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Author Sui, Y.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Exploring Dunaliella salina as single cell protein (SCP) : the influence of light/dark regime on the growth and protein synthesis Type A2 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences Abbreviated Journal
Volume 82 Issue 1 Pages 6-11
Keywords A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Single cell protein (SCP), or originally named microbial protein, is the edible microbial biomass derived from e.g. microalgae, bacteria and fungi, which can be used as protein sources replacing conventional protein sources for animal feed or human food such as fishmeal and soybean (Anupama & Ravindra 2000). SCP presents great potential as protein supplement to alleviate the problem of food scarcity in the future (Nasseri et al. 2011). In general, microalgae as SCP contains above 50% protein over dry weight and specifically for the marine microalgae Dunaliella salina the amount stays around 57% (Becker 2007). Commercially the most common system for Dunaliella sp. production is the outdoor open pond, thus the microalgal cells are subjected to a natural light/dark cycle (Hosseini Tafreshi & Shariati 2009). Being photo-autotrophic microorganisms, the lack of light energy sources is a risk leading to night biomass loss (Ogbonna & Tanaka 1996). On the other hand, for some microalgae species cell division occurs primarily during the night suggesting its night protein synthesis (Cuhel et al. 1984). As a consequence, day and night metabolisms of microalgae introduced by light/dark cycles potentially will have big impacts on the biomass development, both in growth and biochemical composition. In this study, the effect of the light/dark cycle on the growth and protein synthesis of Dunaliella salina was explored in comparison with continuous light cultivation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1379-1176 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151148 Serial 7950
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Author Grunert, O.; Robles Aguilar, A.A.; Hernandez-Sanabria, E.; Reheul, D.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.; Jablonowski, N.D.
Title Fertilizer type influences dynamics of the microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of tomato and impact the nutrient turnover and plant performance Type A2 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences Abbreviated Journal
Volume 81 Issue 1 Pages 67-73
Keywords A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOB and AOA) and nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) are the most important organisms responsible for ammonia and nitrite oxidation in agricultural ecosystems and growing media. Ammonia and nitrite oxidation are critical steps in the soil nitrogen cycle and can be affected by the application of mineral fertilizers or organic fertilizers. The functionality of the microbial community has a major impact on the nutrient turnover and will finally influence plant performance. The microbial community associated with the growing medium and its functionality will also be influenced by the rhizosphere and the bulk soil. In our study, we used a tomato plant with a high root exudation capacity in order to stimulate microbial activity. We studied plant performance in rhizotrons (a phentotyping system for imaging roots), including an optical method (planar optodes) for non-invasive, quantitative and high-resolution imaging of pH dynamics in the rhizosphere and adjacent medium. The horticultural growing medium was supplemented with organic-derived nitrogen or ammonium derived from struvite. The possible differences in the root structure between treatments is compared with the total root length. Destructive growing medium sampling and high throughput sequencing analysis of the bacterial abundance of the communities present in the rhizosphere and the bulk soil is used to study the growing medium-associated microbial community structure and functionality, and this will be related to pH changes in the rhizosphere and the bulk soil. Our hypothesis is that the growing medium-associated microbial community structure changes depending on the nitrogen form provided and we expect a higher abundance of bacteria in the treatment with organic fertilizer and a higher abundance of AOB and NOB in the rhizosphere in comparison to the bulk soil.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1379-1176 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151149 Serial 7964
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Author Muys, M.; Derese, S.; Verliefde, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Solubilization of struvite as a sustainable nutrient source for single cell protein production Type A2 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences Abbreviated Journal
Volume 81 Issue 1 Pages 179-184
Keywords A2 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract By 2050, the world population will have considerably expanded and the life standard of many will increase, yielding a 50% higher demand in protein (FAO, 2011), and even increases of 82 and 102% for diary and meat products, respectively (Boland et al., 2013). To provide in this increasing demand we are highly dependent on our classical fertilizer to food chain which has a high environmental impact and lacks efficiency. Nutrient losses cause eutrophication and biodiversity loss and the input of resources is already beyond the boundaries of environmental sustainability (Steffen et al., 2015). Phosphate fertilizers are made from phosphate rock (apatite), of which the reserves are predicted to be depleted within 50 100 years if we continue business as usual (Cordell et al., 2009). Next to problems related to the unbalanced geopolitical distribution with dominance in China and Morocco, the decreasing quality of the remaining apatite will result in an increasing environmental impact of fertilizer production. Finally, our traditional food production model requires 30% of all ice-free land, 70% of all available freshwater and produces up to one third of the global greenhouse gas emission, of which 80 to 86% is linked to agricultural production (Vermeulen et al., 2012). To ensure food security, nutrient recovery from waste streams can provide an important strategy. In this context, struvite ( ) crystallisation may be applied to recover phosphorus, along with some nitrogen. Reusing these nutrients as agricultural fertilizer on the field will lead to considerable losses to the environment. In contrast, their use to cultivate micro-organisms, e.g. for single cell protein (SCP), offers to potential of a near perfect conversion efficiency (Moed et al., 2015). At this moment, microalgae represent the most developed type of SCP, and are a promising protein source due to their growth rate, high nutritional quality and extremely high nutrient usage efficiency (Becker, 2007). Reliable solubilisation data are essential to design a technological strategy for struvite dosage in bioreactors for SCP production. The effect on solubility and solubilisation rate of relevant physicochemical parameters was studied experimentally in aqueous solutions. Because pH and temperature greatly affect solubilisation kinetics they were set at a constant value of 7 and 20°C respectively. The effect of some parameters on struvite solubility was already studied (Bhuiyan et al., 2007; Ariyanto et al., 2014; Roncal-Herrero and Oelkers, 2011), but solubilisation rates were not yet considered and pH was not controlled at a constant value. The chemical parameters considered in this study include the concentration of different common ions ( and ), foreign ions ( and the chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA) present in micro-algal cultivation media as well as ionic strength (as set by NaCl). The main physical parameter included was contact surface, through variation in initial particle size and as well as in struvite dosage concentration.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1379-1176 ISBN Additional Links UA library record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151150 Serial 8550
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Author Borah, R.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Effect of size distribution, skewness and roughness on the optical properties of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication (down) Colloids and surfaces: A: physicochemical and engineering aspects Abbreviated Journal Colloid Surface A
Volume 640 Issue Pages 128521
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract It is a generally accepted idea that the particle size distribution strongly affects the optical spectra of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles. It is often quoted as one of the main reasons while explaining the mismatch between the theoretical and experimental optical spectra of such nanoparticles. In this work, these aspects are critically analyzed by means of a bottom up statistical approach that considers variables such as mean, standard deviation and skewness of the nanoparticle size distribution independently from one another. By assuming normal and log-normal distributions of the particle size, the effect of the statistical parameters on the Mie analytical optical spectra of colloidal nanoparticles was studied. The effect of morphology was also studied numerically in order to understand to what extent it can play a role. It is our finding that the particle polydispersity, skewness and surface morphology in fact only weakly impact the optical spectra. While, the selection of suitable optical constants with regard to the crystallinity of the nanoparticles is a far more influential factor for correctly predicting both the plasmon band position and the plasmon bandwidth in theoretical simulations of the optical spectra. It is shown that the mean particle size can be correctly estimated directly from the plasmon band position, as it is the mean that determines the resonance wavelength. The standard deviation can on the other hand be estimated from the intensity distribution data obtained from dynamic light scattering experiments. The results reported herein clear the ambiguity around particle size distribution and optical response of colloidal plasmonic nanoparticles.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Elservier Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000765946900002 Publication Date 2022-02-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-7757 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.2
Call Number DuEL @ duel @c:irua:185704 Serial 6908
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Author Verbruggen, S.W.; Van Hal, M.; Bosserez, T.; Rongé, J.; Hauchecorne, B.; Martens, J.A.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Harvesting hydrogen gas from air pollutants with an un-biased gas phase photo-electrochemical cell Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Chemsuschem Abbreviated Journal Chemsuschem
Volume 10 Issue 7 Pages 1413-1418
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The concept of an all-gas-phase photo-electrochemical cell (PEC) producing hydrogen gas from volatile organic contaminated gas and light is presented. Without applying any external bias, organic contaminants are degraded and hydrogen gas is produced in separate electrode compartments. The system works most efficiently with organic pollutants in inert carrier gas. In the presence of oxygen gas, the cell performs less efficiently but still significant photocurrents are generated, showing the cell can be run on organic contaminated air. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate new application opportunities of PEC technology and to encourage further advancement toward photo-electrochemical remediation of air pollution with the attractive feature of simultaneous energy recovery and pollution abatement.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000398838600017 Publication Date 2017-02-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1864-5631 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.226 Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes ; S.W.V. and J.R. acknowledge the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO) for a postdoctoral fellowship. T.B. and J.A.M. acknowledge the Flemish government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem). Nicolaas Schewyck is greatly thanked for his experimental work during his master thesis. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.226
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:140922 Serial 5955
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Author Jammaer, J.; Aprile, C.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Lenaerts, S.; Pescarmona, P.P.; Martens, J.A.
Title A non-aqueous synthesis of TiO2SiO2 composites in supercritical CO2 for the photodegradation of pollutants Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication (down) Chemsuschem Abbreviated Journal Chemsuschem
Volume 4 Issue 10 Pages 1457-1463
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Titania/silica composites with different Ti/Si ratios are synthesized via a nonconventional synthesis route. The synthesis involves non-aqueous reaction of metal alkoxides and formic acid at 75 °C in supercritical carbon dioxide. The as-prepared composite materials contain nanometer-sized anatase crystallites and amorphous silica. Large specific surface areas are obtained. The composites are evaluated in the photocatalytic degradation of phenol in aqueous medium, and in the elimination of acetaldehyde from air. The highest photocatalytic activity in both processes is achieved with a composite containing 40 wt % TiO2.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000296497400010 Publication Date 2011-05-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1864-5631 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.226 Times cited 15 Open Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge sponsorship from CECAT and Methusalem (long-term financing of the Flemish government). We thank Dr. E. Gobechiya for assistance with XRD measurements and A. Lemaire for assistance with mercury porosimetry measurements. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.226; 2011 IF: 6.827
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:93363 Serial 5973
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Author Smits, M.; Ling, Y.; Lenaerts, S.; Van Doorslaer, S.
Title Photocatalytic removal of soot : unravelling of the reaction mechanism by EPR and in situ FTIR spectroscopy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication (down) ChemPhysChem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry Abbreviated Journal Chemphyschem
Volume 13 Issue 18 Pages 4251-4257
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Photocatalytic soot oxidation is studied on P25 TiO2 as an important model reaction for self-cleaning processes by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Contacting of carbon black with P25 leads on the one hand to a reduction of the local dioxygen concentration in the powder. On the other hand, the weakly adsorbed radicals on the carbon particles are likely to act as alternative traps for the photogenerated conduction-band electrons. We find furthermore that the presence of dioxygen and oxygen-related radicals is vital for the photocatalytic soot degradation. The complete oxidation of soot to CO2 is evidenced by in situ FTIR spectroscopy, no intermediate CO is detected during the photocatalytic process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000313692600026 Publication Date 2012-11-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1439-4235 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.075 Times cited 9 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the University of Antwerp (PhD grants of M. S. and Y.L.). We would like to thank Birger Hauchecorne for the scientific discussion. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.075; 2012 IF: 3.349
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:104568 Serial 5980
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Author Khan, S.U.; Trashin, S.A.; Korostei, Y.S.; Dubinina, T.V.; Tomilova, L.G.; Verbruggen, S.W.; De Wael, K.
Title Photoelectrochemistry for measuring the photocatalytic activity of soluble photosensitizers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication (down) ChemPhotoChem Abbreviated Journal
Volume 4 Issue 4 Pages 300-306
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract We introduce a rapid method to test the photocatalytic activity of singlet‐oxygen‐producing photosensitizers using a batch cell, a LED laser and a conventional potentiostat. The strategy is based on coupling of photo‐oxidation of hydroquinone and simultaneous electrochemical reduction of its oxidized form at a carbon electrode in an organic solvent (methanol). This scheme gives an immediate response and avoids complications related to long‐term experiments such as oxidative photo‐degradation of photosensitizers and singlet oxygen traps by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Among the tested compounds, a fluoro‐substituted subphthalocyanine showed the highest photocurrent and singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ) in comparison to phenoxy‐ and tert‐butyl‐substituted analogues, whereas the lowest photocurrents and yields were observed for aggregated and dimeric phthalocyanine complexes. The method is useful for fast screening of the photosensitizing activity and represents the first example of one‐pot coupling of electrochemical and photocatalytic reactions in organic media.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000520100400001 Publication Date 2020-01-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2367-0932 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.7 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; We gratefully acknowledge the financial support by ERA.Net RUS Plus Plasmon Electrolight project (No. 18-53-76006 ERA) and RSF 17-13-01197. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.7; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165912 Serial 5771
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Author Vandekerckhove, T.G.L.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Pioneering on single-sludge nitrification/denitrification at 50 °C Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication (down) Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal Chemosphere
Volume 252 Issue Pages 126527-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Thermophilic nitrification has been proven in lab-scale bioreactors at 50 °C. The challenge is now to develop a solution for thermophilic nitrogen removal, integrating nitrification with denitrification and aerobic carbon removal. This pioneering study aimed at a single-sludge nitrification/denitrification process at 50 °C, through exposing nitrification in a step by step approach to anoxia and/or organics. Firstly, recurrent anoxia was tolerated by a nitrifying community during long-term membrane bioreactor (MBR) operation (85 days), with high ammonium oxidation efficiencies (>98%). Secondly, five organic carbon sources did not affect thermophilic ammonium and nitrite oxidation rates in three-day aerobic batch flask incubations. Moving to long-term tests with sequencing batch reactors (SBR) and MBR (>250 days), good nitrification performance was obtained at increasing COD/Ninfluent ratios (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3). Thirdly, combining nitrification, recurrent anoxia and presence of organic carbon resulted in a nitrogen removal efficiency of 92–100%, with a COD/Nremoved of 4.8 ± 0.6 and a nitrogen removal rate of 50 ± 14 mg N g−1 VSS d−1. Overall, this is the first proof of principle thermophilic nitrifiers can cope with redox fluctuations (aerobic/anoxic) and the aerobic or anoxic presence of organic carbon, can functionally co-exist with heterotrophs and that single-sludge nitrification/denitrification can be achieved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000534377000121 Publication Date 2020-03-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge (i) the Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT Flanders) [grant number SB-141205] for funding Tom G.L. Vandekerckhove, (ii) Wouter Peleman and Zoe Pesonen for practical support during their master thesis, (iii) Jolien De Paepe for assisting in the reactor operation, and (iv) Jo De Vrieze and Tim Lacoere for their help with qPCR and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. ; Approved Most recent IF: 8.8; 2020 IF: 4.208
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:167324 Serial 6581
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Author Van Winckel, T.; Ngo, N.; Sturm, B.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Bott, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; De Clippeleir, H.
Title Enhancing bioflocculation in high-rate activated sludge improves effluent quality yet increases sensitivity to surface overflow rate Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication (down) Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal Chemosphere
Volume 308 Issue 2 Pages 136294-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) relies on good bioflocculation and subsequent solid-liquid separation to maximize the capture of organics. However, full-scale applications often suffer from poor and unpredictable effluent suspended solids (ESS). While the biological aspects of bioflocculation are thoroughly investigated, the effects of fines (settling velocity < 0.6 m3/m2/h), shear and surface overflow rate (SOR) are unclear. This work tackled the impact of fines, shear, and SOR on the ESS in absence of settleable influent solids. This was assessed on a full-scale HRAS step-feed (SF) and pilot-scale HRAS contact-stabilization (CS) configuration using batch settling tests, controlled clarifier experiments, and continuous operation of reactors. Fines contributed up to 25% of the ESS in the full-scale SF configuration. ESS decreased up to 30 mg TSS/L when bioflocculation was enhanced with the CS configuration. The feast-famine regime applied in CS promoted the production of high-quality extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). However, this resulted in a narrow and unfavorable settling velocity distribution, with 50% ± 5% of the sludge mass settling between 0.6 and 1.5 m3/m2/h, thus increasing sensitivity towards SOR changes. A low shear environment (20 s−1) before the clarifier for at least one min was enough to ensure the best possible settling velocity distribution, regardless of prior shear conditions. Overall, this paper provides a more complete view on the drivers of ESS in HRAS systems, creating the foundation for the design of effective HRAS clarifiers. Tangible recommendations are given on how to manage fines and establish the optimal settling velocity of the sludge.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000863979600006 Publication Date 2022-09-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor 8.8 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:190187 Serial 7154
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Author Le, T.-S.; Nguyen, P.-D.; Ngo, H.H.; Bui, X.-T.; Dang, B.-T.; Diels, L.; Bui, H.-H.; Nguyen, M.-T.; Le Quang, D.-T.
Title Two-stage anaerobic membrane bioreactor for co-treatment of food waste and kitchen wastewater for biogas production and nutrients recovery Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication (down) Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal Chemosphere
Volume 309 Issue 1 Pages 136537-136539
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Co-digestion of organic waste and wastewater is receiving increased attention as a plausible waste management approach toward energy recovery. However, traditional anaerobic processes for co-digestion are particularly susceptible to severe organic loading rates (OLRs) under long-term treatment. To enhance technological feasi-bility, this work presented a two-stage Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (2 S-AnMBR) composed of a hydrolysis reactor (HR) followed by an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) for long-term co-digestion of food waste and kitchen wastewater. The OLRs were expanded from 4.5, 5.6, and 6.9 kg COD m- 3 d-1 to optimize biogas yield, nitrogen recovery, and membrane fouling at ambient temperatures of 25-32 degrees C. Results showed that specific methane production of UASB was 249 +/- 7 L CH4 kg-1 CODremoved at the OLR of 6.9 kg TCOD m- 3 d-1. Total Chemical Oxygen Demand (TCOD) loss by hydrolysis was 21.6% of the input TCOD load at the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2 days. However, low total volatile fatty acid concentrations were found in the AnMBR, indicating that a sufficiently high hydrolysis efficiency could be accomplished with a short HRT. Furthermore, using AnMBR structure consisting of an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASB) followed by a side -stream ultrafiltration membrane alleviated cake membrane fouling. The wasted digestate from the AnMBR comprised 42-47% Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) and 57-68% total phosphorous loading, making it suitable for use in soil amendments or fertilizers. Finally, the predominance of fine particles (D10 = 0.8 mu m) in the ultra -filtration membrane housing (UFMH) could lead to a faster increase in trans-membrane pressure during the filtration process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000866470600004 Publication Date 2022-09-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 8.8 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.8
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:191557 Serial 7347
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Author Mao, D.; Lookman, R.; van de Weghe, H.; Weltens, R.; Vanermen, G.; Brucker, N.; Diels, L.
Title Estimation of ecotoxicity of petroleum hydrocarbon mixtures in soil based on HPLC-GCXGC analysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2009 Publication (down) Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal
Volume 77 Issue 11 Pages 1508-1513
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Detailed HPLCGCXGC/FID (high performance liquid chromatography followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection) analysis of oil-contaminated soils was performed to interpret results of selected acute ecotoxicity assays. For the five ecotoxicity assays tested, plant seed germination and Microtox® were selected as most sensitive for evaluating ecotoxicity of the oil in the soil phase and in the leaching water, respectively. The measured toxicity for cress when testing the soil samples did not correspond to TPH concentration in the soil. A detailed chemical composition analysis of the oil contamination using HPLCGCXGC/FID allows to better predict the ecotoxicological risk and leaching potential of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil. Cress biomass production per plant was well correlated to the total aromatic hydrocarbon concentration (R2 = 0.79, n = 6), while cress seed germination was correlated (R2 = 0.82, n = 6) with total concentration of highly water-soluble aromatic hydrocarbons (HSaromatics). The observed ecotoxicity of the leaching water for Microtox-bacteria related well to calculated (based on the HPLCGCXGC/FID results) petroleum hydrocarbon equilibrium concentrations in water.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000272598700008 Publication Date 2009-10-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 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:80310 Serial 7935
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Author Peng, L.; Dai, X.; Liu, Y.; Sun, J.; Song, S.; Ni, B.-J.
Title Model-based assessment of estrogen removal by nitrifying activated sludge Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal
Volume 197 Issue Pages 430-437
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Complete removal of estrogens such as estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and ethinylestradiol (EE2) in wastewater treatment is essential since their release and accumulation in natural water bodies are giving rise to environment and health issues. To improve our understanding towards the estrogen bioremediation process, a mathematical model was proposed for describing estrogen removal by nitrifying activated sludge. Four pathways were involved in the developed model: i) biosorption by activated sludge flocs; ii) cometabolic biodegradation linked to ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) growth; iii) non growth biodegradation by AOB; and iv) biodegradation by heterotrophic bacteria (HB). The degradation kinetics was implemented into activated sludge model (ASM) framework with consideration of interactions between substrate update and microorganism growth as well as endogenous respiration. The model was calibrated and validated by fitting model predictions against two sets of batch experimental data under different conditions. The model could satisfactorily capture all the dynamics of nitrogen, organic matters (COD), and estrogens. Modeling results suggest that for El, E2 and EE2, AOB-linked biodegradation is dominant over biodegradation by HB at all investigated COD dosing levels. However, for E3, the increase of COD dosage triggers a shift of dominant pathway from AOB biodegradation to HB biodegradation. Adsorption becomes the main contributor to estrogen removal at high biomass concentrations. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000426231900049 Publication Date 2018-01-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 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:149842 Serial 8259
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Author Van Winckel, T.; Liu, X.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Takács, I.; Al-Omari, A.; Sturm, B.; Kjellerup, B.V.; Murthy, S.N.; De Clippeleir, H.
Title Overcoming floc formation limitations in high-rate activated sludge systems Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal
Volume 215 Issue Pages 342-352
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) is an essential cornerstone of the pursuit towards energy positive sewage treatment through maximizing capture of organics. The capture efficiency heavily relies on the degree of solid separation achieved in the clarifiers. Limitations in the floc formation process commonly emerge in HRAS systems, with detrimental consequences for the capture of organics. This study pinpointed and overcame floc formation limitations present in full-scale HRAS reactors. Orthokinetic flocculation tests were performed with varying shear, sludge concentration, and coagulant or flocculant addition. These were analyzed with traditional and novel settling parameters and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) measurements. HRAS was limited by insufficient collision efficiency and occurred because the solids retention time (SRT) was short and colloid loading was high. The limitation was predominantly caused by impaired flocculation rather than coagulation. In addition, the collision efficiency limitation was driven by EPS composition (low protein over polysaccharide ratio) instead of total EPS amount. Collision efficiency limitation was successfully overcome by bio-augmenting sludge from a biological nutrient removal reactor operating at long SRT which did not show any floc formation limitations. However, this action brought up a floc strength limitation. The latter was not correlated with EPS composition, but rather EPS amount and hindered settling parameters, which determined floc morphology. With this, an analysis toolkit was proposed that will enable design engineers and operators to tackle activated solid separation challenges found in HRAS systems and maximize the recovery potential of the process. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000450383400038 Publication Date 2018-10-01
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 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:153978 Serial 8350
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Author Haest, P.J.; Springael, D.; Seuntjens, P.; Smolders, E.
Title Self-inhibition can limit biologically enhanced TCE dissolution from a TCE DNAPL Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication (down) Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal
Volume 89 Issue 11 Pages 1369-1375
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Biodegradation of trichloroethene (TCE) near a Dense Non Aqueous Phase Liquid (DNAPL) can enhance the dissolution rate of the DNAPL by increasing the concentration gradient at the DNAPL-water interface. Two-dimensional flow-through sand boxes containing a ICE DNAPL and inoculated with a TCE dechlorinating consortium were set up to measure this bio-enhanced dissolution under anaerobic conditions. The total mass of TCE and daughter products in the effluent of the biotic boxes was 3-6 fold larger than in the effluent of the abiotic box. However, the mass of daughter products only accounted for 19-55% of the total mass of chlorinated compounds in the effluent, suggesting that bio-enhanced dissolution factors were maximally 1.3-2.2. The enhanced dissolution most likely primarily resulted from variable DNAPL distribution rather than biodegradation. Specific dechlorination rates previously determined in a stirred liquid medium were used in a reactive transport model to identify the rate limiting factors. The model adequately simulated the overall TCE degradation when predicted resident microbial numbers approached observed values and indicated an enhancement factor for TCE dissolution of 1.01. The model shows that dechlorination of TCE in the 20 box was limited due to the short residence time and the self-inhibition of the TCE degradation. A parameter sensitivity analysis predicts that the bio-enhanced dissolution factor for this TCE source zone can only exceed a value of 2 if the TCE self-inhibition is drastically reduced (when a TCE tolerant dehalogenating community is present) or if the DNAPL is located in a low-permeable layer with a small Darcy velocity. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000310112600015 Publication Date 2012-06-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 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:102142 Serial 8512
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Author Dong, Y.; Chen, S.-Y.; Lu, Y.; Xiao, Y.-X.; Hu, J.; Wu, S.-M.; Deng, Z.; Tian, G.; Chang, G.-G.; Li, J.; Lenaerts, S.; Janiak, C.; Yang, X.-Y.; Su, B.-L.
Title Hierarchical MoS2@TiO2 heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic performance and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Chemistry: an Asian journal Abbreviated Journal Chem-Asian J
Volume 13 Issue 12 Pages 1609-1615
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Hierarchical MoS2@TiO2 heterojunctions were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method by using protonic titanate nanosheets as the precursor. The TiO2 nanosheets prevent the aggregation of MoS2 and promote the carrier transfer efficiency, and thus enhance the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity of the nanostructured MoS2. The obtained MoS2@TiO2 has significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamineB (over 5.2times compared with pure MoS2) and acetone (over 2.8times compared with pure MoS2). MoS2@TiO2 is also beneficial for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution (26times compared with pure MoS2, based on the cathodic current density). This work offers a promising way to prevent the self-aggregation of MoS2 and provides a new insight for the design of heterojunctions for materials with lattice mismatches.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000435773300011 Publication Date 2018-04-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1861-4728; 1861-471x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.083 Times cited 22 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFC1103800), PCSIRT (IRT15R52), NSFC (U1662134, U1663225, 51472190, 51611530672, 51503166, 21706199, 21711530705), ISTCP (2015DFE52870), HPNSF (2016CFA033, 2017CFB487), and SKLPPC (PPC2016007). ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.083
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151971 Serial 5956
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Author Xiao, S.; Lu, Y.; Xiao, B.-Y.; Wu, L.; Song, J.-P.; Xiao, Y.-X.; Wu, S.-M.; Hu, J.; Wang, Y.; Chang, G.-G.; Tian, G.; Lenaerts, S.; Janiak, C.; Yang, X.-Y.; Su, B.-L.
Title Hierarchically dual-mesoporous TiO2 microspheres for enhanced photocatalytic properties and lithium storage Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Chemistry: a European journal Abbreviated Journal Chem-Eur J
Volume 24 Issue 50 Pages 13246-13252
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Hierarchically dual‐mesoporous TiO2 microspheres have been synthesized via a solvothermal process in the presence of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylmidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF4]) and diethylenetriamine (DETA) as co‐templates. Secondary mesostructured defects in the hierarchical TiO2 microspheres produce the oxygen vacancies, which not only significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity on degrading methyl blue (over 1.7 times to P25) and acetone (over 2.9 times of P25), but which also are beneficial for lithium storage. Moreover, we propose a mechanism to obtain a better understanding of the role of dual mesoporosity of TiO2 microspheres for enhancing the molecular diffusion, ion transportation and electron transformation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000443804100025 Publication Date 2018-06-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0947-6539 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.317 Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes ; This work is supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFC1103800), the Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (IRT 15R52), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1662134, U1663225, 51472190, 51611530672, 51503166, 21706199, 21711530705), the International Science & Technology Cooperation Program of China (2015DFE52870), the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (2016CFA033, 2017CFB487), the Open Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control (PPC2016007), and the CNPC Research Institute of Safety and Environmental Technology. ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.317
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151812 Serial 5957
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Author Borah, R.; Ninakanti, R.; Nuyts, G.; Peeters, H.; Pedrazo-Tardajos, A.; Nuti, S.; Vande Velde, C.; De Wael, K.; Lenaerts, S.; Bals, S.; Verbruggen, S.
Title Selectivity in ligand functionalization of photocatalytic metal oxide nanoparticles for phase transfer and self‐assembly applications Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication (down) Chemistry-A European Journal Abbreviated Journal Chem-Eur J
Volume Issue Pages chem.202100029-15
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Abstract Functionalization of photocatalytic metal oxide nanoparticles of TiO 2 , ZnO, WO 3 and CuO with amine‐terminated (oleylamine) and thiol‐terminated (1‐dodecanethiol) alkyl chained ligands was studied under ambient conditions. A high selectivity was observed in the binding specificity of a ligand towards nanoparticles of these different oxides. It was observed that oleylamine binds stably to only TiO 2 and WO 3 , while 1‐dodecanethiol binds stably only to ZnO and CuO. Similarly, polar to non‐polar solvent phase transfer of TiO 2 and WO 3 nanoparticles could be achieved by using oleylamine, but not by 1‐dodecanethiol, while the contrary holds for ZnO and CuO. The surface chemistry of ligand functionalized nanoparticles was probed by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, that enabled to elucidate the occupation of the ligands at the active sites. The photo‐stability of the ligands on the nanoparticle surface was determined by the photocatalytic self‐cleaning properties of the material. While TiO 2 and WO 3 degrade the ligands within 24 hours under both UV and visible light, ligands on ZnO and CuO remain unaffected. The gathered insights are also highly relevant from an application point of view. As an example, since the ligand functionalized nanoparticles are hydrophobic in nature, they can thus be self‐assembled at the air‐water interface, for obtaining nanoparticle films with demonstrated photocatalytic as well as anti‐fogging properties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000652651400001 Publication Date 2021-04-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0947-6539 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.317 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes R.B. and S.W.V. acknowledge financial support from the University of Antwerp Special Research Fund (BOF) for a DOCPRO4 doctoral scholarship. S.B. and A.P.-T. acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Program by means of the grant agreement no. 731019 EUSMI and the ERC Consolidator grant no. 815128 REALNANO.; sygmaSB Approved Most recent IF: 5.317
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177495 Serial 6787
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Author Minjauw, M.M.; Solano, E.; Sree, S.P.; Asapu, R.; Van Daele, M.; Ramachandran, R.K.; Heremans, G.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Lenaerts, S.; Martens, J.A.; Detavernier, C.; Dendooven, J.
Title Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of silver using Ag(fod)(PEt3) and NH3-plasma Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal Chem Mater
Volume 29 Issue 17 Pages 7114-7121
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract A plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) process using the Ag(fod)(PEt3) precursor [(triethylphosphine)(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethy1-3,5-octanedionate)silver(I)] in combination with NH3-plasma is reported. The steady growth rate of the reported process (0.24 +/- 0.03 nm/cycle) was found to be 6 times larger than that of the previously reported Ag ALD process based on the same precursor in combination with H-2-plasma (0.04 +/- 0.02 nm/cycle). The ALD characteristics of the H-2-plasma and NH3-plasma processes were verified. The deposited Ag films were polycrystalline face-centered cubic Ag for both processes. The film morphology was investigated by ex situ scanning electron microscopy and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering, and it was found that films grown with the NH3-plasma process exhibit a much higher particle areal density and smaller particle sizes on oxide substrates compared to those deposited using the H-2-plasma process. This control over morphology of the deposited Ag is important for applications in catalysis and plasmonics. While films grown with the H-2-plasma process had oxygen impurities (similar to 9 atom %) in the bulk, the main impurity for the NH3-plasma process was nitrogen (similar to 7 atom %). In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiments suggest that these nitrogen impurities are derived from NH surface groups generated during the NH3-plasma, which interact with the precursor molecules during the precursor pulse. We propose that the reaction of these surface groups with the precursor leads to additional deposition of Ag atoms during the precursor pulse compared to the H-2-plasma process, which explains the enhanced growth rate of the NH3-plasma process.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000410868600012 Publication Date 2017-08-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.466 Times cited 9 Open Access
Notes ; M.M.M. and J.D. acknowledge the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen (FWO Vlaanderen) for financial support through a personal research grant. We also acknowledge FWO Vlaanderen for providing project funding for this work. We are grateful to the ESRF staff for smoothly running the synchrotron and beamline facilities. We also thank Olivier Janssens for performing the SEM measurements and Stefaan Broekaert for mechanical assistance. J.A.M. acknowledges the Flemish Government for long-term structural funding (Methusalem). ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.466
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:146757 Serial 5983
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Author Zankowski, S.P.; Van Hoecke, L.; Mattelaer, F.; de Raedt, M.; Richard, O.; Detavernier, C.; Vereecken, P.M.
Title Redox layer deposition of thin films of MnO2 on nanostructured substrates from aqueous solutions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication (down) Chemistry of materials Abbreviated Journal
Volume 31 Issue 13 Pages 4805-4816
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In this work, we report a new method for depositing thin films of MnO2 on planar and complex nanostructured surfaces, with high precision and conformality. The method is based on repeating cycles of adsorption of an unsaturated alcohol on a surface, followed by its oxidation with aqueous KMnO4 and formation of thin, solid MnO2. The amount of manganese oxide formed in each cycle is limited by the quantity of the adsorbed alcohol; thus, the growth exhibits the self-limiting characteristics of atomic layer deposition (ALD). Contrary to the typical ALD, however, the new redox layer deposition is performed in air, at room temperature, using common chemicals and simple laboratory glassware, which greatly reduces its cost and complexity. We also demonstrate application of the method for the fabrication of a nanostructured MnO2/Ni electrode, which was not possible with thermal ALD because of the rapid decomposition of the gaseous precursor on the high surface-area substrate. Thanks to its simplicity, the conformal deposition of MnO2 can be easily upscaled and thus exploited for its numerous (electro)chemical applications.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000475408400021 Publication Date 2019-06-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0897-4756; 1520-5002 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:161225 Serial 8465
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Author Verbruggen, S.W.; Tytgat, T.; Van Passel, S.; Martens, J.A.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Cost-effectiveness analysis to assess commercial TiO2 photocatalysts for acetaldehyde degradation in air Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication (down) Chemicke zvesti Abbreviated Journal Chem Pap
Volume 68 Issue 9 Pages 1273-1278
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In the commercialisation of photocatalytic air purifiers, the performance as well as the cost of the catalytic material plays an important role. Where most comparative studies only regard the photocatalytic activity as a decisive parameter, in this study both activity and cost are taken into account. Using a cost-effectiveness analysis, six different commercially available TiO2-based catalysts are evaluated in terms of their activities in photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde as a model reaction for indoor air purification.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000336443400015 Publication Date 2014-02-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0366-6352 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 1.258 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; S. W. V. wishes to thank the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for the financial support received. The authors are grateful to the University of Antwerp for supporting and funding this research. Evonik is sincerely thanked for providing catalyst samples for our experiments free of charge. All companies are thanked for providing specific pricing data. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.258; 2014 IF: 1.468
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:117297 Serial 6174
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Author Peng, L.; Kassotaki, E.; Liu, Y.; Sun, J.; Dai, X.; Pijuan, M.; Rodriguez-Roda, I.; Buttiglieri, G.; Ni, B.-J.
Title Modelling cometabolic biotransformation of sulfamethoxazole by an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria culture Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Chemical engineering science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 173 Issue Pages 465-473
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole (SFX) are environmentally hazardous after being released into the aquatic environment and challenges remain in the development of engineered prevention strategies. In this work, a mathematical model was developed to describe and evaluate cometabolic biotransformation of SFX and its transformation products (TPs) in an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) culture. The growth-linked cometabolic biodegradation by AOB, non-growth transformation by AOB and nongrowth transformation by heterotrophs were considered in the model framework. The production of major TPs comprising 4-Nitro-SFX, Desamino-SFX and N-4-Acetyl-SFX was also specifically modelled. The validity of the model was demonstrated through testing against literature reported data from extensive batch tests, as well as from long-term experiments in a partial nitritation sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and in a combined SBR + membrane aerated biofilm reactor performing nitrification/denitrification. Modelling results revealed that the removal efficiency of SFX increased with the increase of influent ammonium concentration, whereas the influent organic matter, hydraulic retention time and solid retention time exerted a limited effect on SFX biodegradation with the removal efficiencies varying in a narrow range. The variation of influent SFX concentration had no impact on SFX removal efficiency. The established model framework enables interpretation of a range of experimental observations on SFX biodegradation and helps to identify the optimal conditions for efficient removal. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000411764200039 Publication Date 2017-08-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0009-2509 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:146629 Serial 8267
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Author Liu, Y.; Ngo, H.H.; Guo, W.; Zhou, J.; Peng, L.; Wang, D.; Chen, X.; Sun, J.; Ni, B.-J.
Title Optimizing sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification process : system performance and nitrous oxide emission Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Chemical engineering science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 172 Issue Pages 414-422
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Nitrate contamination of groundwater has been recognized as a significant environmental problem world widely. Sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification has been demonstrated as a promising groundwater treatment process, which though plays an important role in nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, significantly contributing to the overall carbon footprint of the system. However, the current process optimizations only focus on nitrate removal and excess sulfate control, with the N2O emission being ignored. In this work, an integrated mathematical model was proposed to evaluate the N2O emission as well as the excess sulfate production and carbon source utilization in sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification process. In this model, autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrifiers use their corresponding electron donors (sulfur and organic matter, respectively) to reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas, with each modeled as three-step denitrification (NO3 to N-2 via NO2 and N2O) driven by sulfur or organic matter to describe all potential N2O accumulation steps. The developed model, employing model parameters previously reported in literature, was successfully validated using N2O and sulfate data from two mixotrophic denitrification systems with different initial conditions. Modeling results revealed substantial N2O accumulation due to the relatively low autotrophic N2O reduction activity as compared to heterotrophic N2O reduction activity, explaining the observation that higher carbon source addition resulted in lower N2O accumulation in sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrifying system. Based on the validated model, optimizations of the overall system performance were carried out. Application of the model to simulate long-term operations of sulfur-driven mixotrophic denitrification process indicates that longer sludge retention time reduces N2O emission due to better retention of active biomass. High-level total nitrogen removal with significant N2O emission mitigation, appropriate excess sulfate control and maximized COD utilization can be achieved simultaneously through controlling the influent nitrate and COD concentrations. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000410833900034 Publication Date 2017-07-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0009-2509 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:146634 Serial 8344
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Author Tytgat, T.; Hauchecorne, B.; Abakumov, A.M.; Smits, M.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Lenaerts, S.
Title Photocatalytic process optimisation for ethylene oxidation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication (down) Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 209 Issue Pages 494-500
Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract When studying photocatalysis it is important to consider, beside the chemical approach, the engineering part related to process optimisation. To achieve this a fixed bed photocatalytic set-up consisting of different catalyst placings, in order to vary catalyst distribution, is studied. The use of a fixed quantity of catalyst placed packed or randomly distributed in the reactor, results in an almost double degradation for the distributed catalyst. Applying this knowledge leads to an improved performance with limited use of catalyst. A reactor only half filled with catalyst leads to higher degradation performance compared to a completely filled reactor. Taking into account this simple process optimisation by better distributing the catalyst a more sustainable photocatalytic air purification process is achieved. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Lausanne Editor
Language Wos 000311190500058 Publication Date 2012-08-22
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 12 Open Access
Notes ; We are grateful for the delivered photocatalyst by Evonik as well as for the PhD grant (T. Tytgat) given by the Institute of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT). ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.216; 2012 IF: 3.473
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:105185 Serial 2609
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Author Blommaerts, N.; Asapu, R.; Claes, N.; Bals, S.; Lenaerts, S.; Verbruggen, S.W.
Title Gas phase photocatalytic spiral reactor for fast and efficient pollutant degradation Type A1 Journal article
Year 2017 Publication (down) Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 316 Issue 316 Pages 850-856
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Photocatalytic reactors for the degradation of gaseous organic pollutants often suffer from major limitations such as small reaction area, sub-optimal irradiation conditions and thus limited reaction rate. In this work, an alternative solution is presented that involves a glass tube coated on the inside with (silvermodified) TiO2 and spiraled around a UVA lamp. First, the spiral reactor is coated from the inside with TiO2 using an experimentally verified procedure that is optimized toward UV light transmission. This procedure is kept as simple as possible and involves a single casting step of a 1 wt% suspension of TiO2 in ethanol through the spiral. This results in a coated tube that absorbs nearly all incident UV light under the experimental conditions used. The optimized coated spiral reactor is then benchmarked to a conventional annular photoreactor of the same outer dimensions and total catalyst loading over a broad range of experimental conditions. Although residence time distribution experiments indicate slightly longer dwelling of molecules in the spiral reactor, no significant difference in by-passing of gas between the spiral reactor and the annular reactor can be claimed. Acetaldehyde degradation efficiency of 100% is obtained with the spiral reactor for a residence time as low as 60 s, whereas the annular reactor could not achieve full degradation even at 1000 s residence time. In a final case study, addition of long-term stable silver nanoparticles, protected by an ultra-thin polymer shell applied via the layer-by-layer (LbL) method, to the spiral reactor coating is shown to double the degradation efficiency and provides an interesting strategy to cope with higher pollutant concentrations without changing the overall dimensions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000398985200089 Publication Date 2017-02-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 30 Open Access OpenAccess
Notes N.B. wishes to thank the University of Antwerp – Belgium for financial support. N.C. and S.B. acknowledge financial support from European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant #335078- COLOURATOM). S.W.V. acknowledges the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) for a postdoctoral fellowship. (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 6.216
Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:140925UA @ admin @ c:irua:140925 Serial 4481
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Author Verbruggen, S.W.; Lenaerts, S.; Denys, S.
Title Analytic versus CFD approach for kinetic modeling of gas phase photocatalysis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication (down) Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 262 Issue Pages 1-8
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In this work two methods for determining the LangmuirHinshelwood kinetic parameters for a slit-shaped flat bed photocatalytic reactor are compared: an analytic mass transfer based model adapted from literature and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach that was used in conjunction with a simplex optimization routine. Despite the differences between both approaches, similar values for the kinetic parameters and similar trends in terms of their UV intensity dependence were found. Using an effectiveness-NTU (number of transfer units) approach, the analytic mass transfer based method could quantify the relative contributions of the rate limiting steps through a reaction effectiveness parameter. The numeric CFD approach on the other hand could yield the two kinetic parameters that determine the photocatalytic reaction rate simultaneously. Furthermore, it proved to be more accurate as it accounts for the spatial variation of flow rate, reaction rate and concentrations at the surface of the photocatalyst. We elaborate this dual kinetic analysis with regard to the photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde in air over a silicon wafer coated with a layer of TiO2 P25 (Evonik) and study the usefulness and limitations of both strategies.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000347577700001 Publication Date 2014-09-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 30 Open Access
Notes ; S.W.V. acknowledges the Research Foundation of Flanders (FWO) for financial support. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.216; 2015 IF: 4.321
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:119724 Serial 5927
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Author Verbruggen, S.W.; Ribbens, S.; Tytgat, T.; Hauchecorne, B.; Smits, M.; Meynen, V.; Cool, P.; Martens, J.A.; Lenaerts, S.
Title The benefit of glass bead supports for efficient gas phase photocatalysis : case study of a commercial and a synthesised photocatalyst Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication (down) Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 174 Issue 1 Pages 318-325
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In the field of photocatalytic air purification, the immobilisation of catalyst particles on support surfaces without loss of photon efficiency is an important challenge. Therefore, an immobilisation method involving a one-step suspension coating of pre-synthesised photocatalysts on glass beads was applied. The various benefits are exemplified in the gas phase photodegradation of ethylene. Coating of glass beads is easy, fast, cheap and offers a more efficient alternative to bulk catalyst pellets. Furthermore, this coating procedure allows to use porous, pre-synthesised catalysts to their full potential, as the surface area and morphology of the initial powder is barely altered after coating, in strong contrast to pelletising. With this technique it became possible to study the gas phase photocatalytic activity of commercial titanium dioxide, trititanate nanotubes and mixed phase anatase/trititanate nanotubes in a packed bed reactor towards the degradation of ethylene without changing the catalyst properties. Coating of glass beads with the photocatalyst revealed the superior activity of the as-prepared nanotubes, compared to TiO2 Aerolyst® 7710 in gaseous phase.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000296950300041 Publication Date 2011-09-17
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 39 Open Access
Notes ; The author wishes to acknowledge the Research Foundation of Flanders (FWO) for the financial support. Evonik is greatly thanked for supplying the TiO<INF>2</ INF> Aerolyst (R) 7710 pellets. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.216; 2011 IF: 3.461
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:93364 Serial 5929
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Author van Walsem, J.; Verbruggen, S.W.; Modde, B.; Lenaerts, S.; Denys, S.
Title CFD investigation of a multi-tube photocatalytic reactor in non-steady-state conditions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 304 Issue Pages 808-816
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract A novel multi-tube photoreactor is presented with a high efficiency (over 90% conversion) toward the degradation of acetaldehyde in air under UV conditions with an incident intensity of 2.1 mW cm−2. A CFD model was developed to simulate the transient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation processes of acetaldehyde in this reactor design and to estimate the corresponding kinetic parameters through an optimization routine using the experimentally determined outlet concentration profiles. The CFD model takes into account the entire reactor geometry and all relevant flow parameters, in contrast to analytical methods that often oversimplify the physical and chemical process characteristics. Using CFD, we show that both adsorption and desorption rate constants increase by respectively one and two orders of magnitude when the UV light is switched on, which clearly affects the transient behavior. The agreement of the experimental and modelled concentration profiles is excellent as evidenced by a coefficient of determination of at least 0.965. To demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of all parameters obtained from the modelling approach, an ultimate validation test was performed using other conditions than the ones used for estimating the kinetic parameters. The model was able to accurately simulate simultaneous adsorption, desorption and photocatalytic degradation.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000384777200089 Publication Date 2016-07-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; J.V.W. acknowledges the Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen for a PhD fellowship. S.W.V. acknowledges the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) for a postdoctoral fellowship. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.216
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139620 Serial 5933
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Author Verbruggen, S.W.; Keulemans, M.; van Walsem, J.; Tytgat, T.; Lenaerts, S.; Denys, S.
Title CFD modeling of transient adsorption/desorption behavior in a gas phase photocatalytic fiber reactor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication (down) Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 292 Issue Pages 42-50
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract We present the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for accurately determining the adsorption parameters of acetaldehyde on photocatalytic fiber filter material, integrated in a continuous flow system. Unlike the traditional analytical analysis based on Langmuir adsorption, not only steady-state situations but also transient phenomena can be accounted for. Air displacement effects in the reactor and gas detection cell are investigated and inherently made part of the model. Incorporation of a surface aldol condensation reaction in the CFD analysis further improves the accuracy of the model which enables to extract precise, intrinsic adsorption parameters for situations in which analytical analysis would otherwise fail.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000373648000005 Publication Date 2016-02-09
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 12 Open Access
Notes ; S.W.V. acknowledges the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) for a postdoctoral fellowship. M.K. acknowledges the IWT for a Ph.D. fellowship. Konstantina Kalafata and Ioanna Fasaki are greatly thanked for providing the NanoPhos suspension. Bioscience Engineering bachelor students M. Gerritsma, J. Helsen and Y. Riahi Drif are thanked for their assistance in performing the adsorption experiments. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.216
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:130876 Serial 5934
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Author van Walsem, J.; Roegiers, J.; Modde, B.; Lenaerts, S.; Denys, S.
Title Determination of intrinsic kinetic parameters in photocatalytic multi-tube reactors by combining the NTUm-method with radiation field modelling Type A1 Journal article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Chemical engineering journal Abbreviated Journal Chem Eng J
Volume 354 Issue 354 Pages 1042-1049
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In this work, we propose an adapted Number of Transfer Units (NTUm)-method as an effective tool to determine the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic parameters for a photocatalytic multi-tube reactor. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate constant kLH and the Langmuir adsorption constant KL were determined from several experiments under different UV-irradiance conditions, resulting in irradiance depending values for kLH. In order to determine a unique, intrinsic empirical constant k0, valid for all irradiation conditions, we coupled the adapted NTUm-method with a radiation field model to predict UV-irradiance distribution inside the reactor. The final set of kinetic parameters were derived using a Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) nonlinear solving method in Matlab which minimizes the differences between model and experimental reactor outlet concentrations of acetaldehyde for various photocatalytic experiments under varying operating conditions, including inlet concentration, flow rate and UV-irradiance. An excellent agreement of the intrinsic empirical constant k0, derived from the coupled NTUm-radiation field model and an earlier published CFD approach was found, emphasizing its validity and reliability.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000445413900099 Publication Date 2018-08-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1385-8947; 1873-3212 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.216 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; J.V.W. acknowledges the Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen for a PhD fellowship. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.216
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:154845 Serial 5940
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