Optimal Aeration Rate Research Articles

Determination of the Effect of Aeration Rate on Composting of Vegetable–Fruit Wastes

AbstractIn this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of various aeration rates on composting to supply the optimum aeration rate for a successful and economic composting. For this aim, vegetable–fruit wastes (VFW) were composted at various aeration rates (0.37, 0.49, 0.62, 0.74, 0.86, and 0.99 L/min kg VS) and moisture, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, C/N, and cellulose were investigated. Moistures of the reactor that had the highest aeration were generally lower than those of the others. Reactor that had the lowest aeration reached thermophilic phase earlier than the others and stayed more days. This situation was opposite for the reactor that had the highest aeration. pH variations with aeration rates were not significant. Although electrical conductivity did not differ significantly with aeration rates, at the beginning of the thermophilic phase it generally increased with the increase in aeration. The highest C/N reduction was observed in the reactor that had an aeration of 0.62 L/min kg VS. The final cellulose contents were close to each other. It could be said that aeration rates used were efficient on composting of VFW. Taking the C/N into account which is the parameter of the indicator of the stabilization in composting, it could be said that the optimum aeration rate for forced aerobic composting of VFW was 0.62 L/min kg VS.

The Treatment of Synthetic Organic Wastewater in a Novel Internal Circulation Impinging Stream Biofilm Reactor

An Internal Circulation Impinging Stream Biofilm Reactor (ICISBR) was developed and used for treatment synthetic organic wastewater with corncob as biofilm carriers. Effects of COD loading rates and aeration rates on COD removal and DO contents were investigated. COD removal efficiency increased together with effluent COD with increasing COD loading rates. As the aeration rate was increased, the DO content also increased together with COD removal efficiency up to an optimum aeration rate of 0.3m3h-1. Beyond this optimum aeration rate a significant decrease in DO content and COD removal efficiency were experienced. This study could provide theoretic basis for the ICISBR treating organic wastewater.

Carbon Dioxide Fixation by Chlorella Minutissima Batch Cultures in a Stirred Tank Bioreactor

ABSTRACTIncreasing concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere is causing severe environmental destruction to the earth. To capture the excess CO2, its microalgal sequestration is increasingly being explored. This technique could become a profitable industry that would help mitigate global warming and produce a large number of value-added products like pigments, carotenoids, carbohydrates, lipids, etc. In this regard, three microalgal strains viz., Calothrix sp., Spirulina platensis and Chlorella minutissima were studied for their growth characteristics. Based upon the kinetic parameters, possible by-products, tolerance to CO2, etc., the best strain was selected for further studies. The optimum pH, photoperiod, nitrate concentration and light intensity for this strain were experimentally determined. Also, studies were conducted with and without baffles, with varying aeration rates and with two different impellers and i.e., marine propeller and disc turbine impeller, in the presence of air alone and a mixture containing air with 15% CO2. Among the three strains studied, C. minutissima was found to be the best strain for further work. It has maximum biomass productivity at pH 6, photoperiod of 14 h light:10 h dark cycles, 5 g/l nitrate and 6000 lx light intensity. Runs with baffles yielded higher biomass. Marine propeller gave better biomass yields in both runs i.e., with and without additional CO2. Also, the optimum aeration rate was determined to be 1 lpm. The carbohydrate, lipid, protein, chlorophyll and carotenoid content of the biomass were estimated.

Optimum Operation of a PVDF-type Hollow Fiber Membrane Bioreactor for Continuous Sewage Treatment

A membrane bioreactor (MBR) was designed using polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)-type hollow fiber membrane modules with a treatment capacity of 10 ton/day. A pilot plant was installed in a sewage treatment plant and was operated with an intermittent aeration method which avoids any concentration gradient of suspended solids (SS) in the MBR. For continuous operation, the pilot plant was first tested with influent (mixed liquor suspended solid:MLSS of 1000-2000 mg/L) of aeration tanks in the sewage treatment plant. The MBR was pre-treated with washing water, 10% ethanol solution, 5% NaOCl solution and finally washing water, one after another. To demonstrate the effect of the MBR on sewage treatment, compared with conventional activated sludge processes, we investigated the relationships among permeate amount (LMH), change in operation conditions, influent MLSS level and sludge production. It was found that the optimum aeration rate and suction pressure were <TEX>$0.3\;m^3$</TEX>/min and 30~31 cmHg, respectively. Under stable conditions in aeration, suction pressure, influent flow rate and drainage, the SS removal efficiency was more than 99.99% even when the MLSS loading rate changes. Compared with conventional activated sludge processes, the MBR was more effective in cost reduction by 27% based on permeate amount and by 51.5% on sludge production.

Effects of aeration rate on the production of ergosterol and blazeispirol A by Agaricus blazei in batch cultures

Ergosterol and blazeispirol A are important bioactive components of Agaicus blazei; however, little work in the literature focused on culture conditions on their production. The main aims of this study were to clarify the influence of oxygen transfer rate on cell growth and the production of ergosterol and blazeispirol A and the conversion ratio of ergosterol into blazeispirol A. The optimal aeration rate for cell growth was obtained at 0.4 vvm, while those for ergosterol and blazeispirol A formation were at 0.2 and 0.3 vvm, respectively. The cell growth and blazeispirol A formation favored at higher oxygen supply; but ergosterol formation favored at lower oxygen supply. Results of this study demonstrated oxygen supply played an important role not only in cell growth but also in ergosterol and blazeispirol A formation. A novel fermentation process of blazeispirol A of A. blazei was proposed using a novel parameter, the conversion ratio of ergosterol into blazeispirol A.

Effect of aeration rate on the emission of N2O in anoxic–aerobic sequencing batch reactors (A/O SBRs)

Nitrous oxide (N(2)O) is a significant greenhouse gas, and biological nitrogen removal systems have been shown to be a significant N(2)O source. To evaluate the control parameters for N(2)O emission in the wastewater treatment process, N(2)O emissions were compared in the activated sludge from anoxic-aerobic sequencing batch reactors (A/O SBRs) acclimated under different aeration rates, and fed with synthetic wastewater. Results showed that a higher aeration rate led to a smaller N(2)O emission, while reactors acclimated under mild aeration performed the best in terms of nitrogen removal efficiency. Most of the N(2)O was produced during the aerobic phase, regardless of the aeration rate. Trace studies showed that incomplete denitrification appeared to be the major process responsible for high N(2)O emission at a low aeration rate (Run 1), while incomplete nitrification was the reason for N(2)O emission at a higher aeration rate (Run 2 and Run 3). For enhancing the efficiency of nitrogen removal while lowering energy consumption and reducing N(2)O emission, the optimal aeration rate would be 2.7 L(air)/(L(reactor) . h), in terms of the synthetic wastewater used.

Estimating the cellular maintenance coefficient and its use in the design of two-phase partitioning bioscrubbers

One of the key roles of an organic solvent has emerged to be the enhancement of oxygen transfer in two-phase partitioning bioscrubbers (TPPBs). In order to determine an optimum organic fraction for a given VOCs loading, the oxygen demand of the total cell mass must be estimated, which depends upon the magnitude of the cellular maintenance coefficient. We have estimated the dynamics of the maintenance coefficient for benzene degradation by Achromobacter xylosoxidans Y234 in a TPPB and found that the maintenance coefficient generally decreased as cells accumulated in the TPPB but converged to a specific value of 1.750 x 10(-2) h(-1) at biological steady state. Due to its important influence on all of the essential design parameters of the TPPB system, including optimum organic fraction, aeration rate and agitation speed, the maintenance coefficient should be considered as a key biological determinant for microorganism selection, as well as in overall TPPB design.

Bплив інтенсивності аерації та кислотності середовища на фосфатмобілізувальну активність ґрунтових бактерій

Вивчено вплив інтенсивності аерації та кислотності середовища на фосфатмобілізувальну активність ґрунтових бактерій Pseudomonas putida та Enterobacter dissolvens. Охарактеризовано розвиток досліджуваних штамів бактерій за різних рівнів рН культурального середовища та ступеня його аерації. Показано оптимізацію росту мікроорганізмів і ефективне розчинення трикальційфосфату при високому ступені аерації (0,5271 моль О2/л/год.) і значенні рН культуральної рідини (6,0).

Optimization of lignin peroxidase production and stability by Phanerochaete chrysosporium using sewage-treatment-plant sludge as substrate in a stirred-tank bioreactor

A laboratory-scale study was carried out to produce lignin peroxidase (ligninase) by white rot fungus (Phanerochaete chrysosporium) using sewage-treatment-plant (STP) sludge as the major substrate. The optimization was done using full-factorial design (FFD) with agitation and aeration as the two parameters. Nine experiments indicated by the FFD were fermented in a stirred-tank bioreactor for 3 days. A second-order quadratic model was developed using the regression analysis of the experimental results with the linear, quadratic, and interaction effects of the parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination (R (2)) value of 0.972, thus indicating a satisfactory fit of the quadratic model with the experimental data. Using statistical analysis, the optimum aeration and agitation rates were determined to be 2.0 vvm and 200 rpm, respectively, with a maximum activity of 225 U l(-1) in the first 3 days of fermentation. The validation experiment showed the maximum activity of lignin peroxidase was 744 U l(-1) after 5 days of fermentation. The results for the tests of the stability of lignin peroxidase showed that the activity was more than 80% of the maximum for the first 12 h of incubation at an optimum pH of 5 and temperature of 55 degrees C.

Modeling Production of Antifungal Compounds and Their Role in Biocontrol Product Inhibitory Activity

Partial least squares (PLS) regression modeling was used to relate the antifungal activity of Bacillus subtilis solid-state fermentation extracts to the individual high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) peaks from those extracts. A model was developed that predicted bioassay inhibition based on the extract HPLC profile (R(2) = 0.99). Concentrations of the members of the antifungal lipopeptide families iturin A and fengycin were found to correlate positively with extract inhibition, but a peak with unidentified chemical composition (designated as peak 48) showed the strongest correlation with extract inhibition. HPLC data were used to construct models for the production of iturin A, fengycin, and peak 48 as a function of the substrate moisture content, incubator temperature, and aeration rate in the solid-state bioreactors. Maximum production of all compounds occurred at the highest moisture content (1.7 g/g dry basis) and lowest incubator temperature (19 degrees C) tested. Optimal aeration rates for the production of the two known lipopeptides and peak 48 were 0.1 and 1.5 L/min, respectively.

Determination of agitation and aeration conditions for scale-up of cellulolytic enzymes production by Trichoderma inhamatum KSJ1

10 to 35 L jar fermentation scale-up cultures were performed to determine the optimum agitation and aeration rates in the cellulolytic enzymes production culture by Trichoderma inhamatum KSJ1. The optimum agitation rate in the 35 L jar fermenter was provisionally determined to be 150 rpm by using a geometrically resembled scale up method from the 10 L jar fermenter. The optimum aeration rate was determined to be 0.5 vvm by applying the mean values of superficial velocity and vvm. The DO (Dissolved Oxygen) concentration of the culture liquid was maintained below the critical DO concentration (2.336 mg/L) at 150 rpm in the 35 L jar fermenter. To increase the DO above the critical DO concentration, the agitation rate was increased from 150 to 200 rpm, with the aeration rate maintained at 0.5 vvm. As a result, the DO was maintained above critical DO concentration. The OUR (Oxygen Uptake Rate) and kLa values were 0.91 mg-DO/L·min and 11.1 hr−1, respectively. The amylase and FPase (filter paper activity) activities were 4.48 and 0.74 U/mL, respectively, in the 35 L jar fermenter, which was comparable to that in the 10 L fermenter (4.2 and 0.5 U/mL, respectively). Therefore, the scale-up conditions, 0.5 vvm and 200 rpm, were concluded to be the optimum aeration and agitation rates in the 35 L jar fermenter.

Hybrid low-pressure submerged membrane photoreactor for the removal of bisphenol A

The efficiency of a hybrid system combining photocatalysis and membrane filtration in a single module was investigated. Low-pressure submerged hollow fibre membranes were used to retain the TiO 2 particles in the system. Bisphenol A (BPA) was used as a model pollutant. Ninety-seven per cent photodegradation and more than 90% photomineralization of 10 ppm of BPA were achieved after 90 and 120 min of UV illumination, respectively. Aeration was applied in the submerged membrane photoreactor (SMPR) to provide mixing, dissolved oxygen, mechanical agitation to prevent agglomeration of TiO 2 particles as well as providing shear forces to remove TiO 2 particles from the membrane surface. The optimum aeration rate used in our 0.8-L reactor was 0.5 L/min. It was found that intermittent permeation enhanced the sustainability of the submerged membranes but showed no effect on the photoactivity of the system. An intermittence frequency (IF) of 0.1 was sufficient to reduce the fouling rate of the membrane under the experimental conditions. The SMPR appears to be very effective and can achieve removal of low-concentration organics (such as BPA) in a compact, low-energy system.

Pilot plant investigation on petrochemical wastewater treatmentfor the removal of copper and chromium with the objective of reuse

There has been great demand for development of technologies that remove toxic heavy metal ions from wastewater. Chemical precipitation operation is known to remove heavy metal ions from water. In this study applicability of alkaline reagents such as Ca(OH) 2 (lime) and NaOH (caustic soda) in removing copper and chromium ions were evaluated. Separation of heavy metals such as chromium compounds from petrochemical industries' cooling water wastes was achieved by conversion of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), to trivalent chromium, Cr(III). Maximum conversion occurred in the pH range of 2.0 and 2.3, adjusted by ferrous sulfate and sulfuric acid. Maximum precipitation of Cr(III) occurred at pH 8.7 with addition of Ca(OH) 2, followed by mixing and 2-h sedimentation. At the end, the concentration of chromate was reduced from 30 ppm to 0.01 ppm. In the case of copper, which is found in the form of cupro-ammonia in ammonia plant wastes, it was observed that the presence of ammonia in wastewater prevents effective chemical precipitation. Therefore, the quantity of ammonia was reduced by aeration. The optimum aeration rate was determined to be 70 L/min, and it was found that ammonia concentration reached equilibrium after 5.0 h o f aeration. Furthermore, hydroxide and carbonate methods were evaluated with respect to precipitation of heavy metals at bench scale, and the former was selected as the method of choice. The results obtained in the Jar test were then applied to pilot scale, and it was determined that the optimum pH for maximum copper precipitation was about 12.0 for both lime and caustic soda used in the hydroxide precipitation method. Lime was preferred due to economics and its high speed of precipitation. Finally, using established methods described here, the concentration of copper followed by coagulation with lime, mixing, 2-h sedimentation and filtration through Whatman 0.45 Am filters was reduced from 48.51 mg/L to 0.694 mg/L, which is below the environmental standards for water resources.

보호피막 처리에 의한 굴 레토르트 식품의 품질 개선

굴의 레토르트 가공적성을 향상시키기 위하여 굴에 포함되어 있는 섭을 제거하는 방법과 가식성 보호피막제를 사용하여 보호피막을 입히는 방법 및 그 효과에 대하여 연구하였다. 굴중의 섭을 제거하기 위하여 공기방울을 불어 올리는 방법을 사용하였는데 세척유속과 노즐의 기공 크기는 섭 제거에 있어서 중요한 요인이었다. 섭 제거 효율과 패육의 보호를 고려하여 각 회의 처리 시간을 1분간으로 하고 45 L/min으로 하는 경우는 2회 세척이 적절한 것으로 판단되며, 노즐의 기공 크기는 0.4 mm의 노즐을 사용하는 것이 유리할 것으로 사료된다. 기본 피막제로서는 sodium alginate가 적당하였으나 피막제의 농도가 높을수록 보호 피막이 잔존하여 식감을 떨어뜨리는 단점이 있었다. 피막능력을 개선시키기 위하여 보조피막제를 검토한 결과, 탈지분유>찰옥수수전분>Purity CSC>백옥분>carboxymethylcellulose 순으로 좋게 나타났다. 따라서 피막제의 조성은 sodium alginate 1.5%와 탈지분유 0.9%가 보호 피막제로서 가장 적합한 것으로 판단되었다. 보호피막을 입힌 굴을 이용하여 제조한 죽은 피막을 입히지 않은 굴과 비교한 결과 레토르트 직후에는 대조군과 색도나 안정성에서 큰 차이를 보이지 않았으나 상온에서의 저장기간이 길어짐에 따라 보호피막에 의한 효과가 크게 나타났다. 결론적으로 섭을 제거한 굴에 보호피막을 입힘으로써 굴죽의 제조 공정 중에 발생될 수 있는 물리적 손상으로부터 굴의 형체가 보호되었으며 굴죽의 저장시 발생되는 갈변현상을 방지하여 가공적성이 향상됨을 확인할 수 있었다.

Optimized aeration by carbon dioxide gas for microalgal production and mass transfer characterization in a vertical flat-plate photobioreactor

To optimize the aeration conditions for microalgal biomass production in a vertical flat-plate photobioreactor (VFPP), the effect of the aeration rate on biomass productivity was investigated under given conditions. Air enriched with 5% or 10% (v/v) CO(2) was supplied for the investigation at rates of 0.025-1 vvm. The CO(2) utilization efficiency, change of pH in the medium, and the optimum aeration rate were determined by evaluating biomass productivity. To investigate the VFPP mass transfer characteristics, the overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient, k(L)a, was evaluated for several different flat-plate sizes. Increasing the height of the VFPP could improve both the mass transfer of CO(2) and the illumination conditions, so this appeared to be a good method for scaling up. Based on a comparison of the k(L)a value at the optimum aeration rate with previously reported results, it was confirmed that the range of CO(2) concentration used in the experiments was cost-effective for mass culture.

Numerical simulation for electrochemical cultivation of iron oxidizing bacteria

A numerical simulation model was constructed for electrochemical cultivation of iron oxidizing bacterium, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, based on Monod's dual limitation equation. In this model, two limiting factors were examined, low supply of Fe(II) ion and dissolved oxygen, from empirical viewpoints. The simulation model was constructed taking into consideration the energy balance based on the amount of the electronic flow from the electrode to bacteria via an iron ion, and then to oxygen. The model consisted of a logarithmic bacterial growth phase during the first three days, followed by a plateau and growth limitation thereafter. The predicted results were in agreement with the actual growth under electrochemical cultivation. It was predicted the growth limiting factor would be changed from insufficient supply of Fe(II) ions to that of oxygen by decreasing the value of oxygen transfer constant K, which correlated with the aeration rate. The optimum aeration rate was determined for the ideal electrochemical cultivation. The algorithm described here can be used in any electrochemical cultivation by modifying the parameters for each system.

Kojic Acid Production in an Airlift Bioreactor Using Partially Hydrolyzed Raw Corn Starch.

In a culture of Aspergillus oryzae MK-107-39 in a 3-l airlift bioreactor, kojic acid was not produced when glucose/wheat germ medium (GM1) was used. However, when a jar fermentor was used, the kojic acid yield was high. A suitable medium for culture in an airlift bioreactor consisting of partially hydrolyzed corn starch and a small amount of corn steep liquor (CSL) (SM1) was selected. In the cultivation in the airlift bioreactor using SM1, nearly 40 g/l of kojic acid was produced, which was the same as the amount produced in the jar fermentor containing GM1. The optimum aeration rate for the airlift bioreactor was 2.0 vvm (0.66 cm/s of superficial linear velocity (Vs)). The cost of SM1 using the airlift bioreactor was reduced to 40% that of GM1 using the jar fermentor. Furthermore, the energy cost of kojic acid production using SM1 in the airlift bioreactor was less than one-fourth of that for the jar fermentor using GM1.

Kojic acid production in an airlift bioreactor using partially hydrolyzed raw corn starch

In a culture of Aspergillus oryzae MK-107-39 in a 3- l airlift bioreactor, kojic acid was not produced when glucose/wheat germ medium (GM1) was used. However, when a jar fermentor was used, the kojic acid yield was high. A suitable medium for culture in an airlift bioreactor consisting of partially hydrolyzed corn starch and a small amount of corn steep liquor (CSL) (SM1) was selected. In the cultivation in the airlift bioreactor using SM1, nearly 40 g/ l of kojic acid was produced, which was the same as the amount produced in the jar fermentor containing GM1. The optimum aeration rate for the airlift bioreactor was 2.0 vvm (0.66 cm/s of superficial linear velocity (Vs)). The cost of SM1 using the airlift bioreactor was reduced to 40% that of GM1 using the jar fermentor. Furthermore, the energy cost of kojic acid production using SM1 in the airlift bioreactor was less than one-fourth of that for the jar fermentor using GM1.

Mathematical model based estimation of volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient(s) in the production of proteolytic enzymes in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

Alkaline protease is a class of important hydrolytic enzymes having wide applications in bioprocess industries. Their optimum pH in the alkaline range and stability at higher temperatures make them ideal in detergent and leather processing industries. These enzymes have excellent depilating capacity. The present study aims at process optimization for the production of alkaline protease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ATCC 23844. Information on the optimal operating temperature and pH were elicited from specific growth rates and alkaline protease yields. It was also observed that besides pH and temperature, the oxygen transfer rate is another important limiting variable for the production of protease. Volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) was estimated at various impeller speeds and aeration rates. The optimal impeller speed and aeration rates were determined from kLa and the relative protease yield data. It was understood that the oxygen transfer rate is one of the crucial parameters for the production of proteolytic enzymes by B. amyloliquefaciens.

Optimization for xylanase and cellulase production from Aspergillus niger ATTC 6275 in palm oil mill wastes and its application

Optimization of enzyme production from Aspergillus niger ATCC 6275 under both submerged and solid-substrate cultivation was investigated. Results from submerged cultivation using palm oil mill effluent revealed that pretreatment of ground palm cake did not improve enzyme production. Addition of 0.60g NH4NO3/l generated maximum activity of xylanase and cellulase (CMCase). The optimum aeration rate was 1.2 v/v min. Under solid-substrate cultivation, the results indicated that heating and alkali treatment of the ground palm cake gave no further improvement in enzyme production. The optimal N-source was 2% urea. Optimal initial moisture contents for xylanase and CMCase activities were 60% and 50% respectively, with temperature optima of 30°C and 35°C, respectively. The optimal inoculum size was 1× 108 spores/g palm cake with an initial pH of 4.5–5.0. The maximum activities of xylanase (282.9U/g) and CMCase (23.8U/g) were obtained under the optimum conditions. Solid-substrate cultivation was a better method for the production of enzyme, particularly xylanase, from A. niger ATCC 6275. The application of these enzymes to decanter effluent showed the separation of oil and grease and suspended solids from the effluent. This is comparable to the result achieved from using the commercial xylase preparation Meicelase and superior to the effect of Sumyzyme.