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Author Shi, P.; Wang, L.; Quinn, B.K.K.; Gielis, J.
Title A new program to estimate the parameters of Preston's equation, a general formula for describing the egg shape of birds Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication Symmetry Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
Volume 15 Issue 1 Pages (down) 231-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Preston's equation is a general model describing the egg shape of birds. The parameters of Preston's equation are usually estimated after re-expressing it as the Todd-Smart equation and scaling the egg's actual length to two. This method assumes that the straight line through the two points on an egg's profile separated by the maximum distance (i.e., the longest axis of an egg's profile) is the mid-line. It hypothesizes that the photographed egg's profile is perfectly bilaterally symmetrical, which seldom holds true because of photographic errors and placement errors. The existing parameter estimation method for Preston's equation considers an angle of deviation for the longest axis of an egg's profile from the mid-line, which decreases prediction errors to a certain degree. Nevertheless, this method cannot provide an accurate estimate of the coordinates of the egg's center, and it leads to sub-optimal parameter estimation. Thus, it is better to account for the possible asymmetry between the two sides of an egg's profile along its mid-line when fitting egg-shape data. In this paper, we propose a method based on the optimization algorithm (optimPE) to fit egg-shape data and better estimate the parameters of Preston's equation by automatically searching for the optimal mid-line of an egg's profile and testing its validity using profiles of 59 bird eggs spanning a wide range of existing egg shapes. We further compared this method with the existing one based on multiple linear regression (lmPE). This study demonstrated the ability of the optimPE method to estimate numerical values of the parameters of Preston's equation and provide the theoretical egg length (i.e., the distance between two ends of the mid-line of an egg's profile) and the egg's maximum breadth. This provides a valuable approach for comparing egg shapes among conspecifics or across different species, or even different classes (e.g., birds and reptiles), in future investigations.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000927531000001 Publication Date 2023-01-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2073-8994 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.7; 2023 IF: 1.457
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:195347 Serial 7279
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Author Gielis, J.
Title The geometrical beauty of plants Type MA3 Book as author
Year 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) 229 p.
Keywords MA3 Book as author; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2017-06-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-94-6239-150-5; 978-94-6239-151-2 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:144554 Serial 7997
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Author Broos, W.; Wittner, N.; Dries, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Gunde-Cimerman, N.; Cornet, I.
Title Rhodotorula kratochvilovae outperforms Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum in the valorisation of lignocellulosic wastewater to microbial oil Type A1 Journal article
Year 2024 Publication Process biochemistry (1991) Abbreviated Journal
Volume 137 Issue Pages (down) 229-238
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Abstract Rhodotorula kratochvilovae has shown to be a promising species for microbial oil production from lignin-derived compounds. Yet, information on R. kratochvilovae’s detoxification and microbial oil production is scarce. This study investigated the growth and microbial oil production on the phenolic-containing effluent from poplar steam explosion and its detoxification with five R. kratochvilovae strains (EXF11626, EXF9590, EXF7516, EXF3697, EXF3471) and compared them with Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum. The R. kratochvilovae strains reached a maximum growth rate up to four times higher than C. oleaginosum. Furthermore, all R. kratochvilovae strains generally degraded phenolics more rapidly and to a larger extent than C. oleaginosum. However, the diluted substrate limited the lipid production by all strains as the maximum lipid content and titre were 10.5% CDW and 0.40 g/L, respectively. Therefore, future work should focus on increasing lipid production by using advanced fermentation strategies and stimulating the enzyme excretion by the yeasts for complex substrate breakdown.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-01-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1359-5113 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor 4.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.4; 2024 IF: 2.497
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202365 Serial 9087
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Author Van Wesenbeeck, K.; Hauchecorne, B.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Study of a TiO2 photocatalytic coating for use in plasma catalysis Type A2 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences Abbreviated Journal
Volume 78 Issue 1 Pages (down) 227-233
Keywords A2 Journal article; 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 1379-1176 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:105388 Serial 5991
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Author Gao, J.; Huang, W.; Gielis, J.; Shi, P.
Title Plant morphology and function, geometric morphometrics, and modelling : decoding the mathematical secrets of plants Type ME3 Book as editor
Year 2023 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) 224 p.
Keywords ME3 Book as editor; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Delve into the diverse aspects of plant morphology, their responses to global climate change, and the spatiotemporal dynamics of forest productivity. Join us on a journey through the intricate web of plant characteristics and their impact on the environment.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2024-01-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-3-0365-9422-4; 978-3-0365-9423-1 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:201545 Serial 9073
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Author Kovalevsky, A.; Buysse, C.; Snijkers, F.; Buekenhoudt, A.; Luyten, J.; Kretzschmar, J.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Oxygen exchange-limited transport and surface activation of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-\delta capillary membranes Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Journal of membrane science Abbreviated Journal J Membrane Sci
Volume 368 Issue 1/2 Pages (down) 223-232
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Analysis of oxygen permeation fluxes through Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) capillary membranes, fabricated via a phase-inversion spinning technique using polysulfone as binder, showed a significant limiting role of the surface-oxygen exchange kinetics. Within the studied temperature and oxygen partial pressure ranges, the activation of core and shell sides of the BSCF capillary with praseodymium oxide (PrOx) resulted in an increase in permeation rate of about 300%. At 11231223 K the activated BSCF membranes demonstrate almost 3-times lower activation energies for the overall oxygen transport (not, vert, similar35 kJ/mol) than the non-activated capillaries, indicating that the mechanism of oxygen transport through the activated capillaries becomes significantly controlled by bulk diffusion limitations, allowing further improvement of the overall performance by decreasing the wall thickness. XRD, EDS and EPMA studies revealed the formation of (Pr,Ba,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3−δ perovskite-type oxides on the surface of the PrOx-modified membranes, which may be responsible for the drastic increase in oxygen exchange rate. At T > 1123 K both non-activated and activated Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ membranes demonstrate stable performance with time, while at 1073 K only a small initial decrease in permeation was observed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000286701800027 Publication Date 2010-11-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0376-7388 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.035 Times cited 21 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the German Helmholtz Alliance Project “MEM-BRAIN”, aiming at the development of gas separation membranes for zero-emission fossil fuel power plants. Experimental assistance of B. Molenberghs, W. Doyen, H. Chen, R. Kemps, M. Mertens, I. Thijs, and W. Bouwen (VITO) is gratefully acknowledged. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.035; 2011 IF: 3.850
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:88072 Serial 5975
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Author Keulemans, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Hauchecorne, B.; Martens, J.A.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Activity versus selectivity in photocatalysis : morphological or electronic properties tipping the scale Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Journal of catalysis Abbreviated Journal J Catal
Volume 344 Issue Pages (down) 221-228
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In this paper a structure-activity and structure-selectivity relation is established for three commercial TiO2 sources (P25, P90, and PC500). Morphological and electronic parameters of the photocatalysts are determined using widely applicable and inexpensive characterization procedures. More specifically, the electronic properties are rigorously characterized using an electron titration method yielding quantitative information on the amount of defect sites present in the catalyst. Surface photovoltage measurements on the other hand provide complementary information on the charge carrier recombination process. As model reaction, the degradation of a solid layer of stearic acid is studied using an in situ FTIR reaction cell that enables to investigate the catalyst surface and possible formation of reaction intermediates while the reactions are ongoing. We show that the order of photocatalytic conversion is PC500 > P90 > P25, matching the order of favorable morphological properties. In terms of selectivity to CO2 formation (complete mineralization), however, this trend is reversed: P25 > P90 > PC500, now matching the order of advantageous electronic properties, i.e. low charge carrier recombination and high charge carrier generation. With this we intend to provide new mechanistic insights using a wide variety of physical, (wet) chemical and operando analysis methods that aid the development of performant (self-cleaning) photocatalytic materials.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000390182800022 Publication Date 2016-10-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0021-9517 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.844 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; M.K. acknowledges Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship for the doctoral scholarship. S.W.V. acknowledges the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO) for a post-doctoral fellowship. J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem). ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.844
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:136339 Serial 5926
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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
Volume 117 Issue Pages (down) 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 Borah, R.
Title Photoactive nanostructures : from single plasmonic nanoparticles to self-assembled films Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) xxxiv, 220 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Photoactive nanoparticles and their light-driven applications have gained tremendous scientific attention towards remediation of the global environmental problems, meeting alternative energy demands, and other new technological discoveries. The research work presented in this dissertation includes a fundamental investigation of such nanoparticles to gain deeper insights that will ultimately benefit their application. In particular, the study of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles for light driven applications is the major theme of this work. The investigation begins with isolated plasmonic Au and Ag nanoparticles, followed by a natural extension to nanoparticle clusters, and then further to nanoparticle films. Next, the application of such plasmonic nanoparticle films for gaseous phase sensing of volatile organic compounds is explored. Finally, the film formation of metal-oxide nanoparticles by self-assembly is investigated for the fabrication of photoactive functional interfaces. The fundamental theoretical investigation of the isolated plasmonic nanoparticles encompasses alloy and core-shell nanostructures of Au-Ag bimetallic compositions. First, the optical properties of bimetallic alloy and core-shell nanoparticles are compared for different structures such as nanospheres, nanotriangles and nanorods. Based on the optical properties, the photothermal properties of these nanostructures are also evaluated for relevant light-driven applications. Further, to bridge the gap between the theoretical and experimental optical properties of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles, the effect of different statistical parameters pertaining to the particle size distribution is studied. Going from isolated nanoparticles to nanoparticle clusters, the changes in the optical properties of plasmonic nanoparticles when they form finite clusters is investigated. A strong effect of clustering on the absorption intensities of the nanoparticles and hence, on the photothermal properties is found. Next, for the study of plasmonic nanoparticle infinite arrays, Au and Ag nanoparticles films are experimentally obtained by the self-assembly at the air-ethylene glycol interface. Upon further validation of the computational models with the experimental optical properties of these films, the near-field and far-field optical response of the plasmonic nanoparticle arrays is investigated. An application of the self-assembled Au nanoparticle film is then demonstrated in the sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Finally, the focus is shifted from plasmonic nanoparticles to metal oxide nanoparticles for their self-assembly at the air-water interface to obtain self-assembled films. For this, the hydrophobic functionalization of four metal oxides nanoparticles namely, TiO2, ZnO, WO3 and CuO is investigated. The insights from this work is useful for the design and fabrication of functional nanoparticles and interfaces for light driven applications.
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:189155 Serial 7188
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Verbruggen, S.W.; Dirckx, J.J.J.; Martens, J.A.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Surface photovoltage measurements : a quick assessment of the photocatalytic activity? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Catalysis today Abbreviated Journal Catal Today
Volume 209 Issue Pages (down) 215-220
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Surface photovoltage (SPV) measurements can contribute to a better understanding of electronic properties of photocatalysts under illumination. Direct linking of SPV data to the actual photocatalytic activity remains troublesome. This work aims to discuss SPV measurements from a photocatalytic point of view. By means of several application-based scenarios we illustrate that the trend between SPV and photocatalysis strongly depends on parameters such as the crystal structure, surface modifications, morphology and humidity. This makes the interpretation far from straightforward.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000319498800035 Publication Date 2013-01-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0920-5861 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.636 Times cited 8 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.636; 2013 IF: 3.309
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:106520 Serial 5995
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Smets, W.; Moretti, S.; Denys, S.; Lebeer, S.
Title Airborne bacteria in the atmosphere : presence, purpose, and potential Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Atmospheric environment : an international journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 139 Issue Pages (down) 214-221
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Numerous recent studies have highlighted that the types of bacteria present in the atmosphere often show predictable patterns across space and time. These patterns can be driven by differences in bacterial sources of the atmosphere and a wide range of environmental factors, including UV intensity, precipitation events, and humidity. The abundance of certain bacterial taxa is of interest, not only for their ability to mediate a range of chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere, such as cloud formation and ice nucleation, but also for their implications -both beneficial and detrimental-for human health. Consequently, the widespread importance of airborne bacteria has stimulated the search for their applicability. Improving air quality, modelling the dispersal of airborne bacteria (e.g. pathogens) and biotechnological purposes are already being explored. Nevertheless, many technological challenges still need to be overcome to fully understand the roles of airborne bacteria in our health and global ecosystems.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000379093900021 Publication Date 2016-05-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1352-2310 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:133711 Serial 7432
Permanent link to this record
 

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

 
Author Alloul, A.
Title Purple bacteria as microbial protein source : technology development, community control, economic optimization and biomass valorization Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2019 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) 212 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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.​
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-90-5728-636-0 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164820 Serial 8430
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Huyskens, C.; Lenaerts, S.; Brauns, E.; Diels, L.; de Wever, H.
Title Study of (ir)reversible fouling in MBRs under various operating conditions using new on-line fouling sensor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Separation and purification technology Abbreviated Journal Sep Purif Technol
Volume 81 Issue 2 Pages (down) 208-215
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In this study, a new fouling sensor was validated under different conditions of hydraulic (HRT) and sludge retention time (SRT). The MBR-VFM (membrane bioreactor-VITO Fouling Measurement) allows the simultaneous determination of the physically reversible and irreversible fouling potential of a mixed liquor during a single crossflow filtration test. In accordance with the on-line filtration behavior, the measured reversible and irreversible fouling propensities differed significantly between MBRs operated at different combinations of HRT-SRT. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was found between the on-line permeability and the reversible and irreversible fouling propensity measured by the MBR-VFM. This corresponded to observations made on membrane recovery after physical or chemical cleaning actions. Higher reversible and irreversible fouling were observed at lower HRT, presumably as a consequence of increased concentrations of foulants present. The effect of SRT was much smaller and restricted to the reversible fouling component. Possible explanations for the increased fouling at prolonged SRT are the higher sludge and colloid concentration and the smaller floc size. It can be concluded that the MBR-VFM is a useful tool to monitor fluctuations in a mixed liquors (ir)reversible fouling potential and can contribute to a deeper understanding of the occurring fouling phenomena.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000296108500012 Publication Date 2011-08-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1383-5866 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.359 Times cited 15 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.359; 2011 IF: 2.921
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:93410 Serial 5992
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Spanoghe, J.
Title Purple bacteria cultivation on light, carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas : exploring and tuning the potential for microbial food production Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) vi, 207 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The human population is projected to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050, resulting in an estimated increase in protein demand of 50%. From an environmental perspective, the current and future demand of protein cannot be sustainably met as the conventional food production chain is severely altering biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus, biodiversity and land-use, with flows towards the biosphere and oceans that are exceeding the planetary boundaries. Microbial protein (protein derived from microorganisms) has been suggested as an excellent sustainable protein source, a fortiori when produced in a land- and fossil free manner. The photoautohydrogenotrophic cultivation (i.e. with light, CO2 and H2) of purple bacteria links up perfectly with the upcoming green electrification of industry (green H2) and the need for carbon capture and utilization. However, this metabolism represented a gap in literature, and thus this thesis aimed to establish a basic knowledge platform on its kinetic, stoichiometric and nutritional performance. At first, three originally photoheterotrophically enriched purple bacteria were studied of which Rhodobacter capsulatus reached the highest protein productivity of 0.16 g protein/L/d, which aligned well with the commonly-known photoautotrophic microalgae. Moreover, a full dietary essential amino acid match was found for human food, while the fatty acid content was dominated by the health-stimulating vaccenic acid (82-86%). Lastly, the achieved protein yield in photoautohydrogenotrophic purple bacteria was 2.3 times higher compared to hydrogen oxidizing bacteria, indicating a resource-efficient use of H2. Next, a photoautohydrogenotrophic enrichment of wastewater treatment microbiomes was performed in search for specialist species. While the isolates of this enrichment showed improvements in their performance during acclimation, the kinetic and nutritional performance of Rhodobacter capsulatus still excelled. Subsequently, the influence of nutrient limitations (C or N) and nitrogen gas fixation was studied on the nutritional tuning potential. Both the limitations as well as the N2 fixation resulted in the shift of the essential amino acid profiles. Additionally, the limitations significantly decreased the pigment content, while an increase in the storage of poly-P was seen in case of carbon limitations. The next major challenge was the production intensification in a photobioreactor of which the design was linked to minimizing both H2 and light limitations. The chosen bubble-column photobioreactor already resulted in a doubled biomass productivity. Finally, the remaining technological and non-technological challenges ahead for the production of a high-value, cost-efficient, environment-friendly microbial protein that complies with legislative requirements and appeals to future consumers were discussed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-90-5728-741-1 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188233 Serial 7198
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhu, W.
Title Microbial resource management for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox : strategies to enhance the nitrogen conversion efficiency Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) 207 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract This thesis provides three potential ways to enhance the nitrogen removal efficiency of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), a key technology to enable energy-positive sewage treatment. In Chapter 1, the typical technologies to promote nitrogen removal efficiency are summarized. In Chapters 2 and 3, the concept ‘winter bioaugmentation with stored summer surplus sludge’ is proposed. Applying that, a cost-effective sludge preservation strategy is required. Preserving PN/A biomass without cooling and redox adjustment proved to be the cost-effective strategy. The reactivation of these stored sludges was also tested in low-temperature systems (15 and 10℃). Respectively 56% and 41% of granules activity compared to pre-storage activity (after Arrhenius-based temperature correction) could be recovered within a month (41% and 32% for flocs activity). In the end, the stored AnAOB bioaugmentation was successfully validated in the lab (20℃). In Chapter 4, a return-sludge nursery concept, applying the sidestream nitritation and blending the resulting effluent with mainstream effluent to achieve an intermediate temperature and nitrogen concentrations, is proposed. That led to a 33 – 36% increase in nitrogen removal efficiency. Arrhenius’ expectations (10 ℃ higher temperature, θ = 1.09) could only explain 49-51% of the activity increase in the nursery reactor, pointing to the role of other factors, e.g., the ~400% elevated electrical conductivity (15-16%), the 56-335% higher effluent nitrogen concentrations (12-14%), and the synergy and unknown factors (20-23%). Thus, the return-sludge biostimulation approach could also enhance nitrogen efficiency in the mainstream. In Chapter 5, the N2O emissions, linked to three typical nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) suppression strategies (low dissolved oxygen (DO) level, free ammonia (FA), and free nitrous acids (FNA) treatments) were tested in a biofilm system. A low emerged DO level (~0.60 mg O2 L-1) was effective to suppress NOB activity and decrease N2O emissions, but NOB adaptation gradually appeared after 200 days. Further NOB inhibition was successfully achieved by periodical (3 hours per week) FA (~30 mg NH3-N L-1) or FNA (~3 mg HNO2-N L-1) treatments. The FA treatment promoted N2O production, while the FNA treatment had no effect. Thus, PN/A systems should be operated at relatively low DO levels with periodical FNA treatment. In Chapter 6, the major findings proposed and the main conclusions drawn in this thesis are outlined. Beyond that, the possible design of a mainstream PN/A configuration that combined all described three technologies is demonstrated. Overall, the novel insights from this thesis potential to improve nitrogen removal efficiency in the mainstream.
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:184236 Serial 8245
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Author Tang, T.; Boenne, W.; Desmet, N.; Seuntjens, P.; Bronders, J.; van Griensven, A.
Title Quantification and characterization of glyphosate use and loss in a residential area Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 517 Issue Pages (down) 207-214
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Urban runoff can be a significant source of pesticides in urban streams. However, quantification of this source has been difficult because pesticide use by urban residents (e.g., on pavements or in gardens) is often unknown, particularly at the scale of a residential catchment. Proper quantification and characterization of pesticide loss via urban runoff require sound information on the use and occurrence of pesticides at hydrologically-relevant spatial scales, involving various hydrological conditions. We conducted a monitoring study in a residential area (9.5 ha, Flanders, Belgium) to investigate the use and loss of a widely-used herbicide (glyphosate) and its major degradation product (aminomethylphosphonic acid, AMPA). The study covered 13 rainfall events over 67 days. Overall, less than 0.5% of glyphosate applied was recovered from the storm drain outflow in the catchment. Maximum detected concentrations were 6.1 mu g/L and 5.8 mu g/L for glyphosate and AMPA, respectively, both of which are below the predicted no-effect concentration for surface water proposed by the Flemish environmental agency (10 mu g/L), but are above the EU drinking water standard (0.1 mu g/L). The measured concentrations and percentage loss rates can be attributed partially to the strong sorption capacity of glyphosate and low runoff potential in the study area. However, glyphosate loss varied considerably among rainfall events and event load of glyphosate mass was mainly controlled by rainfall amount, according to further statistical analyses. To obtain urban pesticide management insights, robust tools are required to investigate the loss and occurrence of pesticides influenced by various factors, particularly the hydrological and spatial factors. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000352663800020 Publication Date 2015-02-27
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:125992 Serial 8431
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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
Volume Issue Pages (down) 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
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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 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
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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 (down) 205-222 T2 - Aquatic biofilms : ecology, water qua
Keywords H3 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-1-910190-17-3 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:130466 Serial 7559
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Author Xie, Y.
Title Bioreactor strategies for sustainable nitrogen cycling based on mineralization/nitrification, partial nitritation/anammox or sulfur-based denitratation Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) iv, 205 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In the biogeochemical flows on Earth, the reactive nitrogen (Nr) level has three times surpassed the safe boundary. The severe transgression of this boundary goes against sustainable planetary development. The modern food production process excessively relies on synthetic Nr fertilizers from the Haber– Bosch process. However, the massive loss of valuable nitrogen resources (i.e., 78-89%) from agriculture has been causing severe nitrogen cascade. Besides, the domestic wastewater in some local areas is discharged without proper treatment, making it a nonnegligible source of Nr pollution for local water bodies. Anthropogenic activities keep pumping out Nr pollution via point-source and non-point-source (NPS) emissions. Compared to the NPS emissions, point sources give visible and identified waste streams. It is vital to intervene the nitrogen cascade from point sources and facilitate humanity back to the safe Nr boundary. The collected and collectible Nr streams from food production, waste management, and recycling secondary raw materials can be used as waste-based fertilizers for agricultural cultivation. Besides the well-investigated recovery of inorganic Nr, organic Nr accounts for a massive Nr proportion on the Earth. Proper handling and treatment make these useful organic fertilizers for soil-based cultivation. However, these organic Nr fertilizers cannot directly apply to fertigation or hydroponic cultivation systems, and further biological conversion via nitrogen mineralization and nitrification to nitrate is essential. Besides the direct Nr cycling, the indirect Nr cycling ‘over the atmosphere’ should also be considered. In this way, the nitrogen cycle can be completed via converting the waste Nr back to nitrogen gas (i.e., Nr removal) and then synthesizing into Nr again. The municipal wastewater treatment plants receive a vast amount of low-strength Nr wastewater (mainly as ammonium) daily. Compared to the conventional nitrification/denitrification process, partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) is considered a resource- and cost-effective technology for wastewater with a low COD/N ratio. Moreover, the novel autotrophic denitratation/anammox process could be a good Nr removal process for wastewater containing both ammonium and nitrate. This Ph.D. thesis aimed to develop Nr recovery, conversion, and removal bioreactor strategies for different types of waste streams and biomass. Nr recovery was investigated on high-strength Nr waste streams for fertigation or hydroponic applications in Chapters 2 and 3. On the other hand, Nr removal was studied on the medium- to low-strength Nr waste streams in Chapters 4 and 5. In Chapter 2, a novel mineralization and nitrification system was proposed, producing nutrient solutions from solid organic fertilizers for hydroponic systems. Batch tests showed that aerobic incubation at 35°C could realize the NO₃⁻-N production efficiency above 90% from a novel microbial fertilizer. Subsequently, in the stirred tank bioreactor test, NO₃⁻-N production efficiency stabilized in a range of 44-51% under the influent loading rate of 400 mg TN L⁻¹ d⁻¹ at a 5-day HRT. Using Ca(OH)₂ and Mg(OH)₂ as pH control reagents generated the nutrient solutions with different P, Ca, and Mg nutrient levels. After modeling the nutrient balancing process, the proportion of organic-sourced NO₃⁻-N in the Hoagland nutrient solution (HNS) of Ca(OH)₂ scenario was 92.7%, while only 37.4% in the Mg(OH)₂ scenario. Compared to commercial scenarios, the total costs of the organic-sourced HNS can be cost-competitive for hydroponic cultivation. In Chapter 3, the Nr recovery as nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) from diluted human urine (around 670 mg N L⁻¹) was explored in a trickling filter (TF) for the first time. A novel concept of in-situ integrating the TF system into hydroponic systems was proposed as meaningful progress towards sustainable agriculture. The difference between synthetic and real urine in nitrification efficiency was found to be negligible. The full nitrification of alkalinized real urine was realized in the pH-controlled TF by calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) at around pH 6. The TF could handle different urine collection batches and maintain relatively stable nitrification performance, with NO₃⁻-N production efficiency and rate of 88±3% and 136±4 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹, respectively. The optimal HLR to realize this nitrification performance was 2 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹, with energy consumption of 1.8 kWh electricity kg⁻¹ NO₃⁻-N production. Ca(OH)₂, as a cheap base, its triple advantages on urine alkalinization, full nitrification, and macronutrient supplementation were successfully demonstrated in our proposed concept. In Chapter 4, towards more sustainable wastewater treatment, the feasibility of one-stage partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) was investigated in three parallel packed-bed trickling filters (TFs), with three types of carrier materials of different specific surface areas. Synthetic wastewater containing 100-250 mg NH₄⁺-N L⁻¹ was tested to mimic medium-strength household waste streams after carbon removal. Interestingly, the cheap carrier based on expanded clay achieved similar rates as commercially used plastic carrier materials. The top passive ventilation combined with an optimum hydraulic loading rate of 1.8 m³ m⁻² h⁻¹ could reach approximately 60% total nitrogen (TN) removal at a rate of 300 mg N L⁻¹ d⁻¹. A relatively low NO₃⁻-N production (13%) via PN/A was achieved in TFs. Most of the TN removal took place in the top compartment, where anammox activity was the highest. Energy consumption estimation (0.78 kWh electricity g⁻¹ N removed) suggested that the proposed process could be a suitable low-cost alternative for nitrogen removal. In Chapter 5, coupling sulfur-driven denitratation (SDN) with anammox was proposed to treat the wastewater containing both NO₃⁻-N and NH₄⁺-N, like the secondary effluents of mainstream PN/A processes. To explore the feasibility of sufficient and stable NO₂⁻-N accumulation via SDN in the long term, the effects of pH setpoints, residual NO₃⁻-N level, and biomass-specific NO₃⁻-N loading rate (BSNLR) were investigated. Alternating the pH setpoints between 7.0 and 8.5 could temporarily stimulate the NO₂⁻-N accumulation. Both the residual NO₃⁻-N and BSNLR showed highly positive correlations with the NO₂⁻-N accumulation efficiency. Under the control of pH 8.5, 1.0±0.8 mg NO₃⁻-N L⁻¹ and 150±42 mg NO₃⁻-N g⁻¹ VSS d⁻¹, SDN could produce 6.4±1.0 mg NO₂⁻-N L⁻¹ in the short term. Thiobacillus members may play a crucial role in managing the NO₂⁻-N accumulation, but the reduction of abundance and possible adaptation significantly impaired the efficacy of control strategies in the long run. Overall, novel technologies have been proposed to sustainably convert Nr in waste streams and biomass. The decision for Nr recovery versus removal and synthesis should be based on specific cases with the best environmental, economic, and human-health sustainability. In the future, the Nr management concepts should be further improved to make the nitrogen cycle more sustainable with higher resource use efficiency and less Nr emissions to the environment. Although the thesis is mainly focused on limited types of Nr waste streams, it pointed out the direction of sustainable Nr management and could facilitate the Nr back to the safe boundary in the long run.
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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 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:182099 Serial 7563
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Author Verbruggen, S.W.; Deng, S.; Kurttepeli, M.; Cott, D.J.; Vereecken, P.M.; Bals, S.; Martens, J.A.; Detavernier, C.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Photocatalytic acetaldehyde oxidation in air using spacious TiO2 films prepared by atomic layer deposition on supported carbonaceous sacrificial templates Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
Volume 160 Issue Pages (down) 204-210
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Supported carbon nanosheets and carbon nanotubes served as sacrificial templates for preparing spacious TiO2 photocatalytic thin films. Amorphous TiO2 was deposited conformally on the carbonaceous template material by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Upon calcination at 550 °C, the carbon template was oxidatively removed and the as-deposited continuous amorphous TiO2 layers transformed into interlinked anatase nanoparticles with an overall morphology commensurate to the original template structure. The effect of type of template, number of ALD cycles and gas residence time of pollutant on the photocatalytic activity, as well as the stability of the photocatalytic performance of these thin films was investigated. The TiO2 films exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity toward photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde in air as a model reaction for photocatalytic indoor air pollution abatement. Optimized films outperformed a reference film of commercial PC500.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor
Language Wos 000340687900024 Publication Date 2014-05-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 37 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes 335078 Colouratom; Iap-Pai P7/05; Fwo; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 9.446; 2014 IF: 7.435
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117094 Serial 2608
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Author Broos, W.; Wittner, N.; Geerts, J.; Dries, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Gunde-Cimerman, N.; Richel, A.; Cornet, I.
Title Evaluation of lignocellulosic wastewater valorization with the oleaginous yeasts R. kratochvilovae EXF7516 and C. oleaginosum ATCC 20509 Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Fermentation Abbreviated Journal
Volume 8 Issue 5 Pages (down) 204-221
Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Abstract During the conversion of lignocellulose, phenolic wastewaters are generated. Therefore, researchers have investigated wastewater valorization processes in which these pollutants are converted to chemicals, i.e., lipids. However, wastewaters are lean feedstocks, so these valorization processes in research typically require the addition of large quantities of sugars and sterilization, which increase costs. This paper investigates a repeated batch fermentation strategy with Rhodotorula kratochvilovae EXF7516 and Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum ATCC 20509, without these requirements. The pollutant removal and its conversion to microbial oil were evaluated. Because of the presence of non-monomeric substrates, the ligninolytic enzyme activity was also investigated. The repeated batch fermentation strategy was successful, as more lipids accumulated every cycle, up to a total of 5.4 g/L (23% cell dry weight). In addition, the yeasts consumed up to 87% of monomeric substrates, i.e., sugars, aromatics, and organics acids, and up to 23% of non-monomeric substrates, i.e., partially degraded xylan, lignin, cellulose. Interestingly, lipid production was only observed during the harvest phase of each cycle, as the cells experienced stress, possibly due to oxygen limitation. This work presents the first results on the feasibility of valorizing non-sterilized lignocellulosic wastewater with R. kratochvilovae and C. oleaginosum using a cost-effective repeated batch strategy.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000801796000001 Publication Date 2022-05-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2311-5637 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187883 Serial 7157
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Author Van Tendeloo, M.
Title Resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage : kinetic, physical and chemical tools for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2022 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) iv, 204 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Adequate removal of pollutants from sewage is important to protect the environment and public health. Today, sewage treatment plants are operational in many parts of the world, and although the used technologies are effective in removing pollutants from wastewater, they are energy- and resource-intensive. Reshaping sewage treatment into a two-stage system, with separated organic carbon and nitrogen removal, facilitates the transformation towards energy-positive sewage treatment. This thesis will focus on resource-efficient nitrogen removal from sewage via partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), with reduced organic carbon and oxygen consumption compared to conventional techniques. PN/A relies on the teamwork between two microbial groups to convert ammonium into nitrogen gas. Several other groups of microbes however can proliferate in the sludge, competing for substrate with the key players, lowering the nitrogen removal efficiency and increasing the energy demand. To obtain the desired microbial community, control tools should be applied to selectively promote the desired microbes while suppressing the unwanted competitors. In this thesis, multiple control tools were studied to establish a workable framework for successful implementation of PN/A in the main stream of a sewage treatment plant. These tools can be divided into three categories: i) kinetic tools, regulating substrate availability (e.g., oxygen availability control and residual ammonium concentration), ii) physical tools, revolving around sludge retention and selection (e.g., sludge age control and sludge aggregation form), and iii) chemical tools, exposing the sludge to stress conditions for which the unwanted microbes are vulnerable (e.g., sludge treatments with a single stressor such as free ammonia). The first research chapter focussed on oxygen availability control and single-stressor sludge treatments. The following two chapters covered the development of a novel multi-stressor concept combining substrate starvation and exposure to sulphide and free ammonia. In the final research chapter, the previously obtained knowledge was combined into a demonstration study on pilot-scale. The combination of these control tools was found effective in achieving nitrogen removal via PN/A, both on lab- and pilot-scale. Consequently, the obtained results in this thesis can catalyse the implementation of mainstream PN/A by providing a toolbox with multiple control tools and clever reactor design, thus advancing the concept of energy neutrality and resource efficiency in sewage treatment plants.
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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:187665 Serial 7204
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Author Anibas, C.; Schneidewind, U.; Vandersteen, G.; Joris, I.; Seuntjens, P.; Batelaan, O.
Title From streambed temperature measurements to spatial-temporal flux quantification : using the LPML method to study groundwater-surface water interaction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Hydrological processes Abbreviated Journal
Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages (down) 203-216
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Knowledge on groundwater-surface water interaction and especially on exchange fluxes between streams and aquifers is an important prerequisite for the study of transport and fate of contaminants and nutrients in the hyporheic zone. One possibility to quantify groundwater-surface water exchange fluxes is by using heat as an environmlental tracer. Modern field equipment including multilevel temperature sticks and the novel open-source analysis tool LPML make this technique ever more attractive. The recently developed LPML method solves the one-dimensional fluid flow and heat transport equation by combining a local polynomial method with a maximum likelihood estimator. In this study, we apply the LPML method on field data to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of vertical fluxes and their uncertainties from temperature-time series measured in a Belgian lowland stream. Over several months, temperature data were collected with multilevel temperature sticks at the streambed top and at six depths for a small stream section. Long-term estimates show a range from gaining fluxes of -291 mm day(-1) to loosing fluxes of 12 mm day(-1); average seasonal fluxes ranged from -138 mm day(-1) in winter to -16 mm day(-1) in summer. With our analyses, we could determine a high spatial and temporal variability of vertical exchange fluxes for the investigated stream section. Such spatial and temporal variability should be taken into account in biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nutrients and metals and in fate analysis of contaminant plumes. In general, the stream section was gaining during most of the observation period. Two short-term high stream stage events, seemingly caused by blockage of the stream outlet, led to a change in flow direction from gaining to losing conditions. We also found more discharge occurring at the outer stream bank than at the inner one indicating a local flow-through system. With the conducted analyses, we were able to advance our understanding of the regional groundwater flow system. Copyright (C) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000369164900004 Publication Date 2015-06-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0885-6087 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:131587 Serial 7986
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Author Van Hal, M.
Title Photo(electro)catalytic air purification and soot degradation with simultaneous energy recovery Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) XXXII, 203 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Today’s society is increasingly challenged by a range of urgent environmental problems. Air pollution is one of these pressing topics. This thesis will mainly focus on the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) – more specifically soot. A second globally urging topic is the quest for sustainable energy production. To simultaneously target both environmental problems, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell will be studied in this thesis, combining air purification and sustainable energy production in a single device. Photocatalysis is used at the anode of the PEC cell to drive the air purification process, while the energy contained in the degraded compounds is (partially) recovered at the cathode, either as H2 gas or electricity. The first two experimental chapters focus on the proof of concept of such an unbiased all-gas phase PEC cell targeting VOC degradation, using both TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts. In the two following experimental chapters the photocatalytic soot oxidation capacity of these TiO2- and WO3-based photocatalysts was studied. In the final experimental chapter the previously obtained results were combined, striving towards an efficient, sunlight-driven and soot-degrading waste gas-to-energy PEC cell.
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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:184521 Serial 8378
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Author Buysse, C.
Title Perovskite capillaries for gas separation in sustainable energy production Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2011 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) 201 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
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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:90548 Serial 8373
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Author Jochems, P.
Title Process intensification by immobilization of \beta-galactosidase on a mixed matrix membrance : galacto-oligosaccharides production as a case study Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2013 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) 199 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-90-5728-430-4 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:111811 Serial 8415
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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 (down) 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 UA @ admin @ c:irua:134591 Serial 8726
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Author Huyskens, C.
Title Fouling in submerged membrane bioreactors Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2012 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) 198 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-90-5728-374-1 Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:99492 Serial 7980
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Roegiers, J.
Title Development of combined photocatalytic and active carbon fiber technology for indoor air purification based on Multiphysics models Type Doctoral thesis
Year 2021 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages (down) XXX, 197 p.
Keywords Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains a major public health concern. Indoor VOC concentrations typically far exceed outdoor levels due to a variety of emission sources and the stringent insulation measures that are imposed today. Many attempts have been made to use photocatalysis for indoor air purification. In an ideal situation, photocatalysis is capable of complete mineralization of VOCs to H2O and CO2, without any byproduct formation. Moreover, the process can take place at standard atmospheric conditions, i.e. ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, successful exploitation is still impeded due to low conversion efficiency, significant pressure loss (and hence a high energy consumption) and byproduct formation. In the first part of this thesis an attempt was made to tackles these problems by designing a novel type of photocatalytic (PCO) reactor. The PCO device consists of a cylindrical vessel filled with TiO2-coated glass tubes and equipped with UV fluorescence lamps. It was investigated in terms of fluid dynamics, coating properties, UV-light distribution and photocatalytic activity. Experimental data was later used to develop and calibrate a Multiphysics model. The model proved to be a useful tool for designing and upscaling the PCO reactor. Consequently, an optimized prototype reactor was constructed and tested according the CEN-EN-16846-1 standard for VOC removal. Although the prototype showed promising results for lab-scale conditions, it struggled with byproduct formation when purifying ppb-level VOCs. In the second part of this thesis, activated carbon adsorption was investigated in order to combine it with photocatalysis. Activated carbon fiber was opted for its fast kinetics, high adsorption capacity and thermo-electrical regeneration. The filter was studied in detail regarding the adsorption of polar and apolar VOCs at indoor air concentration levels and regeneration capabilities. Experimental data was used to develop a Multiphysics model for activated carbon adsorption as well. Consequently, a novel type of ACF filter was developed using the Multiphysics model, which was equipped with electrodes in the tips of the pleats for effective thermal regeneration. In the last part, the combination of both ACF and PCO was studied using a realistic case study. Based on the Multiphysics model, the feasibility of a so-called hybrid air purification device could be investigated. The Multiphysics model shows promising results for this hybrid PCO-ACF system and hence, a demo setup was constructed for future research.
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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:181137 Serial 6860
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