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	Author	Courtens, E.N.P.; Spieck, E.; Vilchez-Vargas, R.; Bode, S.; Boeckx, P.; Schouten, S.; Jauregui, R.; Pieper, D.H.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.
	Title	A robust nitrifying community in a bioreactor at 50 degrees C opens up the path for thermophilic nitrogen removal			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2016	Publication	The ISME journal : multidisciplinary journal of microbial ecology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	10	Issue	9	Pages	2293-2303
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The increasing production of nitrogen-containing fertilizers is crucial to meet the global food demand, yet high losses of reactive nitrogen associated with the food production/consumption chain progressively deteriorate the natural environment. Currently, mesophilic nitrogen-removing microbes eliminate nitrogen from wastewaters. Although thermophilic nitrifiers have been separately enriched from natural environments, no bioreactors are described that couple these processes for the treatment of nitrogen in hot wastewaters. Samples from composting facilities were used as inoculum for the batch-wise enrichment of thermophilic nitrifiers (350 days). Subsequently, the enrichments were transferred to a bioreactor to obtain a stable, high-rate nitrifying process (560 days). The community contained up to 17% ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOAs) closely related to 'Candidatus Nitrososphaera gargensis', and 25% nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOBs) related to Nitrospira calida. Incorporation of C-13-derived bicarbonate into the respective characteristic membrane lipids during nitrification supported their activity as autotrophs. Specific activities up to 198 +/- 10 and 894 +/- 81 mg N g(-1) VSS per day for AOAs and NOBs were measured, where NOBs were 33% more sensitive to free ammonia. The NOBs were extremely sensitive to free nitrous acid, whereas the AOAs could only be inhibited by high nitrite concentrations, independent of the free nitrous acid concentration. The observed difference in product/substrate inhibition could facilitate the development of NOB inhibition strategies to achieve more cost-effective processes such as deammonification. This study describes the enrichment of autotrophic thermophilic nitrifiers from a nutrient-rich environment and the successful operation of a thermophilic nitrifying bioreactor for the first time, facilitating opportunities for thermophilic nitrogen removal biotechnology.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000386664600019	Publication Date	2016-02-19
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1751-7362	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:138184			Serial	7397
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	Seuntjens, D.; Bundervoet, B.L.M.; Mollen, H.; De Mulder, C.; Wypkema, E.; Verliefde, A.; Nopens, I.; Colsen, J.G.M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Energy efficient treatment of A-stage effluent : pilot-scale experiences with short-cut nitrogen removal			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2016	Publication	Water science and technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	73	Issue	9	Pages	2150-2158
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000376285300013	Publication Date	2016-02-09
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0273-1223; 1996-9732	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:130442			Serial	7908
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Van Winckel, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Al-Omari, A.; Bachmann, B.; Sturm, B.; Wett, B.; Takács, I.; Bott, C.; Murthy, S.N.; De Clippeleir, H.
	Title	Screen versus cyclone for improved capacity and robustness for sidestream and mainstream deammonification			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	5	Issue	10	Pages	1769-1781
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Deammonification systems are being implemented as cost- and resource-efficient nitrogen removal processes. However, their complexity is a major hurdle towards successful transposition from side- to mainstream application. Merely out-selecting nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) or retaining anammox bacteria (AnAOB) does not guarantee efficient mainstream deammonification. This paper presents for the first time the interactions and synergies between kinetic selection, through management of residual substrates, and physical selection, through separation of solid retention times (SRTs). This allowed the formulation of tangible operational recommendations for successful deammonification. Activity measurements were used to establish retention efficiencies (η) for AnAOB for full-scale cyclones and rotating drum screens installed at a sidestream and mainstream deammonification reactor (Strass, Austria). In the sidestream reactor, using a screen (η = 91%) instead of a cyclone (η = 88%) may increase the capacity by up to 29%. For the mainstream reactor, higher AnAOB retention efficiencies achieved by the screen (η = 72%) compared to the cyclone (η = 42%) induced a prospective increase in capacity by 80–90%. In addition, the switch in combination with bioaugmentation from the sidestream made the process less dependent on nitrite availability, thus aiding in the outselection of NOB. This allowed for a more flexible (intermittent) aeration strategy and a reduced need for tight SRT control for NOB washout. A sensitivity analysis explored expected trends to provide possible operational windows for further calibration. In essence, characterization of the physical selectors at full scale allowed a deeper understanding of operational windows of the process and quantification of capacity, ultimately leading to a more space and energy conservation process.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000487968200013	Publication Date	2019-08-20
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	2053-1400	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:162540			Serial	8498
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Faust, V.; Gruber, W.; Ganigue, R.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Udert, K.M.
	Title	Nitrous oxide emissions and carbon footprint of decentralized urine fertilizer production by nitrification and distillation			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	ACS ES&T engineering	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	2	Issue	9	Pages	1745-1755
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Combining partial nitrification, granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, and distillation is a well-studied approach to convert urine into a fertilizer. To evaluate the environmental sustainability of a technology, the operational carbon footprint and therefore nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions should be known, but N2O emissions from urine nitrification have not been assessed yet. Therefore, N2O emissions of a decentralized urine nitrification reactor were monitored for 1 month. During nitrification, 0.4-1.2% of the total nitrogen load was emitted as N2O-N with an average N2O emission factor (EFN2O) of 0.7%. Additional N2O was produced during anoxic storage between nitrification and GAC filtration with an estimated EFN2O of 0.8%, resulting in an EFN2O of 1.5% for the treatment chain. N2O emissions during nitrification can be mitigated by 60% by avoiding low dissolved oxygen or anoxic conditions and nitrite concentrations above 5 mg-N L-1. Minimizing the hydraulic retention time between nitrification and GAC filtration can reduce N2O formation during intermediate storage by 100%. Overall, the N2O emissions accounted for 45% of the operational carbon footprint of 14 kg-CO2,equiv kg-N-1 for urine fertilizer production. Using electricity from renewable sources and applying the proposed N2O mitigation strategies could potentially lower the carbon footprint by 85%.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000835412700001	Publication Date	2022-07-29
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN		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:189599			Serial	7182
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Ilgrande, C.; Defoirdt, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.; Clauwaert, P.
	Title	Media optimization, strain compatibility, and low-shear modeled microgravity exposure of synthetic microbial communities for urine nitrification in regenerative life-support systems			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Astrobiology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	19	Issue	11	Pages	1353-1362
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Urine is a major waste product of human metabolism and contains essential macro- and micronutrients to produce edible microorganisms and crops. Its biological conversion into a stable form can be obtained through urea hydrolysis, subsequent nitrification, and organics removal, to recover a nitrate-enriched stream, free of oxygen demand. In this study, the utilization of a microbial community for urine nitrification was optimized with the focus for space application. To assess the role of selected parameters that can impact ureolysis in urine, the activity of six ureolytic heterotrophs (Acidovorax delafieldii, Comamonas testosteroni, Cupriavidus necator, Delftia acidovorans, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Vibrio campbellii) was tested at different salinities, urea, and amino acid concentrations. The interaction of the ureolytic heterotrophs with a nitrifying consortium (Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC 19718 and Nitrobacter winogradskyi ATCC 25931) was also tested. Lastly, microgravity was simulated in a clinostat utilizing hardware for in-flight experiments with active microbial cultures. The results indicate salt inhibition of the ureolysis at 30 mS cm(-1), while amino acid nitrogen inhibits ureolysis in a strain-dependent manner. The combination of the nitrifiers with C. necator and V. campbellii resulted in a complete halt of the urea hydrolysis process, while in the case of A. delafieldii incomplete nitrification was observed, and nitrite was not oxidized further to nitrate. Nitrate production was confirmed in all the other communities; however, the other heterotrophic strains most likely induced oxygen competition in the test setup, and nitrite accumulation was observed. Samples exposed to low-shear modeled microgravity through clinorotation behaved similarly to the static controls. Overall, nitrate production from urea was successfully demonstrated with synthetic microbial communities under terrestrial and simulated space gravity conditions, corroborating the application of this process in space.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000492817700004	Publication Date	2019-10-28
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1557-8070; 1531-1074	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:164663			Serial	8215
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Sakarika, M.; Spanoghe, J.; Sui, Y.; Wambacq, E.; Grunert, O.; Haesaert, G.; Spiller, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Purple non-sulphur bacteria and plant production: benefits for fertilization, stress resistance and the environment			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2020	Publication	Microbial biotechnology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	13	Issue	5	Pages	1336-1365
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Purple non-sulphur bacteria (PNSB) are phototrophic microorganisms, which increasingly gain attention in plant production due to their ability to produce and accumulate high-value compounds that are beneficial for plant growth. Remarkable features of PNSB include the accumulation of polyphosphate, the production of pigments and vitamins and the production of plant growth-promoting substances (PGPSs). Scattered case studies on the application of PNSB for plant cultivation have been reported for decades, yet a comprehensive overview is lacking. This review highlights the potential of using PNSB in plant production, with emphasis on three key performance indicators (KPIs): fertilization, resistance to stress (biotic and abiotic) and environmental benefits. PNSB have the potential to enhance plant growth performance, increase the yield and quality of edible plant biomass, boost the resistance to environmental stresses, bioremediate heavy metals and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Here, the mechanisms responsible for these attributes are discussed. A distinction is made between the use of living and dead PNSB cells, where critical interpretation of existing literature revealed the better performance of living cells. Finally, this review presents research gaps that remain yet to be elucidated and proposes a roadmap for future research and implementation paving the way for a more sustainable crop production.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000482388700001	Publication Date	2019-08-21
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1751-7915	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	5.7	Times cited	10	Open Access
	Notes	; The authors would like to acknowledge: (i) the MIP i-Cleantech Flanders (Milieu-innovatieplatform; Environment innovation platform) project Microbial Nutrients on Demand (MicroNOD) for financial support; (ii) the China Scholarship Council for financially supporting Y. Sui (File No. 201507650015); (iii) the DOCPRO4 project 'PurpleTech', funded by the BOF (Bijzonder onderzoeksfonds); Special research fund from the University of Antwerp for financially supporting J. Spanoghe, and (iv) E. Koutsoukou for constructing components of Figs 5 and 6. ;			Approved	Most recent IF: 5.7; 2020 IF: NA
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:162876			Serial	6587
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Decostere, B.; Coppens, J.; Vervaeren, H.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; De Gelder, L.; Boon, N.; Nopens, I.; Van Hulle, S.W.H.
	Title	Kinetic exploration of intracellular nitrate storage in marine microalgae			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2017	Publication	Journal of environmental science and health : part A: toxic/hazardous substances and environmental engineering	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	52	Issue	14	Pages	1303-1311
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	In this study, a recently developed model accounting for intracellular nitrate storage kinetics was thoroughly studied to understand and compare the storage capacity of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Amphora coffeaeformis. In the first stage the identifiability of the biokinetic parameters was examined. Next, the kinetic model was calibrated for both microalgal species based on experimental observations during batch growth experiments. Two kinetic parameters were calibrated, namely the maximum specific growth rate (mu(max)) and the nitrate storage rate (k(sto)). A significant difference was observed for the nitrate storage rate between both species. For P. tricornutum, the nitrate storage rate was much higher (k(sto) = 0.036m(3) g(-1) DW d(-1)) compared to A. coffeaeformis (k(sto) = 0.0004m(3) g(-1) DW d(-1)). This suggests that P. tricornutum has a more efficient nitrate uptake ability and intracellular nitrate storage capacity and also indicates the need for determination of k(sto) in order to quantify nitrate storage.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000415634300004	Publication Date	2017-09-26
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1093-4529; 1532-4117	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:147467			Serial	8137
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Pintucci, C.; Carballa, M.; Varga, S.; Sarli, J.; Peng, L.; Bousek, J.; Pedizzi, C.; Ruscalleda, M.; Tarragó, E.; Prat, D.; Colica, G.; Picavet, M.; Colsen, J.; Benito, O.; Balaguer, M.; Puig, S.; Lema, J.M.; Colprim, J.; Fuchs, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	The ManureEcoMine pilot installation : advanced integration of technologies for the management of organics and nutrients in livestock waste			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2017	Publication	Water science and technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	75	Issue	6	Pages	1281-1293
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Manure represents an exquisite mining opportunity for nutrient recovery (nitrogen and phosphorus), and for their reuse as renewable fertilisers. The ManureEcoMine proposes an integrated approach of technologies, operated in a pilot-scale installation treating swine manure (83.7%) and Ecofrit® (16.3%), a mix of vegetable residues. Thermophilic anaerobic digestion was performed for 150 days, the final organic loading rate was 4.6 kgCOD m−3 d−1, with a CH4 production of 1.4 Nm3 m−3 d−1. The digester was coupled to an ammonia side-stream stripping column and a scrubbing unit for free ammonia inhibition reduction in the digester and nitrogen recovery as ammonium sulphate. The stripped digestate was recirculated daily in the digester for 15 days (68% of the digester volume), increasing the gas production rate by 27%. Following a decanter centrifuge, the digestate liquid fraction was treated with an ultrafiltration membrane. The filtrate was fed into a struvite reactor, with a phosphorus recovery efficiency of 83% (as orthophosphate). Acidification of digestate could increment the soluble orthophosphate concentration up to 4 times, enhancing phosphorus enrichment in the liquid fraction and its recovery via struvite. A synergistic combination of manure processing steps was demonstrated to be technologically feasible to upgrade livestock waste into refined, concentrated fertilisers.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000397590800003	Publication Date	2016-12-10
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0273-1223; 1996-9732	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:139911			Serial	8200
Permanent link to this record



	Author	De Vrieze, J.; Smet, D.; Klok, J.; Colsen, J.; Angenent, L.T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Thermophilic sludge digestion improves energy balance and nutrient recovery potential in full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2016	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	218	Issue		Pages	1237-1245
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The conventional treatment of municipal wastewater by means of activated sludge is typically energy demanding. Here, the potential benefits of: (1) the optimization of mesophilic digestion; and (2) transitioning to thermophilic sludge digestion in three wastewater treatment plants (Tilburg-Noord, Land van Cuijk and Bath) in the Netherlands is evaluated, including a full-scale trial validation in Bath. In Tilburg-Noord, thermophilic sludge digestion covered the energy requirements of the plant (102%), whereas 111% of sludge operational treatment costs could be covered in Bath. Thermophilic sludge digestion also resulted in a strong increase in nutrient release. The potential for nutrient recovery was evaluated via: (1) stripping/absorption of ammonium; (2) autotrophic removal of ammonium via partial nitritation/anammox; and (3) struvite precipitation. This research shows that optimization of sludge digestion may lead to a strong increase in energy recovery, sludge treatment costs reduction, and the potential for advanced nutrient management in full-scale sewage treatment plants. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000384710500155	Publication Date	2016-07-02
	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		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:137236			Serial	8666
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Ilgrande, C.; Mastroleo, F.; Christiaens, M.E.R.; Lindeboom, R.E.F.; Prat, D.; Van Hoey, O.; Ambrozova, I.; Coninx, I.; Heylen, W.; Pommerening-Roser, A.; Spieck, E.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Leys, N.; Clauwaert, P.
	Title	Reactivation of microbial strains and synthetic communities after a spaceflight to the International Space Station : corroborating the feasibility of essential conversions in the MELiSSA Loop			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Astrobiology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	19	Issue	9	Pages	1167-1176
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	To sustain human deep space exploration or extra-terrestrial settlements where no resupply from the Earth or other planets is possible, technologies for in situ food production, water, air, and waste recovery need to be developed. The Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) is such a Regenerative Life Support System (RLSS) and it builds on several bacterial bioprocesses. However, alterations in gravity, temperature, and radiation associated with the space environment can affect survival and functionality of the microorganisms. In this study, representative strains of different carbon and nitrogen metabolisms with application in the MELiSSA were selected for launch and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) exposure. An edible photoautotrophic strain (Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005), a photoheterotrophic strain (Rhodospirillum rubrum S1H), a ureolytic heterotrophic strain (Cupriavidus pinatubonensis 1245), and combinations of C. pinatubonensis 1245 and autotrophic ammonia and nitrite oxidizing strains (Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC19718, Nitrosomonas ureae Nm10, and Nitrobacter winogradskyi Nb255) were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for 7 days. There, the samples were exposed to 2.8 mGy, a dose 140 times higher than on the Earth, and a temperature of 22 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C. On return to the Earth, the cultures were reactivated and their growth and activity were compared with terrestrial controls stored under refrigerated (5 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C) or room temperature (22 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C and 21 degrees C +/- 0 degrees C) conditions. Overall, no difference was observed between terrestrial and ISS samples. Most cultures presented lower cell viability after the test, regardless of the type of exposure, indicating a harsher effect of the storage and sample preparation than the spaceflight itself. Postmission analysis revealed the successful survival and proliferation of all cultures except for Arthrospira, which suffered from the premission depressurization test. These observations validate the possibility of launching, storing, and reactivating bacteria with essential functionalities for microbial bioprocesses in RLSS.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000475278300001	Publication Date	2019-06-04
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1557-8070; 1531-1074	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:161342			Serial	8456
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Sui, Y.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Effects of salinity, pH and growth phase on the protein productivity by Dunaliella salina			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	94	Issue	4	Pages	1032-1040
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	BACKGROUND Microalgae have long been adopted for use as human food, animal feed and high‐value products. For carotenogenesis, Dunaliella salina is one of the most studied microalgae, yet its protein synthesis has been limitedly reported. In this study, D. salina was cultivated at different NaCl and pH levels to optimize its protein productivity. RESULTS The biomass protein content followed an increasedecrease pattern throughout the growth phases, with a maximum in the exponential phase (6080% over ash‐free dry weight). Adversely, the biomass pigment contents were at relatively stable levels (around 0.5% carotenoids, 1.3% chlorophyll a and 0.5% chlorophyll b over ash‐free dry weight). Among the tested conditions (13 mol L−1 salinity, pH 7.59.5), the highest protein productivity (43.5 mg L−1 day−1) was achieved at 2 mol L−1 salinity and pH 7.5 during the exponential phase, which surpassed others by 1697%. Additionally, table salts were tested to be equivalent and cost‐efficient salt sources for the growth medium. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the suitability of D. salina as a protein source, providing guidelines for 70% cheaper medium formulation in the lab and for maximum protein productivity at larger scale.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000461237300004	Publication Date	2018-10-16
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0268-2575; 1097-4660	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:157955			Serial	7849
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Timmis, K.; de Vos, W.M.; Luis Ramos, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Prieto, A.; Danchin, A.; Verstraete, W.; de Lorenzo, V.; Lee, S.Y.; Brussow, H.; Timmis, J.K.; Singh, B.K.
	Title	The contribution of microbial biotechnology to sustainable development goals			Type	Editorial
	Year	2017	Publication	Microbial biotechnology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	10	Issue	5	Pages	984-987
	Keywords	Editorial; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000411491300001	Publication Date	2017-08-25
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1751-7915	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:146778			Serial	8653
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Saha, S.; Badhe, N.; Seuntjens, D.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Biswas, R.; Nandy, T.
	Title	Effective carbon and nutrient treatment solutions for mixed domestic-industrial wastewater in India			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2015	Publication	Water science and technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	72	Issue	4	Pages	651-657
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The present study evaluates effectiveness of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor followed by two post-anaerobic treatment options, namely free-surface, up-flow constructed wetland (FUP-CW) and oxygen-limited anaerobic nitrification/denitrification (OLAND) processes in treating sewage from the peri-urban areas in India receiving illegal industrial infiltrations. The UASB studies yielded robust results towards fluctuating strength of sewage and consistently removed 87-98% chemical oxygen demand (COD) at a hydraulic retention time of 1.5-2 d. The FUP-CW removed 68.5 +/- 13% COD, 68 +/- 3% NH4+-N, 38 +/- 5% PO43--P, 97.6 +/- 5% suspended particles and 97 +/- 13% fecal coliforms. Nutrient removal was found to be limiting in FUP-CW, especially in winter. Nitrogen removal in the OLAND process were 100 times higher than the FUP-CW process. Results show that UASB followed by FUP-CW can be an excellent, decentralized sewage treatment option, except during winter when nutrient removal is limited in FUP-CW. Hence, the study proposes bio-augmentation of FUP-CW with OLAND biomass for overall improvement in the performance of UASB followed by FUP-CW process.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000359387200019	Publication Date	2015-08-06
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0273-1223; 1996-9732	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:127775			Serial	7840
Permanent link to this record



	Author	De Vrieze, J.; Colica, G.; Pintucci, C.; Sarli, J.; Pedizzi, C.; Willeghems, G.; Bral, A.; Varga, S.; Prat, D.; Peng, L.; Spiller, M.; Buysse, J.; Colsen, J.; Benito, O.; Carballa, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Resource recovery from pig manure via an integrated approach : a technical and economic assessment for full-scale applications			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	272	Issue		Pages	582-593
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Intensive livestock farming cannot be uncoupled from the massive production of manure, requiring adequate management to avoid environmental damage. The high carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content of pig manure enables targeted resource recovery. Here, fifteen integrated scenarios for recovery of water, nutrients and energy are compared in terms of technical feasibility and economic viability. The recovery of refined nutrients with a higher market value and quality, i.e., (NH4)2SO4 for N and struvite for P, coincided with higher net costs, compared to basic composting. The inclusion of anaerobic digestion promoted nutrient recovery efficiency, and enabled energy recovery through electricity production. Co-digestion of the manure with carbon-rich waste streams increased electricity production, but did not result in lower process costs. Overall, key drivers for the selection of the optimal manure treatment scenario will include the market demand for more refined (vs. separated or concentrated) products, and the need for renewable electricity production.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000451625700071	Publication Date	2018-10-11
	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		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:155236			Serial	8476
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Seuntjens, D.; Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Ruopp, M.; Bunse, P.; De Mulder, C.P.; Lochmatter, S.; Agrawal, S.; Boon, N.; Lackner, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	High-resolution mapping and modeling of anammox recovery from recurrent oxygen exposure			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2018	Publication	Water research	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	144	Issue		Pages	522-531
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Oxygen inhibits anammox, a bioconversion executed by anoxic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). Nonetheless, oxygen is mostly found in the proximity of AnAOB in nitrogen removal applications, being a substrate for nitritation. The experiments performed to date were mostly limited to batch activity tests where AnAOB activity is estimated during oxygen exposure. However, little attention has been paid to the recovery and reversibility of activity following aerobic conditions, of direct relevance for bioreactor operation. In this work, anoxic and autotrophic reactor cultivation at 20 degrees C yielded an enriched microbial community in AnAOB, consisting for 75% of a member of the genus Brocadia. High-resolution kinetic data were obtained with online ammonium measurements and further processed with a newly developed Python data pipeline. The experimentally obtained AnAOB response showed complete inhibition until micro-aerobic conditions were reached again (<0.02 mg O-2 L-1). After oxygen inhibition, AnAOB recovered gradually, with recovery times of 5-37 h to reach a steady-state activity, dependent on the perceived inhibition. The recovery immediately after inhibition was lowest when exposed to higher oxygen concentrations (range: 0.5-8 mg O-2 L-1) with long contact times (range: 9-24 h). The experimental data did not fit well with a conventional 'instant recovery' Monod-type inhibition model. Yet, the fit greatly improved by incorporating a dynamic growth rate formula accurately describing gradual activity recovery. With the upgraded model, long-term kinetic simulations for partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) with intermittent aeration showed a decrease in growth rate compared to the instant recovery mode. These results indicate that recovery of AnAOB after oxygen exposure was previously overlooked. It is recommended to account for this effect in the intensification of partial nitritation/anammox. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000447569300051	Publication Date	2018-07-11
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0043-1354; 1879-2448	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:152910			Serial	8037
Permanent link to this record



	Author	De Cocker, P.; Bessiere, Y.; Hernandez-Raquet, G.; Dubos, S.; Mozo, I.; Gaval, G.; Caligaris, M.; Barillon, B.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Sperandio, M.
	Title	Enrichment and adaptation yield high anammox conversion rates under low temperatures			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2018	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	250	Issue		Pages	505-512
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	This study compared two anammox sequencing batch reactors (SBR) for one year. SBRconstantT was kept at 30 °C while temperature in SBRloweringT was decreased step-wise from 30 °C to 20 °C and 15 °C followed by over 140 days at 12.5 °C and 10 °C. High retention of anammox bacteria (AnAOB) and minimization of competition with AnAOB were key. 5-L anoxic reactors with the same inoculum were fed synthetic influent containing 25.9 mg NH4+-N/L and 34.1 mg NO2−-N/L (no COD). Specific ammonium removal rates continuously increased in SBRconstantT, reaching 785 mg NH4+-N/gVSS/d, and were maintained in SBRloweringT, reaching 82.2 and 91.8 mg NH4+-N/gVSS/d at 12.5 and 10 °C respectively. AnAOB enrichment (increasing hzsA and 16S rDNA gene concentrations) and adaptation (shift from Ca. Brocadia to Ca. Kuenenia in SBRloweringT) contributed to these high rates. Rapidly settling granules developed, with average diameters of 1.2 (SBRconstantT) and 1.6 mm (SBRloweringT). Results reinforce the potential of anammox for mainstream applications.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000430740000062	Publication Date	2017-11-25
	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		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:148998			Serial	7920
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Grunert, O.; Reheul, D.; Van Labeke, M.-C.; Perneel, M.; Hernandez-Sanabria, E.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.
	Title	Growing media constituents determine the microbial nitrogen conversions in organic growing media for horticulture			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2016	Publication	Microbial Biotechnology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	9	Issue	3	Pages	389-399
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy food diet, however, the eco-sustainability of the production of these can still be significantly improved. European farmers and consumers spend an estimated Euro15.5 billion per year on inorganic fertilizers and the production of N-fertilizers results in a high carbon footprint. We investigated if fertilizer type and medium constituents determine microbial nitrogen conversions in organic growing media and can be used as a next step towards a more sustainable horticulture. We demonstrated that growing media constituents showed differences in urea hydrolysis, ammonia and nitrite oxidation and in carbon dioxide respiration rate. Interestingly, mixing of the growing media constituents resulted in a stimulation of the function of the microorganisms. The use of organic fertilizer resulted in an increase in amoA gene copy number by factor 100 compared to inorganic fertilizers. Our results support our hypothesis that the activity of the functional microbial community with respect to nitrogen turnover in an organic growing medium can be improved by selecting and mixing the appropriate growing media components with each other. These findings contribute to the understanding of the functional microbial community in growing media and its potential role towards a more responsible horticulture.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000374662600009	Publication Date	2016-03-23
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1751-7907	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:133617			Serial	8013
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Han, M.; De Clippeleir, H.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Bott, C.; Murthy, S.
	Title	Impact of carbon to nitrogen ratio and aeration regime on mainstream deammonification			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2016	Publication	Water science and technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	74	Issue	2	Pages	375-384
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	While deammonification of high-strength wastewater in the sludge line of sewage treatment plants has become well established, the potential cost savings spur the development of this technology for mainstream applications. This study aimed at identifying the effect of aeration and organic carbon on the deammonification process. Two 10 L sequencing bath reactors with different aeration frequencies were operated at 25 degrees C. Real wastewater effluents from chemically enhanced primary treatment and high-rate activated sludge process were fed into the reactors with biodegradable chemical oxygen demand/nitrogen (bCOD/N) of 2.0 and 0.6, respectively. It was found that shorter aerobic solids retention time (SRT) and higher aeration frequency gave more advantages for aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB) than nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in the system. From the kinetics study, it is shown that the affinity for oxygen is higher for NOB than for AerAOB, and higher dissolved oxygen set-point could decrease the affinity of both AerAOB and NOB communities. After 514 days of operation, it was concluded that lower organic carbon levels enhanced the activity of anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) over denitrifiers. As a result, the contribution of AnAOB to nitrogen removal increased from 40 to 70%. Overall, a reasonably good total removal efficiency of 66% was reached under a low bCOD/N ratio of 2.0 after adaptation.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000380765500011	Publication Date	2016-04-30
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0273-1223; 1996-9732	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:135032			Serial	8062
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Van Winckel, T.; Liu, X.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Takács, I.; Al-Omari, A.; Sturm, B.; Kjellerup, B.V.; Murthy, S.N.; De Clippeleir, H.
	Title	Overcoming floc formation limitations in high-rate activated sludge systems			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Chemosphere	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	215	Issue		Pages	342-352
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) is an essential cornerstone of the pursuit towards energy positive sewage treatment through maximizing capture of organics. The capture efficiency heavily relies on the degree of solid separation achieved in the clarifiers. Limitations in the floc formation process commonly emerge in HRAS systems, with detrimental consequences for the capture of organics. This study pinpointed and overcame floc formation limitations present in full-scale HRAS reactors. Orthokinetic flocculation tests were performed with varying shear, sludge concentration, and coagulant or flocculant addition. These were analyzed with traditional and novel settling parameters and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) measurements. HRAS was limited by insufficient collision efficiency and occurred because the solids retention time (SRT) was short and colloid loading was high. The limitation was predominantly caused by impaired flocculation rather than coagulation. In addition, the collision efficiency limitation was driven by EPS composition (low protein over polysaccharide ratio) instead of total EPS amount. Collision efficiency limitation was successfully overcome by bio-augmenting sludge from a biological nutrient removal reactor operating at long SRT which did not show any floc formation limitations. However, this action brought up a floc strength limitation. The latter was not correlated with EPS composition, but rather EPS amount and hindered settling parameters, which determined floc morphology. With this, an analysis toolkit was proposed that will enable design engineers and operators to tackle activated solid separation challenges found in HRAS systems and maximize the recovery potential of the process. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000450383400038	Publication Date	2018-10-01
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0045-6535; 1879-1298	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:153978			Serial	8350
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Faust, V.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Ganigué, R.; Udert, K.M.
	Title	Influence of pH on urine nitrification : community shifts of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2024	Publication	ACS ES&T engineering	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	4	Issue	2	Pages	342-353
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Urine nitrification is pH-sensitive due to limited alkalinity and high residual ammonium concentrations. This study aimed to investigate how the pH affects nitrogen conversion and the microbial community of urine nitrification with a pH-based feeding strategy. First, kinetic parameters for NH3, HNO2, and NO2– limitation and inhibition were determined for nitrifiers from a urine nitrification reactor. The turning point for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), i.e., the substrate concentration at which a further increase would lead to a decrease in activity due to inhibitory effects, was at an NH3 concentration of 12 mg-N L–1, which was reached only at pH values above 7. The total nitrite turning point for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was pH-dependent, e.g., 18 mg-N L–1 at pH 6.3. Second, four years of data from two 120 L reactors were analyzed, showing that stable nitrification with low nitrite was most likely between pH 5.8 and 6.7. And third, six 12 L urine nitrification reactors were operated at total nitrogen concentrations of 1300 and 3600 mg-N L–1 and pH values between 2.5 and 8.5. At pH 6, the AOB Nitrosomonas europaea was found, and the NOB belonged to the genus Nitrobacter. At pH 7, nitrite accumulated, and Nitrosomonas halophila was the dominant AOB. NOB were inhibited by HNO2 accumulation. At pH 8.5, the AOB Nitrosomonas stercoris became dominant, and NH3 inhibited NOB. Without influent, the pH dropped to 2.5 due to the growth of the acid-tolerant AOB “Candidatus Nitrosacidococcus urinae”. In conclusion, pH is a decisive process control parameter for urine nitrification by influencing the selection and kinetics of nitrifiers.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date	2023-11-02
	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	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:203306			Serial	9048
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Zhang, Q.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; DeBarbadillo, C.; Su, C.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Pümpel, T.; Shaw, A.; Chandran, K.; Murthy, S.; De Clippeleir, H.
	Title	Supernatant organics from anaerobic digestion after thermal hydrolysis cause direct and/or diffusional activity loss for nitritation and anammox			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2018	Publication	Water research	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	143	Issue		Pages	270-281
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Treatment of sewage sludge with a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) followed by anaerobic digestion (AD) enables to boost biogas production and minimize residual sludge volumes. However, the reject water can cause inhibition to aerobic and anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB & AnAOB), the two key microbial groups involved in the deammonification process. Firstly, a detailed investigation elucidated the impact of different organic fractions present in THP-AD return liquor on AerAOB and AnAOB activity. For AnAOB, soluble compounds linked to THP conditions and AD performance caused the main inhibition. Direct inhibition by dissolved organics was also observed for AerAOB, but could be overcome by treating the filtrate with extended aerobic or anaerobic incubation or with activated carbon. AerAOB additionally suffered from particulate and colloidal organics limiting the diffusion of substrates. This was resolved by improving the dewatering process through an optimized flocculant polymer dose and/or addition of coagulant polymer to better capture the large colloidal fraction, especially in case of unstable AD performance. Secondly, a new inhibition model for AerAOB included diffusion-limiting compounds based on the porter-equation, and achieved the best fit with the experimental data, highlighting that AerAOB were highly sensitive to large colloids. Overall, this paper for the first time provides separate identification of organic fractions within THP-AD filtrate causing differential types of inhibition. Moreover, it highlights the combined effect of the performance of THP, AD and dewatering on the downstream autotrophic nitrogen removal kinetics. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000443664000027	Publication Date	2018-06-18
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0043-1354; 1879-2448	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:152911			Serial	8623
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Vandekerckhove, T.G.L.; Kobayashi, K.; Janda, J.; Van Nevel, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Sulfur-based denitrification treating regeneration water from ion exchange at high performance and low cost			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2018	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	257	Issue		Pages	266-273
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Autotrophic denitrification with sulfur is an underexplored alternative to heterotrophic denitrification to remove nitrate from wastewater poor in organics. The application on ion exchange regeneration water (19.432.1 mS cm−1) is novel. Three fixed bed reactors were tested at 15 °C for >4 months, inoculated with activated sludge from sewage treatment. All were fast in start-up (<10 days) with high performance (94 ± 2% removal efficiency). pH control with NaOH rendered higher nitrate removal rates than limestone addition to the bed (211 ± 13 vs. 102 ± 13 mg N L−1 d−1), related to higher pH (6.64 vs. 6.24) and sulfur surface area. Bacterial communities were strongly enriched in Sulfurimonas (6367%) and Thiobacillus (2426%). In an economic comparison, sulfur-based denitrification (5.3 kg−1 N) was 15% cheaper than methanol-based denitrification (6.22 kg−1 N) and both treatments were opex dominated (85.9 vs. 86.5%). Overall, the technological and economic feasibility should boost further implementation of sulfurotrophic denitrification.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000430401100033	Publication Date	2018-02-13
	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		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:149975			Serial	8619
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Muys, M.; Sui, Y.; Schwaiger, B.; Lesueur, C.; Vandenheuvel, D.; Vermeir, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	High variability in nutritional value and safety of commercially available Chlorella and Spirulina biomass indicates the need for smart production strategies			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	275	Issue		Pages	247-257
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Microalgal biomass production is a resource-efficient answer to the exponentially increasing demand for protein, yet variability in biomass quality is largely unexplored. Nutritional value and safety were determined for Chlorella and Spirulina biomass from different producers, production batches and the same production batch. Chlorella presented a similar protein content (47 ± 8%) compared to Spirulina (48 ± 4%). However, protein quality, expressed as essential amino acid index, and digestibility were lower for Chlorella (1.1 ± 0.1 and 51 ± 9%, respectively) compared to Spirulina (1.3 ± 0.1 and 61 ± 4%, respectively). Generally, variability was lower between batches and within a batch. Heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, antibiotics and nitrate did not violate regulatory limits, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels exceeded the norm for some samples, indicating the need for continuous monitoring. This first systematic screening of commercial microalgal biomass revealed a high nutritional variability, necessitating further optimization of cultivation and post-processing conditions. Based on price and quality, Spirulina was preferred above Chlorella.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000456405000030	Publication Date	2018-12-18
	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		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:155979			Serial	8040
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Broos, W.; Wittner, N.; Dries, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Gunde-Cimerman, N.; Cornet, I.
	Title	Rhodotorula kratochvilovae outperforms Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum in the valorisation of lignocellulosic wastewater to microbial oil			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2024	Publication	Process biochemistry (1991)	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	137	Issue		Pages	229-238
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
	Abstract	Rhodotorula kratochvilovae has shown to be a promising species for microbial oil production from lignin-derived compounds. Yet, information on R. kratochvilovae’s detoxification and microbial oil production is scarce. This study investigated the growth and microbial oil production on the phenolic-containing effluent from poplar steam explosion and its detoxification with five R. kratochvilovae strains (EXF11626, EXF9590, EXF7516, EXF3697, EXF3471) and compared them with Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum. The R. kratochvilovae strains reached a maximum growth rate up to four times higher than C. oleaginosum. Furthermore, all R. kratochvilovae strains generally degraded phenolics more rapidly and to a larger extent than C. oleaginosum. However, the diluted substrate limited the lipid production by all strains as the maximum lipid content and titre were 10.5% CDW and 0.40 g/L, respectively. Therefore, future work should focus on increasing lipid production by using advanced fermentation strategies and stimulating the enzyme excretion by the yeasts for complex substrate breakdown.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date	2024-01-13
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1359-5113	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:202365			Serial	9087
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Agrawal, S.; Seuntjens, D.; De Cocker, P.; Lackner, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Success of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox demands integration of engineering, microbiome and modeling insights			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2018	Publication	Current opinion in biotechnology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	50	Issue		Pages	214-221
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Twenty years ago, mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) was conceptually proposed as pivotal for a more sustainable treatment of municipal wastewater. Its economic potential spurred research, yet practice awaits a comprehensive recipe for microbial resource management. Implementing mainstream PN/A requires transferable and operable ways to steer microbial competition as to meet discharge requirements on a year-round basis at satisfactory conversion rates. In essence, the competition for nitrogen, organic carbon and oxygen is grouped into ON/OFF (suppression/promotion) and IN/OUT (wash-out/retention and seeding) strategies, selecting for desirable conversions and microbes. Some insights need mechanistic understanding, while empirical observations suffice elsewhere. The provided methodological R&D framework integrates insights in engineering, microbiome and modeling. Such synergism should catalyze the implementation of energy-positive sewage treatment.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000430903400028	Publication Date	2018-02-17
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0958-1669	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:149977			Serial	8616
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Vitor Akaboci, T.R.; Ruscalleda, M.; Colprim, J.; Courtens, E.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Biofilms for one-stage autotrophic nitrogen removal			Type	H3 Book chapter
	Year	2016	Publication		Abbreviated Journal
	Volume		Issue		Pages	205-222 T2 - Aquatic biofilms : ecology, water qua
	Keywords	H3 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; 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		ISBN	978-1-910190-17-3	Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:130466			Serial	7559
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	Author	Broos, W.; Wittner, N.; Geerts, J.; Dries, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Gunde-Cimerman, N.; Richel, A.; Cornet, I.
	Title	Evaluation of lignocellulosic wastewater valorization with the oleaginous yeasts R. kratochvilovae EXF7516 and C. oleaginosum ATCC 20509			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Fermentation	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	8	Issue	5	Pages	204-221
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
	Abstract	During the conversion of lignocellulose, phenolic wastewaters are generated. Therefore, researchers have investigated wastewater valorization processes in which these pollutants are converted to chemicals, i.e., lipids. However, wastewaters are lean feedstocks, so these valorization processes in research typically require the addition of large quantities of sugars and sterilization, which increase costs. This paper investigates a repeated batch fermentation strategy with Rhodotorula kratochvilovae EXF7516 and Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum ATCC 20509, without these requirements. The pollutant removal and its conversion to microbial oil were evaluated. Because of the presence of non-monomeric substrates, the ligninolytic enzyme activity was also investigated. The repeated batch fermentation strategy was successful, as more lipids accumulated every cycle, up to a total of 5.4 g/L (23% cell dry weight). In addition, the yeasts consumed up to 87% of monomeric substrates, i.e., sugars, aromatics, and organics acids, and up to 23% of non-monomeric substrates, i.e., partially degraded xylan, lignin, cellulose. Interestingly, lipid production was only observed during the harvest phase of each cycle, as the cells experienced stress, possibly due to oxygen limitation. This work presents the first results on the feasibility of valorizing non-sterilized lignocellulosic wastewater with R. kratochvilovae and C. oleaginosum using a cost-effective repeated batch strategy.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000801796000001	Publication Date	2022-05-01
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	2311-5637	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:187883			Serial	7157
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	Author	Verstraete, W.; Clauwaert, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Used water and nutrients : recovery perspectives in a 'panta rhei' context			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2016	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	215	Issue		Pages	199-208
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	There is an urgent need to secure global supplies in safe water and proteinaceous food in an eco-sustainable manner, as manifested from tensions in the nexus Nutrients-Energy-Water-Environment-Land. This paper is concept based and provides solutions based on resource recovery from municipal and industrial wastewater and from manure. A set of decisive factors is reviewed facilitating an attractive business case. Our key message is that a robust barrier must clear the recovered product from its original status. Besides refined inorganic fertilizers, a central role for five types of microbial protein is proposed. A resource cycling solution for the extremely confined environment of space habitation should serve as an incentive to assimilate a new user mindset. To achieve the ambitious goal of sustainable food security, the solutions suggested here need a broad implementation, hand in hand with minimizing losses along the entire fertilizer-feed-food-fork chain. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000377935100022	Publication Date	2016-04-29
	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		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:134591			Serial	8726
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	Author	Han, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Bott, C.; Murthy, S.; De Clippeleir, H.
	Title	Uncoupling the solids retention times of flocs and granules in mainstream deammonification : a screen as effective out-selection tool for nitrite oxidizing bacteria			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2016	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	221	Issue		Pages	195-204
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	This study focused on a physical separator in the form of a screen to out-select nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) for mainstream sewage treatment. This separation relied on the principle that the NOB prefer to grow in flocs, while anammox bacteria (AnAOB) reside in granules. Two types of screens (vacuum and vibrating) were tested for separating these fractions. The vibrating screen was preferred due to more moderate normal forces and additional tangential forces, better balancing retention efficiency of AnAOB granules (41% of the AnAOB activity) and washout of NOB (92% activity washout). This operation resulted in increased NOB out-selection (AerAOB/NOB ratio of 2.3) and a total nitrogen removal efficiency of 70% at influent COD/N ratio of 1.4. An effluent total nitrogen concentration <10 mg N/L was achieved using this novel approach combining biological selection with physical separation, opening up the path towards energy positive sewage treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000386241000025	Publication Date	2016-09-08
	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		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:138157			Serial	8705
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