toggle visibility
Search within Results:
Display Options:

Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print
  Records Links
Author Vlaeminck, S.E.; Kobayashi, K.; Jandra, J.; Van Nevel, S.; Vandekerckhove, T.G.L. openurl 
  Title Sulphidotrophic denitrification treating regeneration water from ion exchange at high performance and low opex Type P3 Proceeding
  Year (up) 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 3 p. T2 - IWA 2017 Conference on Sustainable Waste  
  Keywords P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151108 Serial 8620  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Timmis, K.; de Vos, W.M.; Luis Ramos, J.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Prieto, A.; Danchin, A.; Verstraete, W.; de Lorenzo, V.; Lee, S.Y.; Brussow, H.; Timmis, J.K.; Singh, B.K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title The contribution of microbial biotechnology to sustainable development goals Type Editorial
  Year (up) 2017 Publication Microbial biotechnology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 10 Issue 5 Pages 984-987  
  Keywords Editorial; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000411491300001 Publication Date 2017-08-25  
  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 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:146778 Serial 8653  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alloul, A.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  openurl
  Title Towards upgrading of wastewater resources to microbial protein : volatile fatty acids impacting growth kinetics and yield of purple bacteria Type P3 Proceeding
  Year (up) 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 2 p. T2 - 5th IWA Benelux Young Water Professional  
  Keywords P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151115 Serial 8683  
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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 Han, M.; Seuntjens, D.; Al-Omari, A.; Takacs, I.; Meerburg, F.; Murthy, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; De Clippeleir, H. openurl 
  Title Water and process parameters as controllers for the ammonia to nitrite oxidation rate ratio in activated sludge Type P3 Proceeding
  Year (up) 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 3 p. T2 - IWA 2017 Conference on Sustainable Waste  
  Keywords P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151110 Serial 8748  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Paepe, J.; Lindeboom, R.E.F.; Vanoppen, M.; Alonso Farinas, B.; Coessens, W.; Abbas, A.; Christiaens, M.; Dotremont, C.; Beckers, H.; Lamaze, B.; Demey, D.; Rabaey, K.; Clauwaert, P.; Verliefde, A.R.D.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  openurl
  Title Water treatment unit breadboard : ground test facility for the recycling of urine and shower water for one astronaut Type P3 Proceeding
  Year (up) 2017 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 2 p. T2 - 5th IWA Benelux Young Water Professional  
  Keywords P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:151114 Serial 8749  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alloul, A.; Ganigue, R.; Spiller, M.; Meerburg, F.; Cagnetta, C.; Rabaey, K.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Capture-ferment-upgrade : a three-step approach for the valorization of sewage organics as commodities Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2018 Publication Environmental science and technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 52 Issue 12 Pages 6729-6742  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract This critical review outlines a roadmap for the conversion of chemical oxygen demand (COD) contained in sewage to commodities based on three-steps: capture COD as sludge, ferment it to volatile fatty acids (VFA), and upgrade VFA to products. The article analyzes the state-of-the-art of this three step approach and discusses the bottlenecks and challenges. The potential of this approach is illustrated for the European Union's 28 member states (EU-28) through Monte Carlo simulations. High-rate contact stabilization captures the highest amount of COD (66-86 g COD person equivalent(-1) day(-1) in 60% of the iterations). Combined with thermal hydrolysis, this would lead to a VFA-yield of 23-44 g COD person equivalent(-1) day(-1). Upgrading VFA generated by the EU-28 would allow, in 60% of the simulations, for a yearly production of 0.2-2.0 megatonnes of esters, 0.7-1.4 megatonnes of polyhydroxyalkanoates or 0.6-2.2 megatonnes of microbial protein substituting, respectively, 20-273%, 70-140% or 21-72% of their global counterparts (i.e., petrochemical-based esters, bioplastics or fishmeal). From these flows, we conclude that sewage has a strong potential as biorefinery feedstock, although research is needed to enhance capture, fermentation and upgrading efficiencies. These developments need to be supported by economic/environmental analyses and policies that incentivize a more sustainable management of our resources.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000436018900004 Publication Date 2018-05-17  
  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:151968 Serial 7574  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Cocker, P.; Bessiere, Y.; Hernandez-Raquet, G.; Dubos, S.; Mozo, I.; Gaval, G.; Caligaris, M.; Barillon, B.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Sperandio, M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Enrichment and adaptation yield high anammox conversion rates under low temperatures Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2018 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 250 Issue Pages 505-512  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract This study compared two anammox sequencing batch reactors (SBR) for one year. SBRconstantT was kept at 30 °C while temperature in SBRloweringT was decreased step-wise from 30 °C to 20 °C and 15 °C followed by over 140 days at 12.5 °C and 10 °C. High retention of anammox bacteria (AnAOB) and minimization of competition with AnAOB were key. 5-L anoxic reactors with the same inoculum were fed synthetic influent containing 25.9 mg NH4+-N/L and 34.1 mg NO2−-N/L (no COD). Specific ammonium removal rates continuously increased in SBRconstantT, reaching 785 mg NH4+-N/gVSS/d, and were maintained in SBRloweringT, reaching 82.2 and 91.8 mg NH4+-N/gVSS/d at 12.5 and 10 °C respectively. AnAOB enrichment (increasing hzsA and 16S rDNA gene concentrations) and adaptation (shift from Ca. Brocadia to Ca. Kuenenia in SBRloweringT) contributed to these high rates. Rapidly settling granules developed, with average diameters of 1.2 (SBRconstantT) and 1.6 mm (SBRloweringT). Results reinforce the potential of anammox for mainstream applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000430740000062 Publication Date 2017-11-25  
  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:148998 Serial 7920  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Seuntjens, D.; Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Ruopp, M.; Bunse, P.; De Mulder, C.P.; Lochmatter, S.; Agrawal, S.; Boon, N.; Lackner, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title High-resolution mapping and modeling of anammox recovery from recurrent oxygen exposure Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2018 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 144 Issue Pages 522-531  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Oxygen inhibits anammox, a bioconversion executed by anoxic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). Nonetheless, oxygen is mostly found in the proximity of AnAOB in nitrogen removal applications, being a substrate for nitritation. The experiments performed to date were mostly limited to batch activity tests where AnAOB activity is estimated during oxygen exposure. However, little attention has been paid to the recovery and reversibility of activity following aerobic conditions, of direct relevance for bioreactor operation. In this work, anoxic and autotrophic reactor cultivation at 20 degrees C yielded an enriched microbial community in AnAOB, consisting for 75% of a member of the genus Brocadia. High-resolution kinetic data were obtained with online ammonium measurements and further processed with a newly developed Python data pipeline. The experimentally obtained AnAOB response showed complete inhibition until micro-aerobic conditions were reached again (<0.02 mg O-2 L-1). After oxygen inhibition, AnAOB recovered gradually, with recovery times of 5-37 h to reach a steady-state activity, dependent on the perceived inhibition. The recovery immediately after inhibition was lowest when exposed to higher oxygen concentrations (range: 0.5-8 mg O-2 L-1) with long contact times (range: 9-24 h). The experimental data did not fit well with a conventional 'instant recovery' Monod-type inhibition model. Yet, the fit greatly improved by incorporating a dynamic growth rate formula accurately describing gradual activity recovery. With the upgraded model, long-term kinetic simulations for partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) with intermittent aeration showed a decrease in growth rate compared to the instant recovery mode. These results indicate that recovery of AnAOB after oxygen exposure was previously overlooked. It is recommended to account for this effect in the intensification of partial nitritation/anammox. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000447569300051 Publication Date 2018-07-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:152910 Serial 8037  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ilgrande, C.; Leroy, B.; Wattiez, R.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.; Clauwaert, P. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Metabolic and proteomic responses to salinity in synthetic nitrifying communities of Nitrosomonas spp. and Nitrobacter spp Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2018 Publication Frontiers in microbiology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 9 Issue Pages 2914  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Typically, nitrification is a two-stage microbial process and is key in wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery from waste streams. Changes in salinity represent a major stress factor that can trigger response mechanisms, impacting the activity and the physiology of bacteria. Despite its pivotal biotechnological role, little information is available on the specific response of nitrifying bacteria to varying levels of salinity. In this study, synthetic communities of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB Nitrosomonas europaea and/or Nitrosomonas ureae) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB Nitrobacter winogradskyi and/or Nitrobacter vulgaris) were tested at 5, 10, and 30 mS cm-1 by adding sodium chloride to the mineral medium (0, 40, and 200 mM NaCl, respectively). Ammonia oxidation activity was less affected by salinity than nitrite oxidation. AOB, on their own or in combination with NOB, showed no significant difference in the ammonia oxidation rate among the three conditions. However, N. winogradskyi improved the absolute ammonia oxidation rate of both N. europaea and N. ureae. N. winogradskyis nitrite oxidation rate decreased to 42% residual activity upon exposure to 30 mS cm-1, also showing a similar behavior when tested with Nitrosomonas spp. The nitrite oxidation rate of N. vulgaris, as a single species, was not affected when adding sodium chloride up to 30 mS cm-1, however, its activity was completely inhibited when combined with Nitrosomonas spp. in the presence of ammonium/ammonia. The proteomic analysis of a co-culture of N. europaea and N. winogradskyi revealed the production of osmolytes, regulation of cell permeability and an oxidative stress response in N. europaea and an oxidative stress response in N. winogradskyi, as a result of increasing the salt concentration from 5 to 30 mS cm-1. A specific metabolic response observed in N. europaea suggests the role of carbon metabolism in the production of reducing power, possibly to meet the energy demands of the stress response mechanisms, induced by high salinity. For the first time, metabolic modifications and response mechanisms caused by the exposure to salinity were described, serving as a tool toward controllability and predictability of nitrifying systems exposed to salt fluctuations.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000451903700001 Publication Date 2018-11-30  
  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:155237 Serial 8217  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lindeboom, R.E.F.; Ilgrande, C.; Carvajal-Arroyo, J.M.; Coninx, I.; Van Hoey, O.; Roume, H.; Morozova, J.; Udert, K.M.; Sas, B.; Paille, C.; Lasseur, C.; Ilyin, V.; Clauwaert, P.; Leys, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Nitrogen cycle microorganisms can be reactivated after Space exposure Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2018 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 8 Issue Pages 13783  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Long-term human Space missions depend on regenerative life support systems (RLSS) to produce food, water and oxygen from waste and metabolic products. Microbial biotechnology is efficient for nitrogen conversion, with nitrate or nitrogen gas as desirable products. A prerequisite to bioreactor operation in Space is the feasibility to reactivate cells exposed to microgravity and radiation. In this study, microorganisms capable of essential nitrogen cycle conversions were sent on a 44-days FOTON-M4 flight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and exposed to 10(-3)-10(-4) g (gravitational constant) and 687 +/- 170 mu Gy (Gray) d(-1) (20 +/- 4 degrees C), about the double of the radiation prevailing in the International Space Station (ISS). After return to Earth, axenic cultures, defined and reactor communities of ureolytic bacteria, ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria, nitrite oxidizing bacteria, denitrifiers and anammox bacteria could all be reactivated. Space exposure generally yielded similar or even higher nitrogen conversion rates as terrestrial preservation at a similar temperature, while terrestrial storage at 4 degrees C mostly resulted in the highest rates. Refrigerated Space exposure is proposed as a strategy to maximize the reactivation potential. For the first time, the combined potential of ureolysis, nitritation, nitratation, denitrification (nitrate reducing activity) and anammox is demonstrated as key enabler for resource recovery in human Space exploration.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000444501200063 Publication Date 2018-09-07  
  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:153641 Serial 8309  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Muys, M.; Coppens, J.; Boon, N.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Photosynthetic oxygenation for urine nitrification Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2018 Publication Water science and technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 78 Issue 1 Pages 183-194  
  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 000445517100020 Publication Date 2018-05-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0273-1223; 1996-9732 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:152908 Serial 8381  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 Vanderkerckhove, T.G.L.; Kerckhof, F.-M.; De Mulder, C.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Determining stoichiometry and kinetics of two thermophilic nitrifying communities as a crucial step in the development of thermophilic nitrogen removal Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2019 Publication Water research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 156 Issue Pages 34-45  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Nitrification and denitrification, the key biological processes for thermophilic nitrogen removal, have separately been established in bioreactors at 50 °C. A well-characterized set of kinetic parameters is essential to integrate these processes while safeguarding the autotrophs performing nitrification. Knowledge on thermophilic nitrifying kinetics is restricted to isolated or highly enriched batch cultures, which do not represent bioreactor conditions. This study characterized the stoichiometry and kinetics of two thermophilic (50 °C) nitrifying communities. The most abundant ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) were related to the Nitrososphaera genus, clustering relatively far from known species Nitrososphaera gargensis (95.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity). The most abundant nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were related to Nitrospira calida (97% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity). The nitrification biomass yield was 0.200.24 g VSS g−1 N, resulting mainly from a high AOA yield (0.160.20 g VSS g−1 N), which was reflected in a high AOA abundance in the community (5776%) compared to NOB (511%). Batch-wise determination of decay rates (AOA: 0.230.29 d−1; NOB: 0.320.43 d−1) rendered an overestimation compared to in situ estimations of overall decay rate (0.0260.078 d−1). Possibly, the inactivation rate rather than the actual decay rate was determined in batch experiments. Maximum growth rates of AOA and NOB were 0.120.15 d−1 and 0.130.33 d−1 respectively. NOB were susceptible to nitrite, opening up opportunities for shortcut nitrogen removal. However, NOB had a similar growth rate and oxygen affinity (0.150.55 mg O2 L−1) as AOA and were resilient towards free ammonia (IC50 > 16 mg NH3-N L−1). This might complicate NOB outselection using common practices to establish shortcut nitrogen removal (SRT control; aeration control; free ammonia shocks). Overall, the obtained insights can assist in integrating thermophilic conversions and facilitate single-sludge nitrification/denitrification.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000466618400004 Publication Date 2019-03-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0043-1354; 1879-2448 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:158226 Serial 7798  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sui, Y.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Effects of salinity, pH and growth phase on the protein productivity by Dunaliella salina Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2019 Publication Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 94 Issue 4 Pages 1032-1040  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract BACKGROUND Microalgae have long been adopted for use as human food, animal feed and high‐value products. For carotenogenesis, Dunaliella salina is one of the most studied microalgae, yet its protein synthesis has been limitedly reported. In this study, D. salina was cultivated at different NaCl and pH levels to optimize its protein productivity. RESULTS The biomass protein content followed an increasedecrease pattern throughout the growth phases, with a maximum in the exponential phase (6080% over ash‐free dry weight). Adversely, the biomass pigment contents were at relatively stable levels (around 0.5% carotenoids, 1.3% chlorophyll a and 0.5% chlorophyll b over ash‐free dry weight). Among the tested conditions (13 mol L−1 salinity, pH 7.59.5), the highest protein productivity (43.5 mg L−1 day−1) was achieved at 2 mol L−1 salinity and pH 7.5 during the exponential phase, which surpassed others by 1697%. Additionally, table salts were tested to be equivalent and cost‐efficient salt sources for the growth medium. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the suitability of D. salina as a protein source, providing guidelines for 70% cheaper medium formulation in the lab and for maximum protein productivity at larger scale.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000461237300004 Publication Date 2018-10-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0268-2575; 1097-4660 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:157955 Serial 7849  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sui, Y.; Muys, M.; Van de Waal, D.; D'Adamo, S.; Vermeir, P.; Fernandes, T.V.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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 (up) 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 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  
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. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title High-rate activated sludge systems combined with dissolved air flotation enable effective organics removal and recovery Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Muys, M.; Sui, Y.; Schwaiger, B.; Lesueur, C.; Vandenheuvel, D.; Vermeir, P.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title High variability in nutritional value and safety of commercially available Chlorella and Spirulina biomass indicates the need for smart production strategies Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2019 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 275 Issue Pages 247-257  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Microalgal biomass production is a resource-efficient answer to the exponentially increasing demand for protein, yet variability in biomass quality is largely unexplored. Nutritional value and safety were determined for Chlorella and Spirulina biomass from different producers, production batches and the same production batch. Chlorella presented a similar protein content (47 ± 8%) compared to Spirulina (48 ± 4%). However, protein quality, expressed as essential amino acid index, and digestibility were lower for Chlorella (1.1 ± 0.1 and 51 ± 9%, respectively) compared to Spirulina (1.3 ± 0.1 and 61 ± 4%, respectively). Generally, variability was lower between batches and within a batch. Heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, antibiotics and nitrate did not violate regulatory limits, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels exceeded the norm for some samples, indicating the need for continuous monitoring. This first systematic screening of commercial microalgal biomass revealed a high nutritional variability, necessitating further optimization of cultivation and post-processing conditions. Based on price and quality, Spirulina was preferred above Chlorella.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000456405000030 Publication Date 2018-12-18  
  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:155979 Serial 8040  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sfez, S.; De Meester, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Dewulf, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  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 (up) 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.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sui, Y.; Muys, M.; Vermeir, P.; D'Adamo, S.; Vlaeminck, S.E. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Light regime and growth phase affect the microalgal production of protein quantity and quality with Dunaliella salina Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2019 Publication Bioresource technology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 275 Issue Pages 145-152  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract The microalga Dunaliella salina has been widely studied for carotenogenesis, yet its protein production for human nutrition has rarely been reported. This study unveils the effects of growth phase and light regime on protein and essential amino acid (EAA) levels in D. salina. Cultivation under 24-h continuous light was compared to 12-h/12-h light/dark cycle. The essential amino acid index (EAAI) of D. salina showed accumulating trends up to 1.53 in the stationary phase, surpassing FAO/WHO standard for human nutrition. Light/dark conditions inferred a higher light-usage efficiency, yielding 597% higher protein and 1828% higher EAA mass on light energy throughout the growth, accompanied by 138% faster growth during the light phase of the light/dark cycle, compared to continuous light. The findings revealed D. salina to be especially suitable for high-quality protein production, particularly grown under light/dark conditions, with nitrogen limitation as possible trigger, and harvested in the stationary phase.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000456405000018 Publication Date 2018-12-16  
  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:155981 Serial 8173  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ilgrande, C.; Defoirdt, T.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Boon, N.; Clauwaert, P. url  doi
openurl 
  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 (up) 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 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 Van Winckel, T.; Liu, X.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Takács, I.; Al-Omari, A.; Sturm, B.; Kjellerup, B.V.; Murthy, S.N.; De Clippeleir, H. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Overcoming floc formation limitations in high-rate activated sludge systems Type A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 2019 Publication Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 215 Issue Pages 342-352  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) is an essential cornerstone of the pursuit towards energy positive sewage treatment through maximizing capture of organics. The capture efficiency heavily relies on the degree of solid separation achieved in the clarifiers. Limitations in the floc formation process commonly emerge in HRAS systems, with detrimental consequences for the capture of organics. This study pinpointed and overcame floc formation limitations present in full-scale HRAS reactors. Orthokinetic flocculation tests were performed with varying shear, sludge concentration, and coagulant or flocculant addition. These were analyzed with traditional and novel settling parameters and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) measurements. HRAS was limited by insufficient collision efficiency and occurred because the solids retention time (SRT) was short and colloid loading was high. The limitation was predominantly caused by impaired flocculation rather than coagulation. In addition, the collision efficiency limitation was driven by EPS composition (low protein over polysaccharide ratio) instead of total EPS amount. Collision efficiency limitation was successfully overcome by bio-augmenting sludge from a biological nutrient removal reactor operating at long SRT which did not show any floc formation limitations. However, this action brought up a floc strength limitation. The latter was not correlated with EPS composition, but rather EPS amount and hindered settling parameters, which determined floc morphology. With this, an analysis toolkit was proposed that will enable design engineers and operators to tackle activated solid separation challenges found in HRAS systems and maximize the recovery potential of the process. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000450383400038 Publication Date 2018-10-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:153978 Serial 8350  
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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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 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 A1 Journal article
  Year (up) 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
Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print

Save Citations:
Export Records: