECC) and a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) with rectangular electrodes were compared against the traditional AD process. Biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests were carried out using digesters with a working volume of 800 mL charged with 300 mL inoculum, 500 mL substrate, and 1 g Fe3O4-NPs. The electrodes (zinc and copper) of both digesters were inserted inside the BMPs and were powered with 0.4 V for 30 days at 40 °C. The MECC performed better, improving degradability, with enhanced methane percentage (by 49% > 39.1% of the control), and reduced water pollutants (chemical-oxygen demand, total organic carbon, total suspended solids, turbidity, and color) by more than 88.6%. The maximum current density was 33.3 mA/m2, and the coulombic efficiency was 54.4%. The MECC showed a remarkable potential to maximize methane enhancement and pollution removal by adjusting the electrode configuration.
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Effect of an Electromagnetic Field on Anaerobic Digestion: Comparing an Electromagnetic System (ES), a Microbial Electrolysis System (MEC), and a Control with No External Force. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27113372. [PMID: 35684310 PMCID: PMC9182473 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the application of an electromagnetic field to anaerobic digestion by using an electromagnetic system (ES), a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), and a control with no external force. The experimental work was performed by carrying out biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests using 1 L biodigesters. The bioelectrochemical digesters were supplied with 0.4 V for 30 days at 40 °C. The electromagnetic field of the ES was generated by coiling copper wire to form a solenoid in the BMP system, whereas the MEC consisted of zinc and copper electrodes inside the BMP system. The best performing system was the MEC, with a yield of 292.6 mL CH4/g chemical oxygen demand removed (CODremoved), methane content of 86%, a maximum current density of 23.3 mA/m2, a coulombic efficiency of 110.4%, and an electrical conductivity of 180 µS/cm. Above 75% removal of total suspended solids (TSS), total organic carbon (TOC), phosphate, and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) was also recorded. However, a longer exposure (>8 days) to higher magnetic intensity (6.24 mT) on the ES reduced its overall performance. In terms of energy, the MEC produced the greatest annual energy profit (327.0 ZAR/kWh or 23.36 USD/kWh). The application of an electromagnetic field in anaerobic digestion, especially a MEC, has the potential to maximize the methane production and the degradability of the wastewater organic content.
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Abstract
Renewable energy is becoming a widely discussed topic in the European Union (EU), due to a desire to reduce the negative effects of fossil fuels on climate change and biodiversity. About 60% of the total renewable energy produced in the EU is derived from biomass. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an important pathway to convert biomass into biogas and then into bioenergy. Helianthus salicifolius is a perennial plant, whose biomass can serve as a co-substrate in biogas plants. Biomass composition, in addition to the biomethane and biogas potential, were investigated in raw green biomass and silage obtained from Helianthus salicifolius plants grown under different types (mineral and organic) and doses (0, 85, 170 kg N ha−1) of nitrogen fertilization. The biomethane production efficiency from Helianthus salicifolius was recorded for 25 days and found to range on average between 169.4 NL kg−1 VS for raw biomass and 193.2 NL kg−1 VS for silage. It follows from the current study that ensiling increases substrate digestibility and has a positive impact on methane concentration, but the biomethane and biogas production outputs from those substrates did not differ significantly at the end of the process.
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Dębowski M, Zieliński M, Kazimierowicz J. Anaerobic Reactor Filling for Phosphorus Removal by Metal Dissolution Method. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15062263. [PMID: 35329713 PMCID: PMC8949496 DOI: 10.3390/ma15062263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A commonly indicated drawback of anaerobic wastewater treatment is the low effectiveness of phosphorus removal. One possibility to eliminate this disadvantage is the implementation of active fillings that contain admixtures of metals, minerals, or other elements contributing to wastewater treatment intensification. The aim of the research was to present an active filling produced via microcellular extrusion technology, and to determine its properties and performance in anaerobic wastewater treatment. The influence of copper and iron admixtures on the properties of the obtained porous extrudate in terms of its functional properties was also examined. The Barus effect increased with the highest content of the blowing agent in the material from 110 ± 12 to 134 ± 14. The addition of metal powders caused an increase in the extrudate density. The modification of PVC resulted in the highest porosity, amounting to 47.0% ± 3.2%, and caused the tensile strength to decrease by about 50%. The determined values ranged from 211.8 ± 18.3 MPa to 97.1 ± 10.0 MPa. The use of the filling in anaerobic rectors promoted COD removal, intensified biogas production, and eliminated phosphorus with an efficiency of 64.4% to 90.7%, depending on the type of wastewater and applied technological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Dębowski
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marcin Zieliński
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Joanna Kazimierowicz
- Department of Water Supply and Sewage Systems, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland;
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15
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Wastewater Treatment and Biogas Production: Innovative Technologies, Research and Development Directions. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15062122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of wastewater treatment methods and the processing of sewage sludge is associated with the search for new, efficient and technologically justified solutions, the use of which will be an alternative to the systems used thus far [...]
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16
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Comparative Metagenomics of Anaerobic Digester Communities Reveals Sulfidogenic and Methanogenic Microbial Subgroups in Conventional and Plug Flow Residential Septic Tank Systems. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10030436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
On-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) are primarily monitored using physiochemical factors, including chemical oxygen demand (COD) and residual total suspended solids (TSS), which are indirect measures of the microbial action during the anaerobic digestion process. Changes in anaerobic digester microbial communities can alter the digester performance, but this information cannot be directly obtained from traditional physicochemical indicators. The potential of metagenomic DNA sequencing as a tool for taxonomic and functional profiling of microbial communities was examined in both common conventional and plug flow-type anaerobic digesters (single-pass and recirculating). Compared to conventional digesters, plug flow-type digesters had higher relative levels of sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfovibrio spp.) and hydrogenotrophic methanogens (Methanospirillum spp.). In contrast, recirculating anaerobic digesters were enriched with denitrifier bacteria and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, and both were significantly correlated with physicochemical factors such as COD and TSS. Stratification of microbial communities was observed along the digester treatment process according to hydrolytic, acidogenic, acetogenic, and methanogenic subgroups. These results indicate that the high-throughput DNA sequencing may be useful as a monitoring tool to characterize the changes in bacterial communities and the functional profile due to differences in digester design in on-site systems.
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17
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Synergistic Effect of Magnetite and Bioelectrochemical Systems on Anaerobic Digestion. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8120198. [PMID: 34940351 PMCID: PMC8698836 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8120198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventionally, the anaerobic digestion of industrial effluent to biogas constitutes less than 65% methane, which warrants its potential methanation to mitigate carbon dioxide and other anthropogenic gas emissions. The performance of the anaerobic digestion process can be enhanced by improving biochemical activities. The aim of this study was to examine the synergistic effect of the magnetite and bioelectrochemical systems (BES) on anaerobic digestion by comparing four digesters, namely a microbial fuel cell (MFC), microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), MEC with 1 g of magnetite nanoparticles (MECM), and a control digester with only sewage sludge (500 mL) and inoculum (300 mL). The MFC digester was equipped with zinc and copper electrodes including a 100 Ω resistor, whereas the MEC was supplied with 0.4 V on the electrodes. The MECM digester performed better as it improved microbial activity, increased the content of methane (by 43% compared to 41% of the control), and reduced contaminants (carbon oxygen demand, phosphates, colour, turbidity, total suspended solids, and total organic carbon) by more than 81.9%. Current density (jmax = 25.0 mA/m2) and electrical conductivity (275 µS/cm) were also high. The prospects of combining magnetite and bioelectrochemical systems seem very promising as they showed a great possibility for use in bioelectrochemical methane generation and wastewater treatment.
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