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	Author	Van Winckel, T.; Cools, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Joos, P.; Van Meenen, E.; Borregán-Ochando, E.; Van Den Steen, K.; Geerts, R.; Vandermoere, F.; Blust, R.
	Title	Towards harmonization of water quality management : a comparison of chemical drinking water and surface water quality standards around the globe			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Journal Of Environmental Management	Abbreviated Journal	J Environ Manage
	Volume	298	Issue		Pages	113447-12
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
	Abstract	Water quality standards (WQS) set the legal definition for safe and desirable water. WQS impose regulatory concentration limits to act as a jurisdiction-specific legislative risk-management tool. Despite its importance in shaping a universal definition of safe, clean water, little information exists with respect to (dis)similarity of chemical WQS worldwide. Therefore, this paper compares chemical WQS for drinking and surface water matrices in eight jurisdictions representing a global geographic distribution: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, the region of Flanders in Belgium, the United States of America, and South Africa. The World Health Organization's list is used as a reference for drinking water standards. Sørensen–Dice indices (SDI) showed little qualitative similarity in the compounds that are regulated in drinking water (median SDI = 40%) and surface water (median SDI = 33%), indicating that the heterogeneity within a matrix is substantial at the level of the standard. Quantitative similarity for matching standards was higher than the qualitative per Kendall correlation (median = 0.73 and 0.58 for drinking water and surface water respectively), yet variance observed within standards remained inexplicably high for organic compounds. Variations in WQS were more pronounced for organic compounds. Most differences cannot be easily explained from a toxicological or risk-based point-of-view. Historical development, ease of measurement, and (toxicological) knowledge gaps on the risk of a vast number of organic compounds are theorized to be the drivers. Therefore, this study argues for a more tailored, risk-based approach in which standards incorporated into water safety plans are dynamically set for compounds that are persistent and could pose a risk for human health and/or aquatic ecosystems. Global variations in WQS should therefore not necessarily be avoided but rather globally harmonized with enough flexibility to ensure a global, up-to-date definition of safe and desirable water everywhere.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000700577400005	Publication Date	2021-08-19
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0301-4797	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	4.01	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 4.01
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:180765			Serial	8681
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Chapman, D.; Gielis, J.
	Title	Gielis transformations for the audiovisual geometry database			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Symmetry : culture and science	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	32	Issue	2	Pages	177-180
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	This publication introduces the audiovisual geometry database with Gielis transformations as initial records for a prototype of the database. A concise overview is given of the rationale behind the database and studying wave phenomena with Gielis transformations. First results on a form of timbral polyphony observed in Gielis curves and future work are briefly discussed.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date	2021-07-02
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0865-4824	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access	Not_Open_Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:180965			Serial	8004
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Li, Y.; Niklas, K.J.; Gielis, J.; Niinemets, Ü.; Schrader, J.; Wang, R.; Shi, P.
	Title	An elliptical blade is not a true ellipse, but a superellipse : evidence from two Michelia species			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Journal of forestry research	Abbreviated Journal	J Forestry Res
	Volume	33	Issue	4	Pages	1341-1348
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The shape of leaf laminae exhibits considerable diversity and complexity that reflects adaptations to environmental factors such as ambient light and precipitation as well as phyletic legacy. Many leaves appear to be elliptical which may represent a ‘default’ developmental condition. However, whether their geometry truly conforms to the ellipse equation (EE), i.e., (x/a)2 + (y/b)2 = 1, remains conjectural. One alternative is described by the superellipse equation (SE), a generalized version of EE, i.e., \|x/a\|n +\|y/b\|n = 1. To test the efficacy of EE versus SE to describe leaf geometry, the leaf shapes of two Michelia species (i.e., M. cavaleriei var. platypetala, and M. maudiae), were investigated using 60 leaves from each species. Analysis shows that the majority of leaves (118 out of 120) had adjusted root-mean-square errors of < 0.05 for the nonlinear fitting of SE to leaf geometry, i.e., the mean absolute deviation from the polar point to leaf marginal points was smaller than 5% of the radius of a hypothesized circle with its area equaling leaf area. The estimates of n for the two species were ˂ 2, indicating that all sampled leaves conformed to SE and not to EE. This study confirms the existence of SE in leaves, linking this to its potential functional advantages, particularly the possible influence of leaf shape on hydraulic conductance.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000695118600001	Publication Date	2021-09-12
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1007-662x; 1993-0607	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	3	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 3
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:180967			Serial	7152
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Gonzalez-Quiroga, A.; Shtern, V.; Perreault, P.; Vandewalle, L.; Marin, G.B.; Van Geem, K.M.
	Title	Intensifying mass and heat transfer using a high-g stator-rotor vortex chamber			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Chemical Engineering And Processing	Abbreviated Journal	Chem Eng Process
	Volume	169	Issue		Pages	108638-11
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Vortex reactors take advantage of the synergy between enhanced heat and mass transfer rates and multifunctional phenomena at different temporal and spatial scales. Proof-of-concept experiments with our novel and innovative STAtor-Rotor VOrtex Chamber (STARVOC) confirm its advantageous features for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. STARVOC is a high-g contactor that uses carrier flow (gas or liquid) tangential injection to drive a rotor attached to low-friction bearings. The vortex chamber inside the rotor contains a secondary phase or phases, such as a solids bed, a liquid layer, or a suspension. Carrier fluid passes through the perforated rotor wall and contacts a densely and uniformly distributed secondary phase with enhanced slip velocities. Experiments focused on pressure profiles, rotor angular velocity, and solids azimuthal velocity. With air as the carrier fluid and different solid particle beds as the secondary phase, STARVOC reached bed azimuthal velocities up to four-fold compared to those reached in Gas-Solid Vortex Units with fully static geometry. These results show its potential to improve interfacial heat and mass transfer rates and take advantage of flow energy and angular momentum. Due to its process intensification capabilities, STARVOC is a promising alternative for the state-of-the-art chemical industry.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000704946900008	Publication Date	2021-09-17
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0255-2701	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	2.234	Times cited		Open Access	Not_Open_Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 2.234
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:181062			Serial	8111
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Roegiers, J.
	Title	Development of combined photocatalytic and active carbon fiber technology for indoor air purification based on Multiphysics models			Type	Doctoral thesis
	Year	2021	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages	XXX, 197 p.
	Keywords	Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains a major public health concern. Indoor VOC concentrations typically far exceed outdoor levels due to a variety of emission sources and the stringent insulation measures that are imposed today. Many attempts have been made to use photocatalysis for indoor air purification. In an ideal situation, photocatalysis is capable of complete mineralization of VOCs to H2O and CO2, without any byproduct formation. Moreover, the process can take place at standard atmospheric conditions, i.e. ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, successful exploitation is still impeded due to low conversion efficiency, significant pressure loss (and hence a high energy consumption) and byproduct formation. In the first part of this thesis an attempt was made to tackles these problems by designing a novel type of photocatalytic (PCO) reactor. The PCO device consists of a cylindrical vessel filled with TiO2-coated glass tubes and equipped with UV fluorescence lamps. It was investigated in terms of fluid dynamics, coating properties, UV-light distribution and photocatalytic activity. Experimental data was later used to develop and calibrate a Multiphysics model. The model proved to be a useful tool for designing and upscaling the PCO reactor. Consequently, an optimized prototype reactor was constructed and tested according the CEN-EN-16846-1 standard for VOC removal. Although the prototype showed promising results for lab-scale conditions, it struggled with byproduct formation when purifying ppb-level VOCs. In the second part of this thesis, activated carbon adsorption was investigated in order to combine it with photocatalysis. Activated carbon fiber was opted for its fast kinetics, high adsorption capacity and thermo-electrical regeneration. The filter was studied in detail regarding the adsorption of polar and apolar VOCs at indoor air concentration levels and regeneration capabilities. Experimental data was used to develop a Multiphysics model for activated carbon adsorption as well. Consequently, a novel type of ACF filter was developed using the Multiphysics model, which was equipped with electrodes in the tips of the pleats for effective thermal regeneration. In the last part, the combination of both ACF and PCO was studied using a realistic case study. Based on the Multiphysics model, the feasibility of a so-called hybrid air purification device could be investigated. The Multiphysics model shows promising results for this hybrid PCO-ACF system and hence, a demo setup was constructed for future research.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:181137			Serial	6860
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Van Tendeloo, M.; Xie, Y.; Van Beeck, W.; Zhu, W.; Lebeer, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Oxygen control and stressor treatments for complete and long-term suppression of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in biofilm-based partial nitritation/anammox			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Bioresource Technology	Abbreviated Journal	Bioresource Technol
	Volume	342	Issue		Pages	125996
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Mainstream nitrogen removal by partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) can realize energy and cost savings for sewage treatment. Selective suppression of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) remains a key bottleneck for PN/A implementation. A rotating biological contactor was studied with an overhead cover and controlled air/N2 inflow to regulate oxygen availability at 20 °C. Biofilm exposure to dissolved oxygen concentrations < 0.51 ± 0.04 mg O2 L-1 when submerged in the water and < 1.41 ± 0.31 mg O2 L-1 when emerged in the headspace (estimated), resulted in complete and long-term NOB suppression with a low relative nitrate production ratio of 10 ± 4%. Additionally, weekly biofilm stressor treatments with free ammonia (FA) (29 ± 1 mg NH3-N L-1 for 3 h) could improve the NOB suppression while free nitrous acid treatments had insufficient effect. This study demonstrated the potential of managing NOB suppression in biofilm-based systems by oxygen control and recurrent FA exposure, opening opportunities for resource efficient nitrogen removal.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000704455300005	Publication Date	2021-09-21
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0960-8524	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	5.651	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 5.651
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:181301			Serial	8355
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Xie, Y.; Spiller, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	A bioreactor and nutrient balancing approach for the conversion of solid organic fertilizers to liquid nitrate-rich fertilizers : mineralization and nitrification performance complemented with economic aspects			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	The science of the total environment	Abbreviated Journal	Sci Total Environ
	Volume	806	Issue		Pages	150415
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Due to the high water- and nutrient-use efficiency, hydroponic cultivation is increasingly vital in progressing to environment-friendly food production. To further alleviate the environmental impacts of synthetic fertilizer production, the use of recovered nutrients should be encouraged in horticulture and agriculture at large. Solid organic fertilizers can largely contribute to this, yet their physical and chemical nature impedes application in hydroponics. This study proposes a bioreactor for mineralization and nitrification followed by a supplementation step for limiting macronutrients to produce nitrate-based solutions from solid fertilizers, here based on a novel microbial fertilizer. Batch tests showed that aerobic conversions at 35 °C could realize a nitrate (NO₃−-N) production efficiency above 90% and a maximum rate of 59 mg N L−1 d−1. In the subsequent bioreactor test, nitrate production efficiencies were lower (44–51%), yet rates were higher (175–212 mg N L−1 d−1). Calcium and magnesium hydroxide were compared to control the bioreactor pH at 6.0 ± 0.2, while also providing macronutrients for plant production. A mass balance estimation to mimic the Hoagland nutrient solution showed that 92.7% of the NO₃−-N in the Ca(OH)₂ scenario could be organically sourced, while this was only 37.4% in the Mg(OH)₂ scenario. Besides, carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated in the bioreactor can be used for greenhouse carbon fertilization to save operational expenditure (OPEX). An estimation of the total OPEX showed that the production of a nutrient solution from solid organic fertilizers can be cost competitive compared to using commercially available liquid inorganic fertilizer solutions.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000707640400021	Publication Date	2021-09-20
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0048-9697	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	9.8	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 9.8
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:181787			Serial	7132
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Yildiz, A.; Chouki, T.; Atli, A.; Harb, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Ninakanti, R.; Emin, S.
	Title	Efficient iron phosphide catalyst as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	ACS applied energy materials	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	4	Issue	10	Pages	10618-10626
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transition metal phosphides have been demonstrated as outstanding multifunctional catalysts in a broad range of energy conversion technologies. Here, we exploited different phases of iron phosphide as CEs in DSSCs with an I–/I3–-based electrolyte. Solvothermal synthesis using a triphenylphosphine precursor as a phosphorus source allows to grow a Fe2P phase at 300 °C and a FeP phase at 350 °C. The obtained iron phosphide catalysts were coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates and heat-treated at 450 °C under an inert gas atmosphere. The solar-to-current conversion efficiency of the solar cells assembled with the Fe2P material reached 3.96 ± 0.06%, which is comparable to the device assembled with a platinum (Pt) CE. DFT calculations support the experimental observations and explain the fundamental origin behind the improved performance of Fe2P compared to FeP. These results indicate that the Fe2P catalyst exhibits excellent performance along with desired stability to be deployed as an efficient Pt-free alternative in DSSCs.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000711236300022	Publication Date	2021-10-08
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	2574-0962	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:181953			Serial	7853
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Xie, Y.
	Title	Bioreactor strategies for sustainable nitrogen cycling based on mineralization/nitrification, partial nitritation/anammox or sulfur-based denitratation			Type	Doctoral thesis
	Year	2021	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages	iv, 205 p.
	Keywords	Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	In the biogeochemical flows on Earth, the reactive nitrogen (Nr) level has three times surpassed the safe boundary. The severe transgression of this boundary goes against sustainable planetary development. The modern food production process excessively relies on synthetic Nr fertilizers from the Haber– Bosch process. However, the massive loss of valuable nitrogen resources (i.e., 78-89%) from agriculture has been causing severe nitrogen cascade. Besides, the domestic wastewater in some local areas is discharged without proper treatment, making it a nonnegligible source of Nr pollution for local water bodies. Anthropogenic activities keep pumping out Nr pollution via point-source and non-point-source (NPS) emissions. Compared to the NPS emissions, point sources give visible and identified waste streams. It is vital to intervene the nitrogen cascade from point sources and facilitate humanity back to the safe Nr boundary. The collected and collectible Nr streams from food production, waste management, and recycling secondary raw materials can be used as waste-based fertilizers for agricultural cultivation. Besides the well-investigated recovery of inorganic Nr, organic Nr accounts for a massive Nr proportion on the Earth. Proper handling and treatment make these useful organic fertilizers for soil-based cultivation. However, these organic Nr fertilizers cannot directly apply to fertigation or hydroponic cultivation systems, and further biological conversion via nitrogen mineralization and nitrification to nitrate is essential. Besides the direct Nr cycling, the indirect Nr cycling ‘over the atmosphere’ should also be considered. In this way, the nitrogen cycle can be completed via converting the waste Nr back to nitrogen gas (i.e., Nr removal) and then synthesizing into Nr again. The municipal wastewater treatment plants receive a vast amount of low-strength Nr wastewater (mainly as ammonium) daily. Compared to the conventional nitrification/denitrification process, partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) is considered a resource- and cost-effective technology for wastewater with a low COD/N ratio. Moreover, the novel autotrophic denitratation/anammox process could be a good Nr removal process for wastewater containing both ammonium and nitrate. This Ph.D. thesis aimed to develop Nr recovery, conversion, and removal bioreactor strategies for different types of waste streams and biomass. Nr recovery was investigated on high-strength Nr waste streams for fertigation or hydroponic applications in Chapters 2 and 3. On the other hand, Nr removal was studied on the medium- to low-strength Nr waste streams in Chapters 4 and 5. In Chapter 2, a novel mineralization and nitrification system was proposed, producing nutrient solutions from solid organic fertilizers for hydroponic systems. Batch tests showed that aerobic incubation at 35°C could realize the NO₃⁻-N production efficiency above 90% from a novel microbial fertilizer. Subsequently, in the stirred tank bioreactor test, NO₃⁻-N production efficiency stabilized in a range of 44-51% under the influent loading rate of 400 mg TN L⁻¹ d⁻¹ at a 5-day HRT. Using Ca(OH)₂ and Mg(OH)₂ as pH control reagents generated the nutrient solutions with different P, Ca, and Mg nutrient levels. After modeling the nutrient balancing process, the proportion of organic-sourced NO₃⁻-N in the Hoagland nutrient solution (HNS) of Ca(OH)₂ scenario was 92.7%, while only 37.4% in the Mg(OH)₂ scenario. Compared to commercial scenarios, the total costs of the organic-sourced HNS can be cost-competitive for hydroponic cultivation. In Chapter 3, the Nr recovery as nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) from diluted human urine (around 670 mg N L⁻¹) was explored in a trickling filter (TF) for the first time. A novel concept of in-situ integrating the TF system into hydroponic systems was proposed as meaningful progress towards sustainable agriculture. The difference between synthetic and real urine in nitrification efficiency was found to be negligible. The full nitrification of alkalinized real urine was realized in the pH-controlled TF by calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) at around pH 6. The TF could handle different urine collection batches and maintain relatively stable nitrification performance, with NO₃⁻-N production efficiency and rate of 88±3% and 136±4 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹, respectively. The optimal HLR to realize this nitrification performance was 2 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹, with energy consumption of 1.8 kWh electricity kg⁻¹ NO₃⁻-N production. Ca(OH)₂, as a cheap base, its triple advantages on urine alkalinization, full nitrification, and macronutrient supplementation were successfully demonstrated in our proposed concept. In Chapter 4, towards more sustainable wastewater treatment, the feasibility of one-stage partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) was investigated in three parallel packed-bed trickling filters (TFs), with three types of carrier materials of different specific surface areas. Synthetic wastewater containing 100-250 mg NH₄⁺-N L⁻¹ was tested to mimic medium-strength household waste streams after carbon removal. Interestingly, the cheap carrier based on expanded clay achieved similar rates as commercially used plastic carrier materials. The top passive ventilation combined with an optimum hydraulic loading rate of 1.8 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹ could reach approximately 60% total nitrogen (TN) removal at a rate of 300 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹. A relatively low NO₃⁻-N production (13%) via PN/A was achieved in TFs. Most of the TN removal took place in the top compartment, where anammox activity was the highest. Energy consumption estimation (0.78 kWh electricity g⁻¹ N removed) suggested that the proposed process could be a suitable low-cost alternative for nitrogen removal. In Chapter 5, coupling sulfur-driven denitratation (SDN) with anammox was proposed to treat the wastewater containing both NO₃⁻-N and NH₄⁺-N, like the secondary effluents of mainstream PN/A processes. To explore the feasibility of sufficient and stable NO₂⁻-N accumulation via SDN in the long term, the effects of pH setpoints, residual NO₃⁻-N level, and biomass-specific NO₃⁻-N loading rate (BSNLR) were investigated. Alternating the pH setpoints between 7.0 and 8.5 could temporarily stimulate the NO₂⁻-N accumulation. Both the residual NO₃⁻-N and BSNLR showed highly positive correlations with the NO₂⁻-N accumulation efficiency. Under the control of pH 8.5, 1.0±0.8 mg NO₃⁻-N L⁻¹ and 150±42 mg NO₃⁻-N g⁻¹ VSS d⁻¹, SDN could produce 6.4±1.0 mg NO₂⁻-N L⁻¹ in the short term. Thiobacillus members may play a crucial role in managing the NO₂⁻-N accumulation, but the reduction of abundance and possible adaptation significantly impaired the efficacy of control strategies in the long run. Overall, novel technologies have been proposed to sustainably convert Nr in waste streams and biomass. The decision for Nr recovery versus removal and synthesis should be based on specific cases with the best environmental, economic, and human-health sustainability. In the future, the Nr management concepts should be further improved to make the nitrogen cycle more sustainable with higher resource use efficiency and less Nr emissions to the environment. Although the thesis is mainly focused on limited types of Nr waste streams, it pointed out the direction of sustainable Nr management and could facilitate the Nr back to the safe boundary in the long run.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:182099			Serial	7563
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Gielis, J.; Ricci, P.E.; Tavkhelidze, I.
	Title	The Möbius phenomenon in Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies, and Arnold's Cat phenomenon			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Advanced Studies : Euro-Tbilisi Mathematical Journal	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	14	Issue	4	Pages	17-35
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Möbius bands have been studied extensively, mainly in topology. Generalized Möbius-Listing surfaces and bodies providing a full geometrical generalization, is a quite new field, motivated originally by solutions of boundary value problems. Analogous to cutting of the original Möbius band, for this class of surfaces and bodies, results have been obtained when cutting such bodies or surfaces. In general, cutting leads to interlinked and intertwined different surfaces or bodies, resulting in very complex systems. However, under certain conditions, the result of cutting can be a single surface or body, which reduces complexity considerably. Our research is motivated by this reduction of complexity. In the study of cutting Generalized Möbius-Listing bodies with polygons as cross section, the conditions under which a single body results, displaying the Möbius phenomenon of a one-sided body, have been determined for even and odd polygons. These conditions are based on congruence and rotational symmetry of the resulting cross sections after cutting, and on the knife cutting the origin. The Möbius phenomenon is important, since the process of cutting (or separation of zones in a GML body in general) then results in a single body, not in different, intertwined domains. In all previous works it was assumed that the cross section of the GML bodies is constant, but the main result of this paper is that it is sufficient that only one cross section on the whole GML structure meets the conditions for the Möbius phenomenon to occur. Several examples are given to illustrate this.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000774655100002	Publication Date
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:183081			Serial	8258
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Gielis, J.
	Title	Er bestaan geen absurde, irrationele, onregelmatige of onderling niet-onmeetbare meetkundige getallen			Type	A2 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Wiskunde en onderwijs	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	47	Issue	188	Pages	23-33
	Keywords	A2 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	2032-0485	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:183083			Serial	7934
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Van Tendeloo, M.; Bundervoet, B.; Carlier, N.; Van Beeck, W.; Mollen, H.; Lebeer, S.; Colsen, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Piloting carbon-lean nitrogen removal for energy-autonomous sewage treatment			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Environmental Science-Water Research & Technology	Abbreviated Journal	Environ Sci-Wat Res
	Volume	7	Issue	12	Pages	2268-2281
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Energy-autonomous sewage treatment can be achieved if nitrogen (N) removal does not rely on organic carbon (∼chemical oxygen demand, COD), so that a maximum of the COD can be redirected to energy recovery. Shortcut N removal technologies such as partial nitritation/anammox and nitritation/denitritation are therefore essential, enabling carbon- and energy-lean nitrogen removal. In this study, a novel three-reactor pilot design was tested and consisted of a denitrification, an intermittent aeration, and an anammox tank. A vibrating sieve was added for differential sludge retention time (SRT) control. The 13 m3 pilot was operated on pre-treated sewage (A-stage effluent) at 12–24 °C. Selective suppression of unwanted nitrite-oxidizing bacteria over aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria was achieved with strict floccular SRT management combined with innovative aeration control, resulting in a minimal nitrate production ratio of 17 ± 10%. Additionally, anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) activity could be maintained in the reactor for at least 150 days because of long granular SRT management and the anammox tank. Consequently, the COD/N removal ratio of 2.3 ± 0.7 demonstrated shortcut N removal almost three times lower than the currently applied nitrification/denitrification technology. The effluent total N concentrations of 17 ± 3 mg TN per L (at 21 ± 1 °C) and 17 ± 6 mg TN per L (at 15 ± 1 °C) were however too high for application at the sewage treatment plant Nieuwveer (Breda, The Netherlands). Corresponding N removal efficiencies were 52 ± 12% and 37 ± 21%, respectively. Further development should focus on redirecting more nitrite to AnAOB in the B-stage, exploring effluent-polishing options, or cycling nitrate for increased A-stage denitrification.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000714159900001	Publication Date	2021-10-29
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	2053-1400	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record
	Impact Factor	2.817	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 2.817
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:183347			Serial	8383
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Maes, R.R.; Potters, G.; Fransen, E.; Cayetano, F.C.; Van Schaeren, R.; Lenaerts, S.
	Title	Finding the optimal fatty acid composition for biodiesel improving the emissions of a one-cylinder diesel generator			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Sustainability	Abbreviated Journal	Sustainability-Basel
	Volume	13	Issue	21	Pages	12089
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) currently are the main pollutants emitted by diesel engines. While there is a start in using hybrid and electric cars, ships will still be fueled by mineral oil products. In the quest to achieve zero-pollution and carbon-free shipping, alternative forms of energy carriers must be found to replace the commonly used mineral oil products. One of the possible alternative fuels is biodiesel. This paper explores the optimization of the composition of biodiesel in order to reduce the concentration of particulate matter and NOx in exhaust gases of a one-cylinder diesel generator.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000719122800001	Publication Date	2021-11-03
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	2071-1050	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record
	Impact Factor	1.789	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 1.789
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:184041			Serial	7969
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	Author	Zhu, W.
	Title	Microbial resource management for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox : strategies to enhance the nitrogen conversion efficiency			Type	Doctoral thesis
	Year	2021	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages	207 p.
	Keywords	Doctoral thesis; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	This thesis provides three potential ways to enhance the nitrogen removal efficiency of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), a key technology to enable energy-positive sewage treatment. In Chapter 1, the typical technologies to promote nitrogen removal efficiency are summarized. In Chapters 2 and 3, the concept ‘winter bioaugmentation with stored summer surplus sludge’ is proposed. Applying that, a cost-effective sludge preservation strategy is required. Preserving PN/A biomass without cooling and redox adjustment proved to be the cost-effective strategy. The reactivation of these stored sludges was also tested in low-temperature systems (15 and 10℃). Respectively 56% and 41% of granules activity compared to pre-storage activity (after Arrhenius-based temperature correction) could be recovered within a month (41% and 32% for flocs activity). In the end, the stored AnAOB bioaugmentation was successfully validated in the lab (20℃). In Chapter 4, a return-sludge nursery concept, applying the sidestream nitritation and blending the resulting effluent with mainstream effluent to achieve an intermediate temperature and nitrogen concentrations, is proposed. That led to a 33 – 36% increase in nitrogen removal efficiency. Arrhenius’ expectations (10 ℃ higher temperature, θ = 1.09) could only explain 49-51% of the activity increase in the nursery reactor, pointing to the role of other factors, e.g., the ~400% elevated electrical conductivity (15-16%), the 56-335% higher effluent nitrogen concentrations (12-14%), and the synergy and unknown factors (20-23%). Thus, the return-sludge biostimulation approach could also enhance nitrogen efficiency in the mainstream. In Chapter 5, the N2O emissions, linked to three typical nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) suppression strategies (low dissolved oxygen (DO) level, free ammonia (FA), and free nitrous acids (FNA) treatments) were tested in a biofilm system. A low emerged DO level (~0.60 mg O2 L-1) was effective to suppress NOB activity and decrease N2O emissions, but NOB adaptation gradually appeared after 200 days. Further NOB inhibition was successfully achieved by periodical (3 hours per week) FA (~30 mg NH3-N L-1) or FNA (~3 mg HNO2-N L-1) treatments. The FA treatment promoted N2O production, while the FNA treatment had no effect. Thus, PN/A systems should be operated at relatively low DO levels with periodical FNA treatment. In Chapter 6, the major findings proposed and the main conclusions drawn in this thesis are outlined. Beyond that, the possible design of a mainstream PN/A configuration that combined all described three technologies is demonstrated. Overall, the novel insights from this thesis potential to improve nitrogen removal efficiency in the mainstream.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:184236			Serial	8245
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Van Hal, M.
	Title	Photo(electro)catalytic air purification and soot degradation with simultaneous energy recovery			Type	Doctoral thesis
	Year	2021	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages	XXXII, 203 p.
	Keywords	Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Today’s society is increasingly challenged by a range of urgent environmental problems. Air pollution is one of these pressing topics. This thesis will mainly focus on the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) – more specifically soot. A second globally urging topic is the quest for sustainable energy production. To simultaneously target both environmental problems, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell will be studied in this thesis, combining air purification and sustainable energy production in a single device. Photocatalysis is used at the anode of the PEC cell to drive the air purification process, while the energy contained in the degraded compounds is (partially) recovered at the cathode, either as H2 gas or electricity. The first two experimental chapters focus on the proof of concept of such an unbiased all-gas phase PEC cell targeting VOC degradation, using both TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts. In the two following experimental chapters the photocatalytic soot oxidation capacity of these TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts was studied. In the final experimental chapter the previously obtained results were combined, striving towards an efficient, sunlight-driven and soot-degrading waste gas-to-energy PEC cell.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:184521			Serial	8378
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Bollen, E.; Pagan, B.R.; Kuijpers, B.; Van Hoey, S.; Desmet, N.; Hendrix, R.; Dams, J.; Seuntjens, P.
	Title	A database system for querying of river networks : facilitating monitoring and prediction applications			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Water Science And Technology-Water Supply	Abbreviated Journal	Water Sci Tech-W Sup
	Volume		Issue		Pages
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The increasing availability of real-time in situ measurements and remote sensing observations have the potential to contribute to the optimization of water resources management. Global challenges such as climate change, intensive agriculture and urbanization put a high pressure on our water resources. Due to recent innovations in measuring both water quantity and quality, river systems can now be monitored in real time at an unprecedented spatial and temporal scale. To interpret the sensor measurements and remote sensing observations additional data for example on: the location of the measurement, upstream and downstream catchment characteristics, horizontal ellipsis are required. In this paper, we present a data management system to support flow-path related functionality for decision making and prediction modelling. Adding meta data sets and facilitating (near) real-time processing of sensor data questions are key concepts for the systems. The potential of the database framework for hydrological applications is demonstrated using different applications for the river system of Flanders. In one, the database framework is used to simulate the daily discharge for each segment within a catchment using a simple data-driven approach. The presented system is useful for numerous applications including pollution tracking, alerting and inter-sensor validation in river systems, or related networks.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000729755100001	Publication Date	2021-12-14
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1606-9749	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record
	Impact Factor	0.573	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 0.573
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:184814			Serial	7387
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Alloul, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Towards mainstream partial nitritation/anammox in four seasons : feasibility of bioaugmentation with stored summer sludge for winter anammox assistance			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal	Bioresource Technol
	Volume	347	Issue		Pages	126619-11
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The strong effect of low temperatures on anammox challenges its mainstream application over the winter in temperate climates. Winter bioaugmentation with stored summer surplus sludge is a potential solution to guarantee sufficient nitrogen removal in winter. Firstly, the systems for which nitrogen removal deteriorated by the temperature decrease (25 °C → 20 °C) could be fully restored bioaugmenting with granules resp. flocs stored for 6 months at 118 resp. 220% of the initial biomass levels. Secondly, the reactivation of these stored sludges was tested in lower temperature systems (15.3 ± 0.4/10.4 ± 0.4 °C). Compared to the activity before storage, between 56% and 41% of the activity of granules was restored within one month, and 41%–32% for flocs. Additionally, 85–87% of granules and 50–53% of flocs were retained in the systems. After reactivation (15.3 ± 0.4/10.4 ± 0.4 °C), a more specialized community was formed (diversity decreased) with Candidatus Brocadia still dominant in terms of relative abundance. Capital and operating expenditures (CAPEX, OPEX) were negligible, representing only 0.19–0.36% of sewage treatment costs.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000781730900001	Publication Date	2021-12-25
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0960-8524	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	11.4	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 11.4
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:185210			Serial	7220
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Xie, Y.; Timmer, M.J.; Peng, L.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Storage without nitrite or nitrate enables the long-term preservation of full-scale partial nitritation/anammox sludge			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	The science of the total environment	Abbreviated Journal	Sci Total Environ
	Volume	806	Issue	3	Pages	151330
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Bioaugmentation with summer harvested sludge during winter could compensate for bacterial activity loss but requires that sludge activity can be restored after storage. This study assesses the effect of temperature and redox adjustment during the storage over 180 days of partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) granular resp. floccular sludge from potato processing resp. sludge reject water treatment. Anoxic storage conditions (in the presence of nitrite or nitrate and the absence of oxygen) resulted in a loss of 80-100% of the anammox bacteria (AnAOB) activity capacity at 20 degrees C and 4 degrees C, while anaerobic conditions (without oxygen, nitrite, and nitrate) lost only 45-63%. Storage at 20 degrees C was more cost-effective compared to 4 degrees C, and this was confirmed in the sludge reactivation experiment (20 CC). Furthermore, AnAOB activity correlated negatively with the electrical conductivity level (R-2 > 0.85, p < 0.05), so strong salinity increases should be avoided. No significant differences were found in the activity capacity of aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB) under different storage conditions (p > 0.1). The relative abundance of dominant AnAOB (Candidatus Brocadia) and AerAOB genera (Nitrosomonas) remained constant in both sludges. In conclusion, preserving PN/A biomass without cooling and nitrite or nitrate addition proved to be a cost-effective strategy. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000740216300013	Publication Date	2021-10-28
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0048-9697	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	9.8	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 9.8
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:185447			Serial	7213
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Wambacq, E.; Alloul, A.; Grunert, O.; Carrette, J.; Vermeir, P.; Spanoghe, J.; Sakarika, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Haesaert, G.
	Title	Aerobes and phototrophs as microbial organic fertilizers : exploring mineralization, fertilization and plant protection features			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	PLoS ONE	Abbreviated Journal	Plos One
	Volume	17	Issue	2	Pages	e0262497-15
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Organic fertilizers and especially microbial biomass, also known as microbial fertilizer, can enable a paradigm shift to the conventional fertilizer-to-food chain, particularly when produced on secondary resources. Microbial fertilizers are already common practice (e.g. Bloom® and Synagro); yet microbial fertilizer blends to align the nutrient release profile to the plant’s needs are, thus far, unexplored. Moreover, most research only focuses on direct fertilization effects without considering added value properties, such as disease prevention. This study has explored three promising types of microbial fertilizers, namely dried biomass from a consortium of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, a microalga (Arthrospira platensis) and a purple non-sulfur bacterium (Rhodobacter sphaeroides). Mineralization and nitrification experiments showed that the nitrogen mineralization profile can be tuned to the plant’s needs by blending microbial fertilizers, without having toxic ammonium peaks. In a pot trial with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), the performance of microbial fertilizers was similar to the reference organic fertilizer, with cumulative dry matter yields of 5.6–6.7 g per pot. This was confirmed in a pot trial with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), showing an average total plant length of 90–99 cm after a growing period of 62 days for the reference organic fertilizer and the microbial fertilizers. Moreover, tomato plants artificially infected with powdery mildew (Oidium neolycopersici), a devastating disease for the horticultural industry, showed reduced disease symptoms when A. platensis was present in the growing medium. These findings strengthen the application potential of this novel class of organic fertilizers in the bioeconomy, with a promising match between nutrient mineralization and plant requirements as well as added value in crop protection.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000775890100025	Publication Date	2022-02-02
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1932-6203	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	3.7	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 3.7
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:185568			Serial	7122
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Peng, L.; Lou, W.; Xu, Y.; Yu, S.; Liang, C.; Alloul, A.; Song, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Regulating light, oxygen and volatile fatty acids to boost the productivity of purple bacteria biomass, protein and co-enzyme Q10			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	The science of the total environment	Abbreviated Journal	Sci Total Environ
	Volume	822	Issue		Pages	153489
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Purple non‑sulfur bacteria (PNSB) possess significant potential for bioresource recovery from wastewater. Effective operational tools are needed to boost productivity and direct the PNSB biomass towards abundant value-added substances (e.g., protein and co-enzyme Q10, CoQ10). This study aimed to investigate the impact of light, oxygen and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) on PNSB growth (i.e., Rhodobacter sphaeroides) and productivity of protein and CoQ10. Overall, the biomass yields and specific growth rates of PNSB were in the ranges of 0.57–1.08 g biomass g−1 CODremoved and 0.48–0.71 d−1, respectively. VFAs did not influence the biomass yield, yet acetate and VFA mixtures enhanced the specific growth rate with a factor of 1.2–1.5 compared to propionate and butyrate. The most PNSB biomass (1.08 g biomass g−1 CODremoved and 0.71 d−1) and the highest biomass quality (protein content of 609 mg g−1 dry cell weight (DCW) and CoQ10 content of 13.21 mg g−1 DCW) were obtained in the presence of VFA mixtures under natural light and microaerobic (low light alternated with darkness; dissolved oxygen (DO) between 0.5 and 1 mg L−1) conditions (vs. light anaerobic and dark aerobic cultivations). Further investigation on VFAs dynamics revealed that acetate was most rapidly consumed by PNSB in the individual VFA feeding (specific uptake rate of 0.76 g COD g−1 DCW d−1), while acetate as a co-substrate in the mixed VFAs feeding might accelerate the consumption of propionate and butyrate through providing additional cell metabolism precursor. Enzymes activities of succinate dehydrogenase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase as well as the concentration of photo pigments confirmed that light, oxygen and VFAs regulated the key enzymes in the energy metabolism and biomass synthesis to boost PNSB growth. These results provide a promising prospect for utilization of fermented waste stream for the harvest of PNSB biomass, protein and CoQ10.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000766801800010	Publication Date	2022-02-02
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0048-9697	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	9.8	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 9.8
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:185706			Serial	7202
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Blansaer, N.; Alloul, A.; Verstraete, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Smets, B.F.
	Title	Aggregation of purple bacteria in an upflow photobioreactor to facilitate solid/liquid separation : impact of organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time and water composition			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal	Bioresource Technol
	Volume	348	Issue		Pages	126806-126809
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) form an interesting group of microbes for resource recovery from wastewater. Solid/liquid separation is key for biomass and value-added products recovery, yet insights into PNSB aggregation are thus far limited. This study explored the effects of organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and water composition on the aggregation of Rhodobacter capsulatus in an anaerobic upflow photobioreactor. Between 2.0 and 14.6 gCOD/(L.d), the optimal OLR for aggregation was 6.1 gCOD/(L.d), resulting in a sedimentation flux of 5.9 kgTSS/(m2.h). With HRT tested between 0.04 and 1.00 d, disaggregation occurred at the relatively long HRT (1 d), possibly due to accumulation of thus far unidentified heat-labile metabolites. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) to nitrogen ratios (6–35 gCOD/gN) and the nitrogen source (ammonium vs. glutamate) also impacted aggregation, highlighting the importance of the type of wastewater and its pre-treatment. These novel insights to improve purple biomass separation pave the way for cost-efficient PNSB applications.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000800442200008	Publication Date	2022-02-04
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0960-8524	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	11.4	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 11.4
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:185843			Serial	7123
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Loomba, V.; Pourfallah, H.; Olsen, J.E.; Einarsrud, K.E.
	Title	Lab-scale physical model experiments to understand the effect of particle bed on tapping flow rates			Type	P1 Proceeding
	Year	2022	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages	159-170
	Keywords	P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date	2022-02-03
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	978-3-030-92543-7; 2367-1181; 2367-1696; 978-3-030-92546-8; 978-3-030-92544-4	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access	Not_Open_Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:186090			Serial	7177
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Li, Y.; Quinn, B.K.; Gielis, J.; Li, Y.; Shi, P.
	Title	Evidence that supertriangles exist in nature from the vertical projections of Koelreuteria paniculata fruit			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Symmetry	Abbreviated Journal	Symmetry-Basel
	Volume	14	Issue	1	Pages	23
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Many natural radial symmetrical shapes (e.g., sea stars) follow the Gielis equation (GE) or its twin equation (TGE). A supertriangle (three triangles arranged around a central polygon) represents such a shape, but no study has tested whether natural shapes can be represented as/are supertriangles or whether the GE or TGE can describe their shape. We collected 100 pieces of Koelreuteria paniculata fruit, which have a supertriangular shape, extracted the boundary coordinates for their vertical projections, and then fitted them with the GE and TGE. The adjusted root mean square errors (RMSEadj) of the two equations were always less than 0.08, and >70% were less than 0.05. For 57/100 fruit projections, the GE had a lower RMSEadj than the TGE, although overall differences in the goodness of fit were non-significant. However, the TGE produces more symmetrical shapes than the GE as the two parameters controlling the extent of symmetry in it are approximately equal. This work demonstrates that natural supertriangles exist, validates the use of the GE and TGE to model their shapes, and suggests that different complex radially symmetrical shapes can be generated by the same equation, implying that different types of biological symmetry may result from the same biophysical mechanisms.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000746030100001	Publication Date	2021-12-27
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	2073-8994	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	2.7	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 2.7
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:186453			Serial	7158
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Van Putte, N.; Meire, P.; Seuntjens, P.; Joris, I.; Verreydt, G.; Hambsch, L.; Temmerman, S.
	Title	Solving hindered groundwater dynamics in restored tidal marshes by creek excavation and soil amendments : a model study			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Ecological engineering: the journal of ecotechnology	Abbreviated Journal	Ecol Eng
	Volume	178	Issue		Pages	106583-15
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Ecosphere
	Abstract	Groundwater fluxes in tidal marshes largely control key ecosystem functions and services, such as vegetation growth, soil carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling. In tidal marshes restored on formerly embanked agricultural land, groundwater fluxes are often limited as compared to nearby natural marshes, as a result of historical agricultural soil compaction. To improve the functioning of restored tidal marshes, knowledge is needed on how much certain design options can optimize soil-groundwater interactions in future restoration projects. Based on measured data on soil properties and tidally induced groundwater dynamics, we calibrated and evaluated a 2D vertical model of a creek-marsh cross-section, accounting for both saturated and unsaturated groundwater flow and solute transport in a variably saturated groundwater flow model. We found that model simulations of common restoration practices such as soil amendments (increasing the depth of porous soil on top of the compact layer) and creek excavation (increasing the creek density) increase the soil aeration depth and time, the drainage depth and the solute flux, and decrease the residence time of solutes in the porewater. Our simulations indicate that increasing the depth to the compact layer from 20 cm to 40 cm, or increasing the creek density from 1 creek to 2 creeks along a 50 m marsh transect (while maintaining the total creek cross-sectional area), in both cases more than doubles the volume of water processed by the marsh soil. We discuss that this may stimulate nutrient cycling. As such, our study demonstrates that groundwater modelling can support the design of marsh restoration measures aiming to optimize groundwater fluxes and related ecosystem services.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000795478200005	Publication Date	2022-03-05
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0925-8574	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	3.8	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 3.8
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:186605			Serial	7210
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Geerts, R.; Vandermoere, F.; Halet, D.; Joos, P.; Van Den Steen, K.; Van Meenen, E.; Blust, R.; Van Winckel, T.; Vlaeminck, S.
	Title	Drinking waste? An exploration of public support for wastewater reuse in Flanders			Type	P3 Proceeding
	Year	2020	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages
	Keywords	P3 Proceeding; Sociology; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
	Abstract
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:186706			Serial	7825
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	Author	Ricci, P.E.; Gielis, J.
	Title	From Pythagoras to Fourier and from geometry to nature			Type	MA3 Book as author
	Year	2022	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages	146 p.
	Keywords	MA3 Book as author; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date	2022-03-23
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		ISBN	978-90-832323-0-0; 978-90-832323-1-7	Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access	Not_Open_Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:186730			Serial	7166
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	Author	De Tommasi, E.; Rogato, A.; Caratelli, D.; Mescia, L.; Gielis, J.
	Title	Following the photons route : mathematical models describing the interaction of diatoms with light			Type	H1 Book chapter
	Year	2022	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages	1-53
	Keywords	H1 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The interaction of diatoms with sunlight is fundamental in order to deeply understand their role in terrestrial ecology and biogeochemistry, essentially due to their massive contribution to global primary production through photosynthesis and its e↵ect on carbon, oxygen and silicon cycles. Following the journey of light through natural waters, its propagation through the intricate frustule micro- and nano-structure and, finally, its fate inside the photosynthetic machinery of the living cell requires several mathematical and computational models in order to accurately describe all the involved phenomena taking place at di↵erent space scales and physical regimes. In this chapter, we review the main analytical models describing the underwater optical field, the essential numerical algorithms for the study of photonic properties of the diatom frustule seen as a natural metamaterial, as well as the principal models describing photon harvesting in diatom plastids and methods for complex EM propagation problems and wave propagation in dispersive materials with multiple relaxation times. These mathematical methods will be integrated in a unifying geometric perspective.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		ISBN	978-1-119-74985-1	Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:186731			Serial	7165
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	Author	Neven, L.; Barich, H.; Ching, H.Y.V.; Khan, S.U.; Colomier, C.; Patel, H.H.; Gorun, S.M.; Verbruggen, S.; Van Doorslaer, S.; De Wael, K.
	Title	Correlation between the fluorination degree of perfluorinated zinc phthalocyanines, their singlet oxygen generation ability, and their photoelectrochemical response for phenol sensing			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Analytical chemistry	Abbreviated Journal	Anal Chem
	Volume	94	Issue	13	Pages	5221-5230
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Organic synthesis (ORSY); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
	Abstract	Electron-withdrawing perfluoroalkyl peripheral groups grafted on phthalocyanine (Pc) macrocycles improve their single-site isolation, solubility, and resistance to self-oxidation, all beneficial features for catalytic applications. A high degree of fluorination also enhances the reducibility of Pcs and could alter their singlet oxygen (1O2) photoproduction. The ethanol/toluene 20:80 vol % solvent mixture was found to dissolve perfluorinated FnPcZn complexes, n = 16, 52, and 64, and minimize the aggregation of the sterically unencumbered F16PcZn. The 1O2 production ability of FnPcZn complexes was examined using 9,10-dimethylanthracene (DMA) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMP) in combination with UV–vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, respectively. While the photoreduction of F52PcZn and F64PcZn in the presence of redox-active TEMP lowered 1O2 production, DMA was a suitable 1O2 trap for ranking the complexes. The solution reactivity was complemented by solid-state studies via the construction of photoelectrochemical sensors based on TiO2-supported FnPcZn, FnPcZn\|TiO2. Phenol photo-oxidation by 1O2, followed by its electrochemical reduction, defines a redox cycle, the 1O2 production having been found to depend on the value of n and structural features of the supported complexes. Consistent with solution studies, F52PcZn was found to be the most efficient 1O2 generator. The insights on reactivity testing and structural–activity relationships obtained may be useful for designing efficient and robust sensors and for other 1O2-related applications of FnPcZn.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000786254500002	Publication Date	2022-03-22
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0003-2700; 5206-882x	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	7.4	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 7.4
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:187522			Serial	7141
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	Author	Van Tendeloo, M.
	Title	Resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage : kinetic, physical and chemical tools for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox			Type	Doctoral thesis
	Year	2022	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages	iv, 204 p.
	Keywords	Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Adequate removal of pollutants from sewage is important to protect the environment and public health. Today, sewage treatment plants are operational in many parts of the world, and although the used technologies are effective in removing pollutants from wastewater, they are energy- and resource-intensive. Reshaping sewage treatment into a two-stage system, with separated organic carbon and nitrogen removal, facilitates the transformation towards energy-positive sewage treatment. This thesis will focus on resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage via partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), with reduced organic carbon and oxygen consumption compared to conventional techniques. PN/A relies on the teamwork between two microbial groups to convert ammonium into nitrogen gas. Several other groups of microbes however can proliferate in the sludge, competing for substrate with the key players, lowering the nitrogen removal efficiency and increasing the energy demand. To obtain the desired microbial community, control tools should be applied to selectively promote the desired microbes while suppressing the unwanted competitors. In this thesis, multiple control tools were studied to establish a workable framework for successful implementation of PN/A in the main stream of a sewage treatment plant. These tools can be divided into three categories: i) kinetic tools, regulating substrate availability (e.g., oxygen availability control and residual ammonium concentration), ii) physical tools, revolving around sludge retention and selection (e.g., sludge age control and sludge aggregation form), and iii) chemical tools, exposing the sludge to stress conditions for which the unwanted microbes are vulnerable (e.g., sludge treatments with a single stressor such as free ammonia). The first research chapter focussed on oxygen availability control and single-stressor sludge treatments. The following two chapters covered the development of a novel multi-stressor concept combining substrate starvation and exposure to sulphide and free ammonia. In the final research chapter, the previously obtained knowledge was combined into a demonstration study on pilot-scale. The combination of these control tools was found effective in achieving nitrogen removal via PN/A, both on lab- and pilot-scale. Consequently, the obtained results in this thesis can catalyse the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing a toolbox with multiple control tools and clever reactor design, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality and resource efficiency in sewage treatment plants.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:187665			Serial	7204
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	Author	Quintero-Coronel, D.A.; Lenis-Rodas, Y.A.; Corredor, L.; Perreault, P.; Bula, A.; Gonzalez-Quiroga, A.
	Title	Co-gasification of biomass and coal in a top-lit updraft fixed bed gasifier : syngas composition and its interchangeability with natural gas for combustion applications			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Fuel	Abbreviated Journal	Fuel
	Volume	316	Issue		Pages	123394-11
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The co-gasification of biomass and coal is a promising approach for efficiently integrating the unique advantages of different gasification feedstock with syngas production. Additionally, syngas from the co-gasification of locally available biomass and coal could supplement the natural gas used in household and industrial burners. The top-lit updraft gasifier features a moving ignition front that starts at the top and propagates downward through the solids bed, while air enters from the bottom and the gas product flows upwards. This study assesses the co-gasification performance of palm kernel shell and high-volatile bituminous coal in a top-lit updraft fixed bed gasifier using 70, 85, and 100 vol% biomass and equivalence ratios ranging from 0.26 to 0.34. The results indicate that the ignition front propagates faster and is more uniform as the biomass volume increases. Micro GC analysis revealed that the H2/CO ratio remained in the range of 0.57–0.59, 0.49–0.51, and 0.42–0.46 for experiments with 70, 85, and 100 vol% biomass, respectively. A gas interchangeability analysis showed that syngas-natural gas blends with up to 15 vol% of syngas could combust in atmospheric natural gas burners without modifications. Thus, the top-lit updraft gasifier shows excellent potential for the co-gasification of coal and biomass. Further research on this technology should explore steam as a gasification agent to enhance the syngas energy content and continuous solids feeding.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000783173000003	Publication Date	2022-01-29
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0016-2361	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	7.4	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 7.4
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:187752			Serial	7136
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