Home << 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 >>
List View
 | 
Citations
 | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Huyskens, C.; Brauns, E.; van Hoof, E.; Diels, L.; de Wever, H.
Title Validation of a supervisory control system for energy savings in membrane bioreactors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 45 Issue 3 Pages 1443-1453
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The application of fixed operational protocols and settings for membrane bioreactors (MBR) often leads to suboptimal filtration conditions due to the dynamic nature of mixed liquor characteristics. With regard to process optimization and energy savings, the potential benefits of a dynamic control system, enabling to adapt fouling control actions (ACS outputs) in an automated way to the actual mixed liquor fouling propensity, are thus obvious. In this paper, the pilot-scale validation of such an advanced control system (ACS) is elaborated. A specific on-line fouling measurement method, the MBR-VFM (VITO Fouling Measurement), was used for the evaluation of the mixed liquors reversible fouling propensity, which was used as a primary ACS input parameter. A first series of tests with a gradual increase in complexity of the selected input and output parameters indicated the functionality of the ACS and demonstrated a substantial reduction of aeration, however sometimes at the expense of a higher fouling rate. The ACS was further fine-tuned and subsequently tested for a longer period under more dynamic operating conditions. A significant correlation was found between the reversible fouling potential measured by the MBR-VFM and the on-line permeability, indicating that the MBR-VFM is a suitable ACS input. Furthermore, an average 22% reduction in aeration flow to the membranes could be achieved without any obvious negative effect on filtration performance. This indicates that this approach is promising to optimize energy consumption in MBRs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000287054500047 Publication Date 2010-11-11
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:88400 Serial 8728
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Kim, E.; Spooren, J.; Broos, K.; Nielsen, P.; Horckmans, L.; Geurts, R.; Vrancken, K.C.; Quaghebeur, M.
Title Valorization of stainless steel slag by selective chromium recovery and subsequent carbonation of the matrix material Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Journal of cleaner production Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 117 Issue Pages 221-228
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract This study focuses on the recycling of stainless steel (SS) slags containing about 1.2 wt% of chromium (Cr). The selective recovery of Cr from SS slag by a hydrometallurgical method (alkaline pressure leaching) was investigated. Leaching experiments were carried out based on 2(4-1) factorial design of experiment (DOE) with the following parameters: NaOH concentration, temperature, leaching time, and mechanical activation (MA). Results show that temperature and MA are the most influencing factors for an enhanced Cr leaching. The maximum Cr leaching was 46% at 1 M NaOH, 240 degrees C, 6 h, MA 30 min, while the matrix material was dissolved only to a limited extent (Al 2.88%, Si 0.12%, Ca 0.05%). After Cr leaching followed by alkali washing, a carbonation treatment is proposed to stabilize the remaining Cr in the matrix material and make the subsequent recycling of the matrix material as a construction material possible. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000371552200025 Publication Date 2016-01-23
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 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:132432 Serial 8731
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Christis, M.; Geerken, T.; Vercalsteren, A.; Vrancken, K.C.M.
Title Value in sustainable materials management strategies for open economies case of Flanders (Belgium) Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Resources, conservation and recycling Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 103 Issue Pages 110-124
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) strategies, such as reuse, recycling and energy recovery aim, to capture more of the embedded resource or material value in products and waste streams. Reuse, recycling and energy recovery are existing activities in every society but they are poorly reflected in official statistics. Reaching higher levels of reuse, recycling and energy recovery may provide economic and environmental opportunities (i.e., in terms of GDP, jobs, reduced impacts), but not all options will have a net win-win-win property in practice, as they reduce the need for producing new commodities. In open economies, many primary resources, components and products are imported from abroad, and many goods produced are exported abroad. This paper describes a top-down methodology for estimating the substitution potential of intensifying specific SMM-strategies and material efficiency strategies. We combined both regional and multi-regional EE-IO (environmentally extended input-output) models to link industrial sectors to SMM-strategies. Our method enables us to compare the different SMM and material efficiency strategies in terms of the maximum available budgets for reaching them on a break even basis, maximum savings in global warming emissions and substituted employment effects, both through a regional and global perspective. We add a case on Flanders (Northern region in Belgium) to illustrate the methodology. Flanders is currently developing a policy for SMM. Selecting new regional actions for a Sustainable Materials Management policy can benefit from a good understanding of the international entangled value chains. It is important to understand how much of the chain is within reach of domestic policies and also to assess the consequences in terms of potential winners and losers, regarding GDP, jobs and environmental impacts, both domestically and abroad. We illustrated the potential outcomes for Flanders from four generic SMM-strategies: energy recovery, food waste prevention, recycling and reuse. From a strict regional self-interest perspective, it is preferable to substitute foreign value chains with local economic activities. Reuse creates by far the largest budget for new activities to realize the strategy (31.2% of Flemish GDP compared to 8.3% for food waste prevention, 6.2% for energy recovery and 4.2% for recycling). All four strategies have similar and significant potentials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, food waste prevention and reuse have higher potentials to reduce Flemish territorial GHG-emissions. From a pure Flemish employment perspective, the energy recovery and recycling strategies could replace the fewest Flemish jobs, and from a global perspective, all strategies most likely imply losses of jobs abroad. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000362618600011 Publication Date 2015-08-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 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:128777 Serial 8732
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author De Valck, J.; Beames, A.; Liekens, I.; Bettens, M.; Seuntjens, P.; Broekx, S.
Title Valuing urban ecosystem services in sustainable brownfield redevelopment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Ecosystem services Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 35 Issue Pages 139-149
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Urban environments provide opportunities for greater resource efficiency and the fostering of urban ecosystems. Brownfield areas are a typical example of underused land resources. Brownfield redevelopment projects that include green infrastructure allow for further ecosystems to be accommodated in urban environments. Green infrastructure also deliver important urban ecosystem services (UES) to local residents, which can greatly contribute to improving quality of life in cities. In this case study, we quantify and assess the economic value of five UES for a brownfield redevelopment project in Antwerp, Belgium. The assessment is carried out using the “Nature Value Explorer” modelling tool. The case includes three types of green infrastructure (green corridor, infiltration gullies and green roofs) primarily intended to connect nature reserves on the urban periphery and to avoid surface runoff. The green infrastructure also provides air filtration, climate regulation, carbon sequestration and recreation ecosystem services. The value of recreation far exceeds other values, including the value of avoided runoff. The case study raises crucial questions as to whether existing UES valuation approaches adequately account for the range of UES provided and whether such approaches can be improved to achieve more accurate and reliable value estimates in future analyses.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000457119300016 Publication Date 2018-12-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-0416 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:157539 Serial 8733
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Alloul, A.; Wuyts, S.; Lebeer, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Volatile fatty acids impacting phototrophic growth kinetics of purple bacteria : paving the way for protein production on fermented wastewater Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 152 Issue Pages 138-147
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Nutrient losses in our food chain severely surpass our planetary boundaries. Resource recovery can contribute to mitigation, for instance through converting wastewater resources to microbial protein for animal feed. Wastewater typically holds a complex mixture of organics, posing a challenge to selectively produce heterotrophic biomass. Ensuring the product's quality could be achieved by anaerobic generation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) followed by photoheterotrophic production of purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) with infrared light. This study aimed to determine the most suitable PNSB culture for VFA conversion and map the effect of acetate, propionate, butyrate and a VFA mixture on growth and biomass yield. Six cultures were screened in batch: (i) Rhodopseudomonas palustris, (ii) Rhodobacter sphaeroides, (iii) Rhodospirillum rubrum, (iv) a 3-species synthetic community (i+ii+iii), (v) a community enriched on VFA holding Rb. capsulatus, and (vi) Rb. capsulatus (isolate v). The VFA mixture elevated growth rates with a factor 1.32.5 compared to individual VFA. Rb. capsulatus showed the highest growth rates: 1.82.2 d−1 (enriched) and 2.33.8 d−1 (isolated). In a photobioreactor (PBR) inoculated with the Rb. capsulatus enrichment, decreasing sludge retention time (SRT) yielded lower biomass concentrations, yet increased productivities, reaching 1.7 g dry weight (DW) L−1 d−1, the highest phototrophic rate reported thus far, and a growth rate of up to 5 d−1. PNSB represented 2657% of the community and the diversity index was low (37), with a dominance of Rhodopseudomonas at long SRT and Rhodobacter at short SRT. The biomass yield for all cultures, in batch and reactor cultivation, approached 1 g CODBiomass g−1 CODRemoved. An economic estimation for a two-stage approach on brewery wastewater (load 2427 kg COD d−1) showed that 0.5 d SRT allowed for the lowest production cost ( 10 kg−1 DW; equal shares for capex and opex). The findings strengthen the potential for a novel two-stage approach for resource recovery from industrial wastewater, enabling high-rate PNSB production.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000458223900013 Publication Date 2018-12-27
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:156462 Serial 8739
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Lindeboom, R.E.F.; Clauwaert, P.; Alloul, A.; Coessens, W.; Christiaens, M.; Vanoppen, M.; Rabaey, K.; Verliefde, A.R.D.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Water and nutrient recovery from combined urine and grey water treatment in Space Type P3 Proceeding
Year 2015 Publication Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume Issue Pages 3 p. T2 - IWA Resource Recovery Conference, 30 Aug
Keywords P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
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:151143 Serial 8747
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Han, M.; Seuntjens, D.; Al-Omari, A.; Takacs, I.; Meerburg, F.; Murthy, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; De Clippeleir, H.
Title Water and process parameters as controllers for the ammonia to nitrite oxidation rate ratio in activated sludge Type P3 Proceeding
Year 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume Issue Pages 3 p. T2 - IWA 2017 Conference on Sustainable Waste
Keywords P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
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:151110 Serial 8748
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author de Paepe, J.; Lindeboom, R.E.F.; Vanoppen, M.; Alonso Farinas, B.; Coessens, W.; Abbas, A.; Christiaens, M.; Dotremont, C.; Beckers, H.; Lamaze, B.; Demey, D.; Rabaey, K.; Clauwaert, P.; Verliefde, A.R.D.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Water treatment unit breadboard : ground test facility for the recycling of urine and shower water for one astronaut Type P3 Proceeding
Year 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume Issue Pages 2 p. T2 - 5th IWA Benelux Young Water Professional
Keywords P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
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:151114 Serial 8749
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Lin, S.; Shao, L.; Hui, C.; Song, Y.; Reddy, G.V.P.; Gielis, J.; Li, F.; Ding, Y.; Wei, Q.; Shi, P.; Reddy, G.V.P.
Title Why does not the leaf weight-area allometry of bamboos follow the 3/2-power law? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication Frontiers in plant science Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 9 Issue Pages 583
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The principle of similarity (Thompson, 1917) states that the weight of an organism follows the 3/2-power law of its surface area and is proportional to its volume on the condition that the density is constant. However, the allometric relationship between leaf weight and leaf area has been reported to greatly deviate from the 3/2-power law, with the irregularity of leaf density largely ignored for explaining this deviation. Here, we choose 11 bamboo species to explore the allometric relationships among leaf area (A), density (ρ), length (L), thickness (T), and weight (W). Because the edge of a bamboo leaf follows a simplified two-parameter Gielis equation, we could show that A ∝ L2 and that A ∝ T2. This then allowed us to derive the density-thickness allometry ρ ∝ Tb and the weight-area allometry W ∝ A(b+3)/2 ≈ A9/8, where b approximates −3/4. Leaf density is strikingly negatively associated with leaf thickness, and it is this inverse relationship that results in the weight-area allometry to deviate from the 3/2-power law. In conclusion, although plants are prone to invest less dry mass and thus produce thinner leaves when the leaf area is sufficient for photosynthesis, such leaf thinning needs to be accompanied with elevated density to ensure structural stability. The findings provide the insights on the evolutionary clue about the biomass investment and output of photosynthetic organs of plants. Because of the importance of leaves, plants could have enhanced the ratio of dry material per unit area of leaf in order to increase the efficiency of photosynthesis, relative the other parts of plants. Although the conclusion is drawn only based on 11 bamboo species, it should also be applicable to the other plants, especially considering previous works on the exponent of the weight-area relationship being less than 3/2 in plants.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000431415100001 Publication Date 2018-05-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1664-462x 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:150948 Serial 8758
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Mishra, V.K.; Kumar, P.; Van Poppel, M.; Bleux, N.; Frijns, E.; Reggente, M.; Berghmans, P.; Int Panis, L.; Samson, R.
Title Wintertime spatio-temporal variation of ultrafine particles in a Belgian city Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 431 Issue Pages 307-313
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Simultaneous measurements of ultrafine particles (UFPs) were carried out at four sampling locations situated within a 1 km(2) grid area in a Belgian city, Borgerhout (Antwerp). All sampling sites had different orientation and height of buildings and dissimilar levels of anthropogenic activities (mainly traffic volume). The aims were to investigate: (i) the spatio-temporal variation of UFP within the area, (ii) the effect of wind direction with respect to the volume of traffic on UFP levels, and (iii) the spatial representativeness of the official monitoring station situated in the study area. All sampling sites followed similar diurnal patterns of UFP variation, but effects of local traffic emissions were evident. Wind direction also had a profound influence on UFP concentrations at certain sites. The results indicated a clear influence of local weather conditions and the more dominant effect of traffic volumes. Our analysis indicated that the regional air quality monitoring station represented the other sampling sites in the study area reasonably well; temporal patterns were found to be comparable though the absolute average concentrations showed differences of up to 35%. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000306887900037 Publication Date 2012-06-14
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 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:101123 Serial 8759
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Wang, Y.-T.; Wu, S.-M.; Luo, G.-Q.; Tian, G.; Wang, L.-Y.; Xiao, S.-T.; Wu, J.-X.; Wu, A.; Wu, K.-J.; Lenaerts, S.; Yang, X.-Y.
Title A core-shell confined Pd@TS-1 @meso-SiO2 catalyst and its synergy effect on styrene oxidation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Applied catalysis : A : general Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 650 Issue Pages 119016-6
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Dual active sites from acidic zeolite and Pd are not only capable of catalyzing multiple type of reactions, but could also generate unique functions owing to the synergy between metals and acidic sites. However, there are only a few reports on the investigation of the synergy of acid/Pd dual sites in TS-1. Herein, TS-1 confined Pd catalyst with mesoporous silica shell (Pd@TS-1 @meso-SiO2) has been successfully synthesized and its synergy effect contributes to the enhanced conversion rate (19.2%) and selectivity (74.7%) on styrene oxidation. The interaction between Pd and TS-1 has been investigated by EPR and 1H NMR techniques, the experimental measurements show an obvious change in the signal distribution of weakly acidic terminal hydroxyls and hydrogen-bonding silanols. The schematic illustration of selective styrene oxidation in the model of Pd@TS-1 @meso-SiO2 is proposed to clarify the synergistic effect on styrene oxidation between TS-1 and Pd nanoparticles at an atomic-/nanoscale.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001015700000001 Publication Date 2022-12-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-860x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.5 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.5; 2023 IF: 4.339
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197805 Serial 8826
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Shi, P.; Chen, L.; Quinn, B.K.; Yu, K.; Miao, Q.; Guo, X.; Lian, M.; Gielis, J.; Niklas, K.J.
Title A simple way to calculate the volume and surface area of avian eggs Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 1524 Issue 1 Pages 118-131
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Egg geometry can be described using Preston's equation, which has seldom been used to calculate egg volume (V) and surface area (S) to explore S versus V scaling relationships. Herein, we provide an explicit re-expression of Preston's equation (designated as EPE) to calculate V and S, assuming that an egg is a solid of revolution. The side (longitudinal) profiles of 2221 eggs of six avian species were digitized, and the EPE was used to describe each egg profile. The volumes of 486 eggs from two avian species predicted by the EPE were compared with those obtained using water displacement in graduated cylinders. There was no significant difference in V using the two methods, which verified the utility of the EPE and the hypothesis that eggs are solids of revolution. The data also indicated that V is proportional to the product of egg length (L) and maximum width (W) squared. A 2/3-power scaling relationship between S and V for each species was observed, that is, S is proportional to (LW2)(2/3). These results can be extended to describe the shapes of the eggs of other species to study the evolution of avian (and perhaps reptilian) eggs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000975679400001 Publication Date 2023-04-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0077-8923; 1749-6632 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.2; 2023 IF: 4.706
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196724 Serial 8827
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Saeumel, I.; Ramirez, L.R.; Santolin, J.; Pintado, K.
Title A step to disentangle diversity patterns in Uruguayan grasslands : climatic seasonality, novel land-uses, and landscape context drive diversity of ground flora Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Conservation Science and Practice Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 5 Issue 9 Pages 1-20
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract South American grasslands contain extraordinary biodiversity and play a central role in the subsistence of regional agroecosystems. In recent decades, afforestation, followed by the soybean planting boom, have led to drastic land-use changes at the expense of grasslands. Impacts on local biodiversity have remained understudied. We explored the taxonomic richness and ss-diversity of plants of ground layer (excluding trees and shrubs) at different land uses, its interplay at regional scale with environmental heterogeneity, and at local scale with novel land cover types and landscape configurations. We conducted correlation, principal component, NDMS, and SDR analysis to explore variation of taxonomic richness, richness difference, replacement, and similarity of ground flora as response to environmental filters and land use change across Uruguay. We surveyed 160 plots distributed in 10 land cover types, that is, closed and open native forests, different grasslands, crops, orchards, and timber plantations. We observed overlaying regional patterns driven by seasonality of temperature and precipitation, and land cover shaping taxonomic richness at local scale. Landscape configuration affects diversity patterns of native ground flora, which seems to be sustained mainly by the “old growth grassland” species pool. Taxonomic richness of native species decreases with an increase of distance to grassland. Crops and grasslands harbor a higher number of native species in the ground flora than native forests and timber plantations. The introduction of exotics is driven mostly by crops or highly modified pastures. Diversity patterns only partially reflect the ecoregion concept. Expanding the perspective from conservation in purely natural ecosystems to measures conserving species richness in human-modified landscapes is a powerful tool against species loss in the Anthropocene.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001034673500001 Publication Date 2023-07-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2578-4854 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198300 Serial 8828
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Xie, Y.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Zhu, W.; Peng, L.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Autotrophic nitrogen polishing of secondary effluents : Alkaline pH and residual nitrate control S0-driven denitratation for downstream anammox treatment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Water Process Engineering Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 56 Issue Pages 104402-104409
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Energy-lean nitrogen removal technologies, such as partial nitritation/anammox, often encounter effluent issues due to elevated nitrate and ammonium levels. This study proposed a novel autotrophic polishing strategy coupling sulfur-driven denitratation with anammox. To explore the denitratation potential in obtaining stable and sufficient nitrite accumulation, the effects of pH, residual nitrate level, and biomass-specific nitrate loading rate (BSNLR) were investigated in an S0-packed bed reactor at low hydraulic retention time (i.e., 0.2 h). Implementing pH and residual nitrate control strategies would be easier in practice than BSNLR control to polish secondary effluent. Alkaline pH values could realize successful nitrite accumulation without residual nitrate, and further intensify the accumulation under increased residual nitrate levels. The nitrate level was positively correlated with the nitrite accumulation efficiency. At pH 8.5 and nitrate concentration of 1.0 ± 0.8 mg N L−1, sulfur-driven denitratation could successfully maintain nitrite accumulation of 6.4 ± 1.0 mg NO2−-N L−1, ideally for the downstream anammox in case of residual ammonium levels of around 5 mg N L−1. Since Thiobacillus members play a key role in managing nitrite accumulation, their abundance should be guaranteed in the practical application.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001103341400001 Publication Date 2023-10-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2214-7144 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 18.04.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200036 Serial 8835
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Maes, R.R.; Potters, G.; Fransen, E.; Geuens, J.; Van Schaeren, R.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Can we find an optimal fatty acid composition of biodiesel in order to improve oxidation stability? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Sustainability Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 15 Issue 13 Pages 10310-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Medical Genetics (MEDGEN)
Abstract Air quality currently poses a major risk for human health. Currently, diesel is widely used as fuel and is a significant source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), both hazardous to human health. A good alternative for mineral diesel is biodiesel, not only for the improvement of hazardous components in the exhaust gases but also because it can be produced in view of a circular economy. Biodiesel consists of a mix of different fatty acid methyl esters, which can react with oxygen. As a consequence, the oxidation stability of biodiesel has to be studied, because the oxidation of biodiesel could affect the performance of the engine due to the wear of injectors and fuel pumps. The oxidation stability could also affect the quality of the exhaust gases due to increases in NOx and PM. The basic question we try to answer in this communication is: 'Can we find an optimal fatty acid composition in order to have a maximal oxidation stability?' In this article, we try to find the optimal fatty acid composition according to the five most common fatty acid methyl esters present in biodiesel in order to reach a maximal oxidation stability. The measurements and statistical analysis show, however, that there is no useful regression model because there are statistically significant two- and three-way interactions among the different fatty acids.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001028597300001 Publication Date 2023-06-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2071-1050 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9; 2023 IF: 1.789
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198241 Serial 8839
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Perreault, P.; Boruntea, C.-R.; Dhawan Yadav, H.; Portela Soliño, I.; Kummamuru, N.B.
Title Combined methane pyrolysis and solid carbon gasification for electrified CO₂-free hydrogen and syngas production Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Energies Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 16 Issue 21 Pages 7316-7320
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The coupling of methane pyrolysis with the gasification of a solid carbon byproduct provides CO2-free hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas, eliminating the conundrum of carbon utilization. Firstly, the various types of carbon that are known to result during the pyrolysis process and their dependencies on the reaction conditions for catalytic and noncatalytic systems are summarized. The synchronization of the reactions’ kinetics is considered to be of paramount importance for efficient performance. This translates to the necessity of finding suitable reaction conditions, carbon reactivities, and catalysts that might enable control over competing reactions through the manipulation of the reaction rates. As a consequence, the reaction kinetics of methane pyrolysis is then emphasized, followed by the particularities of carbon deposition and the kinetics of carbon gasification. Given the urgency in finding suitable solutions for decarbonizing the energy sector and the limited information on the gasification of pyrolytic carbon, more research is needed and encouraged in this area. In order to provide CO2-free hydrogen production, the reaction heat should also be provided without CO2. Electrification is one of the solutions, provided that low-carbon sources are used to generate the electricity. Power-to-heat, i.e., where electricity is used for heating, represents the first step for the chemical industry.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001103312100001 Publication Date 2023-10-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1996-1073 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200456 Serial 8842
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 (up)
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 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 (up)
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
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Perreault, P.; Van Hoecke, L.; Pourfallah, H.; Kummamuru, N.B.; Boruntea, C.-R.; Preuster, P.
Title Critical challenges towards the commercial rollouts of a LOHC-based H2 economy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Current opinion in green and sustainable chemistry Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 41 Issue Pages 100836-100838
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract This short review discusses recent developments related to the storage and release of hydrogen from liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs). It focusses on three areas of recent literature: the application and development of novel, alternative LOHC systems, process development and process integration in the storage and release of hydrogen from LOHCs, and the electrochemical conversion of LOHCs. For the novel LOHC systems, we briefly focus on reaction enthalpy and storage capacity as main KPIs for the comparison of those systems and discuss the technical availability on a relevant scale. In the field of process- and reactor development our emphasis lies on the power density of the chemical conversion units. The LOHC technology still requires further development to reach the necessary energy efficiency, flexibility and overall research maturity for market competitivity and commercial impact.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001019180100001 Publication Date 2023-05-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2452-2236 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.3; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196520 Serial 8845
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Perreault, P.; Preuster, P.
Title Editorial hydrogen production storage and use Type Editorial
Year 2023 Publication Current opinion in green and sustainable chemistry Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 44 Issue Pages 100861-100863
Keywords Editorial; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In the pursuit of clean and sustainable energy sources, hydrogen has emerged as a key contender, offering high energy density and the potential to serve as a carbon-neutral fuel. However, one of the major challenges associated with hydrogen is efficient and safe storage and transportation. In this Special Edition, we delve into the exciting developments in the upcoming hydrogen economy, from its sustainable production to chemical hydrogen storage. Some of our reviews focus on particular technologies namely on liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) and the utilization of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001079651000001 Publication Date 2023-08-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2452-2236 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 9.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.3; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198505 Serial 8853
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Wang, L.; Shi, P.; Chen, L.; Gielis, J.; Niklas, K.J.
Title Evidence that Chinese white olive (Canarium album(Lour.) DC.) fruits are solids of revolution Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Botany letters Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume Issue Pages 1-7
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Although many fruit geometries resemble a solid of revolution, this assumption has rarely been rigorously examined. To test this assumption, 574 fruits of Canarium album (Lour.) DC. which appear to have an ellipsoidal shape, were examined to determine the validity of a general avian-based egg-shape equation, referred to as the explicit Preston equation (EPE). The assumption that the C. album fruit geometry is a solid of revolution is tested by applying the volume formula for a solid of revolution using the EPE. The goodness of fit of the EPE was assessed using the adjusted root-mean-square error (RMSEadj). The relationship between the observed volume (Vobs) of each fruit, as measured by water displacement in a graduated cylinder, and the predicted volumes (Vpre) based on the EPE was also evaluated using the equation Vpre = slope * Vobs. All the RMSEadj values were smaller than 0.05, which demonstrated the validity of the EPE based on C. album fruit profiles. The 95% confidence interval of the slope of Vpre vs. Vobs included 1.0, indicating that there was no significant difference between Vpre and Vobs. The data confirm that C. album fruits are solids of revolution. This study provides a new approach for calculating the volume and surface area of geometrically similar fruits, which can be extended to other species with similar fruit geometries to further explore the ontogeny and evolution of angiosperm reproductive organs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001033135400001 Publication Date 2023-07-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2381-8107; 2381-8115 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.5 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 24.01.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.5; 2023 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198001 Serial 8864
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 (up)
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
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Gielis, J.
Title Fred Van Oystaeyen : Time hybrids: a new generic theory of reality Type Review
Year 2023 Publication Symmetry, Culture and Science Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 34 Issue 3 Pages 347-351
Keywords Review; 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 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199538 Serial 8871
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Lian, M.; Shi, P.; Zhang, L.; Yao, W.; Gielis, J.; Niklas, K.J.
Title A generalized performance equation and its application in measuring the Gini index of leaf size inequality Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Trees: structure and function Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 37 Issue Pages 1555-1565
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The goal of this study is to provide a rigorous tool to quantify the inequality of the leaf size distribution of an individual plant, thereby serving as a reference trait for quantifying plant adaptations to local environmental conditions. The tool to be presented and tested employs three components: (1) a performance equation (PE), which can produce flexible asymmetrical and symmetrical bell-shaped curves, (2) the Lorenz curve (i.e., the cumulative proportion of leaf size vs. the cumulative proportion of number of leaves), which is the basis for calculating, and (3) the Gini index, which measures the inequality of leaf size distribution. We sampled 12 individual plants of a dwarf bamboo and measured the area and dry mass of each leaf of each plant. We then developed a generalized performance equation (GPE) of which the PE is a special case and fitted the Lorenz curve to leaf size distribution using the GPE and PE. The GPE performed better than the PE in fitting the Lorenz curve. We compared the Gini index of leaf area distribution with that of leaf dry mass distribution and found that there was a significant difference between the two indices that might emerge from the scaling relationship between leaf dry mass and area. Nevertheless, there was a strong correlation between the two Gini indices (r2 = 0.9846). This study provides a promising tool based on the GPE for quantifying the inequality of leaf size distributions across individual plants and can be used to quantify plant adaptations to local environmental conditions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001069570200001 Publication Date 2023-08-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0931-1890; 1432-2285 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.3 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 26.02.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.3; 2023 IF: 1.842
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199562 Serial 8874
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Wittner, N.
Title Improving and characterising solid-state fungal pretreatment by Phanerochaete chrysosporium for sugar production from poplar wood Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume Issue Pages 206 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Abstract Pretreatment is a critical step in the conversion of lignocellulose into biofuels and biochemicals. During pretreatment, the recalcitrance of lignocellulose is reduced, e.g. by removing lignin, thereby making the carbohydrates more accessible for enzymatic saccharification. Fungal delignification by white-rot fungi is a biotechnological alternative to chemical/physicochemical methods, which is carried out in solid-state fermentation with mild reaction conditions and without the formation of microbial inhibitors. However, fungal pretreatment presents some challenges, such as long pretreatment time, non-selective and low delignification, low enzymatic digestibility and feedstock sterilisation requirement, making its commercial implementation challenging compared to conventional methods. This study investigates the possibility of improving and characterising the solid-state fungal pretreatment of poplar wood by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The individual and combined effects of MnSO4 and CuSO4 supplements on the delignification of sterilised wood are investigated using response surface methodology to improve the degree and selectivity of fungal delignification. Spore-inoculated solid-state fermentations are carried out for 4 weeks in sterile vented bottles. The mechanism of the concerted action of the metal ions on lignin degradation is then elucidated by relating fungal growth and ligninolytic enzyme activities to lignocellulose degradation as a function of pretreatment time. The optimised metal-supplemented system is then applied to the pretreatment of non-sterilised wood using different inoculation techniques (spores and pre-colonised substrate), nutrients (metal ions with or without glucose and sodium nitrate) and cultivation environments (sterile aerated bottles and open trays). The fermentations are then characterised using infrared spectroscopy, in particular NIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, with the aim of developing rapid lignin quantification methods as an alternative to conventional wet chemical methods. Finally, the feasibility of producing fermentable sugars from sterilised and non-sterilised poplar wood using fungal pretreatment is evaluated through a techno-economic analysis. Supplementing the pretreatment system with 2.01 µmol CuSO4 and 0.77 µmol MnSO4 g-1 wood resulted in 1.9-fold higher lignin degradation, 2.3-fold higher delignification selectivity value and 2.9-fold higher glucose yield. The improved delignification could be explained by the concerted action of Mn2+ and Cu2+ ions, with Mn2+ ions inducing and Cu2+ prolonging manganese peroxidase production responsible for delignification. Fungal pretreatment at non-sterile conditions was obtained using trays in a simple solid-state fermentation set-up without sterile aeration. A 1:3 ratio of pre-colonised and untreated wood was applied for inoculation and only Cu2+, Mn2+ and sodium nitrate as supplements. Remarkably, this technology resulted in a comparably high glucose yield (28.51 ± 0.28%) to the traditional method using sterilised wood, sterile aeration and spores as inoculum, while reducing the amount of wood to be sterilised by 71.2%. Infrared spectroscopy-based methods with high coefficients of determination (R_CV
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:197185 Serial 8883
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Van Putte, N.
Title Improving groundwater dynamics : a key factor for successful tidal marsh restoration Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume Issue Pages 166 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Ecosphere
Abstract Tidal marshes take up and release certain elements from and to the river water. Hence, they act as a filter, improving the estuarine water quality. This filtering function depends on the interaction between the marsh soil and water that infiltrates into the marsh platform at high tide and seeps out of the creek banks at low tide. In the past centuries, many tidal marshes disappeared due to large scale land reclamations, together with their associated ecosystem services. Nowadays, tidal marshes are increasingly restored on formerly embanked agricultural areas to regain these ecosystem services. Here, we studied the effect of historical agricultural land use on the contribution of restored tidal marshes to water quality improvement, and we investigated several solutions to stimulate the water quality improving function in newly restored tidal marshes. In restored tidal marshes, the soil is often compacted due to the historical agricultural land use, leading to a reduced organic matter content and micro- and macroporosity. In this compacted soil, groundwater flow is hindered, leading to a more waterlogged soil and reduced groundwater dynamics in the restored marsh as compared to a natural marsh. The depth of groundwater drainage and the groundwater flow velocity have important implications for the processes that contribute to water quality improvement, e.g. removal of nitrogen, phosphorus retention and silica cycling. Where groundwater drains deeper, i.e. in the vicinity of tidal creeks and in a more porous soil, these processes are promoted. We suggest that, in newly restored tidal marshes, the soil porosity can be increased by amending the soil (e.g. with organic matter), and the distance to the nearest tidal creek can be reduced by creek excavation. Numerical modelling showed that the largest gain in groundwater dynamics and seepage was attained when both measures were applied together. The effect of organic soil amendments on groundwater dynamics and nutrient cycling was further explored in a large scale in situ mesocosm experiment. Where the soil was amended, groundwater drained deeper and nitrogen removal increased. For new tidal marsh restoration projects, we advise to conduct an explorative soil study. When the soil is heavily compacted, design measures, such as creek initiation and organic soil amendments can be applied to jumpstart the contribution to water quality improvement of newly restored tidal marshes.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196965 Serial 8884
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Huang, L.; Ratkowsky, D.A.; Hui, C.; Gielis, J.; Lian, M.; Shi, P.
Title Inequality measure of leaf area distribution for a drought-tolerant landscape plant Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Plants Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 12 Issue 17 Pages 3143-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Measuring the inequality of leaf area distribution per plant (ILAD) can provide a useful tool for quantifying the influences of intra- and interspecific competition, foraging behavior of herbivores, and environmental stress on plants’ above-ground architectural structures and survival strategies. Despite its importance, there has been limited research on this issue. This paper aims to fill this gap by comparing four inequality indices to measure ILAD, using indices for quantifying household income that are commonly used in economics, including the Gini index (which is based on the Lorenz curve), the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index. We measured the area of all leaves for 240 individual plants of the species Shibataea chinensis Nakai, a drought-tolerant landscape plant found in southern China. A three-parameter performance equation was fitted to observations of the cumulative proportion of leaf area vs. the cumulative proportion of leaves per plant to calculate the Gini index for each individual specimen of S. chinensis. The performance equation was demonstrated to be valid in describing the rotated and right shifted Lorenz curve, given that >96% of root-mean-square error values were smaller than 0.004 for 240 individual plants. By examining the correlation between any of the six possible pairs of indices among the Gini index, the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index, the data show that these indices are closely related and can be used interchangeably to quantify ILAD.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001065193100001 Publication Date 2023-08-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2223-7747 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:199564 Serial 8886
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Phuttaro, C.; Krishnan, S.; Saritpongteeraka, K.; Charnnok, B.; Diels, L.; Chaiprapat, S.
Title Integrated poultry waste management by co-digestion with perennial grass : effects of mixing ratio, pretreatments, reaction temperature, and effluent recycle on biomethanation yield Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Biochemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume 196 Issue Pages 108937-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract This work aims to enhance the efficiency of integrated poultry waste management in bio-circular-green economy by maximizing the co-digestion of chicken manure and its digestate-grown biomass. In a series of batch assays, Napier grass (NG) was mixed with chicken manure (CM) at various proportions (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100) to identify co-substrate synergism, followed by physiochemical conditioning (size reduction and ultrasonication) of NG before co-digestion. Results indicated that NG mix of at least 80% was required to gain a full methanation potential of the individual substrates; no synergistic ratio above unity was found. However, the combined effect of size reduction and sonication was found to markedly improve the cosubstrate's biodegradability by 88.7%. The findings were then used to run continuous co-digestion at various operating regimes. In optimal continuous co-digestion condition, NG particle size of 0.6-2.4 mm combined with sonication intensity at 1111 kJ/kgTS improved biomethanation yield as high as 106.3%. Sub-thermophilic digestion at 45 degrees C was shown to give a higher and more stable CH4 yield than at 55 degrees C. Finally, it was also found that recycling liquid effluent at 40% to replace freshwater in feed, although showed no significant difference in CH4 yield (& alpha; = 0.05), noticeably increased system buffer capacity. This optimized biodegradation regime could give co-digestion waste management a higher overall plant efficiency and economic return.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001054826200001 Publication Date 2023-04-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1369-703x; 1873-295x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.9 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.9; 2023 IF: 2.892
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199209 Serial 8887
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Wittner, N.; Vasilakou, K.; Broos, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Nimmegeers, P.; Cornet, I.
Title Investigating the technical and economic potential of solid-state fungal pretreatment at nonsterile conditions for sugar production from poplar wood Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Industrial and engineering chemistry research Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume Issue Pages 1-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Pretreatment is crucial for the conversion of lignocellulose to biofuels. Unlike conventional chemical/physicochemical methods, fungal pretreatment uses white-rot fungi and mild reaction conditions. However, challenges, including substrate sterilization, long duration, and low sugar yields associated with this method, contribute to lower techno-economic performance, an aspect that has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of fungal pretreatment of nonsterilized poplar wood. Various factors, including inoculum types, fermentation supplements, and cultivation methods, were investigated to optimize the process. A techno-economic assessment of the optimized processes was performed at a full biorefinery scale. The scenario using nonsterilized wood as a substrate, precolonized wood as an inoculum, and a 4 week pretreatment showed a 14.5% reduction in sugar production costs (€2.15/kg) compared to using sterilized wood. Although the evaluation of nonsterilized wood pretreatment showed promising cost reductions, fungal pretreatment remained more expensive than conventional methods due to the significant capital investment required.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001102138000001 Publication Date 2023-10-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0888-5885; 1520-5045 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 4.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 24.04.2024
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.2; 2023 IF: 2.843
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200155 Serial 8891
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Shi, P.; Gielis, J.; Niklas, K.J.; Niinemets, Ü.; Schrader, J.
Title Leaf functional traits : ecological and evolutionary implications Type ME3 Book as editor
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal (up)
Volume Issue Pages 185 p.
Keywords ME3 Book as editor; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2023-04-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-2-8325-2086-4; 1664-8714 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198002 Serial 8894
Permanent link to this record