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Author Sui, Y.; Muys, M.; Van de Waal, D.; D'Adamo, S.; Vermeir, P.; Fernandes, T.V.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Enhancement of co-production of nutritional protein and carotenoids in Dunaliella salina using a two-phase cultivation assisted by nitrogen level and light intensity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 287 Issue Pages 121398
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Microalga Dunaliella salina is known for its carotenogenesis. At the same time, it can also produce high-quality protein. The optimal conditions for D. salina to co-produce intracellular pools of both compounds, however, are yet unknown. This study investigated a two-phase cultivation strategy to optimize combined high-quality protein and carotenoid production of D. salina. In phase-one, a gradient of nitrogen concentrations was tested. In phase-two, effects of nitrogen pulse and high illumination were tested. Results reveal optimized protein quantity, quality (expressed as essential amino acid index EAAI) and carotenoids content in a two-phase cultivation, where short nitrogen starvation in phase-one was followed by high illumination during phase-two. Adopting this strategy, productivities of protein, EAA and carotenoids reached 22, 7 and 3 mg/L/d, respectively, with an EAAI of 1.1. The quality of this biomass surpasses FAO/WHO standard for human nutrition, and the observed level of β-carotene presents high antioxidant pro-vitamin A activity.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000469414500008 Publication Date 2019-04-30
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:159661 Serial 7916
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Author Sfez, S.; De Meester, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Dewulf, J.
Title Improving the resource footprint evaluation of products recovered from wastewater : a discussion on appropriate allocation in the context of circular economy Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Resources, conservation and recycling Abbreviated Journal
Volume 148 Issue Pages 132-144
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Shifting from a linear to a circular economy has consequences on how the sustainability of products is assessed. This is the case for products recovered from resources such as sewage sludge. The “zero-burden” assumption is commonly used in Life Cycle Assessment and considers that waste streams are burden-free, which becomes debatable when comparing waste-based with virgin material-based products in the context of the growing circular economy. If waste streams are considered as resources rather than waste, upstream burdens should be partly allocated to all products to allow a fair comparison with their virgin material-based equivalents. In this paper, five allocation approaches are applied to allocate the resource use of upstream processes (consumer goods production) to products recovered from the processing of sewage sludge in the Netherlands, which produces biogas, (phosphorus-based) chemicals and building materials. Except for the approach which allocates 100% of the impact from resource recovery processes to the preceding consumer goods, the allocation approaches show a resource use 27 to 80% higher than with the “zero-burden” assumption. In this particular case, using these allocation approaches is likely to find little support from recyclers. The producers of household products, recyclers and policy makers should find a consensus to consider the shift from a linear to a circular economy in sustainability assessment studies while avoiding discouraging the implementation of recovery technologies. This paper suggests starting the discussion with the approach which allocates the impacts from upstream processes degressively to the downstream products as it best translates the industrial ecology principles.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000472242800012 Publication Date 2019-05-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-3449 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:159887 Serial 8072
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Author Sakarika, M.; Spiller, M.; Baetens, R.; Donies, G.; Vanderstuyf, J.; Vinck, K.; Vrancken, K.C.; Van Barel, G.; Du Bois, E.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Proof of concept of high-rate decentralized pre-composting of kitchen waste : optimizing design and operation of a novel drum reactor Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication 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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000473378700003 Publication Date 2019-04-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0956-053x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:159579 Serial 8426
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Author 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.
Title Tomato plants rather than fertilizers drive microbial community structure in horticultural growing media Type 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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 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 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.
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 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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 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 Cagnetta, C.; Saerens, B.; Meerburg, F.A.; Decru, S.O.; Broeders, E.; Menkveld, W.; Vandekerckhove, T.G.L.; De Vrieze, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Verliefde, A.R.D.; De Gusseme, B.; Weemaes, M.; Rabaey, K.
Title High-rate activated sludge systems combined with dissolved air flotation enable effective organics removal and recovery Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 291 Issue Pages 121833
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) systems typically generate diluted sludge which requires further thickening prior to anaerobic digestion (AD), besides the need to add considerable coagulant and flocculant for the solids separation. As an alternative to conventional gravitational settling, a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit was coupled to a HRAS system or a high-rate contact stabilization (HiCS) system. The HRAS-DAF system allowed up to 78% removal of the influent solids, and the HiCS-DAF 67%. Both were within the range of values typically obtained for HRAS-settler systems, albeit at a lower chemical requirement. The separated sludge had a high concentration of up to 47 g COD L−1, suppressing the need of further thickening before AD. Methanation tests showed a biogas yield of up to 68% on a COD basis. The use of a DAF separation system can thus enable direct organics removal at high sludge concentration and with low chemical needs.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000480326200048 Publication Date 2019-07-17
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:161098 Serial 8036
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Author Sakarika, M.; Spanoghe, J.; Sui, Y.; Wambacq, E.; Grunert, O.; Haesaert, G.; Spiller, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Purple non-sulphur bacteria and plant production: benefits for fertilization, stress resistance and the environment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Microbial biotechnology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 13 Issue 5 Pages 1336-1365
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Purple non-sulphur bacteria (PNSB) are phototrophic microorganisms, which increasingly gain attention in plant production due to their ability to produce and accumulate high-value compounds that are beneficial for plant growth. Remarkable features of PNSB include the accumulation of polyphosphate, the production of pigments and vitamins and the production of plant growth-promoting substances (PGPSs). Scattered case studies on the application of PNSB for plant cultivation have been reported for decades, yet a comprehensive overview is lacking. This review highlights the potential of using PNSB in plant production, with emphasis on three key performance indicators (KPIs): fertilization, resistance to stress (biotic and abiotic) and environmental benefits. PNSB have the potential to enhance plant growth performance, increase the yield and quality of edible plant biomass, boost the resistance to environmental stresses, bioremediate heavy metals and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Here, the mechanisms responsible for these attributes are discussed. A distinction is made between the use of living and dead PNSB cells, where critical interpretation of existing literature revealed the better performance of living cells. Finally, this review presents research gaps that remain yet to be elucidated and proposes a roadmap for future research and implementation paving the way for a more sustainable crop production.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000482388700001 Publication Date 2019-08-21
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1751-7915 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; The authors would like to acknowledge: (i) the MIP i-Cleantech Flanders (Milieu-innovatieplatform; Environment innovation platform) project Microbial Nutrients on Demand (MicroNOD) for financial support; (ii) the China Scholarship Council for financially supporting Y. Sui (File No. 201507650015); (iii) the DOCPRO4 project 'PurpleTech', funded by the BOF (Bijzonder onderzoeksfonds); Special research fund from the University of Antwerp for financially supporting J. Spanoghe, and (iv) E. Koutsoukou for constructing components of Figs 5 and 6. ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.7; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:162876 Serial 6587
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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.
Title Screen versus cyclone for improved capacity and robustness for sidestream and mainstream deammonification Type 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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 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 Ilgrande, C.; Defoirdt, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.; Clauwaert, P.
Title Media optimization, strain compatibility, and low-shear modeled microgravity exposure of synthetic microbial communities for urine nitrification in regenerative life-support systems Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Astrobiology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 19 Issue 11 Pages 1353-1362
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Urine is a major waste product of human metabolism and contains essential macro- and micronutrients to produce edible microorganisms and crops. Its biological conversion into a stable form can be obtained through urea hydrolysis, subsequent nitrification, and organics removal, to recover a nitrate-enriched stream, free of oxygen demand. In this study, the utilization of a microbial community for urine nitrification was optimized with the focus for space application. To assess the role of selected parameters that can impact ureolysis in urine, the activity of six ureolytic heterotrophs (Acidovorax delafieldii, Comamonas testosteroni, Cupriavidus necator, Delftia acidovorans, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Vibrio campbellii) was tested at different salinities, urea, and amino acid concentrations. The interaction of the ureolytic heterotrophs with a nitrifying consortium (Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC 19718 and Nitrobacter winogradskyi ATCC 25931) was also tested. Lastly, microgravity was simulated in a clinostat utilizing hardware for in-flight experiments with active microbial cultures. The results indicate salt inhibition of the ureolysis at 30 mS cm(-1), while amino acid nitrogen inhibits ureolysis in a strain-dependent manner. The combination of the nitrifiers with C. necator and V. campbellii resulted in a complete halt of the urea hydrolysis process, while in the case of A. delafieldii incomplete nitrification was observed, and nitrite was not oxidized further to nitrate. Nitrate production was confirmed in all the other communities; however, the other heterotrophic strains most likely induced oxygen competition in the test setup, and nitrite accumulation was observed. Samples exposed to low-shear modeled microgravity through clinorotation behaved similarly to the static controls. Overall, nitrate production from urea was successfully demonstrated with synthetic microbial communities under terrestrial and simulated space gravity conditions, corroborating the application of this process in space.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000492817700004 Publication Date 2019-10-28
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:164663 Serial 8215
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.
Title Urine nitrification with a synthetic microbial community Type 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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 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 Sui, Y.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Dunaliella microalgae for nutritional protein : an undervalued asset Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Trends in biotechnology : regular edition Abbreviated Journal
Volume 38 Issue 1 Pages 10-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract β-carotene production using Dunaliella microalgae is established, yet their potential as a source of protein for food and feed applications appears to be overlooked. The rich protein content and nutritional tunability of Dunaliella make these algae intriguing sources of sustainable protein. Thus, it is of societal interest to exploit these promising proteinaceous Dunaliella traits.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000503376700004 Publication Date 2019-08-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1879-3096; 0167-7799 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 17.3 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the China Scholarship Council (File No. 201507650015) and the MIP i-Clean-tech Flanders (Milieu-innovatieplatform; Environment Innovation Platform) project Microbial Nutrients on Demand (MicroNOD). Dr Michele Moretti from University of Antwerp is acknowledged for proofreading the manuscript. ; Approved Most recent IF: 17.3; 2020 IF: 11.126
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164903 Serial 6495
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Spiller, M.; Muys, M.; Papini, G.; Sakarika, M.; Buyle, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Environmental impact of microbial protein from potato wastewater as feed ingredient : comparative consequential life cycle assessment of three production systems and soybean meal Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Water Research Abbreviated Journal Water Res
Volume 171 Issue Pages 115406
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB)
Abstract Livestock production is utilizing large amounts of protein-rich feed ingredients such as soybean meal. The proven negative environmental impacts of soybean meal production incentivize the search for alternative protein sources. One promising alternative is Microbial Protein (MP), i.e. dried microbial biomass. To date, only few life cycle assessments (LCAs) for MP have been carried out, none of which has used a consequential modelling approach nor has been investigating the production of MP on food and beverage wastewater. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the environmental impact of MP production on a food and beverage effluent as a substitute for soybean meal using a consequential modelling approach. Three different types of MP production were analysed, namely consortia containing Aerobic Heterotrophic Bacteria (AHB), Microalgae and AHB (MaB), and Purple Non-Sulfur Bacteria (PNSB). The production of MP was modelled for high-strength potato wastewater (COD = 10 kg/m3) at a flow rate of 1,000 m3/day. LCA results were compared against soybean meal production for the endpoint impact categories human health, ecosystems, and resources. Soybean meal showed up to 52% higher impact on human health and up to 87% higher impact on ecosystems than MP. However, energy-related aspects resulted in an 8–88% higher resource exploitation for MP. A comparison between the MP production systems showed that MaB performed best when considering ecosystems (between 13 and 14% better) and resource (between 71 and 80% better) impact categories, while AHB and PNSB had lower values for the impact category human health (8–12%). The sensitivity analysis suggests that the conclusions drawn are robust as in the majority of 1,000 Monte Carlo runs the initial results are confirmed. In conclusion, it is suggested that MP is an alternative protein source of comparatively low environmental impact that should play a role in the future protein transition, in particular when further process improvements can be implemented and more renewable or waste energy sources will be used.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000514748900032 Publication Date 2019-12-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.8 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; The authors would like to thank (i) the MIP i-Cleantech Flanders (Milieu innovatieplatform; Environment innovation platform) project Microbial Nutrients on Demand (MicroNOD; 150360) for financial support, (ii) the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) for supporting Gustavo Papini with a doctoral fellowship (strategic basic research; 1S38917N), (iii) Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) for supporting Matthias Buyle with a post-doctoral fellowship (Postdoctoral Fellow junior; 1207520N), and (iv) Bo Weidema, Abbas Alloul, Yixing Sui and Tim Van Winckel for their insightful discussions. ; Approved Most recent IF: 12.8; 2020 IF: 6.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164944 Serial 6509
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Author Vandekerckhove, T.G.L.; Props, R.; Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Adaptation and characterization of thermophilic anammox in bioreactors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Water Research Abbreviated Journal Water Res
Volume 172 Issue Pages 115462
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Anammox, the oxidation of ammonium with nitrite, is a key microbial process in the nitrogen cycle. Under mesophilic conditions (below 40 °C), it is widely implemented to remove nitrogen from wastewaters lacking organic carbon. Despite evidence of the presence of anammox bacteria in high-temperature environments, reports on the cultivation of thermophilic anammox bacteria are limited to a short-term experiment of 2 weeks. This study showcases the adaptation of a mesophilic inoculum to thermophilic conditions, and its characterization. First, an attached growth technology was chosen to obtain the process. In an anoxic fixed-bed biofilm bioreactor (FBBR), a slow linear temperature increase from 38 to over 48 °C (0.05–0.07 °C d−1) was imposed to the community over 220 days, after which the reactor was operated at 48 °C for over 200 days. Maximum total nitrogen removal rates reached up to 0.62 g N L−1 d−1. Given this promising performance, a suspended growth system was tested. The obtained enrichment culture served as inoculum for membrane bioreactors (MBR) operated at 50 °C, reaching a maximum total nitrogen removal rate of 1.7 g N L−1 d−1 after 35 days. The biomass in the MBR had a maximum specific anammox activity of 1.1 ± 0.1 g NH4+-N g−1 VSS d−1, and the growth rate was estimated at 0.075–0.19 d−1. The thermophilic cultures displayed nitrogen stoichiometry ratios typical for mesophilic anammox: 0.93–1.42 g NO2--Nremoved g−1 NH4+-Nremoved and 0.16–0.35 g NO3--Nproduced g−1 NH4+-Nremoved. Amplicon and Sanger sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes revealed a disappearance of the original “Ca. Brocadia” and “Ca. Jettenia” taxa, yielding Planctomycetes members with only 94–95% similarity to “Ca. Brocadia anammoxidans” and “Ca. B. caroliniensis”, accounting for 45% of the bacterial FBBR community. The long-term operation of thermophilic anammox reactors and snapshot views on the nitrogen stoichiometry, kinetics and microbial community open up the development path of thermophilic partial nitritation/anammox. A first economic assessment highlighted that treatment of sludge reject water from thermophilic anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge may become attractive.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000517663600014 Publication Date 2020-01-10
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.8 Times cited 5 Open Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge (i) the Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT Flanders) [grant number SB-141205] for funding T.G.L.V., (ii) Ghent University (BOFDOC2015000601) and the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK.CEN) for funding R.P., (iii) Bart De Gusseme from Farys/UGent for providing the hollow fiber membranes, (iv) Tim Lacoere for performing the DNA extraction and data processing of the Sanger sequencing and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data, (v) Tim Hendrickx from Paques BV for providing the inoculum, (vi) Bert Bundervoet and Wim Groen in 't Woud from Colsen for the valuable input on the economic assessment and (vii) Joop Colsen, Stijn Van Hulle, Mark Van Loosdrecht, Erik Smolders and Leen De Gelder for their constructive discussions on this work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 12.8; 2020 IF: 6.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165392 Serial 6449
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Author Balemans, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Torfs, E.; Hartog, L.; Zaharova, L.; Rehman, U.; Nopens, I.
Title The impact of local hydrodynamics on high-rate activated sludge flocculation in laboratory and full-scale reactors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Processes Abbreviated Journal
Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 131-18
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract High rate activated sludge (HRAS) processes have a high potential for carbon and energy recovery from sewage, yet they suffer frequently from poor settleability due to flocculation issues. The process of flocculation is generally optimized using jar tests. However, detailed jar hydrodynamics are often unknown, and average quantities are used, which can significantly differ from the local conditions. The presented work combined experimental and numerical data to investigate the impact of local hydrodynamics on HRAS flocculation for two different jar test configurations (i.e., radial vs. axial impellers at different impeller velocities) and compared the hydrodynamics in these jar tests to those in a representative section of a full scale reactor using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The analysis showed that the flocculation performance was highly influenced by the impeller type and its speed. The axial impeller appeared to be more appropriate for floc formation over a range of impeller speeds as it produced a more homogeneous distribution of local velocity gradients compared to the radial impeller. In contrast, the radial impeller generated larger volumes (%) of high velocity gradients in which floc breakage may occur. Comparison to local velocity gradients in a full scale system showed that also here, high velocity gradients occurred in the region around the impeller, which might significantly hamper the HRAS flocculation process. As such, this study showed that a model based approach was necessary to translate lab scale results to full scale. These new insights can help improve future experimental setups and reactor design for improved HRAS flocculation.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000521167900088 Publication Date 2020-01-24
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2227-9717 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes ; This research was funded by Research Foundation Flanders (FWO SB Grant 1.S.705.18N). ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165420 Serial 6543
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Author Geerts, R.; Vandermoere, F.; Van Winckel, T.; Halet, D.; Joos, P.; Van Den Steen, K.; Van Meenen, E.; Blust, R.; Borregán-Ochando, E.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Bottle or tap? Toward an integrated approach to water type consumption Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Water Research Abbreviated Journal Water Res
Volume 173 Issue Pages 115578-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
Abstract While in many countries, people have access to cheap and safe potable tap water, the global consumption of bottled water is rising. Flanders, Belgium, where this study is located, has an exceptionally high consumption of bottled water per capita. However, in the interest of resource efficiency and global environmental challenges, the consumption of tap water is preferable. To our knowledge, an integrated analysis of the main reasons why people consume tap and bottled water is absent in Flanders, Belgium. Using Flemish survey data (N = 2309), we first compared tap and bottled water consumers through bivariate correlation analysis. Subsequently, path modelling techniques were used to further investigate these correlations. Our results show that bottled water consumption in Flanders is widespread despite environmental and financial considerations. For a large part, this is caused by negative perceptions about tap water. Many consumers consider it unhealthy, unsafe and prefer the taste of bottled water. Furthermore, we found that the broader social context often inhibits the consumption of tap water. On the one hand, improper infrastructures (e.g. lead piping) can limit access to potable tap water. On the other hand, social norms exist that promote bottled water. Lastly, results suggest that the consumption of bottled water is most common among men, older people and less educated groups. We conclude that future research and policy measures will benefit from an approach that integrates all behavioural aspects associated with water type consumption. This will enable both governments and tap water companies to devise more effective policies to manage and support tap water supply networks.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000523569000012 Publication Date 2020-01-31
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.8 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; This was supported by a grant from Water-link. ; Approved Most recent IF: 12.8; 2020 IF: 6.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165873 Serial 6464
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Author Muys, M.; Papini, G.; Spiller, M.; Sakarika, M.; Schwaiger, B.; Lesueur, C.; Vermeir, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Dried aerobic heterotrophic bacteria from treatment of food and beverage effluents: Screening of correlations between operation parameters and microbial protein quality Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol
Volume 307 Issue Pages 123242-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000528857700051 Publication Date 2020-03-23
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 1 Open Access
Notes ; The authors kindly thank (i) i-Cleantech Flanders MIP (Milieu-innovatieplatform) for financial support through the MicroNOD project (Microbial Nutrients on Demand), (ii) Erik Fransen (StatUA) for the helpful advice on the statistical analysis, and (iii) Ilse De Leersnyder and Diederik Leenknecht for assistance with the EAA analysis. ; Approved Most recent IF: 11.4; 2020 IF: 5.651
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:169452 Serial 6491
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Author Peng, L.; Xie, Y.; Van Beeck, W.; Zhu, W.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Tytgat, T.; Lebeer, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Return-sludge treatment with endogenous free nitrous acid limits nitrate production and N₂O emission for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Environmental Science & Technology Abbreviated Journal Environ Sci Technol
Volume 54 Issue 9 Pages 5822-5831
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and nitrous oxide (N2O) hinder the development of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox. To overcome these, endogenous free ammonia (FA) and free nitrous acid (FNA), which can be produced in the sidestream, were used for return-sludge treatment for two integrated-film activated sludge reactors containing biomass in flocs and on carriers. The repeated exposure of biomass from one reactor to FA shocks had a limited impact on NOB suppression but inhibited anammox bacteria (AnAOB). In the other reactor, repeated FNA shocks to the separated flocs failed to limit the system’s nitrate production since NOB activity was still high on the biofilms attached to the unexposed carriers. In contrast, the repeated FNA treatment of flocs and carriers favored aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB) over NOB activity with AnAOB negligibly affected. It was further revealed that return-sludge treatment with higher FNA levels led to lower N2O emissions under similar effluent nitrite concentrations. On this basis, weekly 4 h FNA shocks of 2.0 mg of HNO2-N/L were identified as an optimal and realistic treatment, which not only enabled nitrogen removal efficiencies of ∼65% at nitrogen removal rates of ∼130 mg of N/L/d (20 °C) but also yielded the lowest cost and carbon footprint.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000530651900057 Publication Date 2020-03-27
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 11.4 Times cited 1 Open Access
Notes ; This study was supported by the European Commission Horizon 2020 Program through Marie Curie Individual Fellowship (N2OPNA-708592). W. V.B. and S. L. were supported by grants from the Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship Agency [IWT-SBO ProCure project (IWT/50052) by IWT-SBO ProCure and internal Uantwerpen funding]. The authors are grateful to the research collaboration. The authors declare no conflict of interest. ; Approved Most recent IF: 11.4; 2020 IF: 6.198
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:168829 Serial 6596
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Author Sui, Y.; Jiang, Y.; Moretti, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Harvesting time and biomass composition affect the economics of microalgae production Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod
Volume 259 Issue Pages 120782-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Cost simulations provide a strong tool to render the production of microalgae economically viable. This study evaluated the unexplored effect of harvesting time and the corresponding microalgal biomass composition on the overall production cost, under both continuous light and light/dark regime using techno-economic analysis (TEA). At the same time, the TEA gives evidence that a novel product “proteinaceous salt” from Dunaliella microalgae production is a promising high-value product for commercialization with profitability. The optimum production scenario is to employ natural light/dark regime and harvest microalgal biomass around late exponential phase, obtaining the minimum production cost of 11 €/kg and a profitable minimum selling price (MSP) of 14.4 €/kg for the “proteinaceous salt”. For further optimization of the production, increasing microalgal biomass concentration is the most effective way to reduce the total production cost and increase the profits of microalgae products.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000530695500009 Publication Date 2020-02-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 11.1 Times cited 5 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the China Scholarship Council (File No. 201507650015) and the MIP i-Cleantech Flanders (Milieu-innovatieplatform; Environment innovation platform) project Microbial Nutrients on Demand (MicroNOD). ; Approved Most recent IF: 11.1; 2020 IF: 5.715
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:166802 Serial 6531
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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 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.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 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 Seuntjens, D.; Carvajal Arroyo, J.M.; Van Tendeloo, M.; Chatzigiannidou, I.; Molina, J.; Nop, S.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Mainstream partial nitritation/anammox with integrated fixed-film activated sludge : combined aeration and floc retention time control strategies limit nitrate production Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol
Volume 314 Issue Pages 123711-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Implementation of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective sewage treatment. For mainstream PN/A reactor, an integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) was operated (26 °C). The effects of floccular aerobic sludge retention time (AerSRT_floc), a novel aeration strategy, and N-loading rate were tested to optimize the operational strategy. The best performance was observed with a low, but sufficient AerSRTfloc (~7d) and continuous aeration with two alternating dissolved oxygen setpoints: 10 min at 0.07–0.13 mg O2 L−1 and 5 min at 0.27–0.43 mg O2 L−1. Nitrogen removal rates were 122 ± 23 mg N L−1 d−1, and removal efficiencies 73 ± 13%. These conditions enabled flocs to act as nitrite sources while the carriers were nitrite sinks, with low abundance of nitrite oxidizing bacteria. The operational strategies in the source-sink framework can serve as a guideline for successful operation of mainstream PN/A reactors.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000558601200004 Publication Date 2020-06-24
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 3 Open Access
Notes ; D.S. was supported by a Ph.D. grant from the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWTVlaanderen, SB-131769). M.V.T. was supported by a Ph.D. SB Fellowship from the Research Foundation -Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen, 1S03218N). ; Approved Most recent IF: 11.4; 2020 IF: 5.651
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:170054 Serial 6559
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Author Spanoghe, J.; Grunert, O.; Wambacq, E.; Sakarika, M.; Papini, G.; Alloul, A.; Spiller, M.; Derycke, V.; Stragier, L.; Verstraete, H.; Fauconnier, K.; Verstraete, W.; Haesaert, G.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Storage, fertilization and cost properties highlight the potential of dried microbial biomass as organic fertilizer Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Microbial biotechnology Abbreviated Journal Microb. Biotechnol.
Volume Issue Pages 1-13
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The transition to sustainable agriculture and horticulture is a societal challenge of global importance. Fertilization with a minimum impact on the environment can facilitate this. Organic fertilizers can play an important role, given their typical release pattern and production through resource recovery. Microbial fertilizers (MFs) constitute an emerging class of organic fertilizers and consist of dried microbial biomass, for instance produced on effluents from the food and beverage industry. In this study, three groups of organisms were tested as MFs: a high-rate consortium aerobic bacteria (CAB), the microalga Arthrospira platensis (‘Spirulina’) and a purple non-sulfur bacterium (PNSB) Rhodobacter sp. During storage as dry products, the MFs showed light hygroscopic activity, but the mineral and organic fractions remained stable over a storage period of 91 days. For biological tests, a reference organic fertilizer (ROF) was used as positive control, and a commercial organic growing medium (GM) as substrate. The mineralization patterns without and with plants were similar for all MFs and ROF, with more than 70% of the organic nitrogen mineralized in 77 days. In a first fertilization trial with parsley, all MFs showed equal performance compared to ROF, and the plant fresh weight was even higher with CAB fertilization. CAB was subsequently used in a follow-up trial with petunia and resulted in elevated plant height, comparable chlorophyll content and a higher amount of flowers compared to ROF. Finally, a cost estimation for packed GM with supplemented fertilizer indicated that CAB and a blend of CAB/PNSB (85%/15%) were most cost competitive, with an increase of 6% and 7% in cost compared to ROF. In conclusion, as biobased fertilizers, MFs have the potential to contribute to sustainable plant nutrition, performing as good as a commercially available organic fertilizer, and to a circular economy.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000563539700001 Publication Date 2020-03-16
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1751-7915 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes The authors would like to kindly acknowledge (i) the MIP i‐Cleantech Flanders (Milieu‐innovatieplatform; Environment innovation platform) project Microbial Nutrients on Demand (MicroNOD) for financial support, (ii) the DOCPRO4 project ‘PurpleTech’, funded by the BOF (Bijzonder onderzoeksfonds; Special research fund) from the University of Antwerp for financially supporting J.S., (iii) all MicroNOD partners, including the University of Antwerp, Ghent University, AgrAqua, Greenyard Horticulture and Avecom; and (iv) all steering committee members, including Greenyard Frozen, Agristo, AVBS, Vlakwa, het Innovatiesteunpunt, VCM and OVAM. Approved Most recent IF: 5.7; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number DuEL @ duel @c:irua:167595 Serial 6357
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Author Capson-Tojo, G.; Batstone, D.J.; Grassino, M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Puyol, D.; Verstraete, W.; Kleerebezem, R.; Oehmen, A.; Ghimire, A.; Pikaar, I.; Lema, J.M.; Hülsen, T.; Grassino, M.; Hulsen, T.
Title Purple phototrophic bacteria for resource recovery : challenges and opportunities Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Biotechnology Advances Abbreviated Journal Biotechnol Adv
Volume 43 Issue Pages 107567-27
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Sustainable development is driving a rapid focus shift in the wastewater and organic waste treatment sectors, from a “removal and disposal” approach towards the recovery and reuse of water, energy and materials (e.g. carbon or nutrients). Purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) are receiving increasing attention due to their capability of growing photoheterotrophically under anaerobic conditions. Using light as energy source, PPB can simultaneously assimilate carbon and nutrients at high efficiencies (with biomass yields close to unity (1 g CODbiomass·g CODremoved−1)), facilitating the maximum recovery of these resources as different value-added products. The effective use of infrared light enables selective PPB enrichment in non-sterile conditions, without competition with other phototrophs such as microalgae if ultraviolet-visible wavelengths are filtered. This review reunites results systematically gathered from over 177 scientific articles, aiming at producing generalized conclusions. The most critical aspects of PPB-based production and valorisation processes are addressed, including: (i) the identification of the main challenges and potentials of different growth strategies, (ii) a critical analysis of the production of value-added compounds, (iii) a comparison of the different value-added products, (iv) insights into the general challenges and opportunities and (v) recommendations for future research and development towards practical implementation. To date, most of the work has not been executed under real-life conditions, relevant for full-scale application. With the savings in wastewater discharge due to removal of organics, nitrogen and phosphorus as an important economic driver, priorities must go to using PPB-enriched cultures and real waste matrices. The costs associated with artificial illumination, followed by centrifugal harvesting/dewatering and drying, are estimated to be 1.9, 0.3–2.2 and 0.1–0.3 $·kgdry biomass−1. At present, these costs are likely to exceed revenues. Future research efforts must be carried out outdoors, using sunlight as energy source. The growth of bulk biomass on relatively clean wastewater streams (e.g. from food processing) and its utilization as a protein-rich feed (e.g. to replace fishmeal, 1.5–2.0 $·kg−1) appears as a promising valorisation route.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000572355300007 Publication Date 2020-05-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0734-9750 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 16 Times cited 6 Open Access
Notes ; Tim Hulsen acknowledges The Queensland Government, GHD, Ridley, Aquatec Maxcon and Ingham for financial support as part of an Advanced Queensland Industry Fellowship (061-2018). This project is supported by Meat and Livestock Australia through funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (Australia; RnD4Profit-16-03-002) as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program and the partners. Gabriel Capson-Tojo is grateful to the Xunta de Galicia (Spain) for his postdoctoral fellowship (ED481B-2018/017). The authors acknowledge Eucalyp, Freepick, Good Ware, Nhor Phai, photo3idea_studio, smalllikea and Smashicons for the icons used (taken from www.flaticon.com). ; Approved Most recent IF: 16; 2020 IF: 10.597
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:169736 Serial 6588
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Author De Paepe, J.; De Paepe, K.; Gòdia, F.; Rabaey, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Clauwaert, P.
Title Bio-electrochemical COD removal for energy-efficient, maximum and robust nitrogen recovery from urine through membrane aerated nitrification Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Water Research Abbreviated Journal Water Res
Volume 185 Issue Pages 116223
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Resource recovery from source-separated urine can shorten nutrient cycles on Earth and is essential in regenerative life support systems for deep-space exploration. In this study, a robust two-stage, energy-efficient, gravity-independent urine treatment system was developed to transform fresh real human urine into a stable nutrient solution. In the first stage, up to 85% of the COD was removed in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), converting part of the energy in organic compounds (27-46%) into hydrogen gas and enabling full nitrogen recovery by preventing nitrogen losses through denitrification in the second stage. Besides COD removal, all urea was hydrolysed in the MEC, resulting in a stream rich in ammoniacal nitrogen and alkalinity, and low in COD. This stream was fed into a membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) in order to convert the volatile and toxic ammoniacal nitrogen to non-volatile nitrate by nitrification. Bio-electrochemical pre-treatment allowed to recover all nitrogen as nitrate in the MABR at a bulk-phase dissolved oxygen level below 0.1 mg O2 L-1. In contrast, feeding the MABR directly with raw urine (omitting the first stage), at the same nitrogen loading rate, resulted in nitrogen loss (18%) due to denitrification. The MEC and MABR were characterised by very distinct and diverse microbial communities. While (strictly) anaerobic genera, such as Geobacter (electroactive bacteria), Thiopseudomonas, a Lentimicrobiaceae member, Alcaligenes and Proteiniphilum prevailed in the MEC, the MABR was dominated by aerobic genera, including Nitrosomonas (a known ammonium oxidiser), Moheibacter and Gordonia. The two-stage approach yielded a stable nitrate-rich, COD-low nutrient solution, suitable for plant and microalgae cultivation.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000580639800035 Publication Date 2020-07-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.8 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 12.8; 2020 IF: 6.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:170524 Serial 6461
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Author Alloul, A.; Wille, M.; Lucenti, P.; Bossier, P.; Van Stappen, G.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Purple bacteria as added-value protein ingredient in shrimp feed : Penaeus vannamei growth performance, and tolerance against Vibrio and ammonia stress Type 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).
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 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
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Author Lindeboom, R.E.F.; De Paepe, J.; Vanoppen, M.; Alonso-Fariñas, B.; Coessens, W.; Alloul, A.; Christiaens, M.E.R.; Dotremont, C.; Beckers, H.; Lamaze, B.; Demey, D.; Clauwaert, P.; Verliefde, A.R.D.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title A five-stage treatment train for water recovery from urine and shower water for long-term human Space missions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Desalination Abbreviated Journal Desalination
Volume 495 Issue Pages 114634
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Long-term human Space missions will rely on regenerative life support as resupply of water, oxygen and food comes with constraints. The International Space Station (ISS) relies on an evaporation/condensation system to recover 74–85% of the water in urine, yet suffers from repetitive scaling and biofouling while employing hazardous chemicals. In this study, an alternative non-sanitary five-stage treatment train for one “astronaut” was integrated through a sophisticated monitoring and control system. This so-called Water Treatment Unit Breadboard (WTUB) successfully treated urine (1.2-L-d−1) with crystallisation, COD-removal, ammonification, nitrification and electrodialysis, before it was mixed with shower water (3.4-L-d−1). Subsequently, ceramic nanofiltration and single-pass flat-sheet RO were used. A four-months proof-of-concept period yielded: (i) chemical water quality meeting the hygienic standards of the European Space Agency, (ii) a 87-±-5% permeate recovery with an estimated theoretical primary energy requirement of 0.2-kWhp-L−1, (iii) reduced scaling potential without anti-scalant addition and (iv) and a significant biological reduction in biofouling potential resulted in stable but biofouling-limited RO permeability of 0.5 L-m−2-h−1-bar−1. Estimated mass breakeven dates and a comparison with the ISS Water Recovery System for a hypothetical Mars transit mission show that WTUB is a promising biological membrane-based alternative to heat-based systems for manned Space missions.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000582172900007 Publication Date 2020-09-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0011-9164 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.9 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 9.9; 2020 IF: 5.527
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171514 Serial 6523
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Author Muys, M.; Phukan, R.; Brader, G.; Samad, A.; Moretti, M.; Haiden, B.; Pluchon, S.; Roest, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Spiller, M.
Title A systematic comparison of commercially produced struvite : quantities, qualities and soil-maize phosphorus availability Type 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 (up) 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 Cerruti, M.; Stevens, B.; Ebrahimi, S.; Alloul, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Weissbrodt, D.G.
Title Enrichment and aggregation of purple non-sulfur bacteria in a mixed-culture sequencing-batch photobioreactor for biological nutrient removal from wastewater Type A1 Journal article
Year 2020 Publication Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 8 Issue Pages 557234
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Mixed-culture biotechnologies are widely used to capture nutrients from wastewater. Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB), a guild of anoxygenic photomixotrophic organisms, rise interest for their ability to directly assimilate nutrients in the biomass. One challenge targets the aggregation and accumulation of PNSB biomass to separate it from the treated water. Our aim was to enrich and produce a concentrated, fast-settling PNSB biomass with high nutrient removal capacity in a 1.5-L, stirred-tank, anaerobic sequencing-batch photobioreactor (SBR). PNSB were rapidly enriched after inoculation with activated sludge at 0.1 gVSS L–1 in a first batch of 24 h under continuous irradiance of infrared (IR) light (>700 nm) at 375 W m–2, with Rhodobacter reaching 54% of amplicon sequencing read counts. SBR operations with decreasing hydraulic retention times (48 to 16 h, i.e., 1–3 cycles d–1) and increasing volumetric organic loading rates (0.2–1.3 kg COD d–1 m–3) stimulated biomass aggregation, settling, and accumulation in the system, reaching as high as 3.8 g VSS L–1. The sludge retention time (SRT) increased freely from 2.5 to 11 days. Acetate, ammonium, and orthophosphate were removed up to 96% at a rate of 1.1 kg COD d–1 m–3, 77% at 113 g N d–1 m–3, and 73% at 15 g P d–1 m–3, respectively, with COD:N:P assimilation ratio of 100:6.7:0.9 m/m/m. SBR regime shifts sequentially selected for Rhodobacter (90%) under shorter SRT and non-limiting concentration of acetate during reaction phases, for Rhodopseudomonas (70%) under longer SRT and acetate limitation during reaction, and Blastochloris (10%) under higher biomass concentrations, underlying competition for substrate and photons in the PNSB guild. With SBR operations we produced a fast-settling biomass, highly (>90%) enriched in PNSB. A high nutrient removal was achieved by biomass assimilation, reaching the European nutrient discharge limits. We opened further insights on the microbial ecology of PNSB-based processes for water resource recovery.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000603626100001 Publication Date 2021-06-02
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2296-4185 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.7; 2020 IF: NA
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174085 Serial 7921
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Author Alloul, A.; Muys, M.; Hertoghs, N.; Kerckhof, F.-M.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Cocultivating aerobic heterotrophs and purple bacteria for microbial protein in sequential photo- and chemotrophic reactors Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication Bioresource Technology Abbreviated Journal Bioresource Technol
Volume 319 Issue Pages 124192
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB) and purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) are typically explored as two separate types of microbial protein, yet their properties as respectively a bulk and added-value feed ingredient make them appealing for combined use. The feasibility of cocultivation in a sequential photo- and chemotrophic approach was investigated. First, mapping the chemotrophic growth kinetics for four Rhodobacter, Rhodopseudomonas and Rhodospirillum species on different carbon sources showed a preference for fructose (µmax 2.4–3.9 d−1 28 °C; protein 36–59%DW). Secondly, a continuous photobioreactor inoculated with Rhodobacter capsulatus (VFA as C-source) delivered the starter culture for an aerobic batch reactor (fructose as C-source). This two-stage system showed an improved nutritional quality compared to AHB production: higher protein content (45–71%DW), more attractive amino/fatty acid profile and contained up to 10% PNSB. The findings strengthen protein production with cocultures and might enable the implementation of the technology for resource recovery on streams such as wastewater.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000613136600013 Publication Date 2020-09-30
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 5.651 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.651
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:171766 Serial 7677
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Author Alloul, A.; Spanoghe, J.; Machado, D.; Vlaeminck, S.E.
Title Unlocking the genomic potential of aerobes and phototrophs for the production of nutritious and palatable microbial food without arable land or fossil fuels Type A1 Journal article
Year 2022 Publication Microbial biotechnology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue 1 Pages 6-12
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The increasing world population and living standards urgently necessitate the transition towards a sustainable food system. One solution is microbial protein, i.e. using microbial biomass as alternative protein source for human nutrition, particularly based on renewable electron and carbon sources that do not require arable land. Upcoming green electrification and carbon capture initiatives enable this, yielding new routes to H2, CO2 and CO2-derived compounds like methane, methanol, formic- and acetic acid. Aerobic hydrogenotrophs, methylotrophs, acetotrophs and microalgae are the usual suspects for nutritious and palatable biomass production on these compounds. Interestingly, these compounds are largely un(der)explored for purple non-sulfur bacteria, even though these microbes may be suitable for growing aerobically and phototrophically on these substrates. Currently, selecting the best strains, metabolisms and cultivation conditions for nutritious and palatable microbial food mainly starts from empirical growth experiments, and mostly does not stretch beyond bulk protein. We propose a more target-driven and efficient approach starting from the genome-embedded potential to tuning towards, for instance, essential amino- and fatty acids, vitamins, taste,... Genome-scale metabolic models combined with flux balance analysis will facilitate this, narrowing down experimental variations and enabling to get the most out of the 'best' combinations of strain and electron and carbon sources.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos (up) 000613868600001 Publication Date 2021-02-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1751-7915 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.7 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.7
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:176174 Serial 7225
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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.
Title Time to act–assessing variations in qPCR analyses in biological nitrogen removal with examples from partial nitritation/anammox systems Type A1 Journal article
Year 2021 Publication 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 (up) 000632807700001 Publication Date 2020-11-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 6.942 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess
Notes Approved Most recent IF: 6.942
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:173838 Serial 8672
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