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Verstraete W. Nitrogen and me - How little did we, and do we know about "stikstof - azote - nitrogen"? Water Res 2024; 258:121687. [PMID: 38754295 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
This retrospective article reflects on the complex and evolving relationship between humans and nitrogen over several decades. Raised on a Flemish farm, the author's early experiences with nitrogen in agriculture - both its benefits and dangers - laid the foundation for a lifelong interest in this element. The article traverses a broad range of topics related to nitrogen, highlighting its critical role in various historical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial contexts. The narrative begins with a historical overview of nitrogen's role in agriculture and warfare. The development of industrial processes like the Haber and Ostwald methods transformed nitrogen into a key ingredient for both fertilizers and explosives. The dual nature of nitrogen - as a life-giver in agriculture and a destructive component in warfare and also in biodiversity - is an important theme. The article delves into the environmental impacts of nitrogen, particularly in the context of modern agriculture and industrialization. Issues like fertilization, water contamination, and the challenges of managing nitrogenous waste highlight the complex interplay between human activities and environmental health. Technological advancements are explored, including the development of bioaugmentation methods and the potential of genetic engineering in optimizing nitrogen fixation. Throughout the narrative, personal anecdotes are weaved with scientific information, offering a unique perspective on the historical and contemporary challenges of managing nitrogen. The discussion extends to the broader implications of nitrogen management in the context of sustainability, climate change, and global food security and its overall regulatory space. All these considerations call for a re-evaluation of our relationship with nitrogen, advocating for innovative solutions and systemic thinking to address the multifaceted challenges posed by this essential, yet often problematic element.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Verstraete
- Centre for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Belgium.
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2
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Javourez U, Matassa S, Vlaeminck SE, Verstraete W. Ruminations on sustainable and safe food: Championing for open symbiotic cultures ensuring resource efficiency, eco-sustainability and affordability. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14436. [PMID: 38465733 PMCID: PMC10926176 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbes are powerful upgraders, able to convert simple substrates to nutritional metabolites at rates and yields surpassing those of higher organisms by a factor of 2 to 10. A summary table highlights the superior efficiencies of a whole array of microbes compared to conventionally farmed animals and insects, converting nitrogen and organics to food and feed. Aiming at the most resource-efficient class of microbial proteins, deploying the power of open microbial communities, coined here as 'symbiotic microbiomes' is promising. For instance, a production train of interest is to develop rumen-inspired technologies to upgrade fibre-rich substrates, increasingly available as residues from emerging bioeconomy initiatives. Such advancements offer promising perspectives, as currently only 5%-25% of the available cellulose is recovered by ruminant livestock systems. While safely producing food and feed with open cultures has a long-standing tradition, novel symbiotic fermentation routes are currently facing much higher market entrance barriers compared to axenic fermentation. Our global society is at a pivotal juncture, requiring a shift towards food production systems that not only embrace the environmental and economic sustainability but also uphold ethical standards. In this context, we propose to re-examine the place of spontaneous or natural microbial consortia for safe future food and feed biotech developments, and advocate for intelligent regulatory practices. We stress that reconsidering symbiotic microbiomes is key to achieve sustainable development goals and defend the need for microbial biotechnology literacy education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Javourez
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSAToulouseFrance
| | - Silvio Matassa
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Siegfried E. Vlaeminck
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpenBelgium
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityGentBelgium
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Timmis K, Verstraete W, Regina VR, Hallsworth JE. The Pareto principle: To what extent does it apply to resource acquisition in stable microbial communities and thereby steer their geno-/ecotype compositions and interactions between their members? Environ Microbiol 2023. [PMID: 37308155 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Pareto principle, or 20:80 rule, describes resource distribution in stable communities whereby 20% of community members acquire 80% of a key resource. In this Burning Question, we ask to what extent the Pareto principle applies to the acquisition of limiting resources in stable microbial communities; how it may contribute to our understanding of microbial interactions, microbial community exploration of evolutionary space, and microbial community dysbiosis; and whether it can serve as a benchmark of microbial community stability and functional optimality?
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Timmis
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Belgium
| | | | - John E Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
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4
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Xie Y, Jia M, De Wilde F, Daeninck K, De Clippeleir H, Verstraete W, Vlaeminck SE. Feasibility of packed-bed trickling filters for partial nitritation/anammox: Effects of carrier material, bottom ventilation openings, hydraulic loading rate and free ammonia. Bioresour Technol 2023; 373:128713. [PMID: 36758644 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study pioneers the feasibility of cost-effective partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) in packed-bed trickling filters (TFs). Three parallel TFs tested different carrier materials, the presence or absence of bottom ventilation openings, hydraulic loading rates (HLR, 0.4-2.2 m3 m-2 h-1), and free ammonia (FA) levels on synthetic medium. The inexpensive Argex expanded clay was recommended due to the similar nitrogen removal rates as commercially used plastics. Top-only ventilation at an optimum HLR of 1.8 m3 m-2 h-1 could remove approximately 60% of the total nitrogen load (i.e., 300 mg N L-1 d-1, 30 °C) and achieve relatively low NO3--N accumulation (13%). Likely FA levels of around 1.3-3.2 mg N L-1 suppressed nitratation. Most of the total nitrogen removal took place in the upper third of the reactor, where anammox activity was highest. Provided further optimizations, the results demonstrated TFs are suitable for low-energy shortcut nitrogen removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankai Xie
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL), Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerpen 2020, Belgium; State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Mingsheng Jia
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Fabian De Wilde
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Katrien Daeninck
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Haydée De Clippeleir
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium; Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, Wondelgem 9032, Belgium
| | - Siegfried E Vlaeminck
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL), Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerpen 2020, Belgium.
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Anand S, Hallsworth JE, Timmis J, Verstraete W, Casadevall A, Ramos JL, Sood U, Kumar R, Hira P, Dogra Rawat C, Kumar A, Lal S, Lal R, Timmis K. Weaponising microbes for peace. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:1091-1111. [PMID: 36880421 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is much human disadvantage and unmet need in the world, including deficits in basic resources and services considered to be human rights, such as drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, healthy nutrition, access to basic healthcare, and a clean environment. Furthermore, there are substantive asymmetries in the distribution of key resources among peoples. These deficits and asymmetries can lead to local and regional crises among peoples competing for limited resources, which, in turn, can become sources of discontent and conflict. Such conflicts have the potential to escalate into regional wars and even lead to global instability. Ergo: in addition to moral and ethical imperatives to level up, to ensure that all peoples have basic resources and services essential for healthy living and to reduce inequalities, all nations have a self-interest to pursue with determination all available avenues to promote peace through reducing sources of conflicts in the world. Microorganisms and pertinent microbial technologies have unique and exceptional abilities to provide, or contribute to the provision of, basic resources and services that are lacking in many parts of the world, and thereby address key deficits that might constitute sources of conflict. However, the deployment of such technologies to this end is seriously underexploited. Here, we highlight some of the key available and emerging technologies that demand greater consideration and exploitation in endeavours to eliminate unnecessary deprivations, enable healthy lives of all and remove preventable grounds for competition over limited resources that can escalate into conflicts in the world. We exhort central actors: microbiologists, funding agencies and philanthropic organisations, politicians worldwide and international governmental and non-governmental organisations, to engage - in full partnership - with all relevant stakeholders, to 'weaponise' microbes and microbial technologies to fight resource deficits and asymmetries, in particular among the most vulnerable populations, and thereby create humanitarian conditions more conducive to harmony and peace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailly Anand
- Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - John E Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - James Timmis
- Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in Health and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Utkarsh Sood
- Department of Zoology, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Roshan Kumar
- Post-Graduate Department of Zoology, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Princy Hira
- Department of Zoology, Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Charu Dogra Rawat
- Department of Zoology, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Abhilash Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Sukanya Lal
- PhiXgen Pvt. Ltd, Gurugram, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Rup Lal
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Govindpuri, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India
| | - Kenneth Timmis
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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Matassa S, Boeckx P, Boere J, Erisman JW, Guo M, Manzo R, Meerburg F, Papirio S, Pikaar I, Rabaey K, Rousseau D, Schnoor J, Smith P, Smolders E, Wuertz S, Verstraete W. How can we possibly resolve the planet's nitrogen dilemma? Microb Biotechnol 2022; 16:15-27. [PMID: 36378579 PMCID: PMC9803332 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen is the most crucial element in the production of nutritious feeds and foods. The production of reactive nitrogen by means of fossil fuel has thus far been able to guarantee the protein supply for the world population. Yet, the production and massive use of fertilizer nitrogen constitute a major threat in terms of environmental health and sustainability. It is crucial to promote consumer acceptance and awareness towards proteins produced by highly effective microorganisms, and their potential to replace proteins obtained with poor nitrogen efficiencies from plants and animals. The fact that reactive fertilizer nitrogen, produced by the Haber Bosch process, consumes a significant amount of fossil fuel worldwide is of concern. Moreover, recently, the prices of fossil fuels have increased the cost of reactive nitrogen by a factor of 3 to 5 times, while international policies are fostering the transition towards a more sustainable agro-ecology by reducing mineral fertilizers inputs and increasing organic farming. The combination of these pressures and challenges opens opportunities to use the reactive nitrogen nutrient more carefully. Time has come to effectively recover used nitrogen from secondary resources and to upgrade it to a legal status of fertilizer. Organic nitrogen is a slow-release fertilizer, it has a factor of 2.5 or higher economic value per unit nitrogen as fertilizer and thus adequate technologies to produce it, for instance by implementing photobiological processes, are promising. Finally, it appears wise to start the integration in our overall feed and food supply chains of the exceptional potential of biological nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen produced by the nitrogenase enzyme, either in the soil or in novel biotechnology reactor systems, deserves to have a 'renaissance' in the context of planetary governance in general and the increasing number of people who desire to be fed in a sustainable way in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Matassa
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Pascal Boeckx
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Jos Boere
- Allied Waters B.V.NieuwegeinThe Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Erisman
- Institute of Environmental SciencesLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Miao Guo
- Department of Engineering, Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Raffaele Manzo
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | | | - Stefano Papirio
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Ilje Pikaar
- School of Civil EngineeringThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Diederik Rousseau
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Jerald Schnoor
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Peter Smith
- Institute of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Erik Smolders
- Division Soil and Water ManagementKatholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore,School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
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Matassa S, Pelagalli V, Papirio S, Zamalloa C, Verstraete W, Esposito G, Pirozzi F. Direct nitrogen stripping and upcycling from anaerobic digestate during conversion of cheese whey into single cell protein. Bioresour Technol 2022; 358:127308. [PMID: 35569711 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impact of the dairy industry is heavily influenced by the overproduction of nitrogen- and carbon-rich effluents. The present study proposes an innovative process to recover waste contaminated nitrogen from anaerobic digestate while treating excess cheese whey (CW) and producing high-quality, clean single cell protein (SCP). By relying on direct aeration stripping techniques, employing an airflow subsequently used in the aerobic cheese whey fermentation step, the investigated process was able to strip 41-80% of the total ammonium nitrogen (N-NH4+) from liquid digestate. The stripped ammonia gas (NH3) was completely recovered as N-NH4+ in the acidic CW, and further upcycled into SCP having a total protein content of 74.7% and a balanced amino acids profile. A preliminary techno-economic analysis revealed the potential to directly recover and upcycle nitrogen into SCP at costs (4.3-6.3 €·kgN-1) and energetic inputs (90-132 MJ·kgN-1) matching those of conventional feed and nitrogen management processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Matassa
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy; Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Pelagalli
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Stefano Papirio
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy; Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Willy Verstraete
- Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, Wondelgem 9032, Belgium; Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Pirozzi
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
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Timmis K, Ramos JL, Verstraete W. Microbial biotechnology to assure national security of supplies of essential resources: energy, food and water, medical reagents, waste disposal and a circular economy. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:1021-1025. [PMID: 35322937 PMCID: PMC8966030 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The core responsibility of governments is the security of their citizens, and this means inter alia protecting their safety, nutrition and health. Microbiology and microbial biotechnology have key roles to play in improving supply security of essential resources. In this paper, we discuss the urgent need to fully and immediately exploit existing microbial biotechnologies to maximize supply security of energy, food and medical supplies, and of waste management, and to invest in new research specifically targetting supply security of essential resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Timmis
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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9
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Timmis K, Verstraete W. Multiple intertwined crises facing humanity necessitate a European Environmental Research Organization. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:1031-1034. [PMID: 35316575 PMCID: PMC8966009 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The planet is experiencing all manner of environmental crises, and crises that have their origins in the environment, including global warming, pollution of the air, soil, marine systems and freshwater, loss of habitats and species extinctions, transmission of deadly animal infections to humans, the spread of antimicrobial resistance, to name just a few. Planetary boundaries are being successively breached. Devising and implementing optimal solution and mitigation strategies urgently requires the best possible scientific brains to be harnessed and focused on environmental crises. It is imperative to establish authoritative leadership and the intellectual and organisational framework for this: a European Environmental Research Organisation, modelled on the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) and Laboratory (EMBL), whose mission is to carry out pioneering research on environmental crisis‐relevant topics, communicate its findings and recommendations to governments, their agencies, the general public, business and other stakeholders, and create outstanding research leaders to populate the best institutions worldwide – a global network of top scientists working together to understand the causes and nature of crises and to devise effective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Timmis
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Blansaer N, Alloul A, Verstraete W, Vlaeminck SE, Smets BF. Aggregation of purple bacteria in an upflow photobioreactor to facilitate solid/liquid separation: Impact of organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time and water composition. Bioresour Technol 2022; 348:126806. [PMID: 35131464 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) form an interesting group of microbes for resource recovery from wastewater. Solid/liquid separation is key for biomass and value-added products recovery, yet insights into PNSB aggregation are thus far limited. This study explored the effects of organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and water composition on the aggregation of Rhodobacter capsulatus in an anaerobic upflow photobioreactor. Between 2.0 and 14.6 gCOD/(L.d), the optimal OLR for aggregation was 6.1 gCOD/(L.d), resulting in a sedimentation flux of 5.9 kgTSS/(m2.h). With HRT tested between 0.04 and 1.00 d, disaggregation occurred at the relatively long HRT (1 d), possibly due to accumulation of thus far unidentified heat-labile metabolites. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) to nitrogen ratios (6-35 gCOD/gN) and the nitrogen source (ammonium vs. glutamate) also impacted aggregation, highlighting the importance of the type of wastewater and its pre-treatment. These novel insights to improve purple biomass separation pave the way for cost-efficient PNSB applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naïm Blansaer
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Abbas Alloul
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Siegfried E Vlaeminck
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Barth F Smets
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby 28000, Denmark.
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Zhang S, Lu J, Wang Y, Verstraete W, Yuan Z, Guo J. Insights of metallic nanoparticles and ions in accelerating the bacterial uptake of antibiotic resistance genes. J Hazard Mater 2022; 421:126728. [PMID: 34339990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The increasing release of nanomaterials has attracted significant concerns for human and environmental health. Similarly, the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis affecting approximately 700,000 people a year. However, a knowledge gap persists between the spread of AMR and nanomaterials. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating whether and how nanomaterials could directly facilitate the dissemination of AMR through horizontal gene transfer. Our results show that commonly-used nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, CuO and ZnO NPs) and their ion forms (Ag+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) at realistic concentrations within aquatic environments can significantly promote the transformation of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes in Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 by a factor of 11.0-folds, which is comparable to the effects of antibiotics. The enhanced transformation by Ag NPs/Ag+ and CuO NPs/Cu2+ was primarily associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and cell membrane damage. ZnO NPs/Zn2+ might increase the natural transformation rate by stimulating the stress response and ATP synthesis. All tested NPs/ions resulted in upregulating the competence and SOS response-associated genes. These findings highlight a new concern that nanomaterials can speed up the spread of AMR, which should not be ignored when assessing the holistic risk of nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science &Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Ji Lu
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yue Wang
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Verstraete W, Yanuka‐Golub K, Driesen N, De Vrieze J. Engineering microbial technologies for environmental sustainability: choices to make. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:215-227. [PMID: 34875143 PMCID: PMC8719809 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial technologies have provided solutions to key challenges in our daily lives for over a century. In the debate about the ongoing climate change and the need for planetary sustainability, microbial ecology and microbial technologies are rarely considered. Nonetheless, they can bring forward vital solutions to decrease and even prevent long-term effects of climate change. The key to the success of microbial technologies is an effective, target-oriented microbiome management. Here, we highlight how microbial technologies can play a key role in both natural, i.e. soils and aquatic ecosystems, and semi-natural or even entirely human-made, engineered ecosystems, e.g. (waste) water treatment and bodily systems. First, we set forward fundamental guidelines for effective soil microbial resource management, especially with respect to nutrient loss and greenhouse gas abatement. Next, we focus on closing the water circle, integrating resource recovery. We also address the essential interaction of the human and animal host with their respective microbiomes. Finally, we set forward some key future potentials, such as microbial protein and the need to overcome microphobia for microbial products and services. Overall, we conclude that by relying on the wisdom of the past, we can tackle the challenges of our current era through microbial technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Faculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityCoupure Links 653GentB‐9000Belgium
- Avecom NVIndustrieweg 122PWondelgem9032Belgium
| | - Keren Yanuka‐Golub
- The Institute of Applied ResearchThe Galilee SocietyP.O. Box 437Shefa‐AmrIsrael
| | | | - Jo De Vrieze
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Faculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityCoupure Links 653GentB‐9000Belgium
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13
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Barbosa RG, Oliveira FC, Andrés-Torres M, Sleutels T, Verstraete W, Boon N. Effective orthophosphate removal from surface water using hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria: Moving towards applicability. Sci Total Environ 2021; 800:149648. [PMID: 34399325 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Effective orthophosphate removal strategies are needed to counteract eutrophication and guarantee water quality. Previously, we established that hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) have the ability to remove orthophosphate from artificial surface water. In the present study, we expand the application of the HOB orthophosphate removal strategy (1) to treat artificial surface water with low initial orthophosphate concentrations, (2) to treat real surface water and real wastewater effluent, and (3) to remove orthophosphate continuously. For synthetic surface water, irrespective of the initial concentration of 0.7, 0.5, 0.3, and 0.1 mg PO43--P/L, ultra-low concentrations (0.0058 ± 0.0028 mg PO43--P/L) were obtained. When artificial surface water was replaced by real surface water, without added nutrients or other chemicals, it was shown that over 90% orthophosphate could be removed within 30 min of operation in a batch configuration (0.031 ± 0.023 mg PO43--P/L). In continuous operation, orthophosphate removal from surface water left an average concentration of 0.040 ± 0.036 for 60 days, and the lowest orthophosphate concentration measured was 0.013 mg PO43-/L. Simultaneously, nitrate was continuously removed for 60 days below 0.1 mg/L. The ability to remove orthophosphate even under nitrogen limiting conditions might be related to the ability of HOB to fix nitrogen. This study brings valuable insights into the potential use of HOB biofilms for nutrient remediation and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel G Barbosa
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.
| | - Felipe Candolo Oliveira
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - María Andrés-Torres
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Sleutels
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032 Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), P.O., Frieda Saeysstraat 1, B-9000 Gent, Belgium.
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14
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Verbeeck K, De Vrieze J, Pikaar I, Verstraete W, Rabaey K. Assessing the potential for up-cycling recovered resources from anaerobic digestion through microbial protein production. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:897-910. [PMID: 32525284 PMCID: PMC8085915 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic digesters produce biogas, a mixture of predominantly CH4 and CO2 , which is typically incinerated to recover electrical and/or thermal energy. In a context of circular economy, the CH4 and CO2 could be used as chemical feedstock in combination with ammonium from the digestate. Their combination into protein-rich bacterial, used as animal feed additive, could contribute to the ever growing global demand for nutritive protein sources and improve the overall nitrogen efficiency of the current agro- feed/food chain. In this concept, renewable CH4 and H2 can serve as carbon-neutral energy sources for the production of protein-rich cellular biomass, while assimilating and upgrading recovered ammonia from the digestate. This study evaluated the potential of producing sustainable high-quality protein additives in a decentralized way through coupling anaerobic digestion and microbial protein production using methanotrophic and hydrogenotrophic bacteria in an on-farm bioreactor. We show that a practical case digester handling liquid piggery manure, of which the energy content is supplemented for 30% with co-substrates, provides sufficient biogas to allow the subsequent microbial protein as feed production for about 37% of the number of pigs from which the manure was derived. Overall, producing microbial protein on the farm from available methane and ammonia liberated by anaerobic digesters treating manure appears economically and technically feasible within the current range of market prices existing for high-quality protein. The case of producing biomethane for grid injection and upgrading the CO2 with electrolytic hydrogen to microbial protein by means of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria was also examined but found less attractive at the current production prices of renewable hydrogen. Our calculations show that this route is only of commercial interest if the protein value equals the value of high-value protein additives like fishmeal and if the avoided costs for nutrient removal from the digestate are taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Verbeeck
- Center for Microbial Ecology & Technology (CMET)Ghent UniversityCoupure Links 653GentB‐9000Belgium
- ArcelorMittal BelgiumJohn F. Kennedylaan 51B‐9042GentBelgium
| | - Jo De Vrieze
- Center for Microbial Ecology & Technology (CMET)Ghent UniversityCoupure Links 653GentB‐9000Belgium
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource recovery (CAPTURE)
| | - Ilje Pikaar
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC)The University of QueenslandSt LuciaQld4072Australia
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology & Technology (CMET)Ghent UniversityCoupure Links 653GentB‐9000Belgium
- Avecom NVIndustrieweg 122PWondelgemB‐9032Belgium
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology & Technology (CMET)Ghent UniversityCoupure Links 653GentB‐9000Belgium
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource recovery (CAPTURE)
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15
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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 SE. Storage, fertilization and cost properties highlight the potential of dried microbial biomass as organic fertilizer. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:1377-1389. [PMID: 32180337 PMCID: PMC7415357 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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 bio-based 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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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Spanoghe
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpGroenenborgerlaan 1712020AntwerpenBelgium
| | - Oliver Grunert
- Greenyard Horticulture Belgium NVSkaldenstraat 7a9042GentBelgium
| | - Eva Wambacq
- Department of Plants and CropsFaculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityV. Vaerwyckweg 19000GentBelgium
| | - Myrsini Sakarika
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpGroenenborgerlaan 1712020AntwerpenBelgium
| | - Gustavo Papini
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpGroenenborgerlaan 1712020AntwerpenBelgium
| | - Abbas Alloul
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpGroenenborgerlaan 1712020AntwerpenBelgium
| | - Marc Spiller
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpGroenenborgerlaan 1712020AntwerpenBelgium
| | - Veerle Derycke
- Department of Plants and CropsFaculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityV. Vaerwyckweg 19000GentBelgium
| | | | | | | | - Willy Verstraete
- Avecom NVIndustrieweg 122P9032WondelgemBelgium
- Center for Microbial Ecology and TechnologyFaculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityCoupure Links 6539000GentBelgium
| | - Geert Haesaert
- Department of Plants and CropsFaculty of Bioscience EngineeringGhent UniversityV. Vaerwyckweg 19000GentBelgium
| | - Siegfried E. Vlaeminck
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpGroenenborgerlaan 1712020AntwerpenBelgium
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16
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Barbosa RG, Sleutels T, Verstraete W, Boon N. Hydrogen oxidizing bacteria are capable of removing orthophosphate to ultra-low concentrations in a fed batch reactor configuration. Bioresour Technol 2020; 311:123494. [PMID: 32413640 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes the use of hydrogen oxidizing bacteria (HOB) for the removal of orthophosphate from surface water as treatment step to prevent cyanobacterial blooms. To be effective as an orthophosphate removal strategy, an efficient transfer of hydrogen to the HOB is essential. A trickling filter was selected for this purpose. Using this system, a removal rate of 11.32 ± 0.43 mg PO4-3-P/L.d was achieved. The HOB biomass, developed on the trickling filter, is composed of 1.25% phosphorus on dry matter, which suggests that the orthophosphate removal principle is based on HOB growth. Cyanobacterial growth assays of the untreated and treated water showed that Synechocystis sp was only able to grow in the untreated water. Orthophosphate was removed to average residual values of 0.008 mg/L. In this proof of principle study, it is shown that HOB are able to remove orthophosphate from water to concentrations that prevent cyanobacterial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel G Barbosa
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B 9000 Gent, Belgium; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Sleutels
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, P.O. Box 1113, 8900 CC Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B 9000 Gent, Belgium; Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032 Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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17
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De Vrieze J, De Mulder T, Matassa S, Zhou J, Angenent LT, Boon N, Verstraete W. Stochasticity in microbiology: managing unpredictability to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:829-843. [PMID: 32311222 PMCID: PMC7264747 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pure (single) cultures of microorganisms and mixed microbial communities (microbiomes) have been important for centuries in providing renewable energy, clean water and food products to human society and will continue to play a crucial role to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals. To use microorganisms effectively, microbial engineered processes require adequate control. Microbial communities are shaped by manageable deterministic processes, but also by stochastic processes, which can promote unforeseeable variations and adaptations. Here, we highlight the impact of stochasticity in single culture and microbiome engineering. First, we discuss the concepts and mechanisms of stochasticity in relation to microbial ecology of single cultures and microbiomes. Second, we discuss the consequences of stochasticity in relation to process performance and human health, which are reflected in key disadvantages and important opportunities. Third, we propose a suitable decision tool to deal with stochasticity in which monitoring of stochasticity and setting the boundaries of stochasticity by regulators are central aspects. Stochasticity may give rise to some risks, such as the presence of pathogens in microbiomes. We argue here that by taking the necessary precautions and through clever monitoring and interpretation, these risks can be mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo De Vrieze
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Silvio Matassa
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Jizhong Zhou
- Institute for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Largus T Angenent
- Center for Applied Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Gent, Belgium
- Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, Wondelgem, 9032, Belgium
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18
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Capson-Tojo G, Batstone DJ, Grassino M, Vlaeminck SE, Puyol D, Verstraete W, Kleerebezem R, Oehmen A, Ghimire A, Pikaar I, Lema JM, Hülsen T. Purple phototrophic bacteria for resource recovery: Challenges and opportunities. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 43:107567. [PMID: 32470594 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Capson-Tojo
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; CRETUS Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Damien J Batstone
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - María Grassino
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Siegfried E Vlaeminck
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Daniel Puyol
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Technology, ESCET, Rey Juan Carlos University, Móstoles, Spain.
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032 Wondelgem, Belgium.
| | - Robbert Kleerebezem
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 67, 2628 BC Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - Adrian Oehmen
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Anish Ghimire
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal.
| | - Ilje Pikaar
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Juan M Lema
- CRETUS Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Tim Hülsen
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Moens E, Bolca S, Van de Wiele T, Van Landschoot A, Goeman JL, Possemiers S, Verstraete W. Exploration of isoxanthohumol bioconversion from spent hops into 8-prenylnaringenin using resting cells of Eubacterium limosum. AMB Express 2020; 10:79. [PMID: 32333233 PMCID: PMC7182650 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-020-01015-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hops is an almost unique source of the potent phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN). As hops contain only low levels of 8-PN, synthesis may be more attractive than extraction. A strain of the Gram-positive Eubacterium limosum was isolated previously for 8-PN production from more abundant precursor isoxanthohumol (IX) from hops. In this study, spent hops, an industrial side stream from the beer industry, was identified as interesting source of IX. Yet, hop-derived compounds are well-known antibacterial agents and the traces of a large variety of different compounds in spent hops interfered with growth and IX conversion. Critical factors to finally enable bacterial 8-PN production from spent hops, using a food and feed grade medium, were evaluated in this research. The use of bacterial resting cells and complex medium at a pH of 7.8-8 best fulfilled the requirements for 8-PN production and generated a solid basis for development of an economic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Moens
- ProDigest BVBA, Technol Pk 82, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Ugent, CMET, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Selin Bolca
- ProDigest BVBA, Technol Pk 82, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Jan L Goeman
- Ugent, Dept Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Krijgslaan 281-S4, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Moens E, Bolca S, Possemiers S, Verstraete W. A Wake-Up Call for the Efficient Use of the Bacterial Resting Cell Process, with Focus on Low Solubility Products. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:1349-1362. [PMID: 32270205 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-01959-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Micro-organisms are often subjected to stressful conditions. Owing to their capacity to adapt, they try to rapidly cope with the unfavorable conditions by lowering their growth rate, changing their morphology, and developing altered metabolite production and other stress-related metabolism. The stress-related metabolism of the cells which interrupted their growth is often referred to as resting metabolism and can be exploit for specific and high rate production of secondary metabolites. Although the bacterial resting cell process has been described decades ago, we find it worthwhile to bring the process under renewed attention and refer to this type of processes as non-growing metabolically active (NGMA) cell processes. Despite their use may sound counterproductive, NGMA cells can be of interest to increase substrate conversion rates or enable conversion of certain substrates, not accessible to growing cells due to their bacteriostatic nature or requirement of resistance to a multitude of different stress mechanisms. Biomass reuse is an interesting feature to improve the economics of NGMA cell processes. Yet, for lipophilic compounds or compounds with low solubility, biomass separation can be delicate. This review draws the attention on existing examples of NGMA cell processes, summarizing some developmental tools and highlighting drawbacks and opportunities, to answer the research question if NGMA cells can have a distinct added value in industry. Particular elaboration is made on a novel and more broadly applicable strategy to enable biomass reuse for conversions of compounds with low solubility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Moens
- ProDigest BVBA, Technol Pk 82, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Selin Bolca
- ProDigest BVBA, Technol Pk 82, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
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21
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Cruz H, Law YY, Guest JS, Rabaey K, Batstone D, Laycock B, Verstraete W, Pikaar I. Mainstream Ammonium Recovery to Advance Sustainable Urban Wastewater Management. Environ Sci Technol 2019; 53:11066-11079. [PMID: 31483625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the 20th century, the prevailing approach toward nitrogen management in municipal wastewater treatment was to remove ammonium by transforming it into dinitrogen (N2) using biological processes such as conventional activated sludge. While this has been a very successful strategy for safeguarding human health and protecting aquatic ecosystems, the conversion of ammonium into its elemental form is incompatible with the developing circular economy of the 21st century. Equally important, the activated sludge process and other emerging ammonium removal pathways have several environmental and technological limitations. Here, we assess that the theoretical energy embedded in ammonium in domestic wastewater represents roughly 38-48% of the embedded chemical energy available in the whole of the discharged bodily waste. The current routes for ammonium removal not only neglect the energy embedded in ammonium, but they can also produce N2O, a very strong greenhouse gas, with such emissions comprising the equivalent of 14-26% of the overall carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants. N2O emissions often exceed the carbon emissions related to the electricity consumption for the process requirements of WWTPs. Considering these limitations, there is a need to develop alternative ammonium management approaches that center around recovery of ammonium from domestic wastewater rather than deal with its "destruction" into elemental dinitrogen. Current ammonium recovery techniques are applicable only at orders of magnitude above domestic wastewater strength, and so new techniques based on physicochemical adsorption are of particular interest. A new pathway is proposed that allows for mainstream ammonium recovery from wastewater based on physicochemical adsorption through development of polymer-based adsorbents. Provided adequate adsorbents corresponding to characteristics outlined in this paper are designed and brought to industrial production, this adsorption-based approach opens perspectives for mainstream continuous adsorption coupled with side-stream recovery of ammonium with minimal chemical requirements. This proposed pathway can bring forward an effective resource-oriented approach to upgrade the fate of ammonium in urban water management without generating hidden externalized environmental costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidy Cruz
- School of Civil Engineering , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Ying Yu Law
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , 637551 , Singapore
| | - Jeremy S Guest
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Illinois 61801 , United States
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) , Ghent University , Coupure Links 653 , 9000 Gent , Belgium
| | - Damien Batstone
- Advanced Water Management Centre , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Bronwyn Laycock
- School of Chemical Engineering , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) , Ghent University , Coupure Links 653 , 9000 Gent , Belgium
| | - Ilje Pikaar
- School of Civil Engineering , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
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22
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Timmis K, Cavicchioli R, Garcia JL, Nogales B, Chavarría M, Stein L, McGenity TJ, Webster N, Singh BK, Handelsman J, de Lorenzo V, Pruzzo C, Timmis J, Martín JLR, Verstraete W, Jetten M, Danchin A, Huang W, Gilbert J, Lal R, Santos H, Lee SY, Sessitsch A, Bonfante P, Gram L, Lin RTP, Ron E, Karahan ZC, van der Meer JR, Artunkal S, Jahn D, Harper L. The urgent need for microbiology literacy in society. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:1513-1528. [PMID: 30912268 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Timmis
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ricardo Cavicchioli
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - José Luis Garcia
- Department of Environmental Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB) (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Balbina Nogales
- Grupo de Microbiologia, Dept. Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, and Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados 8IMEDEA, UIB-CSIC), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Max Chavarría
- Escuela de Química, Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica & Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Lisa Stein
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Terry J McGenity
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Nicole Webster
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville and Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brajesh K Singh
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, Australia
| | - Jo Handelsman
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Victor de Lorenzo
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carla Pruzzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DISTAV), Università degli Studi di Genova, Italy
| | - James Timmis
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Mike Jetten
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine Danchin
- Institut Cochin INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jack Gilbert
- Dept. of Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rup Lal
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Biology Laboratory, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Helena Santos
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sang Yup Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Angela Sessitsch
- Bioresources Unit, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Tulln, Austria
| | - Paola Bonfante
- Department of Life Science and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Lone Gram
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Raymond T P Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eliora Ron
- School of Molecular Cell Biology & Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Z Ceren Karahan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara University, Turkey
| | | | - Seza Artunkal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Haydarpaşa Numune Training Hospital, lstanbul, Turkey
| | - Dieter Jahn
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lucy Harper
- Society for Applied Microbiology, London, UK
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23
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Caicedo C, Rosenwinkel KH, Exner M, Verstraete W, Suchenwirth R, Hartemann P, Nogueira R. Legionella occurrence in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants and risks of reclaimed wastewater reuse: Review. Water Res 2019; 149:21-34. [PMID: 30445393 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as confirmed but until today underestimated sources of Legionella, playing an important role in local and community cases and outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease. In general, aerobic biological systems provide an optimum environment for the growth of Legionella due to high organic nitrogen and oxygen concentrations, ideal temperatures and the presence of protozoa. However, few studies have investigated the occurrence of Legionella in WWTPs, and many questions in regards to the interacting factors that promote the proliferation and persistence of Legionella in these treatment systems are still unanswered. This critical review summarizes the current knowledge about Legionella in municipal and industrial WWTPs, the conditions that might support their growth, as well as control strategies that have been applied. Furthermore, an overview of current quantification methods, guidelines and health risks associated with Legionella in reclaimed wastewater is also discussed in depth. A better understanding of the conditions promoting the occurrence of Legionella in WWTPs will contribute to the development of improved wastewater treatment technologies and/or innovative mitigation approaches to minimize future Legionella outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Caicedo
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Hannover, 30167, Germany.
| | - K-H Rosenwinkel
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Hannover, 30167, Germany
| | - M Exner
- University of Bonn, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn, Germany
| | - W Verstraete
- Ghent University, CMET, Ghent, and Avecom, Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - R Suchenwirth
- Public Health Office of Lower Saxony, Hannover, Germany
| | - P Hartemann
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Environment and Public Health, Nancy University-CHU Nancy, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, France
| | - R Nogueira
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Hannover, 30167, Germany.
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24
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Pikaar I, de Vrieze J, Rabaey K, Herrero M, Smith P, Verstraete W. Carbon emission avoidance and capture by producing in-reactor microbial biomass based food, feed and slow release fertilizer: Potentials and limitations. Sci Total Environ 2018; 644:1525-1530. [PMID: 30743865 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
To adhere to the Paris Agreement of 2015, we need to store several Gigatonnes (Gt) of carbon annually. In the last years, a variety of technologies for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture and usage (CCU) have been demonstrated. While conventional CCS and CCU are techno-economically feasible, their climate change mitigation potentials are limited, due to limited amount of CO2 that can be captured. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore other CCS and CCU routes. Here we discuss an interesting alternative route for capture of carbon dioxide from industrial point sources, using CO2-binding, so-called autotrophic aerobic bacteria to produce microbial biomass as a C-storage product. The produced microbial biomass is often referred to as microbial protein (MP) because it has a crude protein content of ~70-75%. Depending on the industrial production process and final quality of the produced MP, it can be used for human consumption as meat replacement, protein supplement in animal diets, or slow-release organic fertilizer thus providing both organic nitrogen and carbon to agricultural soils. Here, we discuss the potentials and limitations of this so far unexplored CCU approach. A preliminary assessment of the economic feasibility of the different routes for CO2 carbon avoidance, capture and utilization indicates that the value chain to food is becoming attractive and that the other end-points warrant close monitoring over the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilje Pikaar
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; The University of Queensland, Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jo de Vrieze
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Mario Herrero
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Pete Smith
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032, Wondelgem, Belgium.
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25
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De Vrieze J, Boon N, Verstraete W. Taking the technical microbiome into the next decade. Environ Microbiol 2018; 20:1991-2000. [PMID: 29745026 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The 'microbiome' has become a buzzword. Multiple new technologies allow to gather information about microbial communities as they evolve under stable and variable environmental conditions. The challenge of the next decade will be to develop strategies to compose and manage microbiomes. Here, key aspects are considered that will be of crucial importance for future microbial technological developments. First, the need to deal not only with genotypes but also particularly with phenotypes is addressed. Microbial technologies are often highly dependent on specific core organisms to obtain the desired process outcome. Hence, it is essential to combine omics data with phenotypic information to invoke and control specific phenotypes in the microbiome. Second, the development and application of synthetic microbiomes is evaluated. The central importance of the core species is a no-brainer, but the implementation of proper satellite species is an important route to explore. Overall, for the next decade, microbiome research should no longer almost exclusively focus on its capacity to degrade and dissipate but rather on its remarkable capability to capture disordered components and upgrade them into high-value microbial products. These products can become valuable commodities in the cyclic economy, as reflected in the case of 'reversed sanitation', which is introduced here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo De Vrieze
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium.,Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, Wondelgem 9032, Belgium
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26
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Pikaar I, Matassa S, Bodirsky BL, Weindl I, Humpenöder F, Rabaey K, Boon N, Bruschi M, Yuan Z, van Zanten H, Herrero M, Verstraete W, Popp A. Decoupling Livestock from Land Use through Industrial Feed Production Pathways. Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:7351-7359. [PMID: 29923399 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
One of the main challenges for the 21st century is to balance the increasing demand for high-quality proteins while mitigating environmental impacts. In particular, cropland-based production of protein-rich animal feed for livestock rearing results in large-scale agricultural land-expansion, nitrogen pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Here we propose and analyze the long-term potential of alternative animal feed supply routes based on industrial production of microbial proteins (MP). Our analysis reveals that by 2050, MP can replace, depending on socio-economic development and MP production pathways, between 10-19% of conventional crop-based animal feed protein demand. As a result, global cropland area, global nitrogen losses from croplands and agricultural greenhouse gas emissions can be decreased by 6% (0-13%), 8% (-3-8%), and 7% (-6-9%), respectively. Interestingly, the technology to industrially produce MP at competitive costs is directly accessible for implementation and has the potential to cause a major structural change in the agro-food system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilje Pikaar
- School of Civil Engineering , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland 4072 , Australia
- The University of Queensland , Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC) , Queensland St Lucia 4072 , Australia
| | - Silvio Matassa
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) , Ghent University , Coupure Links 653 , 9000 Gent , Belgium
- Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P , 9032 Wondelgem , Belgium
| | | | - Isabelle Weindl
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research , 14412 Potsdam , Germany
| | | | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) , Ghent University , Coupure Links 653 , 9000 Gent , Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) , Ghent University , Coupure Links 653 , 9000 Gent , Belgium
| | | | - Zhiguo Yuan
- The University of Queensland , Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC) , Queensland St Lucia 4072 , Australia
| | - Hannah van Zanten
- Department of Animal Sciences , Wageningen University & Research , 6708 PB Wageningen , Netherlands
| | - Mario Herrero
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation , St Lucia , Australia
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) , Ghent University , Coupure Links 653 , 9000 Gent , Belgium
- Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P , 9032 Wondelgem , Belgium
| | - Alexander Popp
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research , 14412 Potsdam , Germany
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27
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Cruz H, Luckman P, Seviour T, Verstraete W, Laycock B, Pikaar I. Rapid removal of ammonium from domestic wastewater using polymer hydrogels. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2912. [PMID: 29440745 PMCID: PMC5811486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, technologies to recover ammonium from domestic wastewater from the mainstream have not found widespread application. This is largely due to the low ammonium concentrations in these wastewater streams. This paper reports on the use of polymer hydrogels for rapid sorption of ammonium from domestic wastewater coupled with efficient regeneration by mild acid washing. The sorption capacity of the hydrogel was 8.8–32.2 mg NH4–N/g, which corresponds to removal efficiencies ranging from 68% to 80% NH4–N, increasing proportionally with the initial ammonium concentration. It was, however, unaffected by changes in pH, as the sorption capacity remained constant from pH 5.0–8.0. Importantly, effective regeneration of the hydrogels under mildly acidic conditions (i.e. pH 4.0) was demonstrated with minimal loss in sorption performance following multiple sorption/desorption cycles. Overall, this study highlights the potential of low-cost polymer hydrogels for achieving mainstream ammonium recovery from domestic wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidy Cruz
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Paul Luckman
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Seviour
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Bronwyn Laycock
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ilje Pikaar
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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28
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Timmis K, de Vos WM, Ramos JL, Vlaeminck SE, Prieto A, Danchin A, Verstraete W, de Lorenzo V, Lee SY, Brüssow H, Timmis JK, Singh BK. The contribution of microbial biotechnology to sustainable development goals. Microb Biotechnol 2017; 10:984-987. [PMID: 28840974 PMCID: PMC5609250 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The signature and almost unique characteristic of microbial technology is the exceptional diversity of applications it can address, and the exceptional range of human activities and needs to which it is and can be applied. Precisely because sustainability goals have very diverse and complex components and requirements, microbial technology has the ability to contribute substantively on many levels in many arenas to global efforts to achieve sustainability. Indeed, microbial technology could be viewed as a unifying element in our progress towards sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Timmis
- Institute of MicrobiologyTechnical University of BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | - Willem M. de Vos
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Bacteriology and ImmunologyUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | | | - Auxiliadora Prieto
- Polymer Biotechnology LabCentro de Investigaciones BiologicasMadridSpain
| | | | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | | | - Sang Yup Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)DaejeonKorea
| | - Harald Brüssow
- Nestlé Research CentreNutrition and Health ResearchLausanneSwitzerland
| | - James Kenneth Timmis
- MSc Health Policy StudentDepartment of Surgery and CancerImperial CollegeLondonUK
| | - Brajesh K. Singh
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrith SouthNSWAustralia
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29
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Timmis K, de Lorenzo V, Verstraete W, Ramos JL, Danchin A, Brüssow H, Singh BK, Timmis JK. The contribution of microbial biotechnology to economic growth and employment creation. Microb Biotechnol 2017; 10:1137-1144. [PMID: 28868756 PMCID: PMC5609265 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Our communication discusses the profound impact of bio-based economies - in particular microbial biotechnologies - on SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. A bio-based economy provides significant potential for improving labour supply, education and investment, and thereby for substantially increasing the demographic dividend. This, in turn, improves the sustainable development of economies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Timmis
- Institute of MicrobiologyTechnical University of BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | | | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | | | | | | | - Brajesh K. Singh
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithSAAustralia
| | - James Kenneth Timmis
- Student MSc Health PolicyDepartment of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonUK
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30
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Verstraete W, De Vrieze J. Microbial technology with major potentials for the urgent environmental needs of the next decades. Microb Biotechnol 2017; 10:988-994. [PMID: 28771931 PMCID: PMC5609260 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Several needs in the context of the water-energy-food nexus will become more prominent in the next decades. It is crucial to delineate these challenges and to find opportunities for innovative microbial technologies in the framework of sustainability and climate change. Here, we focus on four key issues, that is the imbalance in the nitrogen cycle, the diffuse emission of methane, the necessity for carbon capture and the deterioration of freshwater reserves. We suggest a set of microbial technologies to deal with each of these issues, such as (i) the production of microbial protein as food and feed, (ii) the control of methanogenic archaea and better use of methanotrophic consortia, (iii) the avoidance of nitrification and (iv) the upgrading of CO2 to microbial bioproducts. The central message is that instead of using crude methods to exploit microorganisms for degradations, the potentials of the microbiomes should be used to create processes and products that fit the demands of the cyclic market economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Ghent UniversityCoupure Links 653B‐9000GentBelgium
| | - Jo De Vrieze
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Ghent UniversityCoupure Links 653B‐9000GentBelgium
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31
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Alexandri M, Papapostolou H, Stragier L, Verstraete W, Papanikolaou S, Koutinas AA. Succinic acid production by immobilized cultures using spent sulphite liquor as fermentation medium. Bioresour Technol 2017; 238:214-222. [PMID: 28433910 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.03.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Spent sulphite liquor (SSL) was used as carbon source for the production of succinic acid using immobilized cultures of Actinobacillus succinogenes and Basfia succiniciproducens on two different supports, delignified cellulosic material (DCM) and alginate beads. Fed-batch immobilized cultures with A. succinogenes in alginates resulted in higher sugar to succinic acid conversion yield (0.81g/g) than the respective yield achieved (0.65g/g) when DCM immobilized cultures were used. The final succinic acid concentration and yield achieved in fed-batch with immobilized cultures of B. succiniciproducens in alginates (45g/L and 0.66g/g) were higher than A. succinogenes immobilized cultures (35.4g/L and 0.61g/g) using nano-filtrated SSL as fermentation medium. Immobilized cultures of B. succiniciproducens in alginate beads were reused in four sequential fed-batch fermentations of nano-filtrated SSL leading to the production of 64.7g of succinic acid with a yield range of 0.42-0.67g/g and productivity range of 0.29-0.65g/L/h. The immobilized cultures improved the efficiency of succinic acid production as compared to free cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alexandri
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - Harris Papapostolou
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece.
| | | | | | - Seraphim Papanikolaou
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - Apostolis A Koutinas
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
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32
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Abstract
The Haber Bosch process is among the greatest inventions of the 20th century. It provided agriculture with reactive nitrogen and ultimately mankind with nourishment for a population of 7 billion people. However, the present agricultural practice of growing crops for animal production and human food constitutes a major threat to the sustainability of the planet in terms of reactive nitrogen pollution. In view of the shortage of directly feasible and cost-effective measures to avoid these planetary nitrogen burdens and the necessity to remediate this problem, we foresee the absolute need for and expect a revolution in the use of microbes as a source of protein. Bypassing land-based agriculture through direct use of Haber Bosch produced nitrogen for reactor-based production of microbial protein can be an inspiring concept for the production of high quality animal feed and even straightforward supply of proteinaceous products for human food, without significant nitrogen losses to the environment and without the need for genetic engineering to safeguard feed and food supply for the generations to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilje Pikaar
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Silvio Matassa
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University , Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Avecom NV , Industrieweg 122P, 9032 Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University , Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Alexander Popp
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research , 14412 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mario Herrero
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation , St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University , Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Avecom NV , Industrieweg 122P, 9032 Wondelgem, Belgium
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33
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Zhang L, Verstraete W, de Lourdes Mendoza M, Lu Z, Liu Y, Huang G, Cai L. Decrease of dissolved sulfide in sewage by powdered natural magnetite and hematite. Sci Total Environ 2016; 573:1070-1078. [PMID: 27611357 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Natural magnetite and hematite were explored to decrease sulfide in sewage, compared with iron salts (FeCl3 and FeSO4). A particle size of magnetite and hematite ranging from 45 to 60μm was used. The results showed that 40mgL-1 of powdered magnetite and hematite addition decreased the sulfide in sewage by 79%and 70%, respectively. The achieved decrease of sulfide production capacities were 197.3, 210.6, 317.6 and 283.3mgSg-1Fe for magnetite, hematite, FeCl3 and FeSO4 at the optimal dosage of 40mgL-1, respectively. Magnetite and hematite provided a higher decrease of sulfide production since more iron ions are capable of being released from the solid phase, not because of adsorption capacity of per gram iron. Besides, the impact on pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of hematite addition was negligible; while magnetite addition resulted in slight increase of 0.3-0.5 on pH and 10-40mV on ORP. Powdered magnetite and hematite thus appear to be suitable for sulfide decrease in sewage, for their sparing solubility, sustained-release, long reactive time in sewage as well as cost-effectiveness, compared with iron salts. Further investigation over long time periods under practical conditions are needed to evaluate the possible settlement in sewers and unwanted (toxic) metal elements presenting as impurities. CAPSULE ABSTRACT Powdered magnetite and hematite were more cost-effective at only 30% costs of iron salts, such as FeCl3 and FeSO4 for decreasing sulfide production in sewage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lehua Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), Shanghai 200237, China; Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - María de Lourdes Mendoza
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Chemical and Environmental Sciences, Superior Polytechnic School of the Coast (ESPOL), Guayaquil 090112, Ecuador
| | - Zhihao Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yongdi Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Guangtuan Huang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lankun Cai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), Shanghai 200237, China.
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Matassa S, Verstraete W, Pikaar I, Boon N. Autotrophic nitrogen assimilation and carbon capture for microbial protein production by a novel enrichment of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria. Water Res 2016; 101:137-146. [PMID: 27262118 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Domestic used water treatment systems are currently predominantly based on conventional resource inefficient treatment processes. While resource recovery is gaining momentum it lacks high value end-products which can be efficiently marketed. Microbial protein production offers a valid and promising alternative by upgrading low value recovered resources into high quality feed and also food. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria to upgrade ammonium and carbon dioxide under autotrophic growth conditions. The enrichment of a generic microbial community and the implementation of different culture conditions (sequenced batch resp. continuous reactor) revealed surprising features. At low selection pressure (i.e. under sequenced batch culture at high solid retention time), a very diverse microbiome with an important presence of predatory Bdellovibrio spp. was observed. The microbial culture which evolved under high rate selection pressure (i.e. dilution rate D = 0.1 h(-1)) under continuous reactor conditions was dominated by Sulfuricurvum spp. and a highly stable and efficient process in terms of N and C uptake, biomass yield and volumetric productivity was attained. Under continuous culture conditions the maximum yield obtained was 0.29 g cell dry weight per gram chemical oxygen demand equivalent of hydrogen, whereas the maximum volumetric loading rate peaked 0.41 g cell dry weight per litre per hour at a protein content of 71%. Finally, the microbial protein produced was of high nutritive quality in terms of essential amino acids content and can be a suitable substitute for conventional feed sources such as fishmeal or soybean meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Matassa
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium; Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032, Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium; Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032, Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - Ilje Pikaar
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium.
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Pateraki C, Ladakis D, Stragier L, Verstraete W, Kookos I, Papanikolaou S, Koutinas A. Pretreatment of spent sulphite liquor via ultrafiltration and nanofiltration for bio-based succinic acid production. J Biotechnol 2016; 233:95-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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36
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Verstraete W, Clauwaert P, Vlaeminck SE. Used water and nutrients: Recovery perspectives in a 'panta rhei' context. Bioresour Technol 2016; 215:199-208. [PMID: 27184651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.04.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to secure global supplies in safe water and proteinaceous food in an eco-sustainable manner, as manifested from tensions in the nexus Nutrients-Energy-Water-Environment-Land. This paper is concept based and provides solutions based on resource recovery from municipal and industrial wastewater and from manure. A set of decisive factors is reviewed facilitating an attractive business case. Our key message is that a robust barrier must clear the recovered product from its original status. Besides refined inorganic fertilizers, a central role for five types of microbial protein is proposed. A resource cycling solution for the extremely confined environment of space habitation should serve as an incentive to assimilate a new user mindset. To achieve the ambitious goal of sustainable food security, the solutions suggested here need a broad implementation, hand in hand with minimizing losses along the entire fertilizer-feed-food-fork chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Peter Clauwaert
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Siegfried E Vlaeminck
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium.
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Timmis K, Ramos JL, de Vos W, Vlaeminck S, Prieto A, Danchin A, Verstraete W, de Lorenzo V. Microbial Biotechnology-2020. Microb Biotechnol 2016; 9:529. [PMID: 27509838 PMCID: PMC4993168 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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38
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Alexandri M, Papapostolou H, Komaitis M, Stragier L, Verstraete W, Danezis GP, Georgiou CA, Papanikolaou S, Koutinas AA. Evaluation of an integrated biorefinery based on fractionation of spent sulphite liquor for the production of an antioxidant-rich extract, lignosulphonates and succinic acid. Bioresour Technol 2016; 214:504-513. [PMID: 27176670 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.03.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Spent sulphite liquor (SSL) has been used for the production of lignosulphonates (LS), antioxidants and bio-based succinic acid. Solvent extraction of SSL with isopropanol led to the separation of approximately 80% of the total LS content, whereas the fermentations carried out using the pretreated SSL with isopropanol led to the production of around 19g/L of succinic acid by both Actinobacillus succinogenes and Basfia succiniciproducens. Fractionation of SSL via nanofiltration to separate the LS and solvent extraction using ethyl acetate to separate the phenolic compounds produced a detoxified sugar-rich stream that led to the production of 39g/L of succinic acid by B. succiniciproducens. This fractionation scheme resulted also in the production of 32.4g LS and 1.15g phenolic-rich extract per 100g of SSL. Both pretreatment schemes removed significant quantities of metals and heavy metals. This novel biorefinery concept could be integrated in acidic sulphite pulping mills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alexandri
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - Harris Papapostolou
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - Michael Komaitis
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
| | | | | | - Georgios P Danezis
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - Constantinos A Georgiou
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - Seraphim Papanikolaou
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - Apostolis A Koutinas
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece.
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39
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De Vrieze J, Verstraete W. Perspectives for microbial community composition in anaerobic digestion: from abundance and activity to connectivity. Environ Microbiol 2016; 18:2797-809. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jo De Vrieze
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University; Coupure Links 653 Gent B-9000 Belgium
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University; Coupure Links 653 Gent B-9000 Belgium
- Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P; Wondelgem 9032 Belgium
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40
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Matassa S, Boon N, Pikaar I, Verstraete W. Microbial protein: future sustainable food supply route with low environmental footprint. Microb Biotechnol 2016; 9:568-75. [PMID: 27389856 PMCID: PMC4993174 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial biotechnology has a long history of producing feeds and foods. The key feature of today's market economy is that protein production by conventional agriculture based food supply chains is becoming a major issue in terms of global environmental pollution such as diffuse nutrient and greenhouse gas emissions, land use and water footprint. Time has come to re‐assess the current potentials of producing protein‐rich feed or food additives in the form of algae, yeasts, fungi and plain bacterial cellular biomass, producible with a lower environmental footprint compared with other plant or animal‐based alternatives. A major driver is the need to no longer disintegrate but rather upgrade a variety of low‐value organic and inorganic side streams in our current non‐cyclic economy. In this context, microbial bioconversions of such valuable matters to nutritive microbial cells and cell components are a powerful asset. The worldwide market of animal protein is of the order of several hundred million tons per year, that of plant protein several billion tons of protein per year; hence, the expansion of the production of microbial protein does not pose disruptive challenges towards the process of the latter. Besides protein as nutritive compounds, also other cellular components such as lipids (single cell oil), polyhydroxybuthyrate, exopolymeric saccharides, carotenoids, ectorines, (pro)vitamins and essential amino acids can be of value for the growing domain of novel nutrition. In order for microbial protein as feed or food to become a major and sustainable alternative, addressing the challenges of creating awareness and achieving public and broader regulatory acceptance are real and need to be addressed with care and expedience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Matassa
- Center of Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium.,Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032, Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Center of Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ilje Pikaar
- The School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center of Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium.,Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032, Wondelgem, Belgium.,KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Post Box 1072, 3430, BB Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
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41
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Cabrol L, Poly F, Malhautier L, Pommier T, Lerondelle C, Verstraete W, Lepeuple AS, Fanlo JL, Le Roux X. Management of Microbial Communities through Transient Disturbances Enhances the Functional Resilience of Nitrifying Gas-Biofilters to Future Disturbances. Environ Sci Technol 2016; 50:338-48. [PMID: 26651080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b02740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Microbial communities have a key role for the performance of engineered ecosystems such as waste gas biofilters. Maintaining constant performance despite fluctuating environmental conditions is of prime interest, but it is highly challenging because the mechanisms that drive the response of microbial communities to disturbances still have to be disentangled. Here we demonstrate that the bioprocess performance and stability can be improved and reinforced in the face of disturbances, through a rationally predefined strategy of microbial resource management (MRM). This strategy was experimentally validated in replicated pilot-scale nitrifying gas-biofilters, for the two steps of nitrification. The associated biological mechanisms were unraveled through analysis of functions, abundances and community compositions for the major actors of nitrification in these biofilters, that is, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and Nitrobacter-like nitrite-oxidizers (NOB). Our MRM strategy, based on the application of successive, transient perturbations of increasing intensity, enabled to steer the nitrifier community in a favorable way through the selection of more resistant AOB and NOB sharing functional gene sequences close to those of, respectively, Nitrosomonas eutropha and Nitrobacter hamburgensis that are well adapted to high N load. The induced community shifts resulted in significant enhancement of nitrification resilience capacity following the intense perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Cabrol
- Laboratoire Génie de l'Environnement Industriel, Ecole des Mines d'Alès , Rue Jules Renard, 30100 Alès, France
- Veolia Environnement Recherche et Innovation, Chemin de la Digue, BP76, 78600, Maisons Laffitte, France
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Escuela de Ingeniería Bioquímica, Avenida Brasil 2185, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Franck Poly
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, UMR CNRS 5557, USC INRA 1364, Bâtiment Gregor Mendel, 16, rue Raphael Dubois, 69622, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Luc Malhautier
- Laboratoire Génie de l'Environnement Industriel, Ecole des Mines d'Alès , Rue Jules Renard, 30100 Alès, France
| | - Thomas Pommier
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, UMR CNRS 5557, USC INRA 1364, Bâtiment Gregor Mendel, 16, rue Raphael Dubois, 69622, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Catherine Lerondelle
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, UMR CNRS 5557, USC INRA 1364, Bâtiment Gregor Mendel, 16, rue Raphael Dubois, 69622, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Willy Verstraete
- LabMET, Faculty Bio-Science Engineering, Ghent University , Coupure L 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Anne-Sophie Lepeuple
- Veolia Environnement Recherche et Innovation, Chemin de la Digue, BP76, 78600, Maisons Laffitte, France
| | - Jean-Louis Fanlo
- Laboratoire Génie de l'Environnement Industriel, Ecole des Mines d'Alès , Rue Jules Renard, 30100 Alès, France
| | - Xavier Le Roux
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, UMR CNRS 5557, USC INRA 1364, Bâtiment Gregor Mendel, 16, rue Raphael Dubois, 69622, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
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42
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Nogueira R, Utecht KU, Exner M, Verstraete W, Rosenwinkel KH. Strategies for the reduction of Legionella in biological treatment systems. Water Sci Technol 2016; 74:816-823. [PMID: 27533856 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2016.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A community-wide outbreak of Legionnaire's disease occurred in Warstein, Germany, in August 2013. The epidemic strain, Legionella pneumophila Serogruppe 1, was isolated from an industrial wastewater stream entering the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Wartein, the WWTP itself, the river Wäster and air/water samples from an industrial cooling system 3 km downstream of the WWTP. The present study investigated the effect of physical-chemical disinfection methods on the reduction of the concentration of Legionella in the biological treatment and in the treated effluent entering the river Wäster. Additionally, to gain insight into the factors that promote the growth of Legionella in biological systems, growth experiments were made with different substrates and temperatures. The dosage rates of silver micro-particles, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide and ozone and pH stress to the activated sludge were not able to decrease the number of culturable Legionella spp. in the effluent. Nevertheless, the UV treatment of secondary treated effluent reduced Legionella spp. on average by 1.6-3.4 log units. Laboratory-scale experiments and full-scale measurements suggested that the aerobic treatment of warm wastewater (30-35 °C) rich in organic nitrogen (protein) is a possible source of Legionella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Nogueira
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Welfengarten 1, Hannover 30167, Germany E-mail:
| | | | - M Exner
- University of Bonn, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - K-H Rosenwinkel
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Welfengarten 1, Hannover 30167, Germany E-mail:
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Timmis K, Ramos JL, de Vos W, Verstraete W, Rosenberg M, Vlaeminck S. Farewell Wilfred. Microb Biotechnol 2015; 8:899. [PMID: 26482560 PMCID: PMC4621442 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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44
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Nansubuga I, Banadda N, Ronsse F, Verstraete W, Rabaey K. Digestion of high rate activated sludge coupled to biochar formation for soil improvement in the tropics. Water Res 2015; 81:216-222. [PMID: 26072019 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
High rate activated sludge (HRAS) is well-biodegradable sludge enabling energy neutrality of wastewater treatment plants via anaerobic digestion. However, even through successful digestion a notable residue still remains. Here we investigated whether this residue can be converted to biochar, for its use as a fertilizer or as a solid fuel, and assessed its characteristics and overall process efficiency. In a first phase, HRAS was anaerobicaly digested under mesophilic conditions at a sludge retention time of 20 days. HRAS digested well (57.9 ± 6.2% VS degradation) producing on average 0.23 ± 0.04 L CH4 per gram VS fed. The digestate particulates were partially air-dried to mimic conditions used in developing countries, and subsequently converted to biochar by fixed-bed slow pyrolysis at a residence time of 15 min and at highest heating temperatures (HHT) of 300 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C. Subsequently, the produced chars were characterized by proximate analysis, CHN-elemental analysis, pH in solution and bomb calorimetry for higher heating value. The yield and volatile matter decreased with increasing HHT while ash content and fixed carbon increased with increasing HHT. The produced biochar showed properties optimal towards soil amendment when produced at a temperature of 600 °C with values of 5.91 wt%, 23.75 wt%, 70.35% on dry basis (db) and 0.44 for volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content and H/C ratio, respectively. With regard to its use for energy purposes, the biochar represented a lower calorific value than the dried HRAS digestate likely due to high ash content. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that anaerobic digestion of HRAS and its subsequent biochar formation at HHT of 600 °C represents an attractive route for sludge management in tropic settings like in Uganda, coupling carbon capture to energy generation, carbon sequestration and nutrient recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Nansubuga
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Plot 39, Jinja Road, P.O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noble Banadda
- Department of Agricultural and Bio-Systems Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Frederik Ronsse
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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De Vrieze J, Saunders AM, He Y, Fang J, Nielsen PH, Verstraete W, Boon N. Ammonia and temperature determine potential clustering in the anaerobic digestion microbiome. Water Res 2015; 75:312-23. [PMID: 25819618 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is regarded as a key environmental technology in the present and future bio-based economy. The microbial community completing the anaerobic digestion process is considered complex, and several attempts already have been carried out to determine the key microbial populations. However, the key differences in the anaerobic digestion microbiomes, and the environmental/process parameters that drive these differences, remain poorly understood. In this research, we hypothesized that differences in operational parameters lead to a particular composition and organization of microbial communities in full-scale installations. A total of 38 samples were collected from 29 different full-scale anaerobic digestion installations, showing constant biogas production in function of time. Microbial community analysis was carried out by means of amplicon sequencing and real-time PCR. The bacterial community in all samples was dominated by representatives of the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, covering 86.1 ± 10.7% of the total bacterial community. Acetoclastic methanogenesis was dominated by Methanosaetaceae, yet, only the hydrogenotrophic Methanobacteriales correlated with biogas production, confirming their importance in high-rate anaerobic digestion systems. In-depth analysis of operational and environmental parameters and bacterial community structure indicated the presence of three potential clusters in anaerobic digestion. These clusters were determined by total ammonia concentration, free ammonia concentration and temperature, and characterized by an increased relative abundance of Bacteroidales, Clostridiales and Lactobacillales, respectively. None of the methanogenic populations, however, could be significantly attributed to any of the three clusters. Nonetheless, further experimental research will be required to validate the existence of these different clusters, and to which extent the presence of these clusters relates to stable or sub-optimal anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo De Vrieze
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aaron Marc Saunders
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, Sohngårdsholmsvej 49, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ying He
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jing Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Per Halkjaer Nielsen
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, Sohngårdsholmsvej 49, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Matassa S, Batstone DJ, Hülsen T, Schnoor J, Verstraete W. Can direct conversion of used nitrogen to new feed and protein help feed the world? Environ Sci Technol 2015; 49:5247-54. [PMID: 25816205 DOI: 10.1021/es505432w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The increase in the world population, vulnerability of conventional crop production to climate change, and population shifts to megacities justify a re-examination of current methods of converting reactive nitrogen to dinitrogen gas in sewage and waste treatment plants. Indeed, by up-grading treatment plants to factories in which the incoming materials are first deconstructed to units such as ammonia, carbon dioxide and clean minerals, one can implement a highly intensive and efficient microbial resynthesis process in which the used nitrogen is harvested as microbial protein (at efficiencies close to 100%). This can be used for animal feed and food purposes. The technology for recovery of reactive nitrogen as microbial protein is available but a change of mindset needs to be achieved to make such recovery acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Matassa
- †Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- ‡Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032 Wondelgem, Belgium
| | - Damien J Batstone
- ∥Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Gehrmann Building, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ⊥CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, PO Box 8000, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Tim Hülsen
- ∥Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Gehrmann Building, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ⊥CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, PO Box 8000, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | | | - Willy Verstraete
- †Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- ‡Avecom NV, Industrieweg 122P, 9032 Wondelgem, Belgium
- §KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Post Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
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De Vrieze J, Plovie K, Verstraete W, Boon N. Co-digestion of molasses or kitchen waste with high-rate activated sludge results in a diverse microbial community with stable methane production. J Environ Manage 2015; 152:75-82. [PMID: 25617871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Kitchen waste and molasses are organic waste streams with high organic content, and therefore are interesting substrates for renewable energy production by means of anaerobic digestion. Both substrates, however, often cause inhibition of the anaerobic digestion process, when treated separately, hence, co-digestion with other substrates is required to ensure stable methane production. In this research, A-sludge (sludge harvested from a high rate activated sludge system) was used to stabilize co-digestion with kitchen waste or molasses. Lab-scale digesters were fed with A-sludge and kitchen waste or molasses for a total period of 105 days. Increased methane production values revealed a stabilizing effect of concentrated A-sludge on kitchen waste digestion. Co-digestion of molasses with A-sludge also resulted in a higher methane production. Volumetric methane production rates up to 1.53 L L(-1) d(-1) for kitchen waste and 1.01 L L(-1) d(-1) for molasses were obtained by co-digestion with A-sludge. The stabilizing effect of A-sludge was attributed to its capacity to supplement various nutrients. Microbial community results demonstrated that both reactor conditions and substrate composition determined the nature of the bacterial community, although there was no direct influence of micro-organisms in the substrate itself, while the methanogenic community profile remained constant as long as optimal conditions were maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo De Vrieze
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristof Plovie
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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48
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Verstraete
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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49
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Knockaert M, Manigart S, Cattoir S, Verstraete W. A perspective on the economic valorization of gene manipulated biotechnology: Past and future. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 6:56-60. [PMID: 28435808 PMCID: PMC5374282 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Three distinct fields of gene manipulated biotechnology have so far been economically exploited: medical biotechnology, plant biotechnology and industrial biotechnology. This article analyzes the economic evolution and its drivers in the three fields over the past decades, highlighting strong divergences. Product and market characteristics, affecting firms' financing options, are shown to be important enablers or inhibitors. Subsequently, the lack of commercialization in a fourth type of gene manipulated biotechnology, namely environmental biotechnology, is explained by the existence of strong barriers. Given the latter's great promises for environmental sustainability, we argue for a need to push the commercial valorization of environmental biotechnology. Our research has strong implications for (technology) management research in biotechnology, pointing to a need to control for and/or distinguish between different biotechnology fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie Manigart
- Ghent University, Belgium and Vlerick Business School, Belgium
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Matassa S, Boon N, Verstraete W. Resource recovery from used water: the manufacturing abilities of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria. Water Res 2015; 68:467-78. [PMID: 25462753 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Resources in used water are at present mainly destroyed rather than reused. Recovered nutrients can serve as raw material for the sustainable production of high value bio-products. The concept of using hydrogen and oxygen, produced by green or off-peak energy by electrolysis, as well as the unique capability of autotrophic hydrogen oxidizing bacteria to upgrade nitrogen and minerals into valuable microbial biomass, is proposed. Both axenic and mixed microbial cultures can thus be of value to implement re-synthesis of recovered nutrients in biomolecules. This process can become a major line in the sustainable "water factory" of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Matassa
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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