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Author Han, M.; De Clippeleir, H.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Bott, C.; Murthy, S.
Title Impact of carbon to nitrogen ratio and aeration regime on mainstream deammonification Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Water science and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 74 Issue 2 Pages 375-384
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract While deammonification of high-strength wastewater in the sludge line of sewage treatment plants has become well established, the potential cost savings spur the development of this technology for mainstream applications. This study aimed at identifying the effect of aeration and organic carbon on the deammonification process. Two 10 L sequencing bath reactors with different aeration frequencies were operated at 25 degrees C. Real wastewater effluents from chemically enhanced primary treatment and high-rate activated sludge process were fed into the reactors with biodegradable chemical oxygen demand/nitrogen (bCOD/N) of 2.0 and 0.6, respectively. It was found that shorter aerobic solids retention time (SRT) and higher aeration frequency gave more advantages for aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB) than nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in the system. From the kinetics study, it is shown that the affinity for oxygen is higher for NOB than for AerAOB, and higher dissolved oxygen set-point could decrease the affinity of both AerAOB and NOB communities. After 514 days of operation, it was concluded that lower organic carbon levels enhanced the activity of anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) over denitrifiers. As a result, the contribution of AnAOB to nitrogen removal increased from 40 to 70%. Overall, a reasonably good total removal efficiency of 66% was reached under a low bCOD/N ratio of 2.0 after adaptation.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000380765500011 Publication Date 2016-04-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0273-1223; 1996-9732 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:135032 Serial 8062
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Author Verstraete, W.; Clauwaert, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Used water and nutrients : recovery perspectives in a 'panta rhei' context Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 215 Issue Pages 199-208
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract There is an urgent need to secure global supplies in safe water and proteinaceous food in an eco-sustainable manner, as manifested from tensions in the nexus Nutrients-Energy-Water-Environment-Land. This paper is concept based and provides solutions based on resource recovery from municipal and industrial wastewater and from manure. A set of decisive factors is reviewed facilitating an attractive business case. Our key message is that a robust barrier must clear the recovered product from its original status. Besides refined inorganic fertilizers, a central role for five types of microbial protein is proposed. A resource cycling solution for the extremely confined environment of space habitation should serve as an incentive to assimilate a new user mindset. To achieve the ambitious goal of sustainable food security, the solutions suggested here need a broad implementation, hand in hand with minimizing losses along the entire fertilizer-feed-food-fork chain. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000377935100022 Publication Date 2016-04-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:134591 Serial 8726
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Author Zhang, Q.; De Clippeleir, H.; Su, C.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Murthy, S.
Title Deammonification for digester supernatant pretreated with thermal hydrolysis : overcoming inhibition through process optimization Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Applied microbiology and biotechnology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 100 Issue 12 Pages 5595-5606
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The thermal hydrolysis process (THP) has been proven to be an excellent pretreatment step for an anaerobic digester (AD), increasing biogas yield and decreasing sludge disposal. The goal of this work was to optimize deammonification for efficient nitrogen removal despite the inhibition effects caused by the organics present in the THP-AD sludge filtrate (digestate). Two sequencing batch reactors were studied treating conventional digestate and THP-AD digestate, respectively. Improved process control based on higher dissolved oxygen set-point (1 mg O-2/L) and longer aeration times could achieve successful treatment of THP-AD digestate. This increased set-point could overcome the inhibition effect on aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB), potentially caused by particulate and colloidal organics. Moreover, based on the mass balance, anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) contribution to the total nitrogen removal decreased from 97 +/- A 1 % for conventional to 72 +/- A 5 % for THP-AD digestate treatment, but remained stable by selective AnAOB retention using a vibrating screen. Overall, similar total nitrogen removal rates of 520 +/- A 28 mg N/L/day at a loading rate of 600 mg N/L/day were achieved in the THP-AD reactor compared to the conventional digestate treatment operating at low dissolved oxygen (DO) (0.38 +/- A 0.10 mg O-2/L).
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000376456700033 Publication Date 2016-02-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0175-7598; 1432-0614 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:134166 Serial 7755
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Author Grunert, O.; Reheul, D.; Van Labeke, M.-C.; Perneel, M.; Hernandez-Sanabria, E.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.
Title Growing media constituents determine the microbial nitrogen conversions in organic growing media for horticulture Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Microbial Biotechnology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue 3 Pages 389-399
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy food diet, however, the eco-sustainability of the production of these can still be significantly improved. European farmers and consumers spend an estimated Euro15.5 billion per year on inorganic fertilizers and the production of N-fertilizers results in a high carbon footprint. We investigated if fertilizer type and medium constituents determine microbial nitrogen conversions in organic growing media and can be used as a next step towards a more sustainable horticulture. We demonstrated that growing media constituents showed differences in urea hydrolysis, ammonia and nitrite oxidation and in carbon dioxide respiration rate. Interestingly, mixing of the growing media constituents resulted in a stimulation of the function of the microorganisms. The use of organic fertilizer resulted in an increase in amoA gene copy number by factor 100 compared to inorganic fertilizers. Our results support our hypothesis that the activity of the functional microbial community with respect to nitrogen turnover in an organic growing medium can be improved by selecting and mixing the appropriate growing media components with each other. These findings contribute to the understanding of the functional microbial community in growing media and its potential role towards a more responsible horticulture.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000374662600009 Publication Date 2016-03-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1751-7907 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:133617 Serial 8013
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Author De Clippeleir, H.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Courtens, E.N.P.; Jimenez, J.; Wadhawan, T.; Zhang, Q.
Title Toward energy autarky : carbon redirection coupled with shortcut nitrogen processes Type H3 Book chapter
Year 2015 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 129-150 T2 - Shortcut nitrogen removal : nitrite s
Keywords H3 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-1-57278-313-3 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:130470 Serial 8676
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Author Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Vitor Akaboci, T.R.; Ruscalleda, M.; Colprim, J.; Courtens, E.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Biofilms for one-stage autotrophic nitrogen removal Type H3 Book chapter
Year 2016 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 205-222 T2 - Aquatic biofilms : ecology, water qua
Keywords H3 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-1-910190-17-3 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:130466 Serial 7559
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Author Courtens, E.N.P.; Vandekerckhove, T.; Prat, D.; Vilchez-Vargas, R.; Vital, M.; Pieper, D.H.; Meerbergen, K.; Lievens, B.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Empowering a mesophilic inoculum for thermophilic nitrification : growth mode and temperature pattern as critical proliferation factors for archaeal ammonia oxidizers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 92 Issue Pages 94-103
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Cost-efficient biological treatment of warm nitrogenous wastewaters requires the development of thermophilic nitrogen removal processes. Only one thermophilic nitrifying bioreactor was described so far, achieving 200 mg N L-1 d-1 after more than 300 days of enrichment from compost samples. From the practical point of view in which existing plants would be upgraded, however, a more time-efficient development strategy based on mesophilic nitrifying sludge is preferred. This study evaluated the adaptive capacities of mesophilic nitrifying sludge for two linear temperature increase patterns (non-oscillating vs. oscillating), two different slopes (0.25 vs. 0.08 °C d-1) and two different reactor types (floc vs. biofilm growth). The oscillating temperature pattern (0.25 °C d-1) and the moving bed biofilm reactor (0.08 °C d-1) could not reach nitrification at temperatures higher than 46°C. However, nitrification rates up to 800 mg N L-1 d-1 and 150 mg N g-1 volatile suspended solids d-1 were achieved at a temperature as high as 49°C by imposing the slowest linear temperature increase to floccular sludge. Microbial community analysis revealed that this successful transition was related with a shift in ammonium oxidizing archaea dominating ammonia oxidizing bacteria, while for nitrite oxidation Nitrospira spp. was constantly more abundant than Nitrobacter spp.. This observation was accompanied with an increase in observed sludge yield and a shift in maximal optimum temperature, determined with ex-situ temperature sensitivity measurements, predicting an upcoming reactor failure at higher temperature. Overall, this study achieved nitrification at 49°C within 150 days by gradual adaptation of mesophilic sludge, and showed that ex-situ temperature sensitivity screening can be used to monitor and steer the transition process.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000371555200011 Publication Date 2016-01-14
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 (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:130444 Serial 7900
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Author Seuntjens, D.; Bundervoet, B.L.M.; Mollen, H.; De Mulder, C.; Wypkema, E.; Verliefde, A.; Nopens, I.; Colsen, J.G.M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Energy efficient treatment of A-stage effluent : pilot-scale experiences with short-cut nitrogen removal Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Water science and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 73 Issue 9 Pages 2150-2158
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000376285300013 Publication Date 2016-02-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0273-1223; 1996-9732 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:130442 Serial 7908
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Author Saha, S.; Badhe, N.; Seuntjens, D.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Biswas, R.; Nandy, T.
Title Effective carbon and nutrient treatment solutions for mixed domestic-industrial wastewater in India Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Water science and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 72 Issue 4 Pages 651-657
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The present study evaluates effectiveness of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor followed by two post-anaerobic treatment options, namely free-surface, up-flow constructed wetland (FUP-CW) and oxygen-limited anaerobic nitrification/denitrification (OLAND) processes in treating sewage from the peri-urban areas in India receiving illegal industrial infiltrations. The UASB studies yielded robust results towards fluctuating strength of sewage and consistently removed 87-98% chemical oxygen demand (COD) at a hydraulic retention time of 1.5-2 d. The FUP-CW removed 68.5 +/- 13% COD, 68 +/- 3% NH4+-N, 38 +/- 5% PO43--P, 97.6 +/- 5% suspended particles and 97 +/- 13% fecal coliforms. Nutrient removal was found to be limiting in FUP-CW, especially in winter. Nitrogen removal in the OLAND process were 100 times higher than the FUP-CW process. Results show that UASB followed by FUP-CW can be an excellent, decentralized sewage treatment option, except during winter when nutrient removal is limited in FUP-CW. Hence, the study proposes bio-augmentation of FUP-CW with OLAND biomass for overall improvement in the performance of UASB followed by FUP-CW process.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000359387200019 Publication Date 2015-08-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0273-1223; 1996-9732 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127775 Serial 7840
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Author Spanoghe, J.; Grunert, O.; Wambacq, E.; Sakarika, M.; Papini, G.; Alloul, A.; Spiller, M.; Derycke, V.; Stragier, L.; Verstraete, H.; Fauconnier, K.; Verstraete, W.; Haesaert, G.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Storage, fertilization and cost properties highlight the potential of dried microbial biomass as organic fertilizer Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Microbial biotechnology Abbreviated Journal Microb. Biotechnol.
Volume Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The transition to sustainable agriculture and horticulture is a societal challenge of global importance. Fertilization with a minimum impact on the environment can facilitate this. Organic fertilizers can play an important role, given their typical release pattern and production through resource recovery. Microbial fertilizers (MFs) constitute an emerging class of organic fertilizers and consist of dried microbial biomass, for instance produced on effluents from the food and beverage industry. In this study, three groups of organisms were tested as MFs: a high-rate consortium aerobic bacteria (CAB), the microalga Arthrospira platensis (‘Spirulina’) and a purple non-sulfur bacterium (PNSB) Rhodobacter sp. During storage as dry products, the MFs showed light hygroscopic activity, but the mineral and organic fractions remained stable over a storage period of 91 days. For biological tests, a reference organic fertilizer (ROF) was used as positive control, and a commercial organic growing medium (GM) as substrate. The mineralization patterns without and with plants were similar for all MFs and ROF, with more than 70% of the organic nitrogen mineralized in 77 days. In a first fertilization trial with parsley, all MFs showed equal performance compared to ROF, and the plant fresh weight was even higher with CAB fertilization. CAB was subsequently used in a follow-up trial with petunia and resulted in elevated plant height, comparable chlorophyll content and a higher amount of flowers compared to ROF. Finally, a cost estimation for packed GM with supplemented fertilizer indicated that CAB and a blend of CAB/PNSB (85%/15%) were most cost competitive, with an increase of 6% and 7% in cost compared to ROF. In conclusion, as biobased fertilizers, MFs have the potential to contribute to sustainable plant nutrition, performing as good as a commercially available organic fertilizer, and to a circular economy.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000563539700001 Publication Date 2020-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1751-7915 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors would like to kindly acknowledge (i) the MIP i‐Cleantech Flanders (Milieu‐innovatieplatform; Environment innovation platform) project Microbial Nutrients on Demand (MicroNOD) for financial support, (ii) the DOCPRO4 project ‘PurpleTech’, funded by the BOF (Bijzonder onderzoeksfonds; Special research fund) from the University of Antwerp for financially supporting J.S., (iii) all MicroNOD partners, including the University of Antwerp, Ghent University, AgrAqua, Greenyard Horticulture and Avecom; and (iv) all steering committee members, including Greenyard Frozen, Agristo, AVBS, Vlakwa, het Innovatiesteunpunt, VCM and OVAM. Approved Most recent IF: 5.7; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number (down) DuEL @ duel @c:irua:167595 Serial 6357
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