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Kotamraju A, Logan M, Lens PNL. Integrated bioprocess for Se(VI) remediation using duckweed: Coupling selenate removal to biogas production. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132134. [PMID: 37544177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of phytoremediation as a method for wastewater treatment or removal of pollutants is garnering significant interest and duckweed (DW), a free floating macrophyte, depicts significant potential for the removal of nutrients and toxic compounds from contaminated waters. The present work aimed to develop an integrated process for remediating selenate (Se(VI)) using DW biomass and subsequent use of Se(VI) enriched DW for biogas production. The main objective is to extend the application of selenium (Se) enriched DW biomass for biogas production. Se(VI) enriched DW biomass (Se-DW) gave higher methane production (48.38 ± 3.6 mL gCOD-1) than control DW biomass (C-DW) (24.46 ± 3.6 mL gCOD-1). To further enhance methane production, three pre-treatment approaches (acid, alkali and hydrothermal) were assessed and the solid and liquid fractions obtained after pre-treatment were used as a substrate. Pre-treatments increased biogas production in both Se-DW and C-DW than untreated conditions. Liquid fractions gave higher biogas production than solid fractions. In Se-DW, highest biogas production was observed in hydrothermal pre-treated Se-DW, while in C-DW, acid pre-treatment gave higher biogas production. Methane production was shown to be enhanced up to a Se(VI) concentration of 1.7 mg L-1, whereas a concentration beyond this lowered biogas production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amulya Kotamraju
- National University of Ireland, Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland.
| | | | - Piet N L Lens
- National University of Ireland, Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
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2
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Romanowska-Duda Z, Piotrowski K, Szufa S, Sklodowska M, Naliwajski M, Emmanouil C, Kungolos A, Zorpas AA. Valorization of Spirodela polyrrhiza biomass for the production of biofuels for distributed energy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16533. [PMID: 37783756 PMCID: PMC10545719 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43576-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the main objectives of a circular economy, Lemnaceae plants have great potential for different types of techniques to valorize their biomass for use in biofuel production. For this reason, scientific interest in this group of plants has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of salt stress on the growth and development of S. polyrrhiza and the valorization of biomass for biofuel and energy production in a circular economy. Plants were grown in a variety of culture media, including standard 'Z' medium, tap water, 1% digestate from a biogas plant in Piaszczyna (54° 01' 21″ N, 17° 10' 19″ E), Poland) and supplemented with different concentrations of NaCl (from 25 to 100 mM). Plants were cultured under phytotron conditions at 24 °C. After 10 days of culture, plant growth, fresh and dry biomass, as well as physio-chemical parameters such as chlorophyll content index, gas exchange parameters (net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration), chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were analyzed. After 10 days of the experiment, the percentage starch content of Spirodela shoot segments was determined. S. polyrrhiza was shown to have a high starch storage capacity under certain unfavorable growth conditions, such as salt stress and nutrient deficiency. In the W2 (50 mM NaCl) series, compared to the control (Control2), starch levels were 76% higher in shoots and 30% lower in roots. The analysis of the individual growth and development parameters of S. polyrrhiza plants in the experiment carried out indicates new possibilities for the use of this group of plants in biofuel and bioethanol production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Romanowska-Duda
- Department of Plant Ecophysiology, University of Lodz, Banacha Str. 12/16, 92-237, Lodz, Poland.
| | - K Piotrowski
- Department of Plant Ecophysiology, University of Lodz, Banacha Str. 12/16, 92-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - S Szufa
- Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924, Lodz, Poland
| | - M Sklodowska
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Lodz, Banacha Str. 12/16, 92-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - M Naliwajski
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Lodz, Banacha Str. 12/16, 92-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - C Emmanouil
- Department of Planning and Regional Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Kungolos
- Civil Engineering Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A A Zorpas
- Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Sustainability, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Giannou Kranidioti 89, Latsia, 2231, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Yang GL. Duckweed Is a Promising Feedstock of Biofuels: Advantages and Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315231. [PMID: 36499555 PMCID: PMC9740428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
With the growing scarcity of traditional sources of energy and the accompanying acute environmental challenges, biofuels based on biomass are favored as the most promising alternative. As one of the core raw materials for biomass energy, research on its production methods and synthesis mechanisms is emerging. In recent years, duckweed has been used as a high-quality new biomass feedstock for its advantages, including fast biomass accumulation, high starch content, high biomass conversion efficiency, and sewage remediation. This study provides a systematic review of the growth characteristics, starch metabolism pathways, and methods to improve starch accumulation in the new energy plant, duckweed. The study also presents a prospect that might be used as a reference for the development of duckweed as a new energy-providing plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology & Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China;
- Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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4
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O’Mahoney R, Coughlan NE, Walsh É, Jansen MAK. Cultivation of Lemna Minor on Industry-Derived, Anaerobically Digested, Dairy Processing Wastewater. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3027. [PMID: 36432752 PMCID: PMC9695343 DOI: 10.3390/plants11223027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The growth and nutrient uptake capacity of a common duckweed (Lemnaceae) species, Lemna minor "Blarney", on dairy processing wastewater pre-treated by an anaerobic digester (AD-DPW) was explored. L. minor was cultivated in small stationary vessels in a controlled indoor environment, as well as in a semi-outdoor 35 L recirculatory system. The use of AD-DPW as a cultivation medium for L. minor offers a novel approach to dairy wastewater treatment, evolving from the current resource-intensive clean-up of wastewaters to duckweed-based valorisation, simultaneously generating valuable plant biomass and remediating the wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel O’Mahoney
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 N73K Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 N73K Cork, Ireland
| | - Neil E. Coughlan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 N73K Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 N73K Cork, Ireland
| | - Éamonn Walsh
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 N73K Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 N73K Cork, Ireland
| | - Marcel A. K. Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 N73K Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 N73K Cork, Ireland
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Coughlan NE, Walsh É, Ahern R, Burnell G, O’Mahoney R, Kuehnhold H, Jansen MAK. Flow Rate and Water Depth Alters Biomass Production and Phytoremediation Capacity of Lemna minor. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11162170. [PMID: 36015473 PMCID: PMC9416032 DOI: 10.3390/plants11162170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Given its high biomass production, phytoremediation capacity and suitability as a feedstock for animal and human nutrition, duckweeds are valuable multipurpose plants that can underpin circular economy applications. In recent years, the use of duckweeds to mitigate environmental pollution and valorise wastewaters through the removal of excess nitrogen and phosphate from wastewaters has gained considerable scientific attention. However, quantitative data on optimisation of duckweed performance in phytoremediation systems remain scant. In particular, a mechanistical understanding of how physical flows affect duckweed growth and remediation capacity within vertical indoor multi-tiered bioreactors is unknown. Here, effects of flow rate (0.5, 1.5 or 3.0 L min-1) and medium depth (25 mm or 50 mm) on Lemna minor biomass production and phytoremediation capacity were investigated. Results show that flow rates and water depths significantly affect both parameters. L. minor grew best at 1.5 L min-1 maintained at 50 mm, corresponding to a flow velocity of 0.0012 m s-1. The data are interpreted to mean that flow velocities should be low enough not to physically disturb duckweed but still allow for adequate nutrient mixing. The data presented will considerably advance the optimisation of large-scale indoor (multi-tiered, stacked), as well as outdoor (pond, lagoon, canal), duckweed-based remediation of high nutrient wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil E. Coughlan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 TK30 Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 XE10 Cork, Ireland
| | - Éamonn Walsh
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 TK30 Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 XE10 Cork, Ireland
| | - Roger Ahern
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 TK30 Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 XE10 Cork, Ireland
| | - Gavin Burnell
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 TK30 Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 XE10 Cork, Ireland
| | - Rachel O’Mahoney
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 TK30 Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 XE10 Cork, Ireland
| | - Holger Kuehnhold
- Department of Ecology, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Marcel A. K. Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, T23 TK30 Cork, Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, T23 XE10 Cork, Ireland
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A Circular Biorefinery-Integrating Wastewater Treatment with the Generation of an Energy Precursor and an Organic Fertilizer. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
A circular (close-loop) biorefinery, which integrates wastewater treatment with the generation of an energy precursor and organic fertilizer, tested at the level of a pilot plant treating 54,000 L per day (LPD) of sewage, is described. In the biorefinery’s first stage, sewage was treated in a novel SHEFROL® (sheet-flow-root-level) bioreactor at a very rapid rate, indicated by a hydraulic retention time of a mere 6 h, to a level that met the prevailing national standards for the discharge of treated sewage. The main bioagent of the reactor—water hyacinth—was then processed for the generation of energy precursors. For this, volatile fatty acids (VFA) were extracted in a simple batch reactor operating at ambient temperature and pressure. The ‘spent’ weeds were then converted into organic fertilizer, also at ambient temperature and pressure, by the high-rate vermicomposting process earlier reported by the authors. In this manner, wastewater treatment, energy production, and the generation of a fertilizer were achieved rapidly and efficiently, creating a circular close-loop system that required very little energy and materials and generated almost zero net waste.
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Appenroth KJ, Ziegler P, Sree KS. Accumulation of starch in duckweeds (Lemnaceae), potential energy plants. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 27:2621-2633. [PMID: 34924714 PMCID: PMC8639912 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-021-01100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Starch can accumulate in both actively growing vegetative fronds and over-wintering propagules, or turions of duckweeds, small floating aquatic plants belonging to the family of the Lemnaceae. The starch synthesizing potential of 36 duckweed species varies enormously, and the starch contents actually occurring in the duckweed tissues are determined by growth conditions, various types of stress and the action of growth regulators. The present review examines the effects of phytohormones and growth retardants, heavy metals, nutrient deficiency and salinity on the accumulation of starch in duckweeds with a view to obtaining high yields of starch as a feedstock for biofuel production. Biotechnological approaches to degrading duckweed starch to its component sugars and the fermentation of these sugars to bio-alcohols are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus-J. Appenroth
- Matthias Schleiden Institute – Plant Physiology, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Paul Ziegler
- Department of Plant Physiology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - K. Sowjanya Sree
- Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye, 671320 India
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8
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Roman B, Brennan RA. Coupling ecological wastewater treatment with the production of livestock feed and irrigation water provides net benefits to human health and the environment: A life cycle assessment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 288:112361. [PMID: 33756385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ecologically designed wastewater treatment systems (ex., Eco-Machines™) utilize a diverse ecosystem to treat wastewater to the same extent as conventional treatment, but require less energy and chemical inputs. The environmental benefits of Eco-Machines™ can be theoretically maximized by incorporating hyperaccumulating aquatic plants (ex., duckweed) to facilitate nutrient recovery and conversion into protein-rich biomass, which can then be harvested for a range of agricultural and bioenergy applications. Although it has been established that ecological wastewater treatment systems are more cost- and energy-efficient than conventional wastewater treatment systems, a systematic life cycle assessment (LCA) of an Eco-Machine™ coupled with its beneficial by-products has not been conducted. In this study, a series of LCAs were performed on different operational scenarios for a 1000 gallon per day, pilot-scale Eco-Machine™ that, in addition to producing irrigation-quality water, also produces duckweed biomass for aquaculture. The analysis revealed that Eco-Machines™ located in warm climates, which do not require a greenhouse or supplemental heating, use approximately a third of the energy and produce half of the greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional wastewater treatment systems in similar locations, while also providing benefits to human health, ecosystem quality, climate change, and resources. In addition, increasing the growth area for duckweed using vertical farming techniques improves the overall impact of the system. This study suggests that with proper management, ecological wastewater treatment systems that upcycle nutrients and water into beneficial products can provide a net benefit to human health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Roman
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - R A Brennan
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Abstract
A wastewater refinery is a multifunctional solution that combines different technologies and processing schemes to recover a spectrum of valuable materials from municipal or industrial wastewater. The concept of wastewater refinery introduces a new perspective on wastewater treatment and management. It aims at making the most of wastewater constituents by co-producing different worthful outputs, such as water, energy, nitrogen, sulfide, and phosphorous. This can turn the treatment of wastewater from a major cost into a source of profit. The wastewater refinery approach is well aligned with the concept of the circular economy. A case study on Qatar’s wastewater revealed the potential recovery of significant quantities of valuable resources embodied in the country’s wastewater. Valorization of organic constituents and the recovery of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfide should be given priority. To facilitate the adoption of the wastewater refinery concept, research is required to explore technical and economic bottlenecks.
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Shao J, Liu Z, Ding Y, Wang J, Li X, Yang Y. Biosynthesis of the starch is improved by the supplement of nickel (Ni 2+) in duckweed (Landoltia punctata). JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2020; 133:587-596. [PMID: 32458160 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-020-01204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Duckweed is a kind of floating aquatic plant and increasing its starch production is favorable for bioenergy. In this study, we found that starch biosynthesis was greatly promoted by the supplement of nickel ion (Ni2+) through the comparison of other different ions. The starch content in duckweed was increased by nearly eightfold when duckweed was treated with 20 µM Ni2+. The analysis of paraffin sections visually found that starch granules were more complete and dark blue in Ni2+ treated duckweed than the control. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that the expressions of starch synthesis-related enzymes were up-regulated in Ni2+ treated duckweed. Further analysis revealed that the accumulation of Ni2+ in duckweed effectively increased the activity of urease, which compensated for the deficiency of certain decrease in biomass and accelerated biosynthesis of the starch. Thus, our results represent another strategy to improve starch production of duckweed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Shao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zhibin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yongqiang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xufeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University , Chengdu, 610064, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
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