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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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Pinpointing wastewater and process parameters controlling the AOB to NOB activity ratio in sewage treatment plants Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cagnetta, C.; Coma, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Rabaey, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Production of carboxylates from high rate activated sludge through fermentation Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 217 Issue Pages 165-172  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The aim of this work was to study the key parameters affecting fermentation of high rate activated A-sludge to carboxylates, including pH, temperature, inoculum, sludge composition and iron content. The maximum volatile fatty acids production was 141 mg C g−1 VSSfed, at pH 7. Subsequently the potential for carboxylate and methane production for A-sludge from four different plants at pH 7 and 35 °C were compared. Initial BOD of the sludge appeared to be key determining carboxylate yield from A-sludge. Whereas methanogenesis could be correlated linearly to the quantity of ferric used for coagulation, fermentation did not show a dependency on iron presence. This difference may enable a strategy whereby A-stage sludge is separated to achieve fermentation, and iron dosing for phosphate removal is only implemented at the B-stage.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000380226300023 Publication Date 2016-03-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139912 Serial 8421  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Proof of concept of high-rate decentralized pre-composting of kitchen waste : optimizing design and operation of a novel drum reactor Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alloul, A.; Wille, M.; Lucenti, P.; Bossier, P.; Van Stappen, G.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Purple bacteria as added-value protein ingredient in shrimp feed : Penaeus vannamei growth performance, and tolerance against Vibrio and ammonia stress Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Aquaculture Abbreviated Journal Aquaculture  
  Volume 530 Issue Pages 735788  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Aquafeeds contain protein ingredients such as fishmeal and soybean meal, yet their production puts pressure on the environment. Finding novel protein sources such as dried microbial biomass produced on recovered or renewable resources, so-called single-cell protein or microbial protein, can contribute to a more sustainable aquaculture industry. New microbial protein sources are emerging with photoheterotrophic grown purple non‑sulfur bacteria (PNSB) showing high potential, yet research of PNSB as added-value protein ingredient is limited. This research studied their use as a protein source for the white leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) and investigated the shrimp's tolerance against Vibrio and ammonia stress. A 28-day shrimp feeding trial was performed with a commercial formulation without PNSB as experimental control (diet i), two pure PNSB species, namely Rhodopseudomonas palustris (diets ii-iii), Rhodobacter capsulatus (diets iv-v) at two protein inclusion levels of 5 and 11 g PNSBprotein 100 g−1 feedprotein and a PNSB enriched culture at a protein inclusion level of 11 g PNSBprotein 100 g−1 feedprotein (diet vi). For the shrimp fed with Rb. capsulatus, 5–25% higher individual weights (p < .05) and better feed conversion ratios were observed relative to the commercial diet (1.3–1.4 vs. control 1.7 g feed g−1 biomass; p < .05). The diet containing Rps. palustris at 5 g PNSBprotein 100 g−1 feedprotein inclusion also showed higher individual weights (26%, p < .05) and a better feed conversion ratio compared to the commercial feed (1.3 vs. control 1.7 g feed g−1 biomass; p < .05). The challenge test subsequent to the feeding trial showed a higher tolerance against ammonia (3 mg N L−1) for shrimp fed with Rps. palustris (survival 63–75% vs. 8% commercial diet; p < .05). For a post-feeding challenge test with Vibrio parahaemolyticus TW01, mortality rates were equal among all treatments. Yet, in vitro tests in 96-Well plates and agar spot assays showed that the PNSB species (i) Rps. palustris, (ii) Rb. capsulatus, (iii) Rb. sphaeroides, (iv) Rhodospirillum rubrum and (v) Afifella marina suppressed the pathogens V. parahaemolyticus TW01 and V. campbellii LMG 21363. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of PNSB as an added-value protein ingredient in shrimp nursery feed. This can contribute to a circular economy, as PNSB can be cultivated on recovered or renewable resources (e.g. wastewater).  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000582169700073 Publication Date 2020-08-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0044-8486 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.57 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.57  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:170549 Serial 8429  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ilgrande, C.; Mastroleo, F.; Christiaens, M.E.R.; Lindeboom, R.E.F.; Prat, D.; Van Hoey, O.; Ambrozova, I.; Coninx, I.; Heylen, W.; Pommerening-Roser, A.; Spieck, E.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Leys, N.; Clauwaert, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Reactivation of microbial strains and synthetic communities after a spaceflight to the International Space Station : corroborating the feasibility of essential conversions in the MELiSSA Loop Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Astrobiology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 19 Issue 9 Pages 1167-1176  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract To sustain human deep space exploration or extra-terrestrial settlements where no resupply from the Earth or other planets is possible, technologies for in situ food production, water, air, and waste recovery need to be developed. The Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) is such a Regenerative Life Support System (RLSS) and it builds on several bacterial bioprocesses. However, alterations in gravity, temperature, and radiation associated with the space environment can affect survival and functionality of the microorganisms. In this study, representative strains of different carbon and nitrogen metabolisms with application in the MELiSSA were selected for launch and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) exposure. An edible photoautotrophic strain (Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005), a photoheterotrophic strain (Rhodospirillum rubrum S1H), a ureolytic heterotrophic strain (Cupriavidus pinatubonensis 1245), and combinations of C. pinatubonensis 1245 and autotrophic ammonia and nitrite oxidizing strains (Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC19718, Nitrosomonas ureae Nm10, and Nitrobacter winogradskyi Nb255) were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for 7 days. There, the samples were exposed to 2.8 mGy, a dose 140 times higher than on the Earth, and a temperature of 22 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C. On return to the Earth, the cultures were reactivated and their growth and activity were compared with terrestrial controls stored under refrigerated (5 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C) or room temperature (22 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C and 21 degrees C +/- 0 degrees C) conditions. Overall, no difference was observed between terrestrial and ISS samples. Most cultures presented lower cell viability after the test, regardless of the type of exposure, indicating a harsher effect of the storage and sample preparation than the spaceflight itself. Postmission analysis revealed the successful survival and proliferation of all cultures except for Arthrospira, which suffered from the premission depressurization test. These observations validate the possibility of launching, storing, and reactivating bacteria with essential functionalities for microbial bioprocesses in RLSS.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000475278300001 Publication Date 2019-06-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1557-8070; 1531-1074 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:161342 Serial 8456  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Refinery and concentration of nutrients from urine with electrodialysis enabled by upstream precipitation and nitrification Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Vrieze, J.; Colica, G.; Pintucci, C.; Sarli, J.; Pedizzi, C.; Willeghems, G.; Bral, A.; Varga, S.; Prat, D.; Peng, L.; Spiller, M.; Buysse, J.; Colsen, J.; Benito, O.; Carballa, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Resource recovery from pig manure via an integrated approach : a technical and economic assessment for full-scale applications Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 272 Issue Pages 582-593  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Intensive livestock farming cannot be uncoupled from the massive production of manure, requiring adequate management to avoid environmental damage. The high carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content of pig manure enables targeted resource recovery. Here, fifteen integrated scenarios for recovery of water, nutrients and energy are compared in terms of technical feasibility and economic viability. The recovery of refined nutrients with a higher market value and quality, i.e., (NH4)2SO4 for N and struvite for P, coincided with higher net costs, compared to basic composting. The inclusion of anaerobic digestion promoted nutrient recovery efficiency, and enabled energy recovery through electricity production. Co-digestion of the manure with carbon-rich waste streams increased electricity production, but did not result in lower process costs. Overall, key drivers for the selection of the optimal manure treatment scenario will include the market demand for more refined (vs. separated or concentrated) products, and the need for renewable electricity production.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000451625700071 Publication Date 2018-10-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:155236 Serial 8476  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Winckel, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Al-Omari, A.; Bachmann, B.; Sturm, B.; Wett, B.; Takács, I.; Bott, C.; Murthy, S.N.; De Clippeleir, H. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Screen versus cyclone for improved capacity and robustness for sidestream and mainstream deammonification Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 5 Issue 10 Pages 1769-1781  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Deammonification systems are being implemented as cost- and resource-efficient nitrogen removal processes. However, their complexity is a major hurdle towards successful transposition from side- to mainstream application. Merely out-selecting nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) or retaining anammox bacteria (AnAOB) does not guarantee efficient mainstream deammonification. This paper presents for the first time the interactions and synergies between kinetic selection, through management of residual substrates, and physical selection, through separation of solid retention times (SRTs). This allowed the formulation of tangible operational recommendations for successful deammonification. Activity measurements were used to establish retention efficiencies (η) for AnAOB for full-scale cyclones and rotating drum screens installed at a sidestream and mainstream deammonification reactor (Strass, Austria). In the sidestream reactor, using a screen (η = 91%) instead of a cyclone (η = 88%) may increase the capacity by up to 29%. For the mainstream reactor, higher AnAOB retention efficiencies achieved by the screen (η = 72%) compared to the cyclone (η = 42%) induced a prospective increase in capacity by 80–90%. In addition, the switch in combination with bioaugmentation from the sidestream made the process less dependent on nitrite availability, thus aiding in the outselection of NOB. This allowed for a more flexible (intermittent) aeration strategy and a reduced need for tight SRT control for NOB washout. A sensitivity analysis explored expected trends to provide possible operational windows for further calibration. In essence, characterization of the physical selectors at full scale allowed a deeper understanding of operational windows of the process and quantification of capacity, ultimately leading to a more space and energy conservation process.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000487968200013 Publication Date 2019-08-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2053-1400 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:162540 Serial 8498  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Peng, L.; Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Seuntjens, D.; Prat, D.; Colica, G.; Pintucci, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Smart operation of nitritation/denitritation virtually abolishes nitrous oxide emission during treatment of co-digested pig slurry centrate Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication 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.  
  Address  
  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  
Permanent link to this record
 

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

 
Author Vandekerckhove, T.G.L.; Kobayashi, K.; Janda, J.; Van Nevel, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Sulfur-based denitrification treating regeneration water from ion exchange at high performance and low cost Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 257 Issue Pages 266-273  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Autotrophic denitrification with sulfur is an underexplored alternative to heterotrophic denitrification to remove nitrate from wastewater poor in organics. The application on ion exchange regeneration water (19.432.1 mS cm−1) is novel. Three fixed bed reactors were tested at 15 °C for >4 months, inoculated with activated sludge from sewage treatment. All were fast in start-up (<10 days) with high performance (94 ± 2% removal efficiency). pH control with NaOH rendered higher nitrate removal rates than limestone addition to the bed (211 ± 13 vs. 102 ± 13 mg N L−1 d−1), related to higher pH (6.64 vs. 6.24) and sulfur surface area. Bacterial communities were strongly enriched in Sulfurimonas (6367%) and Thiobacillus (2426%). In an economic comparison, sulfur-based denitrification (5.3 kg−1 N) was 15% cheaper than methanol-based denitrification (6.22 kg−1 N) and both treatments were opex dominated (85.9 vs. 86.5%). Overall, the technological and economic feasibility should boost further implementation of sulfurotrophic denitrification.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000430401100033 Publication Date 2018-02-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:149975 Serial 8619  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Supernatant organics from anaerobic digestion after thermal hydrolysis cause direct and/or diffusional activity loss for nitritation and anammox Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication 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 Seuntjens, D.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Chatzigiannidou, I.; Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Vandendriessche, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Synergistic exposure of return-sludge to anaerobic starvation, sulfide and free ammonia to suppress nitrite oxidizing bacteria Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 52 Issue 15 Pages 8725-8732  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract A key step toward energy-positive sewage treatment is the development of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox, a nitrogen removal technology where aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB) are desired, while nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) are not. To suppress NOB, a novel return-sludge treatment was investigated. Single and combined effects of sulfide (0-600 mg S L-1), anaerobic starvation (0-8 days), and a free ammonia (FA) shock (30 mg FA-N L-1 for 1 h) were tested for immediate effects and long-term recovery. AerAOB and NOB were inhibited immediately and proportionally by sulfide, with AerAOB better coping with the inhibition, while the short FA shock and anaerobic starvation had minor effects. Combinatory effects inhibited AerAOB and NOB more strongly. A combined treatment of sulfide (150 mg S L-1), 2 days of anaerobic starvation, and FA shock (30 mg FA-N L-1) inhibited AerAOB 14% more strongly compared to sulfide addition alone, while the AerAOB/NOB activity ratio remained constant. Despite no positive change being observed in the immediate-stress response, AerAOB recovered much faster than NOB, with a nitrite accumulation ratio (effluent nitrite on nitrite + nitrate) peak of 50% after 12 days. Studying long-term recovery is therefore crucial for design of an optimal NOB-suppression treatment, while applying combined stressors regularly may lead toward practical implementation.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000441477600073 Publication Date 2018-05-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 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:152909 Serial 8635  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Muys, M.; Phukan, R.; Brader, G.; Samad, A.; Moretti, M.; Haiden, B.; Pluchon, S.; Roest, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Spiller, M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title A systematic comparison of commercially produced struvite : quantities, qualities and soil-maize phosphorus availability Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Science Of The Total Environment Abbreviated Journal Sci Total Environ  
  Volume 756 Issue Pages 143726-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract Production of struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) from waste streams is increasingly implemented to recover phosphorus (P), which is listed as a critical raw material in the European Union (EU). To facilitate EU-wide trade of P-containing secondary raw materials such as struvite, the EU issued a revised fertilizer regulation in 2019. A comprehensive overview of the supply of struvite and its quality is presently missing. This study aimed: i) to determine the current EU struvite production volumes, ii) to evaluate all legislated physicochemical characteristics and pathogen content of European struvite against newly set regulatory limits, and iii) to compare not-regulated struvite characteristics. It is estimated that in 2020, between 990 and 1250 ton P are recovered as struvite in the EU. Struvite from 24 European production plants, accounting for 30% of the 80 struvite installations worldwide was sampled. Three samples failed the physicochemical legal limits; one had a P content of <7% and three exceeded the organic carbon content of 3% dry weight (DW). Mineralogical analysis revealed that six samples had a struvite content of 80–90% DW, and 13 samples a content of >90% DW. All samples showed a heavy metal content below the legal limits. Microbiological analyses indicated that struvite may exceed certain legal limits. Differences in morphology and particle size distribution were observed for struvite sourced from digestate (rod shaped; transparent; 82 mass% < 1 mm), dewatering liquor (spherical; opaque; 65 mass% 1–2 mm) and effluent from upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor processing potato wastewater (spherical; opaque; 51 mass% < 1 mm and 34 mass% > 2 mm). A uniform soil-plant P-availability pattern of 3.5–6.5 mg P/L soil/d over a 28 days sampling period was observed. No differences for plant biomass yield were observed. In conclusion, the results highlight the suitability of most struvite to enter the EU fertilizer market.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000603487500029 Publication Date 2020-11-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.9 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.9  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173944 Serial 8638  
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Author Vandekerckhove, T.G.L.; De Mulder, C.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Temperature impact on sludge yield, settleability and kinetics of three heterotrophic conversions corroborates the prospect of thermophilic biological nitrogen removal Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 269 Issue Pages 104-112  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract In specific municipal and industrial cases, thermophilic wastewater treatment (>45 °C) might bring cost advantages over commonly applied mesophilic processes (1035 °C). To develop such a novel process, one needs sound parameters on kinetics, sludge yield and sludge settleability of three heterotrophic conversions: aerobic carbon removal, denitritation and denitrification. These features were evaluated in acetate-fed sequencing batch reactors (30, 40, 50 and 60 °C). Higher temperatures were accompanied by lower sludge production and maximum specific removal rates, resulting mainly from lower maximum growth rates. Thermophilic denitritation was demonstrated for the first time, with lower sludge production (1826%), higher nitrogen removal rates (2492%) and lower carbon requirement (40%) compared to denitrification. Acceptable settling of thermophilic aerobic (60 °C) and anoxic biomass (50 and 60 °C) was obtained. Overall, this parameter set may catalyze the establishment of thermophilic nitrogen removal, once nitritation and nitratation are characterized. Furthermore, waters with low COD/N ratio might benefit from thermophilic nitritation/denitritation.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000445897400014 Publication Date 2018-08-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:152946 Serial 8646  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vandekerckhove, T.G.L.; Bodé, S.; De Mulder, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N. url  doi
openurl 
  Title 13C incorporation as a tool to estimate biomass yields in thermophilic and mesophilic nitrifying communities Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Frontiers in microbiology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 10 Issue Pages 192  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Current methods determining biomass yield require sophisticated sensors for in situ measurements or multiple steady-state reactor runs. Determining the yield of specific groups of organisms in mixed cultures in a fast and easy manner remains challenging. This study describes a fast method to estimate the maximum biomass yield (Ymax), based on 13C incorporation during activity measurements. It was applied to mixed cultures containing ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) or archaea (AOA) and nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB), grown under mesophilic (1528∘C) and thermophilic (50∘C) conditions. Using this method, no distinction could be made between AOB and AOA co-existing in a community. A slight overestimation of the nitrifier biomass due to 13C redirection via SMP to heterotrophs could occur, meaning that this method determines the carbon fixation activity of the autotrophic microorganisms rather than the actual nitrifier biomass yield. Thermophilic AOA yields exceeded mesophilic AOB yields (0.22 vs. 0.060.11 g VSS g-1 N), possibly linked to a more efficient pathway for CO2 incorporation. NOB thermophilically produced less biomass (0.0250.028 vs. 0.0480.051 g VSS g-1 N), conceivably attributed to higher maintenance requirement, rendering less energy available for biomass synthesis. Interestingly, thermophilic nitrification yield was higher than its mesophilic counterpart, due to the dominance of AOA over AOB at higher temperatures. An instant temperature increase impacted the mesophilic AOB yield, corroborating the effect of maintenance requirement on production capacity. Model simulations of two realistic nitrification/denitrification plants were robust toward changing nitrifier yield in predicting effluent ammonium concentrations, whereas sludge composition was impacted. Summarized, a fast, precise and easily executable method was developed determining Ymax of ammonia and nitrite oxidizers in mixed communities.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000458681700001 Publication Date 2019-02-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1664-302x 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:157126 Serial 8648  
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Author De Vrieze, J.; Smet, D.; Klok, J.; Colsen, J.; Angenent, L.T.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Thermophilic sludge digestion improves energy balance and nutrient recovery potential in full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 218 Issue Pages 1237-1245  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The conventional treatment of municipal wastewater by means of activated sludge is typically energy demanding. Here, the potential benefits of: (1) the optimization of mesophilic digestion; and (2) transitioning to thermophilic sludge digestion in three wastewater treatment plants (Tilburg-Noord, Land van Cuijk and Bath) in the Netherlands is evaluated, including a full-scale trial validation in Bath. In Tilburg-Noord, thermophilic sludge digestion covered the energy requirements of the plant (102%), whereas 111% of sludge operational treatment costs could be covered in Bath. Thermophilic sludge digestion also resulted in a strong increase in nutrient release. The potential for nutrient recovery was evaluated via: (1) stripping/absorption of ammonium; (2) autotrophic removal of ammonium via partial nitritation/anammox; and (3) struvite precipitation. This research shows that optimization of sludge digestion may lead to a strong increase in energy recovery, sludge treatment costs reduction, and the potential for advanced nutrient management in full-scale sewage treatment plants. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000384710500155 Publication Date 2016-07-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:137236 Serial 8666  
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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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Time to act–assessing variations in qPCR analyses in biological nitrogen removal with examples from partial nitritation/anammox systems Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Grunert, O.; Robles-Aguilar, A.A.; Hernandez-Sanabria, E.; Schrey, S.D.; Reheul, D.; Van Labeke, M.-C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Vanderkerckhove, T.G.L.; Mysara, M.; Monsieurs, P.; Temperton, V.M.; Boon, N.; Jablonowski, N.D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Tomato plants rather than fertilizers drive microbial community structure in horticultural growing media Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue Pages 9561  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Synthetic fertilizer production is associated with a high environmental footprint, as compounds typically dissolve rapidly leaching emissions to the atmosphere or surface waters. We tested two recovered nutrients with slower release patterns, as promising alternatives for synthetic fertilizers: struvite and a commercially available organic fertilizer. Using these fertilizers as nitrogen source, we conducted a rhizotron experiment to test their effect on plant performance and nutrient recovery in juvenile tomato plants. Plant performance was significantly improved when organic fertilizer was provided, promoting higher shoot biomass. Since the microbial community influences plant nitrogen availability, we characterized the root-associated microbial community structure and functionality. Analyses revealed distinct root microbial community structure when different fertilizers were supplied. However, plant presence significantly increased the similarity of the microbial community over time, regardless of fertilization. Additionally, the presence of the plant significantly reduced the potential ammonia oxidation rates, implying a possible role of the rhizosheath microbiome or nitrification inhibition by the plant. Our results indicate that nitrifying community members are impacted by the type of fertilizer used, while tomato plants influenced the potential ammonia-oxidizing activity of nitrogen-related rhizospheric microbial communities. These novel insights on interactions between recovered fertilizers, plant and associated microbes can contribute to develop sustainable crop production systems.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000473418000003 Publication Date 2019-07-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2045-2322 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:160582 Serial 8674  
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Author Van Winckel, T.; Cools, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Joos, P.; Van Meenen, E.; Borregán-Ochando, E.; Van Den Steen, K.; Geerts, R.; Vandermoere, F.; Blust, R. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Towards harmonization of water quality management : a comparison of chemical drinking water and surface water quality standards around the globe Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Journal Of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal J Environ Manage  
  Volume 298 Issue Pages 113447-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change  
  Abstract Water quality standards (WQS) set the legal definition for safe and desirable water. WQS impose regulatory concentration limits to act as a jurisdiction-specific legislative risk-management tool. Despite its importance in shaping a universal definition of safe, clean water, little information exists with respect to (dis)similarity of chemical WQS worldwide. Therefore, this paper compares chemical WQS for drinking and surface water matrices in eight jurisdictions representing a global geographic distribution: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, the region of Flanders in Belgium, the United States of America, and South Africa. The World Health Organization's list is used as a reference for drinking water standards. Sørensen–Dice indices (SDI) showed little qualitative similarity in the compounds that are regulated in drinking water (median SDI = 40%) and surface water (median SDI = 33%), indicating that the heterogeneity within a matrix is substantial at the level of the standard. Quantitative similarity for matching standards was higher than the qualitative per Kendall correlation (median = 0.73 and 0.58 for drinking water and surface water respectively), yet variance observed within standards remained inexplicably high for organic compounds. Variations in WQS were more pronounced for organic compounds. Most differences cannot be easily explained from a toxicological or risk-based point-of-view. Historical development, ease of measurement, and (toxicological) knowledge gaps on the risk of a vast number of organic compounds are theorized to be the drivers. Therefore, this study argues for a more tailored, risk-based approach in which standards incorporated into water safety plans are dynamically set for compounds that are persistent and could pose a risk for human health and/or aquatic ecosystems. Global variations in WQS should therefore not necessarily be avoided but rather globally harmonized with enough flexibility to ensure a global, up-to-date definition of safe and desirable water everywhere.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000700577400005 Publication Date 2021-08-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.01 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.01  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:180765 Serial 8681  
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Author Han, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Al-Omari, A.; Wett, B.; Bott, C.; Murthy, S.; De Clippeleir, H. doi  openurl
  Title Uncoupling the solids retention times of flocs and granules in mainstream deammonification : a screen as effective out-selection tool for nitrite oxidizing bacteria Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 221 Issue Pages 195-204  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract This study focused on a physical separator in the form of a screen to out-select nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) for mainstream sewage treatment. This separation relied on the principle that the NOB prefer to grow in flocs, while anammox bacteria (AnAOB) reside in granules. Two types of screens (vacuum and vibrating) were tested for separating these fractions. The vibrating screen was preferred due to more moderate normal forces and additional tangential forces, better balancing retention efficiency of AnAOB granules (41% of the AnAOB activity) and washout of NOB (92% activity washout). This operation resulted in increased NOB out-selection (AerAOB/NOB ratio of 2.3) and a total nitrogen removal efficiency of 70% at influent COD/N ratio of 1.4. An effluent total nitrogen concentration <10 mg N/L was achieved using this novel approach combining biological selection with physical separation, opening up the path towards energy positive sewage treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000386241000025 Publication Date 2016-09-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:138157 Serial 8705  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Defoirdt, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Sun, X.; Boon, N.; Clauwaert, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Ureolytic activity and its regulation in vibrio campbellii and vibrio harveyi in relation to nitrogen recovery from human urine Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 51 Issue 22 Pages 13335-13343  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Human urine contains a high concentration of nitrogen and is therefore an interesting source for nutrient recovery. Ureolysis is a key requirement in many processes aiming at nitrogen recovery from urine. Although ureolytic activity is widespread in terrestrial and aquatic environments, very little is known about the urease activity and regulation in specific bacteria other than human pathogens. Given the relatively high salt concentration of urine, marine bacteria would be particularly well suited for biotechnological applications involving nitrogen recovery from urine, and therefore, in this study, we investigated ureolytic activity and its regulation in marine vibrios. Thirteen out of 14 strains showed ureolytic activity. The urease activity was induced by urea, since complete and very rapid hydrolysis, up to 4 g L-1 of urea, was observed in synthetic human urine when the bacteria were pretreated with 10 g L-1 urea, whereas slow hydrolysis occurred when they were pretreated with 1 g L-1 urea (14-35% hydrolysis after 2 days). There was no correlation between biofilm formation and "motility on one hand, and ureolysis on the other hand, and biofilm and motility inhibitors did not affect ureolysis. Together, our data demonstrate for the first time the potential of marine vibrios as fast urea hydrolyzers for biotechnological applications aiming at nutrient recovery from human urine.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000416496700032 Publication Date 2017-10-30  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0013-936x; 1520-5851 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:147703 Serial 8716  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Christiaens, M.E.R.; De Paepe, J.; Ilgrande, C.; De Vrieze, J.; Barys, J.; Teirlinck, P.; Meerbergen, K.; Lievens, B.; Boon, N.; Clauwaert, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Urine nitrification with a synthetic microbial community Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Systematic and applied microbiology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 42 Issue 6 Pages Unsp 126021  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract During long-term extra-terrestrial missions, food is limited and waste is generated. By recycling valuable nutrients from this waste via regenerative life support systems, food can be produced in space. Astronauts' urine can, for instance, be nitrified by micro-organisms into a liquid nitrate fertilizer for plant growth in space. Due to stringent conditions in space, microbial communities need to be be defined (gnotobiotic); therefore, synthetic rather than mixed microbial communities are preferred. For urine nitrification, synthetic communities face challenges, such as from salinity, ureolysis, and organics. In this study, a synthetic microbial community containing an AOB (Nitrosomonas europaea), NOB (Nitrobacter winogradskyi), and three ureolytic heterotrophs (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Acidovorax delafieldii, and Delftia acidovorans) was compiled and evaluated for these challenges. In reactor 1, salt adaptation of the ammonium-fed AOB and NOB co-culture was possible up to 45 mS cm(-1), which resembled undiluted nitrified urine, while maintaining a 44 +/- 10 mg NH4+-N L-1 d(-1) removal rate. In reactor 2, the nitrifiers and ureolytic heterotrophs were fed with urine and achieved a 15 +/- 6 mg NO3--N L-1 d(-1) production rate for 1% and 10% synthetic and fresh real urine, respectively. Batch activity tests with this community using fresh real urine even reached 29 +/- 3 mg N L-1 d(-1). Organics removal in the reactor (69 +/- 15%) should be optimized to generate a nitrate fertilizer for future space applications. (C) 2019 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000494650600006 Publication Date 2019-09-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0723-2020; 1618-0984 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:164650 Serial 8717  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Verstraete, W.; Clauwaert, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Used water and nutrients : recovery perspectives in a 'panta rhei' context Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 215 Issue Pages 199-208  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract There is an urgent need to secure global supplies in safe water and proteinaceous food in an eco-sustainable manner, as manifested from tensions in the nexus Nutrients-Energy-Water-Environment-Land. This paper is concept based and provides solutions based on resource recovery from municipal and industrial wastewater and from manure. A set of decisive factors is reviewed facilitating an attractive business case. Our key message is that a robust barrier must clear the recovered product from its original status. Besides refined inorganic fertilizers, a central role for five types of microbial protein is proposed. A resource cycling solution for the extremely confined environment of space habitation should serve as an incentive to assimilate a new user mindset. To achieve the ambitious goal of sustainable food security, the solutions suggested here need a broad implementation, hand in hand with minimizing losses along the entire fertilizer-feed-food-fork chain. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000377935100022 Publication Date 2016-04-29  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:134591 Serial 8726  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alloul, A.; Wuyts, S.; Lebeer, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Volatile fatty acids impacting phototrophic growth kinetics of purple bacteria : paving the way for protein production on fermented wastewater Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Xie, Y.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Zhu, W.; Peng, L.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Autotrophic nitrogen polishing of secondary effluents : Alkaline pH and residual nitrate control S0-driven denitratation for downstream anammox treatment Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of Water Process Engineering Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 56 Issue Pages 104402-104409  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Energy-lean nitrogen removal technologies, such as partial nitritation/anammox, often encounter effluent issues due to elevated nitrate and ammonium levels. This study proposed a novel autotrophic polishing strategy coupling sulfur-driven denitratation with anammox. To explore the denitratation potential in obtaining stable and sufficient nitrite accumulation, the effects of pH, residual nitrate level, and biomass-specific nitrate loading rate (BSNLR) were investigated in an S0-packed bed reactor at low hydraulic retention time (i.e., 0.2 h). Implementing pH and residual nitrate control strategies would be easier in practice than BSNLR control to polish secondary effluent. Alkaline pH values could realize successful nitrite accumulation without residual nitrate, and further intensify the accumulation under increased residual nitrate levels. The nitrate level was positively correlated with the nitrite accumulation efficiency. At pH 8.5 and nitrate concentration of 1.0 ± 0.8 mg N L−1, sulfur-driven denitratation could successfully maintain nitrite accumulation of 6.4 ± 1.0 mg NO2−-N L−1, ideally for the downstream anammox in case of residual ammonium levels of around 5 mg N L−1. Since Thiobacillus members play a key role in managing nitrite accumulation, their abundance should be guaranteed in the practical application.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001103341400001 Publication Date 2023-10-18  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2214-7144 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 18.04.2024  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 7; 2023 IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200036 Serial 8835  
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Author Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; De Paepe, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Comparison of typical nitrite oxidizing bacteria suppression strategies and the effect on nitrous oxide emissions in a biofilm reactor Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 387 Issue Pages 129607-129609  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract In mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), suppression of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and mitigation of N2O emissions are two essential operational goals. The N2O emissions linked to three typical NOB suppression strategies were tested in a covered rotating biological contactor (RBC) biofilm system at 21 degrees C: (i) low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, and treatments with (ii) free ammonia (FA), and (iii) free nitrous acids (FNA). Low emerged DO levels effectively minimized NOB activity and decreased N2O emissions, but NOB adaptation appeared after 200 days of operation. Further NOB suppression was successfully achieved by periodic (3 h per week) treatments with FA (29.3 & PLUSMN; 2.6 mg NH3-N L-1) or FNA (3.1 & PLUSMN; 0.3 mg HNO2-N L-1). FA treatment, however, promoted N2O emissions, while FNA did not affect these. Hence, biofilm PN/A should be operated at relatively low DO levels with periodic FNA treatment to maximize nitrogen removal efficiency while avoiding high greenhouse gas emissions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001063180200001 Publication Date 2023-08-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 21.02.2024  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.4; 2023 IF: 5.651  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199051 Serial 8843  
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Author De Paepe, J.; Garcia Gragera, D.; Arnau Jimenez, C.; Rabaey, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Gòdia, F. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Continuous cultivation of microalgae yields high nutrient recovery from nitrified urine with limited supplementation Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of environmental management Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 345 Issue Pages 118500-118510  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Microalgae can play a key role in the bioeconomy, particularly in combination with the valorisation of waste streams as cultivation media. Urine is an example of a widely available nutrient-rich waste stream, and alkaline stabilization and subsequent full nitrification in a bioreactor yields a stable nitrate-rich solution. In this study, such nitrified urine served as a culture medium for the edible microalga Limnospira indica. In batch cultivation, nitrified urine without additional supplements yielded a lower biomass concentration, nutrient uptake and protein content compared to modified Zarrouk medium, as standard medium. To enhance the nitrogen uptake efficiency and biomass production, nitrified urine was supplemented with potentially limiting elements. Limited amounts of phosphorus (36 mg L−1), magnesium (7.9 mg L−1), calcium (12.2 mg L−1), iron (2.0 mg L−1) and EDTA (88.5 mg Na2-EDTA.2H2O L−1) rendered the nitrified urine matrix as effective as modified Zarrouk medium in terms of biomass production (OD750 of 1.2), nutrient uptake (130 mg N L−1) and protein yield (47%) in batch culture. Urine precipitates formed by alkalinisation could in principle supply enough phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, requiring only external addition of iron, EDTA and inorganic carbon. Subsequently, the suitability of supplemented nitrified urine as a culture medium was confirmed in continuous Limnospira cultivation in a CSTR photobioreactor. This qualifies nitrified urine as a valuable and sustainable microalgae growth medium, thereby creating novel nutrient loops on Earth and in Space, i.e., in regenerative life support systems for human deep-space missions.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001052880800001 Publication Date 2023-08-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 8.7 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 03.02.2024  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 8.7; 2023 IF: 4.01  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199049 Serial 8844  
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Author Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Alloul, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Feasibility of a return-sludge nursery concept for mainstream anammox biostimulation : creating optimal conditions for anammox to recover and grow in a parallel tank Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 385 Issue Pages 129359-12  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract To overcome limiting anammox activity under sewage treatment conditions, a return-sludge nursery concept is proposed. This concept involves blending sludge reject water treated with partial nitritation with mainstream effluent to increase the temperature, N levels, and electrical conductivity (EC) of the anammox nursery reactor, which sludge periodically passes through the return sludge line of the mainstream system. Various nursery frequencies were tested in two 2.5 L reactors, including 0.5-2 days of nursery treatment per 3.5-14 days of the total operation. Bioreactor experiments showed that nursery increased nitrogen removal rates during mainstream operation by 33-38%. The increased anammox activity can be partly (35-60%) explained by higher temperatures. Elevated EC, higher nitrogen concentrations, and a putative synergy and/or unknown factor were responsible for 15-16%, 12-14%, and 10-36%, respectively. A relatively stable microbial community was observed, dominated by a “Candidatus Brocadia” member. This new concept boosted activity and sludge growth, which may facilitate mainstream anammox implementations based on partial nitritation/anammox or partial nitrification/denitratation/anammox.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001031586400001 Publication Date 2023-06-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0960-8524 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 11.4 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.4; 2023 IF: 5.651  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198259 Serial 8866  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wittner, N.; Vasilakou, K.; Broos, W.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Nimmegeers, P.; Cornet, I. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Investigating the technical and economic potential of solid-state fungal pretreatment at nonsterile conditions for sugar production from poplar wood Type (down) A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Industrial and engineering chemistry research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-11  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)  
  Abstract Pretreatment is crucial for the conversion of lignocellulose to biofuels. Unlike conventional chemical/physicochemical methods, fungal pretreatment uses white-rot fungi and mild reaction conditions. However, challenges, including substrate sterilization, long duration, and low sugar yields associated with this method, contribute to lower techno-economic performance, an aspect that has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of fungal pretreatment of nonsterilized poplar wood. Various factors, including inoculum types, fermentation supplements, and cultivation methods, were investigated to optimize the process. A techno-economic assessment of the optimized processes was performed at a full biorefinery scale. The scenario using nonsterilized wood as a substrate, precolonized wood as an inoculum, and a 4 week pretreatment showed a 14.5% reduction in sugar production costs (€2.15/kg) compared to using sterilized wood. Although the evaluation of nonsterilized wood pretreatment showed promising cost reductions, fungal pretreatment remained more expensive than conventional methods due to the significant capital investment required.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001102138000001 Publication Date 2023-10-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0888-5885; 1520-5045 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 4.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 24.04.2024  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.2; 2023 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:200155 Serial 8891  
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