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.

Abstract: Nanometer sized (Ti,Mo,Cr)C (MX-type) precipitates that grew in a 24% cold worked Ti-stabilized austenitic stainless steel (grade DIN 1.4970, member of the 15-15Ti austenitic stainless steels) after heat treatment were fully characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), probe corrected high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-HAADF STEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). The precipitates shared the cube-on-cube orientation with the matrix and were facetted on {111} planes, yielding octahedral and elongated octahedral shapes. The misfit dislocations were believed to have Burgers vectors a/6<112> which was verified by geometrical phase analysis (GPA) strain mapping of a matrix-precipitate interface. The dislocations were spaced five to seven atomic
planes apart, on average slightly wider than expected for the lattice parameters of steel and TiC. Quantitative atom probe tomography analysis of the precipitates showed that precipitates were significantly enriched in Mo, Cr and V, and that they were hypostoichiometric with respect to C. These findings were consistent with a reduced lattice parameter. The precipitates were found primarily on Shockley
partial dislocations originating from the original perfect dislocation network. These novel findings could contribute to the understanding of how TiC nanoprecipitates interact with point defects and matrix dislocations. This is essential for the application of these Ti-stabilized steels in high temperature environments or fast spectrum nuclear fission reactors.

Abstract: The spatial distribution and temporal concentration variation of a set of gaseous air components (e.g., CO2, CO, H2CO, H2O) have been monitored with a multi-channel photoacoustic gas-analyzer in an urban church ( Saint Catherine's, Cracow) and a mountain church ( Saint Michaels Archangel, Szalowa) of Poland, in order to assess the likely effects of air pollution indoors under the influence of provisory electrical infrared (IR) heaters and without heating. Likewise, the ventilation characteristic and the leakage of these buildings with different constructions (i.e., plastered stone and wooden structures) with the assistance of decay curves of SF6 tracer gas was evaluated and compared. The wooden building in Szalowa, due to its more open structure, developed about one order higher ventilation rates (e.g., 0.9-1.3 h(-1)) than the stone church in Cracow (e.g., 0.1 h(-1)). The IR-heating affected only modestly the ventilation rate of the wooden church (e.g., 1.2-1.6 h(-1)), but it increased significantly that of the plastered stone church (e.g., 0.27 h(-1)). The ventilation rates were also assessed with the use of the CO2 curve decay method, and satisfactory agreement was found with those observed by the use of SF6 tracer. The spatial distribution of the studied gaseous pollutants (CO2, H2O) was found to be in some occasions nonhomogeneous in both buildings, due to the active usage of the IR-heating, especially, during a couple of consecutive liturgical services. Besides the pollution events due to ingress of gaseous air pollutants, present at enhanced levels outdoors, increased CO, CO2 and H2CO peaks were observed indoors too, which, in most cases, could be associated with incense burning. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

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.

Abstract: Airborne particulate matter (PM) includes semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), which can be deposited on vegetation matrices such as plant leaves. In alternative to air-point measurements or artificial passive substrates, leaf monitoring offers a cost-effective, time-integrating means of assessing local air quality. In this study, leaf washing solutions from ivy (Hedera hibernica) leaves exposed during one-month at different land use classes were explored via comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS). The composition of leaf-deposited SVOCs, corrected for those of unexposed leaves, was compared against routinely monitored pollutants concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, O3, NO2, SO2) measured at co-located air monitoring stations. The first study on leaf-deposited SVOCs retrieved from washing solutions, herein reported, delivered a total of 911 detected compounds. While no significant land use (rural, urban, industrial, traffic, mixed) effects were observed, increasing exposure time (from one to 28 days) resulted in a higher number and diversity of SVOCs, suggesting cumulative time-integration to be more relevant than local source variations between sites. After one day, leaf-deposited SVOCs were mainly due to alcohols, N-containing compounds, carboxylic acids, esters and lactones, while ketones, diketones and hydrocarbons compounds gained relevance after one week, and phenol compounds after one month. As leaf-deposited SVOCs became overall more oxidized throughout exposure time, SVOCs transformation or degradation at the leaf surface is suggested to be an important phenomenon. This study confirmed the applicability of GCxGC-TOFMS to analyze SVOCs from leaf washing solutions, further research should include validation of the methodology and comparison with atmospheric organic pollutants.

Abstract: Natural organisms contain rich elements and naturally optimized smart structures, both of which have inspired various innovative concepts and designs in human society. In particular, several natural organisms have been used as element sources to synthesize low-cost and environmentally friendly electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells and metal-air batteries, which are clean energy devices. However, to date, no naturally optimized smart structures have been employed in the synthesis of ORR catalysts, including graphene-based materials. Here, we demonstrate a novel strategy to synthesize graphene-graphite films (GGFs) by heating butterfly wings coated with FeCl3 in N-2, in which the full power of natural organisms is utilized. The wings work not only as an element source for GGF generation but also as a porous supporting structure for effective nitrogen doping, two-dimensional spreading, and double-face exposure of the GGFs. These GGFs exhibit a half-wave potential of 0.942 V and a H2O2 yield of < 0.07% for ORR electrocatalysis; these values are comparable to those for the best commercial Pt/C and all previously reported ORR catalysts in alkaline media. This two-in-one strategy is also successful with cicada and dragonfly wings, indicating that it is a universal, green, and cost-effective method for developing high-performance graphene-based materials.

Abstract: Climate change, environmental pollution control, and resource utilization efficiency, as well as food security, sustainable agriculture, and water supply are among the main challenges facing society today. Expertise across different academic fields, technologies,anddisciplinesisneededtogeneratenewideastomeetthesechallenges. This “white paper” aims to provide a written summary by describing the main aspects and possibilities of the technology. It shows that plasma science and technology can make significant contributions to address the mentioned issues. The paper also addresses to people in the scientific community (inside and outside plasma science) to give inspiration for further work in these fields.

Abstract: The paintings by edouard Manet in The Courtauld Gallery Dejeuner sur l'herbe (1863-68), Marguerite de Conflans en Toilette de Bal (1870-1880), Banks of the Seine at Argenteuil (1874), and A Bar at the Folies-Bergere (1882) were investigated for the first time using a range of non-invasive in situ analyses. The aims of the study were to investigate the painting techniques and materials used for this group of works and to critically evaluate the technical evidence derived from the integrated use of imaging techniques and portable spectroscopic methods in this context. The paintings were investigated by means of macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF), reflection spectral imaging, portable UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, portable Raman spectroscopy, and reflection FTIR. MA-XRF and reflection spectral imaging allowed visualising elements in the compositions that were not visible using traditional methods of technical study. For example, MA-XRF analysis of Dejeuner sur l'herbe revealed elements of the development of the composition that provided new evidence to consider its relationship to other versions of the composition. The study also highlighted questions about the interpretation of elemental distribution maps and spectral images that did not correspond to the reworking visible in X-radiographs. For example, in A Bar at the Folies-Bergere Manet made numerous changes during painting, which were not clearly visualised with any of the techniques used. The research has wider implications for the study of Impressionist paintings, as the results will support technical studies of works by other artists of the period who used similar materials and painting methods.

Abstract: abstract not available

Abstract: abstract not available

Abstract: ​Food production is a cornerstone in contemporary industrial societies. Its production requires land, water and enormous amounts of fertilizers. These precious fertilizers enter the linear food chain and suffer from a cascade of inefficiencies, resulting in detrimental effects to the environment. A radical transforming of the current food production chain is, therefore, essential to guarantee a sustainable future for humanity. ​This thesis has studied the production of microbial protein (i.e. single-cell protein), which is the use of microorganisms such as yeast, fungi, algae and bacteria as protein ingredient for animal feed. The type of microorganisms targeted in this thesis were purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB). These bacteria are an extremely heterogenic group that contain photosynthetic pigments and are able to perform anoxygenic photosynthesis. The core focus of the thesis was technology development for the production of PNSB as a source of microbial protein on wastewater and fresh fertilizers. In the final stage of this research, it was the objective to explore the potential of PNSB as a nutritious feed ingredient for shrimp. ​Overall, this work has provided the building blocks to transform the conventional food production chain. The findings show that PNSB production and biomass valorization is within reach. Further pilot implementation and cost reduction will facilitate the introduction of PNSB production in future’s wastewater treatment plants and the valorization of the biomass as nutritious animal feed ingredient.​

Abstract: Het gebruik van plasmon-actieve nanodeeltjes heeft de laatste 10 jaar zeer veel interesse gewekt bij onderzoekers in verschillende toepassingsdomeinen zoals fotokatalyse of oppervlakte versterkte Raman spectroscopie. Er is echter een grote limiterende factor bij het gebruik van edelmetaal nanodeeltjes zoals goud en zilver en dat is de stabiliteit. Deze oxideren en aggregeren snel, zeker in oxidatieve omgeving zoals in lucht. Een interessante aanpak om plasmon-actieve nanodeeltjes te stabiliseren, is om ze te omgeven in een schil, met andere woorden om een kern-schil nanodeeltje te vormen. Er zijn een heel aantal verschillende manieren waarop kern-schil nanodeeltjes gesynthetiseerd kunnen worden. In eerste instantie werden metaal nanodeeltjes omgeven door een (dunne) TiO2 laag. Afhankelijk van de hoeveelheid TiO2 precursor kon de dikte van de laag gecontroleerd worden tot enkele nanometers dik. De stalen werden getest voor de fotokatalytische afbraak van een vaste laag stearinezuur waarbij toevoeging van 2 wt% metaal@TiO2 op P25 leidde tot een significante verbetering in afbraakefficiëntie in vergelijking met zuiver P25. Een andere manier voor het stabiliseren van metaal nanodeeltjes is door ze te omgeven met een polymeerschil. Op deze manier kon de laagdikte gecontroleerd worden met sub-nanometer controle wat een zeer belangrijke factor is voor de hoeveelheid near-field versterking dat buiten de polymeer schil kan gaan. Een XTT test werd uitgevoerd om te bepalen wat de zuurstofactivatie snelheid was van goud en zilver (en goud-zilver bimetallische) nanodeeltjes, al dan niet omgeven door een (niet-)geleidende polymeer laag. Wanneer de stalen gecoat werden met vier niet-geleidende polymeerlagen zakte de zuurstofactivatie nagenoeg tot nul. Aan de andere kant, als goud nanodeeltjes werden omgeven door een geleidende schil was er nog steeds zuurstofactivatie, hoewel lager dan in het geval van goud zonder laag. Het laatste deel van deze thesis focuste meer op mogelijke toepassingen in luchtzuivering. In dit werk werd een glazen buis, gecoat aan de binnenkant met (Ag@polymer gemodificeerd) TiO2, als een spiraal rond een UVA lamp gewikkeld. De geoptimaliseerde spiraalreactor werd dan vergeleken met een conventionele cilindervormige fotoreactor, met dezelfde dimensies en totale katalysatorbelading, over een grote range aan experimentele condities. Uit de resultaten bleek dat de spiraalreactor significant betere afbraakefficiënties vertoonde in vergelijking met de conventionele cilindervormige reactor over een grote range aan debieten. Een adsorptiestap in combinatie met de geoptimaliseerde spiraalreactor zou kunnen leiden tot een zeer krachtige luchtzuiveringstechnologie.

Abstract: In iets meer dan 30 jaar moeten we tot 50% meer eiwit produceren, terwijl onze conventionele lineaire voedselproductieketen reeds de grenzen van duurzaamheid overschrijdt. Microbieel eiwit (MP), de eiwitrijke biomassa van micro-organismen, werd onderzocht als nieuw voeder en voedselingrediënt in een circulaire eiwitproductieketen. MP-productie kan gebaseerd zijn op primaire grondstoffen om zo de inefficiënte stappen in de huidige eiwitproductie over te slaan, of de productie kan gebaseerd zijn op secundaire grondstoffen afkomstig van de verliezen in de conventionele productieketen (bijvoorbeeld afvalwater). Zowel indirecte als directe strategiën voor nutriëntenherwinning kunnen geïdentificeerd worden. Indirecte nutriëntenherwinning werd onderzocht door struviet toe te passen als fosfor- en stikstofbron voor MP-productie. Struviet, een herwinningsproduct in de afvalwaterzuivering, bleek een hoge zuiverheidsgraad te hebben waardoor het een uitstekende selectieve barrière vormt tussen afvalstroom en MP productie. Oplossingssnelheden en MP groei-experimenten toonden aan dat struviet gemakkelijk gedoseerd kan worden in functie van de microbiële nutriëntenbehoeftes, waarnaast problemen vermeden worden gerelateerd aan de turbiditeit van nevenstromen, wat de productie van fototrofe MP mogelijk maakt. Daarnaast werd ook directe nutriëntenherwinning onderzocht. Hierbij werden de voedingswaarde en veiligheid geanalyseerd van biomassa bestaande uit aerobe heterotrofe bacteriën (AHB) afkomstig van effluentzuivering van 25 bedrijven in de voedings- en drankensector. Verder werd ook de temporele variabiliteit in kaart gebracht. Er werd een veelbelovend eiwitgehalte geobserveerd waarvan de variabiliteit aanzienlijke was. Verder werd aangetoond dat het eiwitgehalte positief gecorreleerd was met stikstofbelasting en negatief met slibverblijftijd, wat een indicatie is dat de implementatie van een geoptimaliseerd productieproces, de biomassakwaliteit gevoelig kan verhogen. Bovendien was de veiligheid als veevoeder gegarandeerd op vlak van de meeste contaminanten. In het daarop volgende hoofdstuk werd de variabiliteit in voedingswaarde en veiligheid bestudeerd van commerciële fototrofe MP (de microalgen Chlorella en Spirulina), gekweekt op primaire grondstoffen. De waargenomen variabiliteit in voedingswaarde vereist verdere optimalisatie van het productieproces. Er werd ook waargenomen dat een hoog eiwitgehalte geen hoge totale voedingswaarde impliceert, omdat de verteerbaarheid en de eiwitkwaliteit nog steeds ongunstig kunnen zijn. Op basis van gemeten contaminanten geeft een veilige consumptiedosis aan dat microalgen perfect kunnen worden geconsumeerd als volwaardige eiwitbron in plaats van als supplement, hun huidige hoofdtoepassing. In een laatste experimenteel hoofdstuk werd onderzocht hoe de variabiliteit in biomassakwaliteit van microalgen kan worden gereduceerd en hoe een stabiele, hoogwaardige biomassaproductie kan worden bekomen. De invloed van oogsttijd, operationele modus en fotoperiode werd bepaald op de productiviteit van biomassa, eiwit en essentiële aminozuren en er werden optimale productieparameters geïdentificeerd. Samengevat is MP-productie op basis van indirecte en directe nutriëntenherwinning veelbelovend. Verdere technologische ontwikkelingen en het verhogen van bewustwording en sociale acceptatie, moeten een verdere introductie van MP in de voeder- en voedingsmarkt faciliteren. Hier kan MP een belangrijke oplossing vertegenwoordigen om de exponentieel groeiende wereldbevolking op een duurzame manier te voeden.