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	Author	Van Tendeloo, M.; Baptista, M.C.; Van Winckel, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments with sulphide and free ammonia enabled mainstream partial nitritation/anammox			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2024	Publication	The science of the total environment	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	912	Issue		Pages	169449-12
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Selective suppression of nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NOB) over aerobic and anoxic ammonium-oxidising bacteria (AerAOB and AnAOB) remains a major challenge for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox implementation, a resource-efficient nitrogen removal pathway. A unique multi-stressor floc treatment was therefore designed and validated for the first time under lab-scale conditions while staying true to full-scale design principles. Two hybrid (suspended + biofilm growth) reactors were operated continuously at 20.2 ± 0.6 °C. Recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments were applied, consisting of a sulphide-spiked deoxygenated starvation followed by a free ammonia shock. A good microbial activity balance with high AnAOB (71 ± 21 mg N L−1 d−1) and low NOB (4 ± 17 % of AerAOB) activity was achieved by combining multiple operational strategies: recurrent multi-stressor floc treatments, hybrid sludge (flocs & biofilm), short floc age control, intermittent aeration, and residual ammonium control. The multi-stressor treatment was shown to be the most important control tool and should be continuously applied to maintain this balance. Excessive NOB growth on the biofilm was avoided despite only treating the flocs to safeguard the AnAOB activity on the biofilm. Additionally, no signs of NOB adaptation were observed over 142 days. Elevated effluent ammonium concentrations (25 ± 6 mg N L−1) limited the TN removal efficiency to 39 ± 9 %, complicating a future full-scale implementation. Operating at higher sludge concentrations or reducing the volumetric loading rate could overcome this issue. The obtained results ease the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing and additional control tool to steer the microbial activity with the multi-stressor treatment, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality in sewage treatment plants.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date	2023-12-18
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0048-9697; 1879-1026	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:202286			Serial	9083
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Muys, M.; González Cámara, S.J.; Derese, S.; Spiller, M.; Verliefde, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Dissolution rate and growth performance reveal struvite as a sustainable nutrient source to produce a diverse set of microbial protein			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2023	Publication	The science of the total environment	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	866	Issue		Pages	161172-161179
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	To provide for the globally increasing demand for proteinaceous food, microbial protein (MP) has the potential to become an alternative food or feed source. Phosphorus (P), on the other hand, is a critical raw material whose global reserves are declining. Growing MP on recovered phosphorus, for instance, struvite obtained from wastewater treatment, is a promising MP production route that could supply protein-rich products while handling P scarcity. The aim of this study was to explore struvite dissolution kinetics in different MP media and characterize MP production with struvite as sole P-source. Different operational parameters, including pH, temperature, contact surface area, and ion concentrations were tested, and struvite dissolution rates were observed between 0.32 and 4.7 g P/L/d and a solubility between 0.23 and 2.22 g P-based struvite/L. Growth rates and protein production of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Limnospira sp. (previously known as Arthrospira sp.), and the purple non‑sulfur bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris on struvite were equal to or higher than growth on conventional potassium phosphate. For aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, two slow-growing communities showed decreased growth on struvite, while the growth was increased for a third fast-growing one. Furthermore, MP protein content on struvite was always comparable to the one obtained when grown on standard media. Together with the low content in metals and micropollutants, these results demonstrate that struvite can be directly applied as an effective nutrient source to produce fast-growing MP, without any previous dissolution step. Combining a high purity recovered product with an efficient way of producing protein results in a strong environmental win-win.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000922040000001	Publication Date	2022-12-24
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0048-9697; 1879-1026	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; 2023 IF: 4.9
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:192943			Serial	7297
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	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	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	Muys, M.; Phukan, R.; Brader, G.; Samad, A.; Moretti, M.; Haiden, B.; Pluchon, S.; Roest, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Spiller, M.
	Title	A systematic comparison of commercially produced struvite : quantities, qualities and soil-maize phosphorus availability			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Science Of The Total Environment	Abbreviated Journal	Sci Total Environ
	Volume	756	Issue		Pages	143726-12
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	Production of struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) from waste streams is increasingly implemented to recover phosphorus (P), which is listed as a critical raw material in the European Union (EU). To facilitate EU-wide trade of P-containing secondary raw materials such as struvite, the EU issued a revised fertilizer regulation in 2019. A comprehensive overview of the supply of struvite and its quality is presently missing. This study aimed: i) to determine the current EU struvite production volumes, ii) to evaluate all legislated physicochemical characteristics and pathogen content of European struvite against newly set regulatory limits, and iii) to compare not-regulated struvite characteristics. It is estimated that in 2020, between 990 and 1250 ton P are recovered as struvite in the EU. Struvite from 24 European production plants, accounting for 30% of the 80 struvite installations worldwide was sampled. Three samples failed the physicochemical legal limits; one had a P content of <7% and three exceeded the organic carbon content of 3% dry weight (DW). Mineralogical analysis revealed that six samples had a struvite content of 80–90% DW, and 13 samples a content of >90% DW. All samples showed a heavy metal content below the legal limits. Microbiological analyses indicated that struvite may exceed certain legal limits. Differences in morphology and particle size distribution were observed for struvite sourced from digestate (rod shaped; transparent; 82 mass% < 1 mm), dewatering liquor (spherical; opaque; 65 mass% 1–2 mm) and effluent from upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor processing potato wastewater (spherical; opaque; 51 mass% < 1 mm and 34 mass% > 2 mm). A uniform soil-plant P-availability pattern of 3.5–6.5 mg P/L soil/d over a 28 days sampling period was observed. No differences for plant biomass yield were observed. In conclusion, the results highlight the suitability of most struvite to enter the EU fertilizer market.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000603487500029	Publication Date	2020-11-24
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0048-9697; 1879-1026	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	4.9	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 4.9
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:173944			Serial	8638
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Alloul, A.; Wille, M.; Lucenti, P.; Bossier, P.; Van Stappen, G.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Purple bacteria as added-value protein ingredient in shrimp feed : Penaeus vannamei growth performance, and tolerance against Vibrio and ammonia stress			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Aquaculture	Abbreviated Journal	Aquaculture
	Volume	530	Issue		Pages	735788
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Aquafeeds contain protein ingredients such as fishmeal and soybean meal, yet their production puts pressure on the environment. Finding novel protein sources such as dried microbial biomass produced on recovered or renewable resources, so-called single-cell protein or microbial protein, can contribute to a more sustainable aquaculture industry. New microbial protein sources are emerging with photoheterotrophic grown purple non‑sulfur bacteria (PNSB) showing high potential, yet research of PNSB as added-value protein ingredient is limited. This research studied their use as a protein source for the white leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) and investigated the shrimp's tolerance against Vibrio and ammonia stress. A 28-day shrimp feeding trial was performed with a commercial formulation without PNSB as experimental control (diet i), two pure PNSB species, namely Rhodopseudomonas palustris (diets ii-iii), Rhodobacter capsulatus (diets iv-v) at two protein inclusion levels of 5 and 11 g PNSBprotein 100 g−1 feedprotein and a PNSB enriched culture at a protein inclusion level of 11 g PNSBprotein 100 g−1 feedprotein (diet vi). For the shrimp fed with Rb. capsulatus, 5–25% higher individual weights (p < .05) and better feed conversion ratios were observed relative to the commercial diet (1.3–1.4 vs. control 1.7 g feed g−1 biomass; p < .05). The diet containing Rps. palustris at 5 g PNSBprotein 100 g−1 feedprotein inclusion also showed higher individual weights (26%, p < .05) and a better feed conversion ratio compared to the commercial feed (1.3 vs. control 1.7 g feed g−1 biomass; p < .05). The challenge test subsequent to the feeding trial showed a higher tolerance against ammonia (3 mg N L−1) for shrimp fed with Rps. palustris (survival 63–75% vs. 8% commercial diet; p < .05). For a post-feeding challenge test with Vibrio parahaemolyticus TW01, mortality rates were equal among all treatments. Yet, in vitro tests in 96-Well plates and agar spot assays showed that the PNSB species (i) Rps. palustris, (ii) Rb. capsulatus, (iii) Rb. sphaeroides, (iv) Rhodospirillum rubrum and (v) Afifella marina suppressed the pathogens V. parahaemolyticus TW01 and V. campbellii LMG 21363. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of PNSB as an added-value protein ingredient in shrimp nursery feed. This can contribute to a circular economy, as PNSB can be cultivated on recovered or renewable resources (e.g. wastewater).
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000582169700073	Publication Date	2020-08-08
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0044-8486	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	2.57	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 2.57
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:170549			Serial	8429
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Lindeboom, R.E.F.; De Paepe, J.; Vanoppen, M.; Alonso-Fariñas, B.; Coessens, W.; Alloul, A.; Christiaens, M.E.R.; Dotremont, C.; Beckers, H.; Lamaze, B.; Demey, D.; Clauwaert, P.; Verliefde, A.R.D.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	A five-stage treatment train for water recovery from urine and shower water for long-term human Space missions			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2020	Publication	Desalination	Abbreviated Journal	Desalination
	Volume	495	Issue		Pages	114634
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Long-term human Space missions will rely on regenerative life support as resupply of water, oxygen and food comes with constraints. The International Space Station (ISS) relies on an evaporation/condensation system to recover 74–85% of the water in urine, yet suffers from repetitive scaling and biofouling while employing hazardous chemicals. In this study, an alternative non-sanitary five-stage treatment train for one “astronaut” was integrated through a sophisticated monitoring and control system. This so-called Water Treatment Unit Breadboard (WTUB) successfully treated urine (1.2-L-d−1) with crystallisation, COD-removal, ammonification, nitrification and electrodialysis, before it was mixed with shower water (3.4-L-d−1). Subsequently, ceramic nanofiltration and single-pass flat-sheet RO were used. A four-months proof-of-concept period yielded: (i) chemical water quality meeting the hygienic standards of the European Space Agency, (ii) a 87-±-5% permeate recovery with an estimated theoretical primary energy requirement of 0.2-kWhp-L−1, (iii) reduced scaling potential without anti-scalant addition and (iv) and a significant biological reduction in biofouling potential resulted in stable but biofouling-limited RO permeability of 0.5 L-m−2-h−1-bar−1. Estimated mass breakeven dates and a comparison with the ISS Water Recovery System for a hypothetical Mars transit mission show that WTUB is a promising biological membrane-based alternative to heat-based systems for manned Space missions.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000582172900007	Publication Date	2020-09-15
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0011-9164	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	9.9	Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 9.9; 2020 IF: 5.527
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:171514			Serial	6523
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Vingerhoets, R.; Brienza, C.; Sigurnjak, I.; Buysse, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Spiller, M.; Meers, E.
	Title	Ammonia stripping and scrubbing followed by nitrification and denitrification saves costs for manure treatment based on a calibrated model approach			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2023	Publication	Chemical engineering journal	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	477	Issue		Pages	146984-14
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Resource-efficient nitrogen management is of high environmental and economic interest, and manure represents the major nutrient flow in livestock-intensive regions. Ammonia stripping/scrubbing (SS) is an appealing nitrogen recovery route from manure, yet its real-life implementation has been limited thus far. In nutrient surplus regions like Flanders, treatment of the liquid fraction (LF) of (co–)digested manure typically consists of nitrification/denitrification (NDN) removing most N as nitrogen gas. Integrating SS before NDN in existing plants would expand treatment capacity and recover N while maintaining low N effluent values, yet cost estimations of this novel approach after process optimisation are not yet available. A programming model was developed and calibrated to minimise the treatment costs of this approach and find the balance between N recovery versus N removal. Four crucial operational parameters (CO2 stripping time, NH3 stripping time, temperature and NaOH addition) were optimised for 18 scenarios which were different in terms of technical set-up, influent characteristics and scrubber acid. The model shows that SS before NDN can decrease the costs by 1 to 56% under optimal conditions compared to treatment with NDN only, with 1 to 8% reduction for the LF of manure (22–29% recovered of N treated), and 11 to 56% reduction for the LF of co-digested manure (42–67% recovered of N treated), primarily dependent on resource pricing. This study shows the power of modelling for minimum-cost design and operation of manure treatment yielding savings while producing useful N recovery products with SS followed by NDN.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	001108935900001	Publication Date	2023-10-28
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1385-8947; 1873-3212	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access
	Notes				Approved	no
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:200649			Serial	9003
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Vingerhoets, R.; Spiller, M.; De Backer, J.; Adriaens, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Meers, E.
	Title	Detailed nitrogen and phosphorus flow analysis, nutrient use efficiency and circularity in the agri-food system of a livestock-intensive region			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2023	Publication	Journal of cleaner production	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	410	Issue		Pages	137278-13
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The agri-food value chain is a major cause of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) emissions and associated environmental and health impacts. The EU's farm-to-fork strategy (F2F) demands an agri-food value chain approach to reduce nutrient emissions by 50% and fertilizer use by 20%. Substance flow analysis (SFA) is a method that can be applied to study complex systems such as the agri-food chain. A review of 60 SFA studies shows that they often lack detail by not sufficiently distinguishing between nodes, products and types of emissions. The present study aims to assess the added value of detail in SFAs and to illustrate that valuable indicators can be derived from detailed assessments. This aim will be attained by presenting a highly-detailed SFA for the livestock-intensive region of Flanders, Belgium. The SFA distinguishes 40 nodes and 1827 flows that are classified into eight different categories (e.g. by-products, point source emissions) following life cycle methods. Eight novel indicators were calculated, including indicators that assess the N and P recovery potential. Flanders has a low overall nutrient use efficiency (11% N, 18% P). About 55% of the N and 56% of the P embedded in recoverable streams are reused providing 35% and 37% of the total N and P input. Optimized nutrient recycling could replace 45% of N and 48% of P of the external nutrient input, exceeding the target set by the F2F strategy. Detailed accounting for N and P flows and nodes leads to the identification of more recoverable streams and larger N and P flows. More detailed flow accounting is a prerequisite for the quantification of technological intervention options. Future research should focus on including concentration and quality as a parameter in SFAs.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000991013600001	Publication Date	2023-04-21
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0959-6526	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	11.1	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 11.1; 2023 IF: 5.715
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:196227			Serial	7770
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	Author	Alloul, A.; Moradvandi, A.; Puyol, D.; Molina, R.; Gardella, G.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; De Schutter, B.; Abraham, E.; Lindeboom, R.E.F.; Weissbrodt, D.G.
	Title	A novel mechanistic modelling approach for microbial selection dynamics : towards improved design and control of raceway reactors for purple bacteria			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2023	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	390	Issue		Pages	129844-129849
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) show an underexplored potential for resource recovery from wastewater. Raceway reactors offer a more affordable full-scale solution on wastewater and enable useful additional aerobic processes. Current mathematical models of PPB systems provide useful mechanistic insights, but do not represent the full metabolic versatility of PPB and thus require further advancement to simulate the process for technology development and control. In this study, a new modelling approach for PPB that integrates the photoheterotrophic, and both anaerobic and aerobic chemoheterotrophic metabolic pathways through an empirical parallel metabolic growth constant was proposed. It aimed the modelling of microbial selection dynamics in competition with aerobic and anaerobic microbial community under different operational scenarios. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to identify the most influential parameters within the model and calibrate them based on experimental data. Process perturbation scenarios were simulated, which showed a good performance of the model.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	001094606700001	Publication Date	2023-10-10
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0960-8524	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record
	Impact Factor	11.4	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 11.4; 2023 IF: 5.651
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:200035			Serial	8905
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; De Paepe, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Comparison of typical nitrite oxidizing bacteria suppression strategies and the effect on nitrous oxide emissions in a biofilm reactor			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2023	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	387	Issue		Pages	129607-129609
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	In mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), suppression of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and mitigation of N2O emissions are two essential operational goals. The N2O emissions linked to three typical NOB suppression strategies were tested in a covered rotating biological contactor (RBC) biofilm system at 21 degrees C: (i) low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, and treatments with (ii) free ammonia (FA), and (iii) free nitrous acids (FNA). Low emerged DO levels effectively minimized NOB activity and decreased N2O emissions, but NOB adaptation appeared after 200 days of operation. Further NOB suppression was successfully achieved by periodic (3 h per week) treatments with FA (29.3 & PLUSMN; 2.6 mg NH3-N L-1) or FNA (3.1 & PLUSMN; 0.3 mg HNO2-N L-1). FA treatment, however, promoted N2O emissions, while FNA did not affect these. Hence, biofilm PN/A should be operated at relatively low DO levels with periodic FNA treatment to maximize nitrogen removal efficiency while avoiding high greenhouse gas emissions.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	001063180200001	Publication Date	2023-08-05
	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	Not_Open_Access: Available from 21.02.2024
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 11.4; 2023 IF: 5.651
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:199051			Serial	8843
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Alloul, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Feasibility of a return-sludge nursery concept for mainstream anammox biostimulation : creating optimal conditions for anammox to recover and grow in a parallel tank			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2023	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	385	Issue		Pages	129359-12
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	To overcome limiting anammox activity under sewage treatment conditions, a return-sludge nursery concept is proposed. This concept involves blending sludge reject water treated with partial nitritation with mainstream effluent to increase the temperature, N levels, and electrical conductivity (EC) of the anammox nursery reactor, which sludge periodically passes through the return sludge line of the mainstream system. Various nursery frequencies were tested in two 2.5 L reactors, including 0.5-2 days of nursery treatment per 3.5-14 days of the total operation. Bioreactor experiments showed that nursery increased nitrogen removal rates during mainstream operation by 33-38%. The increased anammox activity can be partly (35-60%) explained by higher temperatures. Elevated EC, higher nitrogen concentrations, and a putative synergy and/or unknown factor were responsible for 15-16%, 12-14%, and 10-36%, respectively. A relatively stable microbial community was observed, dominated by a “Candidatus Brocadia” member. This new concept boosted activity and sludge growth, which may facilitate mainstream anammox implementations based on partial nitritation/anammox or partial nitrification/denitratation/anammox.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	001031586400001	Publication Date	2023-06-19
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0960-8524	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record
	Impact Factor	11.4	Times cited		Open Access	Not_Open_Access
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 11.4; 2023 IF: 5.651
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:198259			Serial	8866
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	Author	Xie, Y.; Jia, M.; De Wilde, F.; Daeninck, K.; De Clippeleir, H.; Verstraete, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Feasibility of packed-bed trickling filters for partial nitritation/anammox : effects of carrier material, bottom ventilation openings, hydraulic loading rate and free ammonia			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2023	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	373	Issue		Pages	128713-128719
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	This study pioneers the feasibility of cost-effective partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) in packed-bed trickling filters (TFs). Three parallel TFs tested different carrier materials, the presence or absence of bottom ventilation openings, hydraulic loading rates (HLR, 0.4–2.2 m3 m−2 h−1), and free ammonia (FA) levels on synthetic medium. The inexpensive Argex expanded clay was recommended due to the similar nitrogen removal rates as commercially used plastics. Top-only ventilation at an optimum HLR of 1.8 m3 m−2 h−1 could remove approximately 60% of the total nitrogen load (i.e., 300 mg N L-1 d−1, 30 °C) and achieve relatively low NO3–-N accumulation (13%). Likely FA levels of around 1.3–3.2 mg N L-1 suppressed nitratation. Most of the total nitrogen removal took place in the upper third of the reactor, where anammox activity was highest. Provided further optimizations, the results demonstrated TFs are suitable for low-energy shortcut nitrogen removal.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000945892500001	Publication Date	2023-02-07
	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; 2023 IF: 5.651
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:193652			Serial	7306
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	Author	Papini, G.; Muys, M.; Van Winckel, T.; Meerburg, F.A.; Van Beeck, W.; Vermeir, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Boosting aerobic microbial protein productivity and quality on brewery wastewater : impact of anaerobic acidification, high-rate process and biomass age			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2023	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	368	Issue		Pages	128285
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Consortia of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB) are appealing as sustainable alternative protein ingredient for aquaculture given their high nutritional qualities, and their production potential on feed-grade industrial wastewater. Today, the impacts of pre-treatment, bioprocess choice and key parameter settings on AHB productivity and nutritional properties are unknown. This study investigated for the first time AHB microbial protein production effects based on (i) raw vs anaerobically fermented brewery wastewater, (ii) high-rate activated sludge (HRAS) without vs with feast-famine conditions, and (iii) three short solid retention time (SRT): 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 d. High biomass (4.4–8.0 g TSS/L/d) and protein productivities (1.9–3.2 g protein/L/d) were obtained while achieving COD removal efficiencies up to 98 % at SRT 0.50 d. The AHB essential amino acid (EAA) profiles were above rainbow trout requirements, excluding the S-containing EAA, highlighting the AHB biomass replacement potential for unsustainable fishmeal in salmonid diets.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000902092100009	Publication Date	2022-11-09
	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; 2023 IF: 5.651
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:191780			Serial	7133
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	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	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	De Paepe, J.; Garcia Gragera, D.; Arnau Jimenez, C.; Rabaey, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Gòdia, F.
	Title	Continuous cultivation of microalgae yields high nutrient recovery from nitrified urine with limited supplementation			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2023	Publication	Journal of environmental management	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	345	Issue		Pages	118500-118510
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Microalgae can play a key role in the bioeconomy, particularly in combination with the valorisation of waste streams as cultivation media. Urine is an example of a widely available nutrient-rich waste stream, and alkaline stabilization and subsequent full nitrification in a bioreactor yields a stable nitrate-rich solution. In this study, such nitrified urine served as a culture medium for the edible microalga Limnospira indica. In batch cultivation, nitrified urine without additional supplements yielded a lower biomass concentration, nutrient uptake and protein content compared to modified Zarrouk medium, as standard medium. To enhance the nitrogen uptake efficiency and biomass production, nitrified urine was supplemented with potentially limiting elements. Limited amounts of phosphorus (36 mg L−1), magnesium (7.9 mg L−1), calcium (12.2 mg L−1), iron (2.0 mg L−1) and EDTA (88.5 mg Na2-EDTA.2H2O L−1) rendered the nitrified urine matrix as effective as modified Zarrouk medium in terms of biomass production (OD750 of 1.2), nutrient uptake (130 mg N L−1) and protein yield (47%) in batch culture. Urine precipitates formed by alkalinisation could in principle supply enough phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, requiring only external addition of iron, EDTA and inorganic carbon. Subsequently, the suitability of supplemented nitrified urine as a culture medium was confirmed in continuous Limnospira cultivation in a CSTR photobioreactor. This qualifies nitrified urine as a valuable and sustainable microalgae growth medium, thereby creating novel nutrient loops on Earth and in Space, i.e., in regenerative life support systems for human deep-space missions.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	001052880800001	Publication Date	2023-08-03
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0301-4797	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record
	Impact Factor	8.7	Times cited		Open Access	Not_Open_Access: Available from 03.02.2024
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 8.7; 2023 IF: 4.01
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:199049			Serial	8844
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	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	Spanoghe, J.; Vermeir, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Microbial food from light, carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas : kinetic, stoichiometric and nutritional potential of three purple bacteria			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Bioresource Technology	Abbreviated Journal	Bioresource Technol
	Volume	337	Issue		Pages	125364
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The urgency for a protein transition towards more sustainable solutions is one of the major societal challenges. Microbial protein is one of the alternative routes, in which land- and fossil-free production should be targeted. The photohydrogenotrophic growth of purple bacteria, which builds on the H2– and CO2-economy, is unexplored for its microbial protein potential. The three tested species (Rhodobacter capsulatus, Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Rhodopseudomonas palustris) obtained promising growth rates (2.3–2.7 d−1 at 28°C) and protein productivities (0.09–0.12 g protein L−1 d−1), rendering them likely faster and more productive than microalgae. The achieved protein yields (2.6–2.9 g protein g−1 H2) transcended the ones of aerobic hydrogen oxidizing bacteria. Furthermore, all species provided full dietary protein matches for humans and their fatty acid content was dominated by vaccenic acid (82–86%). Given its kinetic and nutritional performance we recommend to consider Rhodobacter capsulatus as a high-potential sustainable source of microbial food.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000694862500007	Publication Date	2021-06-03
	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:178752			Serial	8243
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Alloul, A.; Muys, M.; Hertoghs, N.; Kerckhof, F.-M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Cocultivating aerobic heterotrophs and purple bacteria for microbial protein in sequential photo- and chemotrophic reactors			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Bioresource Technology	Abbreviated Journal	Bioresource Technol
	Volume	319	Issue		Pages	124192
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB) and purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) are typically explored as two separate types of microbial protein, yet their properties as respectively a bulk and added-value feed ingredient make them appealing for combined use. The feasibility of cocultivation in a sequential photo- and chemotrophic approach was investigated. First, mapping the chemotrophic growth kinetics for four Rhodobacter, Rhodopseudomonas and Rhodospirillum species on different carbon sources showed a preference for fructose (µmax 2.4–3.9 d−1 28 °C; protein 36–59%DW). Secondly, a continuous photobioreactor inoculated with Rhodobacter capsulatus (VFA as C-source) delivered the starter culture for an aerobic batch reactor (fructose as C-source). This two-stage system showed an improved nutritional quality compared to AHB production: higher protein content (45–71%DW), more attractive amino/fatty acid profile and contained up to 10% PNSB. The findings strengthen protein production with cocultures and might enable the implementation of the technology for resource recovery on streams such as wastewater.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000613136600013	Publication Date	2020-09-30
	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:171766			Serial	7677
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Seuntjens, D.; Carvajal Arroyo, J.M.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Chatzigiannidou, I.; Molina, J.; Nop, S.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Mainstream partial nitritation/anammox with integrated fixed-film activated sludge : combined aeration and floc retention time control strategies limit nitrate production			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2020	Publication	Bioresource Technology	Abbreviated Journal	Bioresource Technol
	Volume	314	Issue		Pages	123711-10
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Implementation of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective sewage treatment. For mainstream PN/A reactor, an integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) was operated (26 °C). The effects of floccular aerobic sludge retention time (AerSRT_floc), a novel aeration strategy, and N-loading rate were tested to optimize the operational strategy. The best performance was observed with a low, but sufficient AerSRTfloc (~7d) and continuous aeration with two alternating dissolved oxygen setpoints: 10 min at 0.07–0.13 mg O2 L−1 and 5 min at 0.27–0.43 mg O2 L−1. Nitrogen removal rates were 122 ± 23 mg N L−1 d−1, and removal efficiencies 73 ± 13%. These conditions enabled flocs to act as nitrite sources while the carriers were nitrite sinks, with low abundance of nitrite oxidizing bacteria. The operational strategies in the source-sink framework can serve as a guideline for successful operation of mainstream PN/A reactors.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000558601200004	Publication Date	2020-06-24
	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	3	Open Access
	Notes	; D.S. was supported by a Ph.D. grant from the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWTVlaanderen, SB-131769). M.V.T. was supported by a Ph.D. SB Fellowship from the Research Foundation -Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen, 1S03218N). ;			Approved	Most recent IF: 11.4; 2020 IF: 5.651
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:170054			Serial	6559
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Van Winckel, T.; Ngo, N.; Sturm, B.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Bott, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; De Clippeleir, H.
	Title	Enhancing bioflocculation in high-rate activated sludge improves effluent quality yet increases sensitivity to surface overflow rate			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Chemosphere	Abbreviated Journal	Chemosphere
	Volume	308	Issue	2	Pages	136294-11
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) relies on good bioflocculation and subsequent solid-liquid separation to maximize the capture of organics. However, full-scale applications often suffer from poor and unpredictable effluent suspended solids (ESS). While the biological aspects of bioflocculation are thoroughly investigated, the effects of fines (settling velocity < 0.6 m3/m2/h), shear and surface overflow rate (SOR) are unclear. This work tackled the impact of fines, shear, and SOR on the ESS in absence of settleable influent solids. This was assessed on a full-scale HRAS step-feed (SF) and pilot-scale HRAS contact-stabilization (CS) configuration using batch settling tests, controlled clarifier experiments, and continuous operation of reactors. Fines contributed up to 25% of the ESS in the full-scale SF configuration. ESS decreased up to 30 mg TSS/L when bioflocculation was enhanced with the CS configuration. The feast-famine regime applied in CS promoted the production of high-quality extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). However, this resulted in a narrow and unfavorable settling velocity distribution, with 50% ± 5% of the sludge mass settling between 0.6 and 1.5 m3/m2/h, thus increasing sensitivity towards SOR changes. A low shear environment (20 s−1) before the clarifier for at least one min was enough to ensure the best possible settling velocity distribution, regardless of prior shear conditions. Overall, this paper provides a more complete view on the drivers of ESS in HRAS systems, creating the foundation for the design of effective HRAS clarifiers. Tangible recommendations are given on how to manage fines and establish the optimal settling velocity of the sludge.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000863979600006	Publication Date	2022-09-06
	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
	Impact Factor	8.8	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 8.8
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:190187			Serial	7154
Permanent link to this record



	Author	Muys, M.; Papini, G.; Spiller, M.; Sakarika, M.; Schwaiger, B.; Lesueur, C.; Vermeir, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Dried aerobic heterotrophic bacteria from treatment of food and beverage effluents: Screening of correlations between operation parameters and microbial protein quality			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2020	Publication	Bioresource Technology	Abbreviated Journal	Bioresource Technol
	Volume	307	Issue		Pages	123242-11
	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	000528857700051	Publication Date	2020-03-23
	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	1	Open Access
	Notes	; The authors kindly thank (i) i-Cleantech Flanders MIP (Milieu-innovatieplatform) for financial support through the MicroNOD project (Microbial Nutrients on Demand), (ii) Erik Fransen (StatUA) for the helpful advice on the statistical analysis, and (iii) Ilse De Leersnyder and Diederik Leenknecht for assistance with the EAA analysis. ;			Approved	Most recent IF: 11.4; 2020 IF: 5.651
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:169452			Serial	6491
Permanent link to this record



	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
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	Author	Cagnetta, C.; Saerens, B.; Meerburg, F.A.; Decru, S.O.; Broeders, E.; Menkveld, W.; Vandekerckhove, T.G.L.; De Vrieze, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Verliefde, A.R.D.; De Gusseme, B.; Weemaes, M.; Rabaey, K.
	Title	High-rate activated sludge systems combined with dissolved air flotation enable effective organics removal and recovery			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	291	Issue		Pages	121833
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) systems typically generate diluted sludge which requires further thickening prior to anaerobic digestion (AD), besides the need to add considerable coagulant and flocculant for the solids separation. As an alternative to conventional gravitational settling, a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit was coupled to a HRAS system or a high-rate contact stabilization (HiCS) system. The HRAS-DAF system allowed up to 78% removal of the influent solids, and the HiCS-DAF 67%. Both were within the range of values typically obtained for HRAS-settler systems, albeit at a lower chemical requirement. The separated sludge had a high concentration of up to 47 g COD L−1, suppressing the need of further thickening before AD. Methanation tests showed a biogas yield of up to 68% on a COD basis. The use of a DAF separation system can thus enable direct organics removal at high sludge concentration and with low chemical needs.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000480326200048	Publication Date	2019-07-17
	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:161098			Serial	8036
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	Author	Sui, Y.; Muys, M.; Van de Waal, D.; D'Adamo, S.; Vermeir, P.; Fernandes, T.V.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Enhancement of co-production of nutritional protein and carotenoids in Dunaliella salina using a two-phase cultivation assisted by nitrogen level and light intensity			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	287	Issue		Pages	121398
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	Microalga Dunaliella salina is known for its carotenogenesis. At the same time, it can also produce high-quality protein. The optimal conditions for D. salina to co-produce intracellular pools of both compounds, however, are yet unknown. This study investigated a two-phase cultivation strategy to optimize combined high-quality protein and carotenoid production of D. salina. In phase-one, a gradient of nitrogen concentrations was tested. In phase-two, effects of nitrogen pulse and high illumination were tested. Results reveal optimized protein quantity, quality (expressed as essential amino acid index EAAI) and carotenoids content in a two-phase cultivation, where short nitrogen starvation in phase-one was followed by high illumination during phase-two. Adopting this strategy, productivities of protein, EAA and carotenoids reached 22, 7 and 3 mg/L/d, respectively, with an EAAI of 1.1. The quality of this biomass surpasses FAO/WHO standard for human nutrition, and the observed level of β-carotene presents high antioxidant pro-vitamin A activity.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000469414500008	Publication Date	2019-04-30
	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:159661			Serial	7916
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	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
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	Author	Sui, Y.; Muys, M.; Vermeir, P.; D'Adamo, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
	Title	Light regime and growth phase affect the microalgal production of protein quantity and quality with Dunaliella salina			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Bioresource technology	Abbreviated Journal
	Volume	275	Issue		Pages	145-152
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
	Abstract	The microalga Dunaliella salina has been widely studied for carotenogenesis, yet its protein production for human nutrition has rarely been reported. This study unveils the effects of growth phase and light regime on protein and essential amino acid (EAA) levels in D. salina. Cultivation under 24-h continuous light was compared to 12-h/12-h light/dark cycle. The essential amino acid index (EAAI) of D. salina showed accumulating trends up to 1.53 in the stationary phase, surpassing FAO/WHO standard for human nutrition. Light/dark conditions inferred a higher light-usage efficiency, yielding 597% higher protein and 1828% higher EAA mass on light energy throughout the growth, accompanied by 138% faster growth during the light phase of the light/dark cycle, compared to continuous light. The findings revealed D. salina to be especially suitable for high-quality protein production, particularly grown under light/dark conditions, with nitrogen limitation as possible trigger, and harvested in the stationary phase.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000456405000018	Publication Date	2018-12-16
	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:155981			Serial	8173
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	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