|
“Cytokinin dynamics in cell suspension cultures of Bambusa balcooa Roxburgh using UPLC-ESI/MS/MS”. Van den Akker S, Bormans P, Peeters H, Gielis J, Prinsen E page 539 (2012).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research (IMPRES); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
van Walsem J (2019) Design and optimization of a photocatalytic reactor for air purification in ventilation systems. 158 p
Abstract: Photocatalysis has been labeled for decades as a promising technique for air purification. The principle seems straightforward and requires a photocatalyst that is immobilized on a substrate, and one or more UV sources to activate the photocatalyst. No waste products are produced, the reactions occur in mild conditions and the supplies are relatively cheap. Yet it seems that the commercialization of photocatalytic systems does not break through on the global market. The aim of this thesis is to identify and tackle the bottlenecks that impede commercialization from an application-oriented approach. The problem of indoor air pollution is enhanced by the fact that people spend more and more time indoors and that ventilation is kept to a minimum as an energy-saving measure. This inevitably leads to an accumulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted by e.g. building materials, paint and furniture. Human exposure to VOCs is directly related to the sick building syndrome leading to complaints such as headache, fatigue, dizziness and lack of concentration. In addition, exposure to VOCs is related to serious long-term health effects such as cancer or respiratory diseases. Therefore, significant research efforts are focused on advanced indoor air purification methods. Integration or retrofitting of a photocatalytic (PCO) air purifying unit into heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment has been chosen as an interesting approach. As a starting point of this thesis, the operational conditions of a ventilation system were mapped. These systems are characterized by high flow rates and the necessity of minimal pressure losses. Pressure losses increase the energy demand and can lead to failure of the ventilation fan and thereby undermine the proper functioning of the ventilation system. A suitable substrate must allow the contaminated air to pass through with a minimal pressure drop, allow sufficient contact time between VOC and photocatalyst, have a large surface area available for coating with excellent adhesion, and be transparent to UV light. Therefore, the permeability and the available exposed surface were selected as main selection criteria. After a thorough quantitative analysis of potential substrates, borosilicate glass tubes were selected. Glass tubes can easily be stacked to constitute a transparent monolithic multi-tube reactor, with their length parallel to the air flow in order to minimize the pressure drop. Moreover, borosilicate glass is relatively inexpensive and has excellent UV-A light transmitting properties. Based on a literature study, a sol-gel coating procedure was selected that is extremely suitable for coating glass substrates. The next step was to optimize the amount of P25 (commercial titanium dioxide) in the photocatalytic sol-gel coating for its application. More P25 in the sol-gel coating results in a higher adsorption capacity and consequently a higher photocatalytic activity, but greatly reduces the transparency of the coating. After an in-depth study, the concentration of 10 g L-1 P25 was selected as the most feasible for multi-tube reactors. Since the operation of photocatalytic reactors is based on a complex interaction of physical and chemical processes, mathematical models were developed, supported by experimental data, that include all these phenomena as a tool for reactor design and optimization. By making use of such models, time-consuming and expensive experimental research can be minimized. However, the experimental validation of models is of utmost importance to prove its reliability and accuracy. Intrinsic kinetic parameters provide the fundamentals for these models as they describe the photocatalytic reaction rate, independent of fluid dynamics, reactor geometry and radiation field. In this work they were estimated by means of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study, based on FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) experiments with a lab scale multi-tube reactor. The kinetic parameters were validated by an alternative analytic approach, emphasizing the accuracy and reliability of the simulations. Finally, the aforementioned CFD approach, based on the simultaneously modelling of airflow, mass transfer, UV light irradiation and photocatalytic reactions, was used to obtain insights for the light source configuration in upscaled multi-tube reactors. After taking all these insights and some practical implications into account, a final upscaled multi-tube reactor design was proposed and converted into a first built prototype. Subsequently, it was evaluated according the CEN-EN-16486-1 standard for VOC removal by the external scientific research center ‘CERTECH’. The scientific results, regarding the mineralization of the VOCs and photocatalytic efficiency of the reactor, demonstrated the feasibility for indoor air purification by the upscaled multi-tube reactor and the possible implementation in ventilation systems.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Design of irregularly shaped lens antennas including supershaped feed”. Mescia L, Lamacchia CM, Chiapperino MA, Bia P, Gielis J, Caratelli D, Progress in Electromagnetic Research Symposium (PIERS)
T2 –, 2019 PhotonIcs &, Electromagnetics Research Symposium –, Spring (PIERS-Spring), 17-20 June, 2019, Rome, Italy , 169 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1109/PIERS-SPRING46901.2019.9017900
Abstract: A new class of irregularly shaped dielectric lens antennas with a supershaped microstrip antenna feeder is presented and detailed in this work. The surface of the lens antenna and the feeder shape have been modelled by using the three and two-dimensional Gielis formula, respectively. The antenna design has been carried out by integrating an home-made software tool with the CST Microwave Studio®. The radiation properties of the whole antenna system have been evaluated using a dedicated high-frequency technique based on the tube tracing approximation. Moreover, the effects due to the multiple internal reflections have been properly modeled. The proposed model was applied to study unusual and complex lens antenna systems with the aim to design special radiation characteristics.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1109/PIERS-SPRING46901.2019.9017900
|
|
|
Voordeckers D (2023) Design to breathe : understanding and altering wind patterns in street canyons to reduce human exposure to air pollution. xxii, 303 p
Abstract: Air pollution is proclaimed by the World Health Organiaation (WHO) as the biggest environmental threat to human health. Street canyons, or urban roads flanked by a continuous row of high buildings on both sides, are perceived as typical bottleneck areas for air quality due to their lack of natural ventilation. This doctoral thesis aims to integrate expert knowledge on in-canyon flow fields and pollution dispersion in street canyons from the specialized field of (bio)engineering into the field of urban planning and vice versa. In Chapter 1, a Geospatial Information System (GIS) method was developed to detect exposure zones and hotspot street canyons. A critical combination between aspect ratio (AR > 0.65) and traffic volume (TVmax > 300) was detected and subsequently used to detect hotspot street canyons in three major European cities (Antwerp, London and Paris). Chapter 2 focusses on acquiring in-depth knowledge on flow and concentration fields in street canyons by conducting an extensive literature review on over 200 studies and translates this knowledge into nineteen guidelines and eleven spatial tools, comprised in a toolbox for urban planning. Subsequently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used into a research trough design process (Chapter 4) to illustrate how the design tools can be applied to a specific case study (Belgiëlei, Antwerp). Alternations to traffic lanes (traffic lane reduction and lateral displacement) combined with low boundary walls (LBWs), were found to reduce NO2 levels in the entire pedestrian area up to – 3.6 % and peak pollutions were reduced by -8 %. A maximum NO2 reduction was reached by combining a traffic lane displacement with hedges, adjustments to the tree planting pattern and an increased ground-level permeability, leading to reductions up to – 4.5 % in the pedestrian areas. In conclusion, urban design was found to be a valuable tool to enhance the effect of emission reduction strategies and draw in-canyon concentrations closer to the value of the background concentration. However, the background concentration seemed to dominate the efficiency of the urban design interventions and therefore, additional measures should be taken to reduce background pollution levels. This dissertation aims to contribute to the awareness of air pollution in street canyons, as well as support local governments in taking action by delivering spatial tools and guidelines applicable for urban planning and represents a framework for the dissemination of expert information on air quality in street canyons to the field of urban planning.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Research Group for Urban Development; Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
|
|
|
“Detailed nitrogen and phosphorus flow analysis, nutrient use efficiency and circularity in the agri-food system of a livestock-intensive region”. Vingerhoets R, Spiller M, De Backer J, Adriaens A, Vlaeminck SE, Meers E, Journal of cleaner production 410, 137278 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2023.137278
Abstract: The agri-food value chain is a major cause of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) emissions and associated environmental and health impacts. The EU's farm-to-fork strategy (F2F) demands an agri-food value chain approach to reduce nutrient emissions by 50% and fertilizer use by 20%. Substance flow analysis (SFA) is a method that can be applied to study complex systems such as the agri-food chain. A review of 60 SFA studies shows that they often lack detail by not sufficiently distinguishing between nodes, products and types of emissions. The present study aims to assess the added value of detail in SFAs and to illustrate that valuable indicators can be derived from detailed assessments. This aim will be attained by presenting a highly-detailed SFA for the livestock-intensive region of Flanders, Belgium. The SFA distinguishes 40 nodes and 1827 flows that are classified into eight different categories (e.g. by-products, point source emissions) following life cycle methods. Eight novel indicators were calculated, including indicators that assess the N and P recovery potential. Flanders has a low overall nutrient use efficiency (11% N, 18% P). About 55% of the N and 56% of the P embedded in recoverable streams are reused providing 35% and 37% of the total N and P input. Optimized nutrient recycling could replace 45% of N and 48% of P of the external nutrient input, exceeding the target set by the F2F strategy. Detailed accounting for N and P flows and nodes leads to the identification of more recoverable streams and larger N and P flows. More detailed flow accounting is a prerequisite for the quantification of technological intervention options. Future research should focus on including concentration and quality as a parameter in SFAs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 11.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2023.137278
|
|
|
“Determining stoichiometry and kinetics of two thermophilic nitrifying communities as a crucial step in the development of thermophilic nitrogen removal”. Vanderkerckhove TGL, Kerckhof F-M, De Mulder C, Vlaeminck SE, Boon N, Water research 156, 34 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.WATRES.2019.03.008
Abstract: Nitrification and denitrification, the key biological processes for thermophilic nitrogen removal, have separately been established in bioreactors at 50 °C. A well-characterized set of kinetic parameters is essential to integrate these processes while safeguarding the autotrophs performing nitrification. Knowledge on thermophilic nitrifying kinetics is restricted to isolated or highly enriched batch cultures, which do not represent bioreactor conditions. This study characterized the stoichiometry and kinetics of two thermophilic (50 °C) nitrifying communities. The most abundant ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) were related to the Nitrososphaera genus, clustering relatively far from known species Nitrososphaera gargensis (95.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity). The most abundant nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were related to Nitrospira calida (97% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity). The nitrification biomass yield was 0.200.24 g VSS g−1 N, resulting mainly from a high AOA yield (0.160.20 g VSS g−1 N), which was reflected in a high AOA abundance in the community (5776%) compared to NOB (511%). Batch-wise determination of decay rates (AOA: 0.230.29 d−1; NOB: 0.320.43 d−1) rendered an overestimation compared to in situ estimations of overall decay rate (0.0260.078 d−1). Possibly, the inactivation rate rather than the actual decay rate was determined in batch experiments. Maximum growth rates of AOA and NOB were 0.120.15 d−1 and 0.130.33 d−1 respectively. NOB were susceptible to nitrite, opening up opportunities for shortcut nitrogen removal. However, NOB had a similar growth rate and oxygen affinity (0.150.55 mg O2 L−1) as AOA and were resilient towards free ammonia (IC50 > 16 mg NH3-N L−1). This might complicate NOB outselection using common practices to establish shortcut nitrogen removal (SRT control; aeration control; free ammonia shocks). Overall, the obtained insights can assist in integrating thermophilic conversions and facilitate single-sludge nitrification/denitrification.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2019.03.008
|
|
|
“Development of a novel type activated carbon fiber filter for indoor air purification”. Roegiers J, Denys S, Chemical Engineering Journal 417, 128109 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2020.128109
Abstract: A novel type of activated carbon fiber filter was developed for indoor air purification. The filter is equipped with electrodes for thermo-electrical regeneration at the point of saturation. The electrodes are arranged in such a way that the filter forms a pleated structure with an electrode in the tip of each pleat. This allows for a uniform temperature distribution on the filter surface during the regeneration process and the pleated structure reduces the overall pressure drop across the filter. The latter was validated by Computational Fluid Dynamics, using Darcy-Forchheimer parameters derived in previous work. The CFD model was further used to perform a virtual sensitivity study in search for the optimal ACF filter design by varying the pleat length, pleat height and filter thickness. Finally, adsorption and desorption properties were investigated with acetaldehyde and toluene as model compounds. Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption parameters, derived in previous work were successfully validated with a Multiphysics model.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 6.216
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2020.128109
|
|
|
Hauchecorne B (2011) Development of an FTIR in situ reactor for real time study of surface reactions in photocatalysis. 155 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Diatom frustule morphogenesis and function : a multidisciplinary survey”. De Tommasi E, Gielis J, Rogato A, Marine Genomics 35, 1 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MARGEN.2017.07.001
Abstract: Diatoms represent the major component of phytoplankton and are responsible for about 2025% of global primary production. Hundreds of millions of years of evolution led to tens of thousands of species differing in dimensions and morphologies. In particular, diatom porous silica cell walls, the frustules, are characterized by an extraordinary, species-specific diversity. It is of great interest, among the marine biologists and geneticists community, to shed light on the origin and evolutionary advantage of this variability of dimensions, geometries and pore distributions. In the present article the main reported data related to frustule morphogenesis and functionalities with contributions from fundamental biology, genetics, mathematics, geometry and physics are reviewed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARGEN.2017.07.001
|
|
|
“The Dirichlet problem for the Laplace equation in supershaped annuli”. Caratelli D, Gielis J, Tavkhelidze I, Ricci PE, Boundary value problems , 113 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1186/1687-2770-2013-113
Abstract: The Dirichlet problem for the Laplace equation in normal-polar annuli is addressed by using a suitable Fourier-like technique. Attention is in particular focused on the wide class of domains whose boundaries are defined by the so-called superformula introduced by Gielis. A dedicated numerical procedure based on the computer algebra system Mathematica© is developed in order to validate the proposed methodology. In this way, highly accurate approximations of the solution, featuring properties similar to the classical ones, are obtained.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1186/1687-2770-2013-113
|
|
|
“Dispersion modelling of traffic induced ultrafine particles in a street canyon in Antwerp, Belgium and comparison with observations”. Nikolova I, Janssen S, Vos P, Vrancken K, Mishra V, Berghmans P, The science of the total environment 412, 336 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2011.09.081
Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the dispersion of ultrafine particles and its spatial distribution in a street canyon and its neighbourhood with the 3D CFD model ENVI-met®. The performance of the model at street scale is evaluated and the importance of the boundary conditions like wind field and traffic emissions on the UFP concentration is demonstrated. To support and validate the modelled results, a short-term measurement campaign was conducted in a street canyon in Antwerp, Belgium. The UFP concentration was measured simultaneously with P-TRACK (TSI Model 8525) at four different locations in the canyon. The modelled UFP concentrations compare well with the measured data (correlation coefficient R from 0.44 to 0.93) within the standard deviation of the measurements. Despite the moderate traffic flow in the street canyon, UFP concentrations in the canyon are in general double of the background concentrations, indicating the high local contribution for this particle number concentration. Some of the observed concentration profiles are not resembled by the model simulations. For these specific anomalies, further analysis is performed and plausible explanations are put forward. The role of wind direction and traffic emissions is investigated. The performance evaluation of ENVI-met® shows that in general the model qualitatively and quantitatively describes the dispersion of UFP in the street canyon study.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2011.09.081
|
|
|
“Drinking waste? An exploration of public support for wastewater reuse in Flanders”. Geerts R, Vandermoere F, Halet D, Joos P, Van Den Steen K, Van Meenen E, Blust R, Van Winckel T, Vlaeminck S, (2020)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Sociology; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
|
|
|
“Editorial introduction”. Reniers GLL, Sörensen K, Vrancken K page 1 (2013).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Editorial: leaf functional traits : ecological and evolutionary implications”. Niklas KJ, Shi P, Gielis J, Schrader J, Niinemets U, Frontiers in plant science 14, 1169558 (2023). http://doi.org/10.3389/FPLS.2023.1169558
Keywords: Editorial; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.6
DOI: 10.3389/FPLS.2023.1169558
|
|
|
“Effect of diclofenac on the production of volatile fatty acids from anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge”. Hu J, Zhao J, Wang D, Li X, Zhang D, Xu Q, Peng L, Yang Q, Zeng G, Bioresource technology 254, 7 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2018.01.059
Abstract: In this study, the impact of diclofenac (DCF), an antiinflammatory drug being extensively used in human health care and veterinary treatment, on the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge (WAS) was investigated for the first time. Experimental results showed that when DCF concentration increased from 2.5 to 25 mg/kg total suspended solid (TSS), the maximum production of VFAs increased from 599 to 1113 mg COD/L, but further increase of DCF to 47.5 mg/kg TSS decreased VFAs yield to 896 mg COD/L. The mechanism investigation revealed that DCF had no effect on the hydrolysis process, promoted the process of acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and homoacetogenesis, but severely inhibited methanogenesis, leading to the accumulation of VFAs. Microbial community analysis showed that the addition of DCF could promote the relative abundance of VFAs (especially acetic acid) producers, which was well consistent with the results obtained above.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2018.01.059
|
|
|
“Elaborating the membrane life concept in a full scale hollow-fibers MBR”. Fenu A, De Wilde W, Gaertner M, Weemaes M, de Gueldre G, van de Steene B, Journal of membrane science 421, 349 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2012.08.001
Abstract: The membrane life-time has a strong impact on competitivity and viability of MBRs. This study critically analyzes the membrane life-time concept, approaching it through different assessment methods. A full scale MBR's membrane life-time was assessed on the following: (i) maintaining the permeate flow throughput to the MBR; (ii) the permeability decline; (iii) oxidative aging; (iv) the increase in energy costs; and (v) mechanical aging. The method based on permeability decline provides a membrane life-time estimate up to a theoretical end. It was further elaborated inherently to operations with no long-term flux decline. The increase in operating pressure remains the main end-of-life trigger for deciding when to replace membrane modules. On the contrary, mechanical and permeate flow throughput analysis of the data are not able to provide a clear estimate of the membrane life-time. As for the membrane life-time estimation based on chlorine contact, it was found to be too optimistic. Complete irreversible fouling occurs before maximum contact time with chlorine is reached. At end-of-life operating conditions, the energy consumption raised of 170% due to the reduced flow rate. The cost raise appears high but still affordable. Earlier membrane replacement thus can never be counterbalanced by energy costs saving. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEMSCI.2012.08.001
|
|
|
“Electromagnetic characterization of supershaped lens antennas for high-frequency applications”. Bia P, Caratelli D, Mescia L, Gielis J page 1679 (2013).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Electromagnetic mathematical modeling of 3D supershaped dielectric lens antennas”. Mescia L, Bia P, Caratelli D, Chiapperino MA, Stukach O, Gielis J, Mathematical problems in engineering: theory, methods, and applications , 8130160 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8130160
Abstract: The electromagnetic analysis of a special class of 3D dielectric lens antennas is described in detail. This new class of lens antennas has a geometrical shape defined by the three-dimensional extension of Gielis formula. The analytical description of the lens shape allows the development of a dedicated semianalytical hybrid modeling approach based on geometrical tube tracing and physical optic. In order to increase the accuracy of the model, the multiple reflections occurring within the lens are also taken into account.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1155/2016/8130160
|
|
|
“Empowering a mesophilic inoculum for thermophilic nitrification : growth mode and temperature pattern as critical proliferation factors for archaeal ammonia oxidizers”. Courtens ENP, Vandekerckhove T, Prat D, Vilchez-Vargas R, Vital M, Pieper DH, Meerbergen K, Lievens B, Boon N, Vlaeminck SE, Water research 92, 94 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.WATRES.2016.01.022
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2016.01.022
|
|
|
“Enabling partial nitritation/anammox on pre-treated sewage with IFAS : aeration and floc SRT control strategies limit nitrate production”. Seuntjens D, Carvajal Arroyo JM, Molina J, Boon N, Vlaeminck SE, , 3 p.
T2 (2017)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Energy efficient treatment of A-stage effluent : pilot-scale experiences with short-cut nitrogen removal”. Seuntjens D, Bundervoet BLM, Mollen H, De Mulder C, Wypkema E, Verliefde A, Nopens I, Colsen JGM, Vlaeminck SE, , 10 p.
T2 (2015)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Enhancement of co-production of nutritional protein and carotenoids in Dunaliella salina using a two-phase cultivation assisted by nitrogen level and light intensity”. Sui Y, Muys M, Van de Waal D, D'Adamo S, Vermeir P, Fernandes TV, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource technology 287, 121398 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2019.121398
Abstract: Microalga Dunaliella salina is known for its carotenogenesis. At the same time, it can also produce high-quality protein. The optimal conditions for D. salina to co-produce intracellular pools of both compounds, however, are yet unknown. This study investigated a two-phase cultivation strategy to optimize combined high-quality protein and carotenoid production of D. salina. In phase-one, a gradient of nitrogen concentrations was tested. In phase-two, effects of nitrogen pulse and high illumination were tested. Results reveal optimized protein quantity, quality (expressed as essential amino acid index EAAI) and carotenoids content in a two-phase cultivation, where short nitrogen starvation in phase-one was followed by high illumination during phase-two. Adopting this strategy, productivities of protein, EAA and carotenoids reached 22, 7 and 3 mg/L/d, respectively, with an EAAI of 1.1. The quality of this biomass surpasses FAO/WHO standard for human nutrition, and the observed level of β-carotene presents high antioxidant pro-vitamin A activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2019.121398
|
|
|
“Enhancing immobilization of arsenic in groundwater: A model-based evaluation”. Peng L, Liu Y, Sun J, Wang D, Dai X, Ni B-J, Journal of cleaner production 166, 449 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2017.08.051
Abstract: The mobilization of arsenic (As) in aquatic environment (groundwater) can cause severe environmental and healthy issues. To develop remediation strategies, we proposed a comprehensive mathematical model to describe the As removal in a arsenite (As (III)) oxidizing and ferrous iron (Fe (II)) oxidizing denitrifying granular biofilm system. In the model framework, the growth-linked microbial oxidation of As (III) and Fe (II) was coupled to chemolithotrophic denitrification of one-step reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas. Meanwhile, the precipitation of ferric iron (Fe (III)) and adsorption of arsenate (As (V)) onto the biogenic Fe (III) (hydr)oxides were also considered. The model was calibrated by comparing the model predictions against experimental data from batch experiments. The validity of the model was further demonstrated through testing against long-term experimental results from five independent bioreactors with different reactor configurations and operational conditions. Modeling results revealed that the granule size would exert a limited impact on arsenic and iron removal. Nevertheless, their removal efficiencies increased rapidly with the increase of hydraulic retention time (HRT) from 1 h to 12 h, but became independent of HRT as it further increased. The established model framework enables interpretation of a range of experimental observations on As and Fe removal and helps to identify the optimal conditions for enhanced arsenic remediation. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2017.08.051
|
|
|
“Enrichment and adaptation yield high anammox conversion rates under low temperatures”. De Cocker P, Bessiere Y, Hernandez-Raquet G, Dubos S, Mozo I, Gaval G, Caligaris M, Barillon B, Vlaeminck SE, Sperandio M, Bioresource technology 250, 505 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2017.11.079
Abstract: This study compared two anammox sequencing batch reactors (SBR) for one year. SBRconstantT was kept at 30 °C while temperature in SBRloweringT was decreased step-wise from 30 °C to 20 °C and 15 °C followed by over 140 days at 12.5 °C and 10 °C. High retention of anammox bacteria (AnAOB) and minimization of competition with AnAOB were key. 5-L anoxic reactors with the same inoculum were fed synthetic influent containing 25.9 mg NH4+-N/L and 34.1 mg NO2−-N/L (no COD). Specific ammonium removal rates continuously increased in SBRconstantT, reaching 785 mg NH4+-N/gVSS/d, and were maintained in SBRloweringT, reaching 82.2 and 91.8 mg NH4+-N/gVSS/d at 12.5 and 10 °C respectively. AnAOB enrichment (increasing hzsA and 16S rDNA gene concentrations) and adaptation (shift from Ca. Brocadia to Ca. Kuenenia in SBRloweringT) contributed to these high rates. Rapidly settling granules developed, with average diameters of 1.2 (SBRconstantT) and 1.6 mm (SBRloweringT). Results reinforce the potential of anammox for mainstream applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2017.11.079
|
|
|
“Enrichment and aggregation of purple non-sulfur bacteria in a mixed-culture sequencing-batch photobioreactor for biological nutrient removal from wastewater”. Cerruti M, Stevens B, Ebrahimi S, Alloul A, Vlaeminck SE, Weissbrodt DG, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 8, 557234 (2020). http://doi.org/10.3389/FBIOE.2020.557234
Abstract: Mixed-culture biotechnologies are widely used to capture nutrients from wastewater. Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB), a guild of anoxygenic photomixotrophic organisms, rise interest for their ability to directly assimilate nutrients in the biomass. One challenge targets the aggregation and accumulation of PNSB biomass to separate it from the treated water. Our aim was to enrich and produce a concentrated, fast-settling PNSB biomass with high nutrient removal capacity in a 1.5-L, stirred-tank, anaerobic sequencing-batch photobioreactor (SBR). PNSB were rapidly enriched after inoculation with activated sludge at 0.1 gVSS L–1 in a first batch of 24 h under continuous irradiance of infrared (IR) light (>700 nm) at 375 W m–2, with Rhodobacter reaching 54% of amplicon sequencing read counts. SBR operations with decreasing hydraulic retention times (48 to 16 h, i.e., 1–3 cycles d–1) and increasing volumetric organic loading rates (0.2–1.3 kg COD d–1 m–3) stimulated biomass aggregation, settling, and accumulation in the system, reaching as high as 3.8 g VSS L–1. The sludge retention time (SRT) increased freely from 2.5 to 11 days. Acetate, ammonium, and orthophosphate were removed up to 96% at a rate of 1.1 kg COD d–1 m–3, 77% at 113 g N d–1 m–3, and 73% at 15 g P d–1 m–3, respectively, with COD:N:P assimilation ratio of 100:6.7:0.9 m/m/m. SBR regime shifts sequentially selected for Rhodobacter (90%) under shorter SRT and non-limiting concentration of acetate during reaction phases, for Rhodopseudomonas (70%) under longer SRT and acetate limitation during reaction, and Blastochloris (10%) under higher biomass concentrations, underlying competition for substrate and photons in the PNSB guild. With SBR operations we produced a fast-settling biomass, highly (>90%) enriched in PNSB. A high nutrient removal was achieved by biomass assimilation, reaching the European nutrient discharge limits. We opened further insights on the microbial ecology of PNSB-based processes for water resource recovery.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.7
DOI: 10.3389/FBIOE.2020.557234
|
|
|
“Experimental metrics to predict the flocculent settling coefficient in a 1D settler model”. Ngo N, Liu X, Van Winckel T, Massoudieh A, Kjellerup BV, Takács I, Wett B, Mancell-Egala M, Sturm B, Vlaeminck SE, Al-Omari A, Murthy S, De Clippeleir H, , 5 p.
T2 (2017)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Fast and furious : optimization and validation of high-rate contact stabilization (HiCS) for recovery of organics from sewage”. Meerburg FA, Rahman A, Van Winckel T, Pauwels K, De Clippeleir H, Al-Omari A, Murthy S, Boon N, Vlaeminck SE, , 3 p.
T2 (2016)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Follow the N and P road : high-resolution nutrient flow analysis of the Flanders region as precursor for sustainable resource management”. Coppens J, Meers E, Boon N, Buysse J, Vlaeminck SE, Resources, conservation and recycling 115, 9 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2016.08.006
Abstract: Resource-efficient nutrient management is key to secure food production in the context of a growing global population, rising resource scarcity and increasing pressure on the environment. To map the potential towards increasing nutrient use efficiencies and reduce environmental losses, a high-resolution insight of the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrient streams is pivotal. In this study, a substance flow analysis for N and P is presented for the nutrient intensive region of Flanders (6,211,065 inhabitants) in Belgium for the year 2009. A set of 160 nutrient fluxes was quantified throughout 21 economic and environmental compartments, with a particular focus on 10 waste management processes. A total nutrient load of 20 kg N cap(-1) yr(-1) (ca. 73% to the air and 28% to surface waters) and 0.53 kg P cap(-1) yr(-1) (to surface waters) is emitted to the environment; with crop and livestock production as the main contributors (49% of N and 36% of P). The food supply chain revealed a fertilizer-to-consumer efficiency of 14% for N as well as for P, with important losses embedded in waste streams such as excess manure. Advanced manure and waste processing facilities nevertheless offer the opportunity for enhanced nutrient recycling to increase the nutrient use efficiencies and reduce the dependency of inorganic fertilizers. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2016.08.006
|
|
|
Huyskens C (2012) Fouling in submerged membrane bioreactors. 198 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
|
|
|
“Fourier-Hankel solution of the Robin problem for the Helmholtz equation in supershaped annular domains”. Caratelli D, Gielis J, Tavkhelidze I, Ricci PE, Boundary value problems , 253 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1186/1687-2770-2013-253
Abstract: The Robin problem for the Helmholtz equation in normal-polar annuli is addressed by using a suitable Fourier-Hankel series technique. Attention is in particular focused on the wide class of domains whose boundaries are defined by the so-called superformula introduced by Gielis. A dedicated numerical procedure based on the computer algebra system Mathematica© is developed in order to validate the proposed methodology. In this way, highly accurate approximations of the solution, featuring properties similar to the classical ones, are obtained.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1186/1687-2770-2013-253
|
|