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D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Measuring the environmental impacts of sewage sludge use in agriculture in comparison with the incineration alternative. Sci Total Environ 2023; 905:167025. [PMID: 37716680 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
This study compares two scenarios for sewage sludge treatment i.e., agricultural-land application (LA) and incineration (INC), in an Italian context (Pavia province, Po Valley). The study was realised within a regional project aiming to obtain useful data to better address future sludge management policies. To do so, an attributional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach was chosen and the multi-functionality was addressed by using system expansion. Results indicated that the scenario INC had higher impacts than scenario LA for the categories linked to process inputs and to the direct emissions of incineration, such as Global warming potential (= + 60 %)., Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, Ozone Formation, Mineral Resource Scarcity and Fossil Resource Scarcity. System expansion i.e., the production of non-renewable fertilisers, played a large role (higher impacts) in the categories related to resource scarcity in the INC scenario. On the other hand, LA scenario showed higher impacts than INC for direct emissions due to fertilisation (Marine and Freshwater Eutrophication, and Particulate Matter). In conclusion, the use of sewage sludge in agriculture seemed to be competitive with the alternative of incineration but both sludge quality and emission reduction during sludge distribution in the field play an important role in the reduction of environmental impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
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2
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Clagnan E, Cucina M, De Nisi P, Dell'Orto M, D'Imporzano G, Kron-Morelli R, Llenas-Argelaguet L, Adani F. Effects of the application of microbiologically activated bio-based fertilizers derived from manures on tomato plants and their rhizospheric communities. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22478. [PMID: 38110487 PMCID: PMC10728056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) recovered from animal manure are promising products to optimise resources recovery and generate high agricultural yields. However, their fertilization value may be limited and it is necessary to enrich BBFs with microbial consortia to enhance their fertilization value. Three specific microbial consortia were developed according to the characteristics of three different BBFs produced from manure (bio-dried solid fraction, solid fraction of digestate and biochar) to enhance plant growth and product quality. A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out with tomato plants grown with microbiologically activated BBFs applied either as N-organic fertilizers or as an organic amendment. A next generation sequencing analysis was used to characterise the development of each rhizospheric community. All the activated BBFs gave enhanced tomato yields (fresh and dry weight) compared with the non-activated treatments and similar to, or higher than, chemical fertilization. Concerning the tomato fruits' organoleptic quality, lycopene and carotenoids concentrations were improved by biological activation. Metagenomic analysis points at Trichoderma as the main driver of the positive effects, with the effects of added bacteria being negligible or limited at the early stages after fertilization. In the context of the circular economy, the activated BBFs could be used to replace synthetic fertilisers, reducing costs and environmental burdens and increasing production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Clagnan
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
- Department for Sustainability, Biotechnologies and Agroindustry Division, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Cucina
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Agriculture and Forestry Systems in the Mediterranean (ISAFOM-CNR), Via Della Madonna Alta 128, 06128, Perugia, Italy
| | - Patrizia De Nisi
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Dell'Orto
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Laia Llenas-Argelaguet
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500, Vic, Spain
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy.
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3
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Clagnan E, Dell'Orto M, Štěrbová K, Grivalský T, Artur Câmara Manoel J, Masojídek J, D'Imporzano G, Gabriel Acién-Fernández F, Adani F. Impact of photobioreactor design on microalgae-bacteria communities grown on wastewater: Differences between thin-layer cascade and thin-layer raceway ponds. Bioresour Technol 2023; 374:128781. [PMID: 36828223 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Thin-layer (TL) photobioreactors (PBRs) are characterised by high productivity. However, their use is limited to lab/pilot-scale, and a deeper level of characterisation is needed to reach industrial scale and test the resistance of multiple microalgae. Here, the performance and composition of eight microalgal communities cultivated in the two main TLs design (thin-layer cascade (TLC) and thin-layer raceway pond (RW)) were investigated through Illumina sequencing. Chlorella vulgaris showed robustness in both designs and often acted as an "invasive" species. Inoculum and reactor type brought variability. Eukaryotic microalgae inocula led to a more robust and stable community (higher similarity), however, RWs were characterised by a higher variability and did not favour the eukaryotic microalgae. The only cyanobacterial inoculum, Nostoc piscinale, was maintained, however the community was variable between designs. The reactor design had an effect on the N cycle with the TLC and RW configurations, enhancing nitrification and denitrification respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Clagnan
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy.
| | - Marta Dell'Orto
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
| | - Karolína Štěrbová
- Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology CAS, Novohradská 237, 37901 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Grivalský
- Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology CAS, Novohradská 237, 37901 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - João Artur Câmara Manoel
- Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology CAS, Novohradská 237, 37901 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Masojídek
- Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology CAS, Novohradská 237, 37901 Třeboň, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
| | - Francisco Gabriel Acién-Fernández
- Department of Chemical Engineering, CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, University of Almeria, Cañada San Urbano, s/n, 04120 Almeria, Spain
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
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4
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Clagnan E, D'Imporzano G, Dell'Orto M, Bani A, Dumbrell AJ, Parati K, Acién-Fernández FG, Portillo-Hahnefeld A, Martel-Quintana A, Gómez-Pinchetti JL, Adani F. Centrate as a sustainable growth medium: Impact on microalgal inocula and bacterial communities in tubular photobioreactor cultivation systems. Bioresour Technol 2022; 363:127979. [PMID: 36126844 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Centrate is a low-cost alternative to synthetic fertilizers for microalgal cultivation, reducing environmental burdens and remediation costs. Adapted microalgae need to be selected and characterised to maximise biomass production and depuration efficiency. Here, the performance and composition of six microalgal communities cultivated both on synthetic media and centrate within semi-open tubular photobioreactors were investigated through Illumina sequencing. Biomass grown on centrate, exposed to a high concentration of ammonium, showed a higher quantity of nitrogen (5.6% dry weight) than the biomass grown on the synthetic media nitrate (3.9% dry weight). Eukaryotic inocula were replaced by other microalgae while cyanobacterial inocula were maintained. Communities were generally similar for the same inoculum between media, however, inoculation with cyanobacteria led to variability within the eukaryotic community. Where communities differed, centrate resulted in a higher richness and diversity. The higher nitrogen of centrate possibly led to higher abundance of genes coding for N metabolism enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Clagnan
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy.
| | - Marta Dell'Orto
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
| | - Alessia Bani
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy; School of Life Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO3 4SQ, UK; Istituto Sperimentale Lazzaro Spallanzani, loc La Quercia, 2602 Rivolta d'Adda, CR, Italy
| | - Alex J Dumbrell
- School of Life Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO3 4SQ, UK
| | - Katia Parati
- Istituto Sperimentale Lazzaro Spallanzani, loc La Quercia, 2602 Rivolta d'Adda, CR, Italy
| | - Francisco Gabriel Acién-Fernández
- Department of Chemical Engineering, CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, University of Almeria, Cañada San Urbano, s/n, 04120 Almeria, Spain
| | - Agustín Portillo-Hahnefeld
- Spanish Bank of Algae (BEA), Institute of Oceanography and Global Change (IOCAG), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Muelle de Taliarte s/n, 35214 Telde, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antera Martel-Quintana
- Spanish Bank of Algae (BEA), Institute of Oceanography and Global Change (IOCAG), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Muelle de Taliarte s/n, 35214 Telde, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Gómez-Pinchetti
- Spanish Bank of Algae (BEA), Institute of Oceanography and Global Change (IOCAG), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Muelle de Taliarte s/n, 35214 Telde, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
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5
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Lovarelli D, Tamburini A, Garimberti S, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Life cycle assessment of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese with product environmental footprint method: A case study implementing improved slurry management strategies. Sci Total Environ 2022; 842:156856. [PMID: 35752230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impact of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese was quantified using the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs) in a Traditional System (TS) and in an Improved Management System (IMS). The TS differs from IMS with respect to slurry management (raw slurry storage vs anaerobic digestion and storage of the liquid fraction of digestate) and application of nutrients to the field (by slurry tanker with a diverter plate vs soil injection at pre-sowing and side dressing). Two additional scenarios were evaluated by considering the possible environmental enhancement achievable by reducing enteric methane production and by using soybean grain produced in Italy as the protein source for animals' diets. The environmental impact was quantified both for 1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) and for the production of 10 g dry matter equivalent of cheese as single score. For the first assessment, the environmental impact results were 124 and 112 μPt kg FPCM-1 for TS and IMS, respectively. In the second case, it was 10.8 μPt and 9.9 μPt 10 g dry matter equivalent-1 of cheese, for TS and IMS, respectively. The specific cost for reducing the GHG emissions in this production chain was equal to 34 € Mg-1 milk produced. Finally, although specific studies should consider the reduction of enteric methane emissions and the use of soybean grain nationally produced as feed source, the scenarios evaluated in this study highlighted some potential for environmental improvements. Even small environmental improvements to the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese supply chain can bring substantial improvements to the sustainability of the food market, because of the widespread demand on the global market of Parmigiano Reggiano and of its chance of attracting consumers who are sensitive to environmental problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lovarelli
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (DISAA), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (DISAA), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Clagnan E, D'Imporzano G, Dell'Orto M, Sanchez-Zurano A, Acién-Fernandez FG, Pietrangeli B, Adani F. Profiling microalgal cultures growing on municipal wastewater and fertilizer media in raceway photobioreactors. Bioresour Technol 2022; 360:127619. [PMID: 35842066 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae cultivation is proposed as an effective system for pathogens reduction and wastewater depuration, however, a full characterisation of the risks is still needed. Two raceways were inoculated with Scenedesmus, one using wastewater and the other using a fertilizer medium. Microbial community and pathogen presence were explored by next generation sequencing (NGS), commercial qPCR array and plate counts. These methods proved to be complementary for a full characterization of community structure and potential risks. Media and sampling locations contributed to shape communities and pathogenic loads. The main pathogenic genera detected were Arcobacter and Elizabethkingia (mainly in wastewater) with an important presence of Aeromonas (all samples). A lower presence of pathogens was detected in fertilizer samples, while wastewater showed a reduction from inlet to outlet. Raceways showed potential as an effective biotreatment, with most of the retained pathogens released in the outlet and only a minor part settled in the biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Clagnan
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Dell'Orto
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Ana Sanchez-Zurano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almeria, CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, 04120 Almeria, Spain
| | | | - Biancamaria Pietrangeli
- Inail, Dipartimento Innovazioni Tecnologiche e Sicurezza degli Impianti, Prodotti ed Insediamenti Antropici, Via R. Ferruzzi, 38/40, 00143 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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7
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Su M, Dell'Orto M, D'Imporzano G, Bani A, Dumbrell AJ, Adani F. The structure and diversity of microalgae-microbial consortia isolated from various local organic wastes. Bioresour Technol 2022; 347:126416. [PMID: 34838970 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pure microalgae cultivation in organic wastes may be hampered by their low adaptation to extreme growth conditions and by the risk of microbial contamination. This work aimed to isolate self-adapted microalgae-microbial consortia able to survive in organic wastes characterized by extreme conditions, to be then proposed for technological application in removing carbon and nutrients from wastes' streams. To do so, sixteen organic wastes with different origins and consistency were sampled. Twelve microbial consortia were isolated from wastes and their eukaryotic and prokaryotic compositions were analyzed by next generation sequencing. Eight eukaryotic communities were dominated by Chlorophyta, led by Chlorella, able to survive in different wastes regardless of chemical-biological properties. Tetradesmus, the second most represented genus, grew preferentially in substrates with less stressing chemical-physical parameters. Chlorella and Tetradesmus were mostly isolated from cow slurry and derived wastes which proved to be the best local residual organic source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
| | - Marta Dell'Orto
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
| | - Alessia Bani
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Alex J Dumbrell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy.
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Bani A, Fernandez FGA, D'Imporzano G, Parati K, Adani F. Influence of photobioreactor set-up on the survival of microalgae inoculum. Bioresour Technol 2021; 320:124408. [PMID: 33246238 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cultivation of specific microalgae is still difficult in an industrial setup as contamination and balancing the economic cost are not always possible. Understanding the ecology of cultivation of microalgae is therefore necessary to implement stable production. The aim of the study was to understand how different types of photobioreactors and types of culture medium influenced the survival of a specific microalgae inoculum, S. almeriensis. The bacterial and microalgae community were studied using Illumina sequencing. Only the closed configuration was able to maintain the inoculated species while all the other systems developed a different eukaryotic community due to contamination and the higher fitness of contaminants. Photobioreactor configuration was more important than medium in shaping the eukaryotes community, while the bacterial community was influenced strongly by both. Results showed that even a well-adapted strain is maintained only in the closed reactor while the open reactors are colonized by a multispecies consortium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bani
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy; Istituto Sperimentale Lazzaro Spallanzani, loc La Quercia 2602 Rivolta d'Adda, CR, Italy
| | | | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
| | - Katia Parati
- Istituto Sperimentale Lazzaro Spallanzani, loc La Quercia 2602 Rivolta d'Adda, CR, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla labs., Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Italy
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Papa G, Pepè Sciarria T, Carrara A, Scaglia B, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Implementing polyhydroxyalkanoates production to anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste to diversify products and increase total energy recovery. Bioresour Technol 2020; 318:124270. [PMID: 33099102 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A simple biorefinery aimed at producing both biomethane (CH4) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), was proposed to valorize the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Anaerobic digestion (AD) was tested at different organic loading rates (OLR-I-II-III) (i.e. 3, 4 and 6 g L-1 d-1, respectively), producing biomethane and volatile fatty acids (VFAs)-rich digestate, the VFAs were then used to produce PHAs. Specific biogas and CH4 production remained similar when adopting different OLRs (biogas of 522-600 NL kg-1 VS and CH4 of 64-67% v/v). VFAs concentrated with OLR increases and their patterns were modified. PHA production was in the range of 117-199 g kg-1 OFMSWTS with the lowest production being associated to different polymer composition. The net energy recovery of this simple biorefinery accounted for 64% of OFMSW energy content, and the PHAs produced represented over 30% of the total energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Papa
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Tommy Pepè Sciarria
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Carrara
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Scaglia
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Su M, D'Imporzano G, Veronesi D, Afric S, Adani F. Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultivation under mixotrophic conditions with glycerol supplied with ultrafiltered digestate: A simple biorefinery approach recovering C and N. J Biotechnol 2020; 323:73-81. [PMID: 32745506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Phaeodactylum tricornutum was cultivated mixotrophically in batch mode providing glycerol as the C source, i.e., 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04 Mol L-1 glycerol, and ultrafiltered digestate (UF) as an N source. Biomass productivity, biomass composition, N efficiency use and total energy balance were recorded and compared to those under autotrophic conditions. Under mixotrophic conditions (0.03 Mol L-1 and 0.04 Mol L-1 glycerol), biomass productivity of P. tricornutum increased by 1.29 and 1.60 times in comparison with autotrophic conditions. Algal protein content declined as glycerol concentration increased, contrary to the case of the carbohydrate content. Lipid content did not change but unexpectedly, a lower unsaturated fatty acid in mixotrophic culture was observed than that from autotrophic culture. Mixotrophic conditions offered a higher energy recovery efficiency (EFt) than autotrophic conditions (5.7 % in 0.04 Mol L-1 glycerol and 4.2 % in autotrophic trial, respectively). Additionally, the efficiency of glycerol conversion into biomass (EFgly) increased with the glycerol dose, achieving 22.8 % for 0.04 Mol L-1 glycerol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Gruppo Ricicla Lab. - Bioeconomy and Green Chemistry Lab., University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla Lab. - Bioeconomy and Green Chemistry Lab., University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Davide Veronesi
- Gruppo Ricicla Lab. - Bioeconomy and Green Chemistry Lab., University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Afric
- Gruppo Ricicla Lab. - Bioeconomy and Green Chemistry Lab., University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla Lab. - Bioeconomy and Green Chemistry Lab., University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Mazzini S, Borgonovo G, Scaglioni L, Bedussi F, D'Imporzano G, Tambone F, Adani F. Phosphorus speciation during anaerobic digestion and subsequent solid/liquid separation. Sci Total Environ 2020; 734:139284. [PMID: 32450400 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of anaerobic digestion (AD) on P species and how the different species are distributed in the digestate and digestate fractions, i.e. liquid and solid fractions. To do so, six full scale AD plants were used in this work and representative biomass samples were collected for investigation. P fractionation proceeded by adopting fractionation protocols consisting in step-by-step extraction with different solvents, (i.e. NaHCO3, HCl and NaOH-EDTA). Subsequently P species in the different fractions were identified by using 31PNMR. On average, AD did not substantially affect P speciation that depended on the P-fraction content of feeds. A high NaHCO3 fraction content in the ingestate determined, also, a high content of this fraction in the digestate, with consequently lower contents of both P-HCl and P-NaOH-EDTA, i.e. digestate P-fraction contents represented an inheritance of P speciation in the ingestate. A feed effect was observed in single plants. Highest pig/cow slurry content in the feeds seemed to decrease readily soluble P (extracted with NaHCO3) content and increased P associated with both organic matter and amorphous Fe/Al in the digestate. Again, using a large amount of digestate in the feed increased P-soluble content in the digestate. 31P NMR analyses revealed that inorganic P compounds dominated the spectra of all biomasses and fractions, with orthophosphate as the predominant species. When present, organic phosphorus compounds were typically represented by monophosphate esters, DNA and phospholipids, with a predominance of monophosphate esters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mazzini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gigliola Borgonovo
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Leonardo Scaglioni
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Floriana Bedussi
- Ricicla Group Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Ricicla Group Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Fulvia Tambone
- Ricicla Group Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Ricicla Group Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Veronesi D, D'Imporzano G, Menin B, Salati S, Adani F. Organic wastes/by-products as alternative to CO 2 for producing mixotrophic microalgae enhancing lipid production. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2020; 43:1911-1919. [PMID: 32447512 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-020-02381-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this work, white wine lees (WWL), cheese whey (CW), and glycerol (GLY) were used as carbon (C) sources to mixotrophically support the production of the microalga Nannochloropsis salina, replacing CO2 supply. In doing so, the alga was allowed to grow on C sources dosed at 2 g L-1, 3 g L-1, and 4 g L-1 of C, in the presence and absence of CO2 supply. WWL and CW were not able to support the algal growth due to a fungal contamination that was genomically identified, while GLY gave interesting results in particular with 3 g L-1 of C. GLY-C was able to replace CO2-C completely when the latter was omitted, showing an algal biomass production similar to those obtained in autotrophy. If CO2-C was provided jointly with GLY-C, biomass production and lipid contents increased more than 30% and 23%, respectively, compared to autotrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Veronesi
- Gruppo Ricicla-DiSAA, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla-DiSAA, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Salati
- Gruppo Ricicla-DiSAA, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla-DiSAA, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Colombo B, Villegas Calvo M, Pepè Sciarria T, Scaglia B, Savio Kizito S, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Biohydrogen and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as products of a two-steps bioprocess from deproteinized dairy wastes. Waste Manag 2019; 95:22-31. [PMID: 31351607 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study a two-steps bioprocess approach aimed at biohydrogen production via dark-fermentation, and polyhydroxyalkanoates-PHA production by mixed microbial cultures, was proposed to valorise two dairy-waste streams coming from cheese whey deproteinization (i.e. Ricotta cheese production and ultrafiltration). During the first step, the increase of OLR was tested, resulting in higher daily H2 volume (3.47 and 5.07 NL H2 d-1 for second cheese whey-SCW and concentrated cheese whey permeate-CCWP) and organic acids production (14.6 and 12.6 g L-1 d-1 for SCW and CCWP) for both the substrates, keeping good conversion of sugars into H2 (1.37 and 1.93 mol H2 mol-1 sugars for SCW and CCWP). During the second step, the organic acids were used for PHA production reaching high conversion yields for both the fermented streams (as average 0.74 ± 0.14 mg CODPHA mg-1 CODOA-in), with a maximum polymer content of 62 ± 4.5 and 55.1 ± 1.3% (g PHA g-1 VSS) for fermented SCW and fermented CCWP respectively. For the results reported, this study could be taken into consideration for larger scale application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Colombo
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mariana Villegas Calvo
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Tommy Pepè Sciarria
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Scaglia
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Simon Savio Kizito
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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14
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D'Imporzano G, Pilu R, Corno L, Adani F. Arundo donax L. can substitute traditional energy crops for more efficient, environmentally-friendly production of biogas: A Life Cycle Assessment approach. Bioresour Technol 2018; 267:249-256. [PMID: 30025321 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Maize silage contributes to biogas production in Lombardy Region (400 anaerobic digestion plants) employing 47,000 Ha (Production Model - PM1). Reducing the area devoted to this energy crop is a goal to free soil for food production. Double cropping (PM2) and Arundo donax L. (PM3) have been proposed and tested to measure the impacts for the three Production Models by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The impact category related to Climate Change remained stable for PM2 while it decreased by 17% for Arundo donax L. (PM3) in comparison with PM1. Impact categories related to nutrient management (acidification, particulate matter eutrophication) showed an increase in the range of 3-5% for PM2 in comparison with PM1, while Arundo donax L. allowed the same impact categories to be reduced by 31%, 24%, 17% and 33%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Pilu
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Corno
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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15
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Orzi V, Riva C, Scaglia B, D'Imporzano G, Tambone F, Adani F. Anaerobic digestion coupled with digestate injection reduced odour emissions from soil during manure distribution. Sci Total Environ 2018; 621:168-176. [PMID: 29179072 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This work aimed to measure the odour impact of untreated cow and pig slurries and treated (digestate and liquid fraction of digestate) manures when they were used on soil at a field scale, while also testing different spreading methods, i.e. surface vs. injection. Five experiments were performed in 2012-2016 on different farms. Odours were quantitatively (specific odour emission rate - SOER) (OUEm-2h-1) measured by using dynamic olfactometry and qualitatively, i.e. to obtain an "odour fingerprint", by using an electronic nose (EN). Anaerobic digestion was effective in allowing the reduction of potential odour emission from digestates, so that when they were dosed on soil, odours emitted were much lower than those from soils on which untreated slurries were used. Slurries/digestate injection reduced much more odour emitted by soils so that SOER tended to become more similar to that of the control (untreated soil) although the odours were slightly greater. Odour fingerprint data indicated that there was a direct correlation between SOER and odour fingerprints. This was due to the ability of EN to detect ammonia, S-compounds and methane that were (the first two mainly), also, responsible for odours. Very good regression was found for Log SOER and EN by using a Partial Least Square (PLS) approach (R2=0.73; R2cv=0.66; P<0.01) for matrices used to fertilize soils in lab tests. Unfortunately, regression was not so good when odour data from field experiments on soil were used, so that EN cannot be proposed to replace olfactometry. EN fingerprints for control (Blank) and injected organic matrices were virtually identical, due to the creation of cavities in the soil during the injection that decreased the treated surface. Anaerobic digestion and subsequent digestate injection allowed us to reduce odour impact, avoiding annoyance to local inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Orzi
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Soil and Env. Lab, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - C Riva
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Soil and Env. Lab, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - B Scaglia
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Soil and Env. Lab, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - G D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Soil and Env. Lab, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - F Tambone
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Soil and Env. Lab, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - F Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Soil and Env. Lab, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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16
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Tambone F, Orzi V, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Solid and liquid fractionation of digestate: Mass balance, chemical characterization, and agronomic and environmental value. Bioresour Technol 2017; 243:1251-1256. [PMID: 28778651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.07.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Solid-liquid (S/L) separation of digestate (D) represents a simple technology able to produce two fractions having different composition. The aim of this work was to study the effect of S/L separation on dry matter (DM), nitrogen (TKN), phosphorus (P2O5) and heavy metals (HM) repartition into these two fractions and to characterize them. Therefore, thirteen full-scale digestion plants were studied and D, LF and SF were collected during three seasons of the year. Results obtained indicated that unexpectedly, on a mass balance, the liquid fraction still contains the majority of DM, i.e. 67% of the total of D. LF also contained 87% and 71% of TKN and P2O5 respectively. HM contents were in line with typical NP-organic fertilizers. Chemical characterization suggested that the LF can be used as a substitute for mineral N fertilizers because of its high N content, while SF can be proposed as an NP-organic fertilizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvia Tambone
- Ricicla Group Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia - Soil and Environment Lab., Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Valentina Orzi
- Ricicla Group Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia - Soil and Environment Lab., Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Ricicla Group Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia - Soil and Environment Lab., Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Ricicla Group Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia - Soil and Environment Lab., Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
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17
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Salati S, D'Imporzano G, Menin B, Veronesi D, Scaglia B, Abbruscato P, Mariani P, Adani F. Mixotrophic cultivation of Chlorella for local protein production using agro-food by-products. Bioresour Technol 2017; 230:82-89. [PMID: 28161624 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
A local strain of Chlorella vulgaris was cultivated by using cheese whey (CW), white wine lees (WL) and glycerol (Gly), coming from local agro-industrial activities, as C sources (2.2gCL-1) to support algae production under mixotrophic conditions in Lombardy. In continuous mode, Chlorella increased biomass production compared with autotrophic conditions by 1.5-2 times, with the best results obtained for the CW substrate, i.e. 0.52gL-1d-1 of algal biomass vs. 0.24gL-1d-1 of algal biomass for autotrophic conditions, and protein content for both conditions adopted close to 500gkg-1 DM. Mixotrophic conditions gave a much higher energy recovery efficiency (EF) than autotrophic conditions, i.e. organic carbon energy efficiency (EFoc) of 32% and total energy efficiency (Eft) of 8%, respectively, suggesting the potential for the culture of algae as a sustainable practice to recover efficiently waste-C and a means of local protein production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Salati
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lab., Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; AJRP Algae Joint Research Platform, UNIMI, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy and PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Giuliana D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lab., Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; AJRP Algae Joint Research Platform, UNIMI, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy and PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy.
| | - Barbara Menin
- AJRP Algae Joint Research Platform, UNIMI, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy and PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy; Bioeconomia, PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Davide Veronesi
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lab., Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; AJRP Algae Joint Research Platform, UNIMI, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy and PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Barbara Scaglia
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lab., Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; AJRP Algae Joint Research Platform, UNIMI, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy and PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Pamela Abbruscato
- AJRP Algae Joint Research Platform, UNIMI, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy and PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy; Bioeconomia, PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Paola Mariani
- AJRP Algae Joint Research Platform, UNIMI, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy and PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy; Bioeconomia, PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla - DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lab., Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; AJRP Algae Joint Research Platform, UNIMI, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy and PTP Science Park, Via Einstein, Loc. C.na Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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18
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Riva C, Orzi V, Carozzi M, Acutis M, Boccasile G, Lonati S, Tambone F, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Short-term experiments in using digestate products as substitutes for mineral (N) fertilizer: Agronomic performance, odours, and ammonia emission impacts. Sci Total Environ 2016; 547:206-214. [PMID: 26780147 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion produces a biologically stable and high-value fertilizer product, the digestate, which can be used as an alternative to mineral fertilizers on crops. However, misuse of digestate can lead to annoyance for the public (odours) and to environmental problems such as nitrate leaching and ammonia emissions into the air. Full field experimental data are needed to support the use of digestate in agriculture, promoting its correct management. In this work, short-term experiments were performed to substitute mineral N fertilizers (urea) with digestate and products derived from it to the crop silage maize. Digestate and the liquid fraction of digestate were applied to soil at pre-sowing and as topdressing fertilizers in comparison with urea, both by surface application and subsurface injection during the cropping seasons 2012 and 2013. After each fertilizer application, both odours and ammonia emissions were measured, giving data about digestate and derived products' impacts. The AD products could substitute for urea without reducing crop yields, apart from the surface application of AD-derived fertilizers. Digestate and derived products, because of high biological stability acquired during the AD, had greatly reduced olfactometry impact, above all when they were injected into soils (82-88% less odours than the untreated biomass, i.e. cattle slurry). Ammonia emission data indicated, as expected, that the correct use of digestate and derived products required their injection into the soil avoiding, ammonia volatilization into the air and preserving fertilizer value. Sub-surface injection allowed ammonia emissions to be reduced by 69% and 77% compared with surface application during the 2012 and 2013 campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Riva
- Gruppo Ricicla, Lab. Agricoltura e Ambiente, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - V Orzi
- Gruppo Ricicla, Lab. Agricoltura e Ambiente, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - M Carozzi
- DiSAA, sez. Agronomia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - M Acutis
- DiSAA, sez. Agronomia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - G Boccasile
- DG Agricoltura, Regione Lombardia, Piazza Lombardia, Milano, Italy
| | - S Lonati
- Gruppo Ricicla, Lab. Agricoltura e Ambiente, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - F Tambone
- Gruppo Ricicla, Lab. Agricoltura e Ambiente, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - G D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla, Lab. Agricoltura e Ambiente, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - F Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla, Lab. Agricoltura e Ambiente, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
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19
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Riva C, Schievano A, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Production costs and operative margins in electric energy generation from biogas. Full-scale case studies in Italy. Waste Manag 2014; 34:1429-1435. [PMID: 24841069 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2014.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to observe the economic sustainability of three different biogas full scale plants, fed with different organic matrices: energy crops (EC), manure, agro-industrial (Plants B and C) and organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) (Plant A). The plants were observed for one year and total annual biomass feeding, biomass composition and biomass cost (€ Mg(-1)), initial investment cost and plant electric power production were registered. The unit costs of biogas and electric energy (€ Sm(-3)biogas, € kWh(-1)EE) were differently distributed, depending on the type of feed and plant. Plant A showed high management/maintenance cost for OFMSW treatment (0.155 € Sm(-3)biogas, 45% of total cost), Plant B suffered high cost for EC supply (0.130 € Sm(-3)biogas, 49% of total cost) and Plant C showed higher impact on the total costs because of the depreciation charge (0.146 € Sm(-3)biogas, 41% of total costs). The breakeven point for the tariff of electric energy, calculated for the different cases, resulted in the range 120-170 € MWh(-1)EE, depending on fed materials and plant scale. EC had great impact on biomass supply costs and should be reduced, in favor of organic waste and residues; plant scale still heavily influences the production costs. The EU States should drive incentives in dependence of these factors, to further develop this still promising sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Riva
- Gruppo Ricicla, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - A Schievano
- Gruppo Ricicla, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; Gruppo Ricicla, DiSAA, Biomass and Bioenergy Lab., Parco Tecnologico Padano, Via Einstein, Località Cascina Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy.
| | - G D'Imporzano
- Gruppo Ricicla, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; Gruppo Ricicla, DiSAA, Biomass and Bioenergy Lab., Parco Tecnologico Padano, Via Einstein, Località Cascina Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - F Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla, DiSAA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; Gruppo Ricicla, DiSAA, Biomass and Bioenergy Lab., Parco Tecnologico Padano, Via Einstein, Località Cascina Codazza, 26900 Lodi, Italy.
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Scaglia B, D'Imporzano G, Garuti G, Negri M, Adani F. Sanitation ability of anaerobic digestion performed at different temperature on sewage sludge. Sci Total Environ 2014; 466-467:888-897. [PMID: 23973551 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.07.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A small amount of ammonia is used in full-scale plants to partially sanitize sewage sludge, thereby allowing successive biological processes to enable the high biological stability of the organic matter. Nevertheless, ammonia and methane are both produced during the anaerobic digestion (AD) of sludge. This paper describes the evaluation of a lab-scale study on the ability of anaerobic process to sanitize sewage sludge and produce biogas, thus avoiding the addition of ammonia to sanitize sludge. According to both previous work and a state of the art full-scale plant, ammonia was added to a mixture of sewage sludge at a rate so that the pH values after stirring were 8.5, 9 and 9.5. This procedure determined an ammonia addition lower than that generally indicated in the literature. The same sludge was also subjected to an AD process for 60 days under psychrophilic, mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The levels of fecal coliform, Salmonella spp. helmints ova, pH, total N, ammonia fractions and biogas production were measured at different times during each process. The results obtained suggested that sludge sanitation can be achieved using an AD process; however, the addition of a small amount of ammonia was not effective in sludge sanitation because the buffer ability of the sludge reduced the pH and thus caused ammonia toxicity. Mesophilic and thermophilic AD sanitized better than psychrophilic AD did, but the total free ammonia concentration under the thermophilic condition inhibited biogas production. The mesophilic condition, however, allowed for both sludge sanitation and significant biogas production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Scaglia
- GRUPPO RICICLA, Dipartimento di Science Agrarie e Ambientali: Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Schievano A, D'Imporzano G, Orzi V, Adani F. On-field study of anaerobic digestion full-scale plants (Part II): new approaches in monitoring and evaluating process efficiency. Bioresour Technol 2011; 102:8814-8819. [PMID: 21807505 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Revised: 06/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Biogas plants need easy and practical tools for monitoring and evaluating their biological process efficiency. As soon as, in many cases, biomass supply present considerable costs, full-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) processes must approach, as much as possible, the potential biogas yield of the organic mixture fed to the biodigesters. In this paper, a new indicator is proposed (the bio-methane yield, BMY), for measuring the efficiency in full-scale AD processes, based on a balance between the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of the input biomass and the residual BMP of the output materials (digestate). For this purpose, a one-year survey was performed on three different full-scale biogas plants, in the Italian agro-industrial context, and the bio-chemical processes were fully described in order to calculate their efficiencies (BMY = 87-93%) and to validate the new indicator proposed, as useful and easily applicable tool for full-scale AD plants operators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schievano
- Ricicla Group-Di.Pro.Ve.-Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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22
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Schievano A, D'Imporzano G, Salati S, Adani F. On-field study of anaerobic digestion full-scale plants (part I): an on-field methodology to determine mass, carbon and nutrients balance. Bioresour Technol 2011; 102:7737-7744. [PMID: 21715157 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The mass balance (input/output mass flows) of full-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) processes should be known for a series of purposes, e.g. to understand carbon and nutrients balances, to evaluate the contribution of AD processes to elemental cycles, especially when digestates are applied to agricultural land and to measure the biodegradation yields and the process efficiency. In this paper, three alternative methods were studied, to determine the mass balance in full-scale processes, discussing their reliability and applicability. Through a 1-year survey on three full-scale AD plants and through 38 laboratory-scale batch digesters, the congruency of the considered methods was demonstrated and a linear equation was provided that allows calculating the wet weight losses (WL) from the methane produced (MP) by the plant (WL=41.949*MP+20.853, R(2)=0.950, p<0.01). Additionally, this new tool was used to calculate carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium balances of the three observed AD plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schievano
- Ricicla Group - Di.Pro.Ve., Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Adani F, Papa G, Schievano A, Cardinale G, D'Imporzano G, Tambone F. Nanoscale structure of the cell wall protecting cellulose from enzyme attack. Environ Sci Technol 2011; 45:1107-13. [PMID: 21174466 DOI: 10.1021/es1020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The cell wall structure protects cellulose from enzymatic attack and its successive fermentation. The nature of this protection consists in the very complex macroscopic and microscopic structure of cell wall that limits transport. Explaining this kind of protection is critical in future research to improve cell polymer availability for enzymatic attack. This research shows that the complete description of the cell wall topography at a nanoscale level allows a mechanistic understanding of cellulose protection. For this purpose, we used gas adsorption methods (CO(2) at 273 K and N(2) at 77 K) to detect mesoporosity (pore size of 1.5-30 nm diameter; MeS) and microporosity (pore size of 0.3-1.5 nm diameter; MiS) of the cell wall of five energy crops, i.e., giant cane, rivet wheat straw, miscanthus, proso millet, and sorghum. The presence of both hemicelluloses in the spaces between cellulose fibrils and the unhydrolyzable and highly cross-linked lignocarbohydrate complex (LCC) determines a microporous (80% pores having diameters below 0.8 nm) structure of the cell wall that prevents the cellulase enzymes from coming into direct contact with the cellulose, as their sizes exceed the cell wall pore size. On the other hand, the removal of the hemicelluloses and of the LCC complex determines a reduction of the MiS and an increase of the available surface for enzymatic attack, i.e., pores >5 nm diameter. This was confirmed by the good negative (r = -0.87, P < 0.001, n = 11) and positive (r = 0.78, P < 0.005, n = 11) correlations found for microporosity and mesoporosity (pores of diameters >5 nm), respectively, vs the glucose production, by cellulase enzyme attack in specific enzymatic hydrolysis tests performed on biomass samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo RICICLA, Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Orzi V, Cadena E, D'Imporzano G, Artola A, Davoli E, Crivelli M, Adani F. Potential odour emission measurement in organic fraction of municipal solid waste during anaerobic digestion: Relationship with process and biological stability parameters. Bioresour Technol 2010; 101:7330-7337. [PMID: 20576563 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.04.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/27/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate the correlation between microbial activity, i.e., biological stability measured by aerobic (OD(20) test) and anaerobic tests (ABP test), and odour emissions of organic fraction of municipal solid waste during anaerobic digestion in a full-scale treatment plant considering the three stages of the process (input, digested and post-digested waste). The results obtained indicated that the stabilization of the treated material reduces the odour impact measured by the olfactometric approach. Successive application of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electronic nose (EN) allowed the characterization of the different groups of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible of odour impacts determining, also, their concentration. Principal component and partial least squares analyses applied to the EN and GC-MS data sets gave good regression for the OD(20) vs the EN and OD(20) vs the GC-MS data. Therefore, OD(20) reduction could be used as an odour depletion indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Orzi
- RICICLA Group - Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
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25
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Tambone F, Scaglia B, D'Imporzano G, Schievano A, Orzi V, Salati S, Adani F. Assessing amendment and fertilizing properties of digestates from anaerobic digestion through a comparative study with digested sludge and compost. Chemosphere 2010; 81:577-83. [PMID: 20825964 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Revised: 08/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Digestate, with biogas represents the final products of anaerobic digestion (AD). The methane-rich biogas is used to produce electricity and heat, whereas the digestate could be valorized in agriculture. Contrarily to well-recognized biomasses such as digested sludge and compost, the properties of the digestate are not well known and its agricultural use remains unexplored. In this work, a first attempt to study the agronomic properties of digestates was performed by comparing the chemical, spectroscopic, and biological characteristics of digestates with those of compost and digested sludge, used as reference organic matrices. A total of 23 organic matrices were studied, which include eight ingestates and relative digestates, three composts, and four digested sludges. The analytical data obtained was analyzed using principal component analysis to better show in detail similarities or differences between the organic matrices studied. The results showed that digestates differed from ingestates and also from compost, although the starting organic mix influenced the digestate final characteristics. With respect to amendment properties, it seems that biological parameters, more than chemical characteristics, were more important in describing these features. In this way, amendment properties could be ranked as follows: compost≅digestate>digested sludge≫ingestate. As to fertilizer properties, AD allowed getting a final product (digestate) with very good fertilizing properties because of the high nutrient content (N, P, K) in available form. In this way, the digestate appears to be a very good candidate to replace inorganic fertilizers, also contributing, to the short-term soil organic matter turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvia Tambone
- Gruppo RICICLA, Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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26
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Orzi V, Cadena E, D'Imporzano G, Artola A, Davoli E, Crivelli M, Adani F. Potential odour emission measurement in organic fraction of municipal solid waste during anaerobic digestion: relationship with process and biological stability parameters. Bioresour Technol 2010; 101:7330-7337. [PMID: 20578286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate the correlation between microbial activity, i.e., biological stability measured by aerobic (OD20 test) and anaerobic tests (ABP test), and odour emissions of organic fraction of municipal solid waste during anaerobic digestion in a full-scale treatment plant considering the three stages of the process (input, digested and post-digested waste). The results obtained indicated that the stabilization of the treated material reduces the odour impact measured by the olfactometric approach. Successive application of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electronic nose (EN) allowed the characterization of the different groups of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible of odour impacts determining, also, their concentration. Principal component and partial least squares analyses applied to the EN and GC-MS data sets gave good regression for the OD20 vs the EN and OD20 vs the GC-MS data. Therefore, OD20 reduction could be used as an odour depletion indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Orzi
- Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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27
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Schievano A, D'Imporzano G, Malagutti L, Fragali E, Ruboni G, Adani F. Evaluating inhibition conditions in high-solids anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Bioresour Technol 2010; 101:5728-5732. [PMID: 20206503 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Revised: 01/14/2010] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
High-solids anaerobic digestion (HSAD) processes, when applied to different types of organic fractions of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), may easily be subjected to inhibition due to organic overloading. In this study, a new approach for predicting these phenomena was proposed based on the estimation of the putrescibility (oxygen consumption in 20 h biodegradation, OD(20)) of the organic mixtures undergoing the HSAD process. Different wastes exhibiting different putrescibility were subjected to lab-scale batch-HSAD. Measuring the organic loading (OL) as volatile solids (VS) was found unsuitable for predicting overload inhibition, because similar VS contents corresponded to both inhibited and successful trials. Instead, the OL calculated as OD(20) was a very good indicator of the inhibiting conditions (inhibition started for OD(20)>17-18 g O(2)kg(-1)). This new method of predicting inhibition in the HSAD process of diverse OFMSW may be useful for developing a correct approach to the technology in very different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schievano
- Gruppo Ricicla - Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Scaglia B, Confalonieri R, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Estimating biogas production of biologically treated municipal solid waste. Bioresour Technol 2010; 101:945-952. [PMID: 19783431 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2009.08.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2009] [Revised: 08/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a respirometric approach, i.e., Dynamic Respiration Index (DRI), was used to predict the anaerobic biogas potential (ABP), studying 46 waste samples coming directly from MBT full-scale plants. A significant linear regression model was obtained by a jackknife approach: ABP=(34.4+/-2.5)+(0.109+/-0.003).DRI. The comparison of the model of this work with those of the previous works using a different respirometric approach (Sapromat-AT(4)), allowed obtaining similar results and carrying out direct comparison of different limits to accept treated waste in landfill, proposed in the literature. The results indicated that on an average, MBT treatment allowed 56% of ABP reduction after 4weeks of treatment, and 79% reduction after 12weeks of treatment. The obtainment of another regression model allowed transforming Sapromat-AT(4) limit in DRI units, and achieving a description of the kinetics of DRI and the corresponding ABP reductions vs. MBT treatment-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Scaglia
- RICICLA Group, DiProVe, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Schievano A, Scaglia B, D'Imporzano G, Malagutti L, Gozzi A, Adani F. Prediction of biogas potentials using quick laboratory analyses: upgrading previous models for application to heterogeneous organic matrices. Bioresour Technol 2009; 100:5777-5782. [PMID: 19560342 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2009.05.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study presents an upgrading of the mathematical models to predict anaerobic biogasification potential (ABP) through quick laboratory analyses that have been presented in an earlier study. The aim is to widen the applicability of the models to heterogeneous organic substrates and to improve their reliability through a deeper statistical approach. Three multiple-step linear regressions were obtained using biomass oxygen demand in 20 h (OD(20)) plus the volatile solids content (VS) of 23 new samples of heterogeneous organic matrices, of 46 samples presented in the earlier work and of the data set comprising all the 69 samples. The two variables chosen were found to be suitable for very heterogeneous materials. To judge the prediction quality, a validation procedure was performed with 12 new samples using model efficiency indexes. The proposed model had good prediction ability for a large variety of organic substrates, and allows the calculation of the ABP value within only 2-day's laboratory work instead of the 60-90 days required to obtain ABP by anaerobic test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schievano
- Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Tambone F, Genevini P, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Assessing amendment properties of digestate by studying the organic matter composition and the degree of biological stability during the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of MSW. Bioresour Technol 2009; 100:3140-2. [PMID: 19272769 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2009.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2008] [Revised: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 02/07/2009] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The transformation of organic matter during anaerobic digestion of mixtures of energetic crops, cow slurry, agro-industrial waste and organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was studied by analysing different samples at diverse points during the anaerobic digestion process in a full-scale plant. Both chemical (fiber analysis) and spectroscopic approaches ((13)C CPMAS NMR) indicated the anaerobic digestion process proceeded by degradation of more labile fraction (e.g. carbohydrate-like molecules) and concentration of more recalcitrant molecules (lignin and non-hydrolysable lipids). These modifications determined a higher degree of biological stability of digestate with respect to the starting mixture, as suggested, also, by the good correlations found between the cumulative oxygen uptake (OD(20)), and the sum of (cellulose+hemicellulose+cell soluble) contents of biomasses detected by fiber analysis (r=0.99; P<0.05), and both O-alkyl-C (r=0.98; P<0.05) and alkyl-C (r=-0.99; P<0.05) measured by (13)C CPMAS NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvia Tambone
- Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Schievano A, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Substituting energy crops with organic wastes and agro-industrial residues for biogas production. J Environ Manage 2009; 90:2537-2541. [PMID: 19254824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2009.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 01/21/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In this study, industrial and agro-industrial by-products and residues (BRs), animal manures (AMs), and various types of organic wastes (OWs) were analyzed to evaluate their suitability as substitutes for energy crops (ECs) in biogas production. A comparison between the costs of the volume of biogas that can be produced from each substrate was presented with respect to the prices of the substrates in the Italian market. Furthermore, four different feeding mixtures were compared with a mixture of EC and swine manure (Mixture A) used in a full-scale plant in Italy. Swine manure is always included as a basic substrate in the feeding mixtures, because many of the Italian biogas plants are connected to farms. When EC were partially substituted with BR (Mixture B), the cost (0.28 euro Nm(-3)) of the volume of biogas of Mixture A dropped to 0.18 euro Nm(-3). Furthermore, when the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and olive oil sludge (OS) were used as possible solutions (Mixtures C and D), the costs of the volume of biogas were -0.20 and 0.11euroNm(-3), respectively. The negative price signifies that operators earn money for treating the waste. For the fifth mix (Mixture E) of the OFMSW with a high solid substrate, such as glycerin from biodiesel production, the resulting cost of the volume of biogas produced was -0.09 euro Nm(-3). By comparing these figures, it is evident that the biogas plants at farm level are good candidates for treating organic residues of both municipalities and the agro-industrial sector in a cost-effective way, and in providing territorially diffused electric and thermal power. This may represent a potential development for agrarian economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schievano
- Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Schievano A, Pognani M, D'Imporzano G, Adani F. Predicting anaerobic biogasification potential of ingestates and digestates of a full-scale biogas plant using chemical and biological parameters. Bioresour Technol 2008; 99:8112-8117. [PMID: 18440801 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Revised: 03/13/2008] [Accepted: 03/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to develop simple and fast tests to predict anaerobic biogasification potential (ABP) of ingestates and digestates from a biogas plant. Forty-six samples of both ingestates and digestates were collected within an eight-month observation period and were analyzed in terms of biological and chemical parameters, namely, ABP test, oxygen demand in a 20-h respirometric test (OD20), total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia, cell solubles (CS), acid detergent fibers (ADF), lignin (ADL), cellulose, and hemicellulose. Considering both quantitative (VS and TOC) and qualitative aspects (OD20 and CS) of organic matter (OM), four models (linear regressions; 0.80<R2<0.913; 16%<standard errors<23%) were proposed to predict ABP. The models were chosen according to the needed accuracy of the evaluation in terms of time schedule and the availability of the required laboratory analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schievano
- Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
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D'Imporzano G, Crivelli F, Adani F. Biological compost stability influences odor molecules production measured by electronic nose during food-waste high-rate composting. Sci Total Environ 2008; 402:278-284. [PMID: 18538820 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2007] [Revised: 04/16/2008] [Accepted: 04/26/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Composting is a technique that is used to convert organic waste into agriculturally useful products. Composting is an aerobic, solid-state biological process, which typically can be divided into two phases, a high-rate composting phase and a curing phase. High-rate composting plays an important role during the composting process, owing to the high microbial activity occurring during this phase. It requires an accurate plant design to prevent the formation of anaerobic conditions and odors. The formation of anaerobic conditions mainly depends on the rate of O(2) consumption needed to degrade the substrate, i.e., the biological stability of the substrate. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the biological activity, measured by the dynamic respiration index (DRI) and the odor molecules production, measured by an electronic nose (EN) during two food-waste high-rate composting processes. Although the O(2) concentration in the biomass free air space (FAS) was kept optimal (O(2)>140 ml l(-1), v/v) during composting, strong anaerobic conditions developed. This was indicated by the high levels of sulfur compounds, methane, and hydrogen in the outlet air stream. Both the high level of O(2) consumption, needed to degrade the high-degradable water-soluble organic matter and the low water O(2) solubility, caused by high temperature reached in this stage (up to 60 degrees C), led to the anaerobic conditions observed in the biofilm-particle level. The application of the partial least square (PLS) analysis demonstrated a good regression between the DRI and the odor molecules produced that was detected by the EN (R(2)=0.991; R(2)(CV)=0.990), signifying the usefulness of the DRI as a parameter to estimate the potential production of odor molecules of the biomass.
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