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Author Roefs, I.; Meulman, B.; Vreeburg, J.H.G.; Spiller, M.
Title Centralised, decentralised or hybrid sanitation systems? Economic evaluation under urban development uncertainty and phased expansion Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 109 Issue Pages 274-286
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Sanitation systems are built to be robust, that is, they are dimensioned to cope with population growth and other variability that occurs throughout their lifetime. It was recently shown that building sanitation systems in phases is more cost effective than one robust design. This phasing can take place by building small autonomous decentralised units that operate closer to the actual demand. Research has shown that variability and uncertainty in urban development does affect the cost effectiveness of this approach. Previous studies do not, however, consider the entire sanitation system from collection to treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the economic performance of three sanitation systems with different scales and systems characteristics under a variety of urban development pathways. Three systems are studied: (I) a centralised conventional activated sludge treatment, (II) a community on site source separation grey water and black water treatment and (III) a hybrid with grey water treatment at neighbourhood scale and black water treatment off site. A modelling approach is taken that combines a simulation of greenfield urban growth, a model of the wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure design properties and a model that translates design parameters into discounted asset lifetime costs. Monte Carlo simulations are used to evaluate the economic performance under uncertain development trends. Results show that the conventional system outperforms both of the other systems when total discounted lifetime costs are assessed, because it benefits from economies of scale. However, when population growth is lower than expected, the source-separated system is more cost effective, because of reduced idle capacity. The hybrid system is not competitive under any circumstance due to the costly double piping and treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000392788900028 Publication Date 2016-11-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:143853 Serial 7587
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Author Vanderkerckhove, T.G.L.; Kerckhof, F.-M.; De Mulder, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.
Title Determining stoichiometry and kinetics of two thermophilic nitrifying communities as a crucial step in the development of thermophilic nitrogen removal Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 156 Issue Pages 34-45
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000466618400004 Publication Date 2019-03-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:158226 Serial 7798
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Author Roekens, E.J.; Van Grieken, R.E.
Title Effects of titanium dioxide industry waste dumping on sea water chemistry Type A1 Journal article
Year 1983 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 10 Pages 1385-1392
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract An investigation was made to determine the influence of the dumping of a 1000 ton day−1, on the average, of acid-iron waste from the titanium dioxide industry into the shallow but turbulent Southern Bight of the North Sea. This waste contains some 20% sulfuric acid and 2% iron. After the passage of the barge that discharges 10 ton of waste min−1 into its wake, the vertical and horizontal distributions of the pH, iron-concentration and turbidity were measured as a function of time. It appeared that a few seconds after the discharge and for a very brief period, the pH was down to approx. 4 and the Fe-concentration was 13 mg l−1. More than 1 min after the discharge a pH below 6 and an iron-level above 3 mg l−1 could not be detected anywhere. The measured factor for waste dilution by sea water, based on the observed acid and iron concentration in the waste and in the discharge track, were around 5000 after 5 min, 9000 after 10 min and 80,000 after 20 min. Before and long after the dumping, the total iron-concentration in this Southern Bight area was around 100 μg l−1, but this high level might be due to natural causes.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos A1983RJ42300025 Publication Date 2003-08-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:116690 Serial 7850
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Author Courtens, E.N.P.; Vandekerckhove, T.; Prat, D.; Vilchez-Vargas, R.; Vital, M.; Pieper, D.H.; Meerbergen, K.; Lievens, B.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Empowering a mesophilic inoculum for thermophilic nitrification : growth mode and temperature pattern as critical proliferation factors for archaeal ammonia oxidizers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 92 Issue Pages 94-103
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Cost-efficient biological treatment of warm nitrogenous wastewaters requires the development of thermophilic nitrogen removal processes. Only one thermophilic nitrifying bioreactor was described so far, achieving 200 mg N L-1 d-1 after more than 300 days of enrichment from compost samples. From the practical point of view in which existing plants would be upgraded, however, a more time-efficient development strategy based on mesophilic nitrifying sludge is preferred. This study evaluated the adaptive capacities of mesophilic nitrifying sludge for two linear temperature increase patterns (non-oscillating vs. oscillating), two different slopes (0.25 vs. 0.08 °C d-1) and two different reactor types (floc vs. biofilm growth). The oscillating temperature pattern (0.25 °C d-1) and the moving bed biofilm reactor (0.08 °C d-1) could not reach nitrification at temperatures higher than 46°C. However, nitrification rates up to 800 mg N L-1 d-1 and 150 mg N g-1 volatile suspended solids d-1 were achieved at a temperature as high as 49°C by imposing the slowest linear temperature increase to floccular sludge. Microbial community analysis revealed that this successful transition was related with a shift in ammonium oxidizing archaea dominating ammonia oxidizing bacteria, while for nitrite oxidation Nitrospira spp. was constantly more abundant than Nitrobacter spp.. This observation was accompanied with an increase in observed sludge yield and a shift in maximal optimum temperature, determined with ex-situ temperature sensitivity measurements, predicting an upcoming reactor failure at higher temperature. Overall, this study achieved nitrification at 49°C within 150 days by gradual adaptation of mesophilic sludge, and showed that ex-situ temperature sensitivity screening can be used to monitor and steer the transition process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000371555200011 Publication Date 2016-01-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:130444 Serial 7900
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Author Meerburg, F.A.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Roume, H.; Seuntjens, D.; Pieper, D.H.; Jauregui, R.; Vilchez-Vargas, R.; Boon, N.
Title High-rate activated sludge communities have a distinctly different structure compared to low-rate sludge communities, and are less sensitive towards environmental and operational variables Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 100 Issue Pages 137-145
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract High-rate activated sludge processes allow for the recovery of organics and energy from wastewaters. These systems are operated at a short sludge retention time and high sludge-specific loading rates, which results in a higher sludge yield and better digestibility than conventional, low-rate activated sludge. Little is known about the microbial ecology of high-rate systems. In this work, we address the need for a fundamental understanding of how high-rate microbial communities differ from low-rate communities. We investigated the high-rate and low-rate communities in a sewage treatment plant in relation to environmental and operational variables over a period of ten months. We demonstrated that (1) high-rate and low-rate communities are distinctly different in terms of richness, evenness and composition, (2) high-rate community dynamics are more variable and less shaped by deterministic factors compared to low-rate communities, (3) sub-communities of continuously core and transitional members are more shaped by deterministic factors than the continuously rare members, both in high-rate and low-rate communities, and (4) high-rate community members showed a co-occurrence pattern similar to that of low-rate community members, but were less likely to be correlated to environmental and operational variables. These findings provide a basis for further optimization of high-rate systems, in order to facilitate resource recovery from wastewater.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000378448800014 Publication Date 2016-05-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139914 Serial 8035
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Author Seuntjens, D.; Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Ruopp, M.; Bunse, P.; De Mulder, C.P.; Lochmatter, S.; Agrawal, S.; Boon, N.; Lackner, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title High-resolution mapping and modeling of anammox recovery from recurrent oxygen exposure Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 144 Issue Pages 522-531
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Oxygen inhibits anammox, a bioconversion executed by anoxic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). Nonetheless, oxygen is mostly found in the proximity of AnAOB in nitrogen removal applications, being a substrate for nitritation. The experiments performed to date were mostly limited to batch activity tests where AnAOB activity is estimated during oxygen exposure. However, little attention has been paid to the recovery and reversibility of activity following aerobic conditions, of direct relevance for bioreactor operation. In this work, anoxic and autotrophic reactor cultivation at 20 degrees C yielded an enriched microbial community in AnAOB, consisting for 75% of a member of the genus Brocadia. High-resolution kinetic data were obtained with online ammonium measurements and further processed with a newly developed Python data pipeline. The experimentally obtained AnAOB response showed complete inhibition until micro-aerobic conditions were reached again (<0.02 mg O-2 L-1). After oxygen inhibition, AnAOB recovered gradually, with recovery times of 5-37 h to reach a steady-state activity, dependent on the perceived inhibition. The recovery immediately after inhibition was lowest when exposed to higher oxygen concentrations (range: 0.5-8 mg O-2 L-1) with long contact times (range: 9-24 h). The experimental data did not fit well with a conventional 'instant recovery' Monod-type inhibition model. Yet, the fit greatly improved by incorporating a dynamic growth rate formula accurately describing gradual activity recovery. With the upgraded model, long-term kinetic simulations for partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) with intermittent aeration showed a decrease in growth rate compared to the instant recovery mode. These results indicate that recovery of AnAOB after oxygen exposure was previously overlooked. It is recommended to account for this effect in the intensification of partial nitritation/anammox. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000447569300051 Publication Date 2018-07-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:152910 Serial 8037
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Author Tang, T.; Stamm, C.; van Griensven, A.; Seuntjens, P.; Bronders, J.
Title Hysteresis and parent-metabolite analyses unravel characteristic pesticide transport mechanisms in a mixed land use catchment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 124 Issue Pages 663-672
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract To properly estimate and manage pesticide occurrence in urban rivers, it is essential, but often highly challenging, to identify the key pesticide transport pathways in association to the main sources. This study examined the concentration-discharge hysteresis behaviour (hysteresis analysis) for three pesticides and the parent-metabolite concentration dynamics for two metabolites at sites with different levels of urban influence in a mixed land use catchment (25 km(2)) within the Swiss Greifensee area, aiming to identify the dominant pesticide transport pathways. Combining an adapted hysteresis classification framework with prior knowledge of the field conditions and pesticide usage, we demonstrated the possibility of using hysteresis analysis to qualitatively infer the dominant pesticide transport pathway in mixed land-use catchments. The analysis showed that hysteresis types, and therefore the dominant transport pathway, vary among pesticides, sites and rainfall events. Hysteresis loops mostly correspond to dominant transport by flow components with intermediate response time, although pesticide sources indicate that fast transport pathways are responsible in most cases (e.g. urban runoff and combined sewer overflows). The discrepancy suggests the fast transport pathways can be slowed down due to catchment storages, such as topographic depressions in agricultural areas, a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and other artificial storage units (e.g. retention basins) in urban areas. Moreover, the WWTP was identified as an important factor modifying the parent-metabolite concentration dynamics during rainfall events. To properly predict and manage pesticide occurrence in catchments of mixed land uses, the hydrological delaying effect and chemical processes within the artificial structures need to be accounted for, in addition to the catchment hydrology and the diversity of pesticide sources. This study demonstrates that in catchments with diverse pesticide sources and complex transport mechanisms, the adapted hysteresis analysis can help to improve our understanding on pesticide transport behaviours and provide a basis for effective management strategies.(C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000412251500065 Publication Date 2017-08-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:146661 Serial 8048
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Author Seuntjens, D.; Han, M.; Kerckhof, F.-M.; Boon, N.; Al-Omari, A.; Takacs, I.; Meerburg, F.; De Mulder, C.; Wett, B.; Bott, C.; Murthy, S.; Carvajal Arroyo, J.M.; De Clippeleir, H.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Pinpointing wastewater and process parameters controlling the AOB to NOB activity ratio in sewage treatment plants Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 138 Issue Pages 37-46
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Even though nitrification/denitrification is a robust technology to remove nitrogen from sewage, economic incentives drive its future replacement by shortcut nitrogen removal processes. The latter necessitates high potential activity ratios of ammonia oxidizing to nitrite oxidizing bacteria (rAOB/rNOB). The goal of this study was to identify which wastewater and process parameters can govern this in reality. Two sewage treatment plants (STP) were chosen based on their inverse rAOB/rNOB values (at 20 °C): 0.6 for Blue Plains (BP, Washington DC, US) and 1.6 for Nieuwveer (NV, Breda, NL). Disproportional and dissimilar relationships between AOB or NOB relative abundances and respective activities pointed towards differences in community and growth/activity limiting parameters. The AOB communities showed to be particularly different. Temperature had no discriminatory effect on the nitrifiers' activities, with similar Arrhenius temperature dependences (ΘAOB = 1.10, ΘNOB = 1.061.07). To uncouple the temperature effect from potential limitations like inorganic carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen, an add-on mechanistic methodology based on kinetic modelling was developed. Results suggest that BP's AOB activity was limited by the concentration of inorganic carbon (not by residual N and P), while NOB experienced less limitation from this. For NV, the sludge-specific nitrogen loading rate seemed to be the most prevalent factor limiting AOB and NOB activities. Altogether, this study shows that bottom-up mechanistic modelling can identify parameters that influence the nitrification performance. Increasing inorganic carbon in BP could invert its rAOB/rNOB value, facilitating its transition to shortcut nitrogen removal.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000431747300005 Publication Date 2017-11-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:149976 Serial 8385
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Author De Paepe, J.; Lindeboom, R.E.F.; Vanoppen, M.; De Paepe, K.; Demey, D.; Coessens, W.; Lamaze, B.; Verliefde, A.R.D.; Clauwaert, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Refinery and concentration of nutrients from urine with electrodialysis enabled by upstream precipitation and nitrification Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 144 Issue Pages 76-86
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Human urine is a valuable resource for nutrient recovery, given its high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but the compositional complexity of urine presents a challenge for an energy-efficient concentration and refinery of nutrients. In this study, a pilot installation combining precipitation, nitrification and electrodialysis (ED), designed for one person equivalent (1.2 L-urine d(-l)), was continuously operated for similar to 7 months. First, NaOH addition yielded calcium and magnesium precipitation, preventing scaling in ED. Second, a moving bed biofilm reactor oxidized organics, preventing downstream biofouling, and yielded complete nitrification on diluted urine (20-40%, i.e. dilution factors 5 and 2.5) at an average loading rate of 215 mg N L-1 d(-1). Batch tests demonstrated the halotolerance of the nitrifying community, with nitrification rates not affected up to an electrical conductivity of 40 mS cm(-1) and gradually decreasing, yet ongoing, activity up to 96 mS cm(-1) at 18% of the maximum rate. Next-generation 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed that switching from a synthetic influent to real urine induced a profound shift in microbial community and that the AOB community was dominated by halophilic species closely related to Nitrosomonas aestuarii and Nitrosomonas marina. Third, nitrate, phosphate and potassium in the filtered (0.1 mu m) bioreactor effluent were concentrated by factors 43, 2.6 and 4.6, respectively, with ED. Doubling the urine concentration from 20% to 40% further increased the ED recovery efficiency by similar to 10%. Batch experiments at pH 6, 7 and 8 indicated a more efficient phosphate transport to the concentrate at pH 7. The newly proposed three-stage strategy opens up opportunities for energy- and chemical-efficient nutrient recovery from urine. Precipitation and nitrification enabled the long-term continuous operation of ED on fresh urine requiring minimal maintenance, which has, to the best of our knowledge, never been achieved before. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000447569300008 Publication Date 2018-07-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:152907 Serial 8468
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Author Peng, L.; Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Seuntjens, D.; Prat, D.; Colica, G.; Pintucci, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Smart operation of nitritation/denitritation virtually abolishes nitrous oxide emission during treatment of co-digested pig slurry centrate Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 127 Issue Pages 1-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The implementation of nitritation/denitritation (Nit/DNit) as alternative to nitrification/denitrification (N/DN) is driven by operational cost savings, e.g. 1.0-1.8 EUR/ton slurry treated. However, as for any biological nitrogen removal process, Nit/DNit can emit the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Challenges remain in understanding formation mechanisms and in mitigating the emissions, particularly at a low ratio of organic carbon consumption to nitrogen removal (CODrem/N-rem). In this study, the centrate (centrifuge supernatant) from anaerobic co-digestion of pig slurry was treated in a sequencing batch reactor. The process removed approximately 100% of ammonium a satisfactory nitrogen loading rate (0.4 g N/L/d), with minimum nitrite and nitrate in the effluent. Substantial N2O emission (around 17% of the ammonium nitrogen loading) was observed at the baseline operational condition (dissolved oxygen, DO, levels averaged at 0.85 mg O-2/L; CODrem/N-rem of 2.8) with similar to 68% of the total emission contributed by nitritation. Emissions increased with higher nitrite accumulation and lower organic carbon to nitrogen ratio. Yet, higher DO levels (similar to 2.2 mg O-2/L) lowered the aerobic N2O emission and weakened the dependency on nitrite concentration, suggesting a shift in N2O production pathway. The most effective N2O mitigation strategy combined intermittent patterns of aeration, anoxic feeding and anoxic carbon dosage, decreasing emission by over 99% (down to similar to 0.12% of the ammonium nitrogen loading). Without anaerobic digestion, mitigated Nit/DNit decreases the operational carbon footprint with about 80% compared to N/DN. With anaerobic digestion included, about 4 times more carbon is sequestered. In conclusion, the low CODrem/N-rem feature of Nit/DNit no longer offsets its environmental sustainability provided the process is smartly operated. (c) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000418219000001 Publication Date 2017-09-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:148521 Serial 8548
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Author Zhang, Q.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; DeBarbadillo, C.; Su, C.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Pümpel, T.; Shaw, A.; Chandran, K.; Murthy, S.; De Clippeleir, H.
Title Supernatant organics from anaerobic digestion after thermal hydrolysis cause direct and/or diffusional activity loss for nitritation and anammox Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 143 Issue Pages 270-281
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Treatment of sewage sludge with a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) followed by anaerobic digestion (AD) enables to boost biogas production and minimize residual sludge volumes. However, the reject water can cause inhibition to aerobic and anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB & AnAOB), the two key microbial groups involved in the deammonification process. Firstly, a detailed investigation elucidated the impact of different organic fractions present in THP-AD return liquor on AerAOB and AnAOB activity. For AnAOB, soluble compounds linked to THP conditions and AD performance caused the main inhibition. Direct inhibition by dissolved organics was also observed for AerAOB, but could be overcome by treating the filtrate with extended aerobic or anaerobic incubation or with activated carbon. AerAOB additionally suffered from particulate and colloidal organics limiting the diffusion of substrates. This was resolved by improving the dewatering process through an optimized flocculant polymer dose and/or addition of coagulant polymer to better capture the large colloidal fraction, especially in case of unstable AD performance. Secondly, a new inhibition model for AerAOB included diffusion-limiting compounds based on the porter-equation, and achieved the best fit with the experimental data, highlighting that AerAOB were highly sensitive to large colloids. Overall, this paper for the first time provides separate identification of organic fractions within THP-AD filtrate causing differential types of inhibition. Moreover, it highlights the combined effect of the performance of THP, AD and dewatering on the downstream autotrophic nitrogen removal kinetics. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000443664000027 Publication Date 2018-06-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:152911 Serial 8623
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Agrawal, S.; Weissbrodt, D.G.; Annavajhala, M.; Jensen, M.M.; Arroyo, J.M.C.; Wells, G.; Chandran, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Terada, A.; Smets, B.F.; Lackner, S.
Title Time to act–assessing variations in qPCR analyses in biological nitrogen removal with examples from partial nitritation/anammox systems Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication (down) Water Research Abbreviated Journal Water Res
Volume 190 Issue Pages 116604
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is broadly used as the gold standard to quantify microbial community fractions in environmental microbiology and biotechnology. Benchmarking efforts to ensure the comparability of qPCR data for environmental bioprocesses are still scarce. Also, for partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) systems systematic investigations are still missing, rendering meta-analysis of reported trends and generic insights potentially precarious. We report a baseline investigation of the variability of qPCR-based analyses for microbial communities applied to PN/A systems. Round-robin testing was performed for three PN/A biomass samples in six laboratories, using the respective in-house DNA extraction and qPCR protocols. The concentration of extracted DNA was significantly different between labs, ranged between 2.7 and 328 ng mg−1 wet biomass. The variability among the qPCR abundance data of different labs was very high (1−7 log fold) but differed for different target microbial guilds. DNA extraction caused maximum variation (3–7 log fold), followed by the primers (1–3 log fold). These insights will guide environmental scientists and engineers as well as treatment plant operators in the interpretation of qPCR data.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000632807700001 Publication Date 2020-11-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.942 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173838 Serial 8672
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Author Huyskens, C.; Brauns, E.; van Hoof, E.; Diels, L.; de Wever, H.
Title Validation of a supervisory control system for energy savings in membrane bioreactors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 45 Issue 3 Pages 1443-1453
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The application of fixed operational protocols and settings for membrane bioreactors (MBR) often leads to suboptimal filtration conditions due to the dynamic nature of mixed liquor characteristics. With regard to process optimization and energy savings, the potential benefits of a dynamic control system, enabling to adapt fouling control actions (ACS outputs) in an automated way to the actual mixed liquor fouling propensity, are thus obvious. In this paper, the pilot-scale validation of such an advanced control system (ACS) is elaborated. A specific on-line fouling measurement method, the MBR-VFM (VITO Fouling Measurement), was used for the evaluation of the mixed liquors reversible fouling propensity, which was used as a primary ACS input parameter. A first series of tests with a gradual increase in complexity of the selected input and output parameters indicated the functionality of the ACS and demonstrated a substantial reduction of aeration, however sometimes at the expense of a higher fouling rate. The ACS was further fine-tuned and subsequently tested for a longer period under more dynamic operating conditions. A significant correlation was found between the reversible fouling potential measured by the MBR-VFM and the on-line permeability, indicating that the MBR-VFM is a suitable ACS input. Furthermore, an average 22% reduction in aeration flow to the membranes could be achieved without any obvious negative effect on filtration performance. This indicates that this approach is promising to optimize energy consumption in MBRs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000287054500047 Publication Date 2010-11-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:88400 Serial 8728
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Author Alloul, A.; Wuyts, S.; Lebeer, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Volatile fatty acids impacting phototrophic growth kinetics of purple bacteria : paving the way for protein production on fermented wastewater Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Water research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 152 Issue Pages 138-147
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Nutrient losses in our food chain severely surpass our planetary boundaries. Resource recovery can contribute to mitigation, for instance through converting wastewater resources to microbial protein for animal feed. Wastewater typically holds a complex mixture of organics, posing a challenge to selectively produce heterotrophic biomass. Ensuring the product's quality could be achieved by anaerobic generation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) followed by photoheterotrophic production of purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) with infrared light. This study aimed to determine the most suitable PNSB culture for VFA conversion and map the effect of acetate, propionate, butyrate and a VFA mixture on growth and biomass yield. Six cultures were screened in batch: (i) Rhodopseudomonas palustris, (ii) Rhodobacter sphaeroides, (iii) Rhodospirillum rubrum, (iv) a 3-species synthetic community (i+ii+iii), (v) a community enriched on VFA holding Rb. capsulatus, and (vi) Rb. capsulatus (isolate v). The VFA mixture elevated growth rates with a factor 1.32.5 compared to individual VFA. Rb. capsulatus showed the highest growth rates: 1.82.2 d−1 (enriched) and 2.33.8 d−1 (isolated). In a photobioreactor (PBR) inoculated with the Rb. capsulatus enrichment, decreasing sludge retention time (SRT) yielded lower biomass concentrations, yet increased productivities, reaching 1.7 g dry weight (DW) L−1 d−1, the highest phototrophic rate reported thus far, and a growth rate of up to 5 d−1. PNSB represented 2657% of the community and the diversity index was low (37), with a dominance of Rhodopseudomonas at long SRT and Rhodobacter at short SRT. The biomass yield for all cultures, in batch and reactor cultivation, approached 1 g CODBiomass g−1 CODRemoved. An economic estimation for a two-stage approach on brewery wastewater (load 2427 kg COD d−1) showed that 0.5 d SRT allowed for the lowest production cost ( 10 kg−1 DW; equal shares for capex and opex). The findings strengthen the potential for a novel two-stage approach for resource recovery from industrial wastewater, enabling high-rate PNSB production.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000458223900013 Publication Date 2018-12-27
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:156462 Serial 8739
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Author Ngo, K.N.; Tampon, P.; Van Winckel, T.; Massoudieh, A.; Sturm, B.; Bott, C.; Wett, B.; Murthy, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; DeBarbadillo, C.; De Clippeleir, H.
Title Introducing bioflocculation boundaries in process control to enhance effluent quality of high‐rate contact‐stabilization systems Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication (down) Water environment research Abbreviated Journal Water Environ Res
Volume 94 Issue 8 Pages e10772-17
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) systems suffer from high variability of effluent quality, clarifier performance, and carbon capture. This study proposed a novel control approach using bioflocculation boundaries for wasting control strategy to enhance effluent quality and stability while still meeting carbon capture goals. The bioflocculation boundaries were developed based on the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) ratio between contactor and stabilizer (feast/famine) in a high-rate contact stabilization (CS) system and this OUR ratio was used to manipulate the wasting setpoint. Increased oxidation of carbon or decreased wasting was applied when OUR ratio was <0.52 or >0.95 to overcome bioflocculation limitation and maintain effluent quality. When no bioflocculation limitations (OUR ratio within 0.52–0.95) were detected, carbon capture was maximized. The proposed control concept was shown for a fully automated OUR-based control system as well as for a simplified version based on direct waste flow control. For both cases, significant improvements in effluent suspended solids level and stability (<50-mg TSS/L), solids capture over the clarifier (>90%), and COD capture (median of 32%) were achieved. This study shows how one can overcome the process instability of current HRAS systems and provide a path to achieve more reliable outcomes.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000840360100001 Publication Date 2022-07-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1061-4303; 1554-7531 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 3.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:189409 Serial 7174
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Author Dubois, M.; Hoogmartens, R.; Van Passel, S.; Van Acker, K.; Vanderreydt, I.
Title Innovative market-based policy instruments for waste management : a case study on shredder residues in Belgium Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication (down) Waste Management & Research Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage Res
Volume 33 Issue 10 Pages 886-893
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In an increasingly complex waste market, market-based policy instruments, such as disposal taxes, can give incentives for sustainable progress while leaving flexibility for innovation. However, implementation of disposal taxes is often criticised by domestic waste handlers that fear to be outcompeted by competitors in other countries. The article discusses three innovative market-based instruments that limit the impact on international competitiveness: Tradable recycling credits, refunded disposal taxes and differentiated disposal taxes. All three instruments have already been implemented for distinct environmental policies in Europe. In order to illustrate how these instruments can be used for waste policy, the literature review is complemented with a case study on shredder residues from metal-containing waste streams in Belgium. The analysis shows that a conventional disposal tax remains the most efficient, simple and transparent instrument. However, if international competition is a significant issue or if political support is weak, refunded and differentiated disposal taxes can have an added value as second-best instruments. Tradable recycling credits are not an appropriate instrument for use in small waste markets with market power. In addition, refunded taxes create similar incentives, but induce lower transactions costs.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000361818000004 Publication Date 2015-09-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0734-242x; 1096-3669 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 1.803 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The research has been funded by the Flemish Government through the policy research centres programme. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.803; 2015 IF: 1.297
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129876 Serial 6217
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Author Hoogmartens, R.; Eyckmans, J.; Van Passel, S.
Title Landfill taxes and enhanced waste management : combining valuable practices with respect to future waste streams Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage
Volume 55 Issue Pages 345-354
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Both landfill taxes and Enhanced Waste Management (EWM) practices can mitigate the scarcity issue of landfill capacity by respectively reducing landfilled waste volumes and valorising future waste streams. However, high landfill taxes might erode incentives for EWM, even though EWM creates value by valorising waste. Concentrating on Flanders (Belgium), the paper applies dynamic optimisation modelling techniques to analyse how landfill taxation and EWM can reinforce each other and how taxation schemes can be adjusted in order to foster sustainable and welfare maximising ways of processing future waste streams. Based on the Flemish simulation results, insights are offered that are generally applicable in international waste and resource management policy. As shown, the optimal Flemish landfill tax that optimises welfare in the no EWM scenario is higher than the one in the EWM scenario (93 against (sic)50/ton). This difference should create incentives for applying EWM and is driven by the positive external effects that are generated by EWM practices. In Flanders, as the current landfill tax is slightly lower than these optimal levels, the choice that can be made is to further increase taxation levels or show complete commitment to EWM. A first generally applicable insight that was found points to the fact that it is not necessarily the case that the higher the landfill tax, the more effective waste management improvements can be realised. Other insights are about providing sufficient incentives for applying EMW practices and formulating appropriate pleas in support of technological development. By these insights, this paper should provide relevant information that can assist in triggering the transition towards a resource efficient, circular economy in Europe. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000381535200036 Publication Date 2016-04-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.03 Times cited 5 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.03
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:137150 Serial 6222
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Author Danthurebandara, M.; Van Passel, S.; Vanderreydt, I.; Van Acker, K.
Title Environmental and economic performance of plasma gasification in Enhanced Landfill Mining Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication (down) Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage
Volume 45 Issue Pages 458-467
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This paper describes an environmental and economic assessment of plasma gasification, one of the viable candidates for the valorisation of refuse derived fuel from Enhanced Landfill Mining. The study is based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing. Plasma gasification is benchmarked against conventional incineration, and the study indicates that the process could have significant impact on climate change, human toxicity, particulate matter formation, metal depletion and fossil depletion. Flue gas emission, oxygen usage and disposal of residues (plasmastone) are the major environmental burdens, while electricity production and metal recovery represent the major benefits. Reductions in burdens and improvements in benefits are found when the plasmastone is valorised in building materials instead of landfilling. The study indicates that the overall environmental performance of plasma gasification is better than incineration. The study confirms a trade-off between the environmental and economic performance of the discussed scenarios. Net electrical efficiency and investment cost of the plasma gasification process and the selling price of the products are the major economic drivers.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000364796800050 Publication Date 2015-06-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.03 Times cited 12 Open Access
Notes ; The authors would like to acknowledge the funding of this study by the IWT-O&O ELFM project 'Closing the Circle & Enhanced Landfill Mining as part of the Transition to Sustainable Materials Management' and the valuable discussions with Group Machiels and VITO (Belgium). ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.03; 2015 IF: 3.220
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129875 Serial 6197
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Author Einhäupl, P.V.; Krook, J.; Svensson, N.; Van Acker, K.; Van Passel, S.
Title Eliciting stakeholder needs : an anticipatory approach assessing enhanced landfill mining Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage
Volume 98 Issue 98 Pages 113-125
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Landfill owners, governmental institutions, technology providers, academia and local communities are important stakeholders involved in Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM). This concept of excavating and processing historical waste streams to higher added values can be seen as a continuation of traditional landfill mining (LFM) and seems to be an innovative and promising idea for potential environmental and societal benefits. However, ELFM's profitability is still under debate, and environmental as well as societal impacts have to be further investigated. This study provides a first step towards an anticipatory approach, assessing ELFM through stakeholder integration. In the study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with various stakeholders, involved in a case study in Flanders, Belgium. Participants were selected across a quadruple helix (QH) framework, i.e. industrial, governmental, scientific, and local community actors. The research comprises 13 interviews conducted with an aim to elicit stakeholder needs for ELFM implementation using a general inductive approach. In total 18 different stakeholder needs were identified. The paper explains how the stakeholder needs refer to the different dimensions of sustainability, which groups of stakeholders they primarily affect, and what types of uncertainty could be influenced by their implementation. The stakeholder needs are structured into societal, environmental, regulatory and techno-economic needs. Results show additional economic, environmental, and societal aspects of ELFM to be integrated into ELFM research, as well as a need for the dynamic modeling of impacts. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000487175500012 Publication Date 2019-08-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.03 Times cited 3 Open Access
Notes ; This project has received funding from the European Union's EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020 under Grant Agreement No 721185. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.03
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:163760 Serial 6193
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Author Danthurebandara, M.; Van Passel, S.; Vanderreydt, I.; Van Acker, K.
Title Assessment of environmental and economic feasibility of Enhanced Landfill Mining Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication (down) Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage
Volume 45 Issue Pages 434-447
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This paper addresses the environmental and economic performance of Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM). Based on life cycle assessment and life cycle costing, a detailed model is developed and is applied to a case study, i.e. the first ELFM project in Belgium. The environmental and economic analysis is performed in order to study the valorisation of different waste types in the landfill, such as municipal solid waste, industrial waste and total waste. We found that ELFM is promising for the case study landfill as greater environmental benefits are foreseen in several impact categories compared to the landfills current situation (the Do-nothing scenario). Among the considered processes, the thermal treatment process dominates both the environmental and economic performances of ELFM. Improvements in the electrical efficiency of thermal treatment process, the calorific value of refuse derived fuel and recovery efficiencies of different waste fractions lead the performance of ELFM towards an environmentally sustainable and economically feasible direction. Although the environmental and economic profiles of ELFM will differ from case to case, the results of this analysis can be used as a benchmark for future ELFM projects.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000364796800048 Publication Date 2015-02-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.03 Times cited 30 Open Access
Notes ; The authors would like to acknowledge the funding of this study by the IWT-O&O ELFM project 'Closing the Circle & Enhanced Landfill Mining as part of the Transition to Sustainable Materials Management' and the valuable discussions with Group Machiels (Belgium). ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.03; 2015 IF: 3.220
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:129878 Serial 6156
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Author Kleinhans, K.; Hallemans, M.; Huysveld, S.; Thomassen, G.; Ragaert, K.; Van Geem, K.M.; Roosen, M.; Mys, N.; Dewulf, J.; De Meester, S.
Title Development and application of a predictive modelling approach for household packaging waste flows in sorting facilities Type A1 Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication (down) Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Management
Volume 120 Issue Pages 290-302
Keywords A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Abstract Household packaging waste sorting facilities consist of complex networks of processes to separate diverse waste streams. These facilities are a key first step to re-enter materials into the recycling chain. However, so far there are no general methods to predict the performance of such sorting facilities, i.e.

how efficiently the heterogeneous packaging waste is sorted into fractions with value for further recycling. In this paper, a model of the material flow in a sorting facility is presented, which allows changing the incoming waste composition, split factors on the sorting units as well as the setup of the sorting facility. The performance of the sorting facility is judged based on the purity of the output material (grade) and the recovery of the input material. A validation of the model was performed via a case study on Belgian post-consumer packaging waste with a selection of typical waste items that can be found in this stream. Moreover, the model was used to predict the possible sorting qualities of future Belgian postconsumer packaging waste after an extension of the allowed waste packaging items in the waste stream. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed on the split factors, which are a key data source in the model. Overall, the developed model is flexible and able to predict the performance of packaging waste sorting facilities as well as support waste management and design for recycling decisions, including future

design of packaging, to ensure proper sorting and separation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date 2020-12-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956053X ISBN Additional Links
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes We would like to thank Indaver (https://www.indaver.com/been/home/), especially Erik Huybrechts, Eric Goddaert, Eline Meyvis and Erik Moerman, for their great support on this research. Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge the help of Colruyt (https://www.colruyt.be/) and CEFLEX (https://ceflex.eu/) for the pre-studies for this research. Moreover, we would like to show our appreciation for the financial support by the Catalisti-ICON project (HBC.2018.0262) MATTER (Mechanical and Thermochemical Recycling of mixed plastic waste) funded by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). We also thank the Interreg 2 Seas program PlastiCity that is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under subsidy contract No. 2S05-021 and the province of East-Flanders for funding this research. Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number ENM @ enm @ Serial 6667
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Author Thomassen, G.; Van Passel, S.; Alaerts, L.; Dewulf, J.
Title Retrospective and prospective material flow analysis of the post-consumer plastic packaging waste management system in Flanders Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication (down) Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage
Volume 147 Issue Pages 10-21
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The post-consumer plastic packaging waste management in Flanders was analyzed by performing a retrospective material flow analysis, covering an extensive period from 1985 to 2019. In addition, a prospective material flow analysis of 32 improvement scenarios was performed, based on expected changes in the waste management system. Mass recovery rates were calculated based on different interpretations of the calculation rules. Moreover, various cascading levels were identified to differentiate between the quality level of the secondary applications. The mass recovery rate including only recycling evolved from a value of 0% in 1985 to 31% in 2019 and could be increased to 36-62% depending on the improvement scenario selected. However, the different interpretations of the calculation rules led to a variation of up to 20 and 41% on this mass recovery rates for the retrospective and prospective analysis, respectively. The introduction of monostream recycling for additional post-consumer plastic packaging flows, such as low-density polyethylene, did not lead to increasing mass recovery rates, if no differentiation for the cascading levels was made. The Belgian recycling target of 65% for 2023 will be challenging if the strictest calculation method needs to be followed or if the improvements in the Flemish postconsumer plastic packaging waste system do not follow the best-case collection scenarios under the given assumptions. To harmonize the calculation and monitoring of these targets, clear calculation rules need to be accompanied with a harmonized monitoring system over the entire waste management system.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000802961100002 Publication Date 2022-05-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188651 Serial 7367
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Author Larraín, M.; Billen, P.; Van Passel, S.
Title The effect of plastic packaging recycling policy interventions as a complement to extended producer responsibility schemes : a partial equilibrium model Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication (down) Waste Management Abbreviated Journal Waste Manage
Volume 153 Issue Pages 355-366
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes have effectively increased the plastic waste that is separately collected. However, due to the structure of the recycling industry, EPR cannot increase recycling rates up to the target levels.Additional policy instruments to increase recycling rates such as recycled content targets, green dot fees bonus for recycled content, recycling targets and taxes on non-recycled plastic packaging have been discussed on a political level in the last years. However, very little research has quantitatively studied the effectiveness of these policy interventions.Using a partial equilibrium model, this paper examines the effectiveness of the implementation of the aforementioned policy instruments to increase recycling rates and the impact on different stakeholders of the value chain: plastic producers, consumers, producer responsibility organization and recyclers.Results show that direct interventions (recycled content standards and recycling targets) have the benefit of decoupling the recycling industry from external markets such as the oil market. They can be a good starting point to increase recycling, but in the long term they may be restricting by not presenting incentives to achieve recycling levels beyond the targeted amounts and by limiting technological innovation. On the contrary, eco-nomic interventions such as a green dot fee bonus or a packaging tax create economic incentives for recycling. However, these incentives are diminished by the lower perceived quality of packaging with higher recycled content levels.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000868915000004 Publication Date 2022-09-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.1
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191367 Serial 7370
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Author Sakarika, M.; Spiller, M.; Baetens, R.; Donies, G.; Vanderstuyf, J.; Vinck, K.; Vrancken, K.C.; Van Barel, G.; Du Bois, E.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Proof of concept of high-rate decentralized pre-composting of kitchen waste : optimizing design and operation of a novel drum reactor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Waste management Abbreviated Journal
Volume 91 Issue Pages 20-32
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Product development
Abstract Each ton of organic household waste that is collected, transported and composted incurs costs (€75/ton gate fee). Reducing the mass and volume of kitchen waste (

KW) at the point of collection can diminish transport requirements and associated costs, while also leading to an overall reduction in gate fees for final processing. To this end, the objective of this research was to deliver a proof of concept for the so-called “urban pre-composter”; a bioreactor for the decentralized, high-rate pre-treatment of KW, that aims at mass and volume reduction at the point of collection. Results show considerable reductions in mass (33%), volume (62%) and organic solids (32%) of real KW, while provision of structure material and separate collection of leachate was found to be unnecessary. The temperature profile, C/N ratio (12) and VS/TS ratio (0.69) indicated that a mature compost can be produced in 68  days (after pre-composting and main composting). An economic Monte Carlo simulation yielded that the urban pre-composter concept is not more expensive than the current approach, provided its cost per unit is €8,000–€14,500 over a 10-year period (OPEX and CAPEX, in 80% of the cases). The urban pre-composter is therefore a promising system for the efficient pre-treatment of organic household waste in an urban context.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000473378700003 Publication Date 2019-04-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-053x 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:159579 Serial 8426
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Author Kovács, A.; Janssens, N.; Mielants, M.; Cornet, I.; Neyts, E.C.; Billen, P.
Title Biocatalyzed vinyl laurate transesterification in natural deep eutectic solvents Type A1 Journal article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Waste and biomass valorization Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 1-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Purpose Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) represent a green alternative to conventional organic solvents as reaction medium, offering more benign properties. To efficiently design NADES for biocatalysis, a better understanding of their effect on these reactions is needed. We hypothesize that this effect can be described by separately considering (1) the solvent interactions with the substrates, (2) the solvent viscosities and (3) the enzyme stability in NADES. Methods We investigated the effect of substrate solvation and viscosity on the reaction rate; and the stability of the enzyme in NADES. To this end, we monitored the conversion over time of the transesterification of vinyl laurate with 1- butanol by the lipase enzyme Candida antarctica B in NADES of different compounds and molar ratios. Results The initial reaction rate is higher in most NADES ( varying between 1.14 and 15.07 mu mol min(-1) mg(-1)) than in the reference n-hexane (4.0 mu mol min(-1) mg(-1))), but no clear relationship between viscosity and initial reaction rate was found. The increased reaction rate is most likely related to the solvation of the substrate due to a change in the activation energy of the reaction or a change in the conformation of the substrate. The enzyme retained part of its activity after the first 2 h of reaction (on average 20 % of the substrate reacted in the 2-24 h period). Enzyme incubation in ethylene glycol-based NADES resulted in a reduced reaction rate ( 15.07 vs. 3.34 mu mol min(-1) mg(-1)), but this may also be due to slow dissolution of the substrate. Conclusions The effect of viscosity seems to be marginal next to the effect of solvation and possible enzyme-NADES interaction. The enzyme retains some of its activity during the 24-hour measurements, but the enzyme incubation experiments did not yield accurate, comparable values. [GRAPHICS] .
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 001117290800003 Publication Date 2023-12-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1877-2641; 1877-265x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.2 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.2; 2023 IF: 1.337
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:202709 Serial 9005
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Author Geerts, R.; Vandermoere, F.; Halet, D.; Van Winckel, T.; Joos, P.; Van Den Steen, K.; Van Meenen, E.; Blust, R.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Ik drink (geen) afval! Een exploratieve studie naar socio-demografische verschillen in publieke steun voor het hergebruik van afvalwater in Vlaanderen Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication (down) Vlaams tijdschrift voor overheidsmanagement Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue 3 Pages 51-69
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sociology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
Abstract In een context van stijgende waterschaarste verkennen wij, naar ons weten voor het eerst in Vlaanderen, publieke steun voor de behandeling en het hergebruik van afvalwater als drinkwater. Vlaanderen is vandaag een van de weinige regio’s waar afvalwater reeds gerecycleerd wordt voor drinkwaterdoeleinden. Dit gebeurt op kleinschalig niveau en de uitbreiding hiervan is vandaag een van de Vlaamse beleidsdoelstellingen. Internationale voorbeelden toonden echter dat een gebrek aan publieke steun een aanzienlijk obstakel kan zijn. Vaak worden gezondheids- en veiligheidsbezorgdheden aangehaald als oorzaak voor het beperkte draagvlak. Minder is geweten over de socio-demografische distributie van dit draagvlak. Daarbovenop blijft er onduidelijkheid over de samenhang tussen socio-demografische kenmerken en gezondheids- en veiligheidsbezorgdheden. Met behulp van een enquête uitgevoerd in Vlaanderen (N=2309), bestudeerden wij ten eerste deze socio-demografische verschillen op basis van bivariate associaties (gender, opleidingsniveau, leeftijd en woonplaats). Ten tweede construeerden we een padmodel om te onderzoeken of deze verschillen verklaard kunnen worden aan de hand van gezondheids- en veiligheidsbezorgdheden. Onze resultaten toonden dat publieke steun voor afvalwaterhergebruik voor drinkwaterdoeleinden in Vlaanderen beperkt is. Het draagvlak was het laagst bij oudere mensen, vrouwen, lager geschoolde groepen en mensen die niet in de Provincie Antwerpen wonen. Voor een groot deel konden socio-demografische verschillen verklaard worden door hogere gezondheids- en veiligheidsbezorgdheden bij vrouwen, lager geschoolden en mensen uit West- en Oost-Vlaanderen. Dit suggereert een gebrek aan vertrouwen in waterexperts en -technologie bij bepaalde socio-demografische groepen, wat zich vertaalt in een verminderde publieke steun voor afvalwaterhergebruik. Op basis van deze bevindingen bespreken we een aantal potentiële actiestrategieën om publieke oppositie te anticiperen en proactief publieke steun te verwerven via doelgerichte (risico)communicatie.
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 1373-0509 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171478 Serial 6541
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Author Kalitzova, M.; Vlakhov, E.; Marinov, Y.; Gesheva, K.; Ignatova, V.A.; Lebedev, O.; Muntele, C.; Gijbels, R.
Title Effect of high-frequency electromagnetic field on Te+-implanted (001) Si</tex> Type A1 Journal article
Year 2004 Publication (down) Vacuum: the international journal and abstracting service for vacuum science and technology Abbreviated Journal Vacuum
Volume 76 Issue 2-3 Pages 325-328
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract The analysis of high-frequency electromagnetic field (HFEMF) effects on the microstructure and electrical properties of Te+ implanted (0 0 1) Si is reported. Cross-sectional high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (XHRTEM) demonstrates the formation of Te nanoclusters (NCs) embedded in the Si layer amorphized by implantation (a-Si) at fluences greater than or equal to 1 x 10(16) cm(-2). Post-implantation treatment with 0.45 MHz HFEMF leads to enlargement of Te NCs, their diffusion and accumulation at the a-Si surface and formation of laterally connected extended tellurium structures above the percolation threshold, appearing at an ion fluence of 1 x 10(17) cm(-2). AC electrical conductivity measurements show nearly four orders of magnitude decrease of impedance resistivity in this case, which is in good agreement with the results of our structural studies. The results obtained are discussed in terms of the two-phase isotropic spinodal structure. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos 000224890100048 Publication Date 2004-08-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0042-207X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.53 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.53; 2004 IF: 0.902
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:95105 Serial 814
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Author Deveirman, A.; van Landuyt, J.; Vanhellemont, J.; Maes, H.E.; Yallup, K.
Title Defects in high-dose oxygen implanted silicon : a TEM study Type A1 Journal article
Year 1991 Publication (down) Vacuum: the international journal and abstracting service for vacuum science and technology T2 – 1ST SIOMX WORKSHOP ( SEPARATION BY IMPLANTATION OF OXYGEN ) ( SWI-88 ), NOV 07-08, 1988, UNIV SURREY, GUILDFORD, ENGLAND Abbreviated Journal Vacuum
Volume 42 Issue 5-6 Pages 367-369
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Abstract Results are discussed of a transmission electron microscopy study of high-dose oxygen implanted silicon. In addition to the general high temperature (> 1200-degrees-C) annealing treatments also annealings at 'low' temperatures (1000-1100-degrees-C) were performed in order to slow down the precipitate and defect reactions. The observed dissolution of the oxide precipitates during prolonged high temperature annealing is explained by critical radius considerations. Threading dislocations are the remaining lattice defects in the silicon overlayer and cannot be removed by further annealing. Low temperature annealing results in the formation and subsequent unfaulting of extrinsic stacking fault loops below the buried oxide layer.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos A1991EV61700007 Publication Date 2002-10-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0042-207X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.858 Times cited 4 Open Access
Notes Approved MATERIALS SCIENCE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY 96/271 Q2 #
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:104022 Serial 629
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Author Bogaerts, A.; Gijbels, R.
Title Numerical modelling of gas discharge plasmas for various applications Type A1 Journal article
Year 2003 Publication (down) Vacuum: surface engineering, surface instrumentation & vacuum technology Abbreviated Journal Vacuum
Volume 69 Issue Pages 37-52
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Gas discharge plasmas are used for a wide range of applications. To improve our understanding about gas discharges, which is necessary to obtain good results in the various application fields, we perform numerical modelling of gas discharge plasmas. Various kinds of modelling approaches, for various types of gas discharges, are being used in our group. In this paper, some examples of this modelling work are outlined. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor
Language Wos 000180739000006 Publication Date 2002-12-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0042-207X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.53 Times cited 16 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.53; 2003 IF: 0.612
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:40194 Serial 2401
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Author Ignatova, V.A.; van Vaeck, L.; Gijbels, R.; Adams, F.
Title Capabilities and limitations of Fourier transform laser microprobe mass spectrometry for molecular analysis of solids Type A1 Journal article
Year 2002 Publication (down) Vacuum Abbreviated Journal Vacuum
Volume 69 Issue Pages 307-313
Keywords A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Abstract Fourier transform laser microprobe mass spectrometry (FT LMMS) has been developed for the molecular analysis of both organic and inorganic components at the surface of microobjects with the ultimate specificity of high-mass resolution. These capabilities are needed in numerous applications of practical material analysis, such as tracing back anomalies in microobjects. The purpose of this paper is to address representative example from industrial trouble shooting, in which organic and inorganic analytes in a single microparticle have been identified unambiguously. This motivates the research to extend the methodology towards quantification. This paper deals with the fundamental aspect of information depth, specifically for inorganic molecular adduct ions. Finally, data will show the quantitative capabilities of FT LMMS. A suitable methodology for the preparation of reference specimens has allowed the empirical calibration of the response as a function of the local concentration to be achieved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000180739000050 Publication Date 2002-12-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0042-207X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.53 Times cited 4 Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 1.53; 2002 IF: 0.723
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:43192 Serial 274
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