Substrate Bed Research Articles

Development of a horizontal seepage test system of constructed wetland and research on the seepage characteristics based on micro-pollution water

Horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSFCW) were widely used as an effective biotechnology for wastewater treatment. However, clogging of the substrate bed was a key factor restricting its application. In this study, a horizontal seepage test system was independently developed, which was used to reveal the development trends of hydraulic resistance in HSFCW, as well as changes in permeability coefficients with time. The relationship between the average permeability coefficient and purification effect was further analyzed. The results showed that the new test system has proved the law of resistance development in HSFCW. The distribution characteristics of the isobaric surface indicate that the blockage of the HSFCW gradually spreads from the lower part to the lower part. The seepage resistance of homogeneous subbed in HSFCW was mainly concentrated in the front end. The growth rate of hydraulic loss in the core zone ranged from 0.685 to 19.515 cm·month−1, the growth rate in the transition zone ranged from 0.223 to 0.695 cm·month−1, and little change occurred in the safety zone. At the end of the HSFCW operation, the widths of the core, transition, and safety zones account for approximately 20–30 %, 50–70 %, and 10–20 % of the entire wetland length, respectively. Meanwhile, the SS removal rate stabilized at over 92 %, when the average permeability coefficient reached 41.45 m·d−1. The removal rate of COD and TN was higher when the average permeability coefficient is between 59.45 and 41.45 m·d−1 and 27.08–59.45 m·d−1, respectively. This study provided a horizontal testing method to accurately understand the changes in the seepage field in HSFCW.

Treatment of domestic wastewater and extracellular polymeric substance accumulation in siphon-type composite vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland.

In this study, the siphon-type composite vertical flow constructed wetland (Sc-VSsFCW) was constructed with anthracite and shale ceramsite chosen as the substrate bed materials. During the 90-day experiment, typical pollutant removal effects of wastewater and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) accumulation were investigated. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the phase composition and surface morphology to analyze adsorptive property. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of siphon effluent on clogging and depolymerization by measuring the EPS components' evolution within the system. The findings reveal that both the anthracite and shale ceramsite systems exhibit impressive removal efficiencies for total phosphorus (TP), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium nitrogen (NH4 +-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3 --N). However, as the experiment progressed, TP removal rates in both systems gradually declined because of the saturation of adsorption sites on the substrate surfaces. Although the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels remained relatively stable throughout the experiment, pH exhibited distinct patterns, suggesting that the anthracite system relies primarily on chemical adsorption, whereas the shale ceramsite system predominantly utilizes physical adsorption. After an initial period of fluctuation, the permeability coefficient and porosity of the system gradually stabilized, and the protein and polysaccharide contents in both systems exhibited a downward trend. The study underscores that anthracite and shale ceramsite have good effectiveness in pollutant removal as substrate materials. Overall, the hydraulic conditions of the double repeated oxygen coupling siphon in the Sc-VSsFCW system contribute to enhanced re-oxygenation capacity and permeability coefficient during operation. The changes in EPS content indicate that the siphon effluent exerts a certain depolymerization effect on the EPS within the system, thereby mitigating the risk of biological clogging to a certain extent. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The system can still maintain good pollutant treatment effect in long-term operation. The re-oxygenation method of the system can achieve efficient and long-term re-oxygenation effect. The siphon effluent has a certain improvement effect on the permeability coefficient and porosity, but it cannot effectively inhibit the occurrence of clogging. The EPS content did not change significantly during the operation of the system, and there was a risk of biological clogging.

Effect of Substrate Bed Temperature on Solute Segregation and Mechanical Properties in Ti–6Al–4V Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Titanium alloys are particularly sensitive to temperature during additive manufacturing processes, due to their dual phase microstructure and sensitivity to oxygen uptake. In this paper, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) was used in conjunction with a heated substrate bed at 100 °C, 570 °C and 770 °C to produce specimens of Ti–6Al–4V, to investigate the change in mechanical properties and segregation of alloying elements. An initial increase in ductility was observed when increasing the temperature from 100 °C to 570 °C, followed by a significant loss in ductility when samples were produced at 770 °C. A suite of multi-scale characterisation techniques revealed that the as-printed microstructure was drastically different across the range of temperatures. At 100 °C, α + α′ phases were identified. Deformation twinning was extensively observed in the a phase, with Al and V segregating at the twin interfaces. At 570 °C (the most ductile sample), α′, α and nano-particles of β were observed, with networks of entangled dislocations showing V segregation. At 770 °C, no martensitic α′ was identified. The microstructure was an α + β microstructure and an increased volume fraction of tangled dislocations with localised V segregation. Thermodynamic modelling based on the Gibbs-free energy of formation showed that the increased V concentration at dislocations was insufficient to locally nucleate β phase. However, b-phase nucleation at grain boundaries (not dislocations) caused pinning of grain boundaries, impeding slip and leading to a reduction in ductility. It is likely that the increased O-content within specimens printed at increased temperatures also played a key role in high-temperature embrittlement. Building operations are therefore best performed below sub-transus temperatures, to encourage the growth of strengthening phases via solute segregation, and the build atmosphere must be tightly controlled to reduce oxygen uptake within the samples.

Influence of layer thickness and substrate bed on the void fraction of powder layers for laser powder bed fusion

The spreading powder layer plays a vital role in determining the quality of Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) -manufactured samples. In this study, the effect of layer thickness is investigated numerically and experimentally. It was determined that the void fraction at a certain height is higher than that of the entire layer, especially for thicker layers, because of gravity. The former is consistent with the experimental result for powders of the same thickness. The void fraction of the sintered part was also measured to confirm their relationship. Furthermore, the dynamics of spreading particles on a particle bed were numerically studied to investigate whether support powders around the sintered part affect the powder-spreading process. The powder layer on a particle bed is denser than that on an adjacent solid bed, suggesting that support powders will affect the powder-spreading of the sintered part, especially its borders, and contribute to the surface topography.

A novel method to assess heat transfer and impact of relevant physicochemical parameters for the scaling up of solid state fermentation systems

Heat production during fermentation is undesirable. It can affect the growth of biomass, sporulation, products formation and the scaling-up. Physico-chemical properties of substrates influence heat and mass transfer in Solid State Fermentation. Heat is chemically produced into substrates without micro-organism to allow better reproducibility. A 24–1 fractional factorial design is chosen to study the influence of four physicochemical parameters on heat transfer: Granulometry, Bulk Density, Carr Index (compressibility index) and Water Absorption Capacity. Results show that the two main physicochemical parameters which influence heat transfer are Granulometry and Carr Index. High Granulometry and low Carr Index have influence on maximum temperature reached during the test, warm-up speed and cooling speed. These two parameters allow efficient air flow through the substrate bed with large interparticle spaces enhancing exchange surface between air and particles. A substrate with these characteristics facilitates heat transfers in forced-aerated reactors.

Effects of substrate types on nitrogen removal efficacy and growth of Canna indica L.

Constructed wetlands (CWs), a cost effective technology for wastewater treatment, consist of substrates and wetland plants, which should be selected carefully to gain highest treatment efficiency. However, studies on plant growth and responses to different types of substrates are very few. This study aims to assess the effects of substrate types on growth and root morphology of Canna indica L. and nitrogen (N) removal. Twenty-four similar sized approximately 1 month old C. indica plants were selected and grown on different substrates (gravel, pumice and biochar). All plants were supplied with a standard growth medium to which 14 mg L-1 NH4+, 14 mg L-1 NO3-, 3 mg L-1 PO43- were added and pH was adjusted to 6.5. The growth solution was renewed every week. The plants were grown under greenhouse conditions for 45 d. Results showed that growth of C. indica was not significantly different among treatments but differences on root morphology were found. Plants grown on pumice had the largest root diameters while plants grown on biochar had the longest roots. In the gravel-filled treatment, C. indica showed the lowest root diameter and root length but formed more internal air space in its roots. It indicates that types of substrate can affect O2 supply and root morphological adaptation. Moreover, the porous substrate bed systems were capable of eliminating more NH4+ than gravel bed systems, with the NH4+ removal rates of 5.6–6.3 mg L-1 d-1 compared to 4.7 mg L-1 d-1, respectively. The results show that porous substrates can act as plant supporting substrates and play important roles in N adsorption. Also, they can improve oxygen supply and stimulate root growth. Thus, application of porous substrates as filter media could help to increase pollutant removal efficacy of CWs.

Effects of Aquatic Plants on Nutrient Concentration in Water and Growth Performance of Fantail Goldfish in an Aquaculture System

The effects of two aquatic plants, duckweed (Lemna sp.) and azolla (Azolla sp.), on the growth performance of fantail goldfish (Carassius auratus) and dissolved nutrient concentrations were studied. The experiments were carried out in triplicate sets over a period of seven weeks. Eight specimens of fantail goldfish (length = 5.16 ± 0.06 cm; body weight = 2.30 ± 0.06 g) were released into each of the aquariums containing 40 L of water. Submerged sponge filters were used as the substrate (bed) for the nitrifying bacteria to facilitate nitrification. The fish were provided feed at the rate of 2% of their body weight twice daily. In situ and ex situ water parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total suspended solids, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate), body weight and length of the Fantail goldfish, and wet weight of aquatic plants were measured weekly. The results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in any of the three aquariums in water temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Survival of the fish was 100%. The highest food conversion ratio and specific growth rate were observed in the aquarium stocked with duckweed, followed by the aquarium with azolla and the control set (p < 0.05). The concentrations of nutrients (ammonia and nitrate) were recorded lowest (p < 0.05) in the aquarium with azolla, followed by duckweed and the control. The results suggested that aquatic plants were effective in absorbing nutrients and can serve as biofilters to create better conditions for the growth of the fantail goldfish.

Interface Joint Strength between SS316L Wrought Substrate and Powder Bed Fusion Built Parts.

Metal powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) builds metal parts layer by layer upon a substrate material. The strength of this interface between the substrate and the printed material is important to characterize, especially in applications where the substrate is retained and included in the finished part. Ensuring that this interface between the original and the printed material has adequate material properties enables the use of this PBF AM process to repair existing structures and create new parts using both AM and conventional manufacturing. This paper studies the tensile and torsional shear strengths of wrought and PBF-built SS316L specimens and compares them to specimens that are composed of half wrought material and half PBF material. These specimens were created by building new material via PBF onto existing wrought SS316L blocks, then cutting the specimens to include both materials. The specimens are also examined using optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The PBF specimens consistently exhibited higher strength and lower ductility than the wrought specimens. The hybrid PBF/wrought specimens performed similarly to the wrought material. In none of the specimens did any failure appear to occur at or near the interface between the wrought substrate and the PBF material. In addition, most of the deformation in the PBF/wrought specimens appeared to be limited to the wrought portion of the specimens. These results are consistent with optical microscopy and EBSD showing smaller grain size in the PBF material, which correlates to increased strength in SS316L due to the Hall–Petch relationship. With the strength at the interface meeting or exceeding the strength of the original wrought material, this process shows great promise as a method for adding additional features or repairing existing structures using metal PBF AM.

Characteristic of a Suspended Media Bed to Reduce or Eliminate Clogging in Subsurface Constructed Wetland

Clogging is a common and difficult problem in subsurface flow wetlands. In this study, 2-4mm, 4-8mm, 8-10mm lightweight ceramsite were used as suspended media beds and 5-10mm gravel was used as traditional substrate bed as control. The effects of these four substrate beds on the purification of water quality and the change of flow capacity in the clogging process in the non-deformable inorganic particle wastewater, deformable inorganic particle wastewater and organic particle wastewater were studied. After the beds were clogged, using the characteristics of lightweight ceramsite floating up and down with water level, the mitigation effect of clogging with water level fluctuation at different heights (10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm) was explored. The results showed that four kinds of beds had effect on the removal of turbidity and suspended particles. The beds in the treatment of non-deformable inorganic particle wastewater were more likely to cause wetland gap clogging; In the absence of plants, compared with inorganic particles, the clogging degree of substrate in the treatment of organic suspended particulate wastewater was not obvious. After clogging, lightweight ceramsite floats up and down with the water level, three kinds of wetland clogging have been alleviated to some extent.

CFD simulation of a packed-bed solid-state fermentation bioreactor

In recent years, Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) has shown much promise for the development of bioprocesses and products. SSF involves the growth of microorganisms within a bed of moist solid particles permeated by a continuous gas phase and a minimum of visible water. SSF offers potential advantages over submerged culture: since the concentrations of products are often higher, smaller bioreactors can be used, reducing operational costs. However, there is a major challenge in obtaining adequate heat and mass transfer when this fermentation method is used at large scales. Mathematical models and computer simulations are useful tools for designing strategies to overcome this challenge; use of these tools can reduce costs of experimental development programs at pilot-scale and production scale, by reducing the number of fermentation experiments required. In the current work, we used the commercial CFD software ANSYS FLUENT® 16.0 to develop a mathematical model for heat and mass transfer in a pilot-scale packed-bed bioreactor. The model was used to simulate two different experiments that had been carried out previously in the bioreactor: first, the cooling of a bed of soybeans and, second, the heating of a bed composed of a mixture of wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse. The simulations considered the dynamics of airflow in the porous substrate bed and the non-equilibrium transfer of heat and moisture between the solid and gas phases. The second simulation considered a heterogeneous distribution of porosity within the substrate bed. Even though the two experiments were quite different, the same mathematical model was able to represent the temperature profiles observed experimentally. In the second simulation, the average temperature difference between the experimental and predicted values was 0.07°C. A third simulation was done for the growth of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger in SSF, with the predictions being compared to the results of a traditional mathematical model based on differential equations. Our work provides the basis for the development of a suitable and reliable mathematical model for testing operating conditions and control strategies for large-scale cultivation of microorganisms in SSF bioreactors.

Design and Operation of a Pilot-Scale Packed-Bed Bioreactor for the Production of Enzymes by Solid-State Fermentation.

In this review, we describe our experience in building a pilot-scale packed-bed solid-state fermentation (SSF) bioreactor, with provision for intermittent mixing, and the use of this bioreactor to produce pectinases and lipases by filamentous fungi. We show that, at pilot scale, special attention must be given to several aspects that are not usually problematic when one works with laboratory-scale SSF bioreactors. For example, it can be a challenge to produce large amounts of inoculum if the fungus does not sporulate well. Likewise, at larger scales, the air preparation system needs as much attention as the bioreactor itself. Sampling can also be problematic if one wishes to avoid disrupting the bed structure. In the fermentations carried out in the pilot bioreactor, when the substrate bed contained predominantly wheat bran, the bed shrank away from the walls, providing preferential flow paths for the air and necessitating agitation of the bed. These problems were avoided by using beds with approximately 50% of sugarcane bagasse. We also show how a mathematical model that describes heat and water transfer in the bed can be a useful tool in developing appropriate control schemes. Graphical Abstract.

Lipase production by solid‐state fermentation of olive pomace in tray‐type and pressurized bioreactors

AbstractBACKGROUNDBioreactor type, sterilization and specific operational conditions are key factors for the scale‐up of solid‐state fermentation (SSF). This work deals with the lipase production by SSF of olive pomace (OP) in traditional tray‐type and pressurized bioreactors. Important aspects of SSF in bioreactors were studied, such as the need for sterilization and moisture content (MC) control.RESULTSAt larger scale, there was no significant difference in lipase production between sterilized and unsterilized substrates, but MC control had significant impact. The production of lipase in a pressurized bioreactor, under air absolute pressure of 200 kPa and 400 kPa, was 2‐fold higher than in a tray‐type bioreactor using the same amount of substrate (500 g) and the same bed height. The protein content of substrate increased from 10 to 18% (w/w) after SSF and the fermented solid presented an antioxidant activity of 10 mmol Trolox kg‐1.CONCLUSIONSSSF in a pressurized bioreactor enabled efficient production of lipase with higher substrate bed height in contrast to that in a tray‐type bioreactor. The improvement in nutritional value of the substrate by SSF indicates its potential applicability in animal feed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

Effect of mixing events on the production of a thermo-tolerant and acid-stable phytase in a novel solid-state fermentation bioreactor

Abstract Mixing constitutes a critical design parameter in solid-state fermentation (SSF) bioreactor and its effect on heat and water transport, and microbial growth in substrate bed can significantly influence overall productivity. Effect of mixing events on the production of a thermo-tolerant and acid stable phytase, by Rhizopus oryzae, was studied in a novel SSF bioreactor, using optimized growth medium containing wheat bran and linseed oil cake (1:1) as main substrate. A critical mixing phase was identified, in the absence of which fungal growth led to the onset of heat accumulation and subsequent bed drying. The tensile strength of hyphal bonds between two substrate particles, at this critical phase, was estimated and related to the mixing intensity in the bioreactor that resulted in an optimum working value of 15 rpm. Effect of mixing time on bioreactor performance was also investigated where a 3 min mixing duration, at every 6 h, increased biomass and phytase productivity to 2.2- and 4.5-fold, respectively, in comparison to packed bed bioreactor (PBR). The proposed bioreactor system with intermittent mixing gave superior performance than PBR and tray bioreactor, in terms of maximum bed temperature, axial bed temperature and biomass gradient, average bed moisture content, biomass and phytase productivity.

Fluid Dynamics Simulation of a Pilot-Scale Solid-State Fermentation Bioreactor

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) has potential advantages for the production of certain biotechnological products, due to its large volumetric productivity and low operating costs. However, there are major challenges in obtaining adequate heat and mass transfer when this fermentation method is used at large scales. Mathematical models and computer simulations are useful tools for designing strategies to overcome these challenges, given the cost of large-scale fermentation experiments. In the current work, we used the commercial CFD software ANSYS FLUENT® 16.0 to develop a mathematical model for heat and mass transfer in a pilot-scale packed-bed bioreactor. The model takes into account the dynamics of airflow in the porous substrate bed and the lack of thermal and moisture equilibrium between the solid and gas phases. The permeability parameters were obtained from pressure drop measurements made in the pilot-scale bioreactor during a fermentation in which Aspergillus niger was grown on a mixture of wheat bran and sugar cane bagasse. The CFD simulations were able to represent the temperature and moisture profiles observed experimentally during the initial heating of the substrate bed by the process air. A parametric analysis was also performed, in order to understand better the physical dynamics of the system. Our work provides the basis for the development of a robust and reliable model for testing operating conditions and control strategies for large-scale cultivation in SSF bioreactors.

Optimization of Phytase Production from Escherichia coli by Altering Solid-State Fermentation Conditions

Cultivation of Escherichia coli on wheat-bran substrate under various Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) conditions was evaluated for phytase yield along with the enzyme activity profile as a potential, low-cost alternative to submerged-liquid fermentation. The maximum phytase activity achieved by E. coli was 350 ± 50 SPU of phytase activity per gram of bran, incubated for 96 h with a substrate bed moisture content of 70% (w/v) at 37 °C with a relative air humidity of 90%, and supplemented with 10% (w/w bran) Luria-Bertani broth powder which translates into a 300% increase in phytase activity compared with an un-supplemented culture. The greatest improvements in phytase yield were associated with nutrient supplementation and the optimization of initial substrate moisture content. E. coli production of phytase utilizing solid-state fermentation technology was shown to be feasible utilizing the low-cost agro-residue wheat bran as substrate. Furthermore, the effect of pH and temperature on phytase activity was monitored from pH 2.5 to pH 7.5, and for temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 70 °C. Optimal phytase activity was at pH 5.5 and 50 °C when produced under the SSF optimized conditions.

Submarine glacial landforms record Late Pleistocene ice-sheet dynamics, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

We use ∼7000 km2 of high-resolution swath bathymetry data to describe and map the submarine glacial geomorphology, and reconstruct Late Pleistocene ice sheet flow configurations and retreat dynamics within the Inner Hebrides, western Scotland. Frequently dominated by outcrops of structurally complex bedrock, the seabed also comprises numerous assemblages of well-preserved glacigenic landforms typical of grounded ice sheet flow and punctuated ice-margin retreat. The occurrence and character of the glacially streamlined landforms is controlled in part by the shallow geology and topography, however these factors alone cannot account for the location, orientation, and configuration of the observed landforms. We attribute the distribution of these elongate streamlined landforms to the onset zone of the former Hebrides Ice Stream (HIS) – part of a major ice stream system that drained 5–10% of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS). We suggest this geomorphic signature represents the transition from slow ‘sheet flow’ to ‘streaming flow’ as ice accelerated out from an environment characterized by numerous bedrock obstacles (e.g. islands, headlands), towards the smooth, sediment dominated shelf. The majority of streamlined landforms associated with the HIS indicate ice sheet flow to the southwest, with regional-scale topography clearly playing a major role in governing the configuration of flow. During maximal glacial conditions (∼29–23 ka) we infer that the HIS merged with the North Channel-Malin Shelf Ice Stream to form a composite ice stream system that ultimately reached the continental shelf edge at the Barra-Donegal Trough-Mouth Fan. Taken collectively however, the pattern of landforms now preserved at seabed (e.g. convergent flow indicators, cross-cutting flow sets) is more indicative of a thinning ice mass, undergoing reorganization during overall ice sheet retreat (during latter stages of Late Weischselian glaciation). Suites of moraines overprinting the streamlined landforms suggest partial stabilization of the HIS prior to the ice sheet retreating to more isolated, topographically confined troughs and basins. Retreat from the shelf towards, and back into the Inner Hebrides may have been rapid due the prevalence of overdeepened troughs. Within the near-shore fjord-like troughs and deeps, basin-aligned streamlined landforms indicate the subsequent flow of thinner topographically partitioned ice masses, and overprinted moraines record further ice margin retreat, potentially along tide-water margins. This work provides the first geomorphological constraints for this large marine-influenced sector of the former BIIS. We also shed new light on the glacial geomorphic record found at the transition from terrestrial to marine continental-shelf settings, and examine the interplay between substrate geology, bed topography/bathymetry, and grounding-line positions – relationships which are important for characterizing contemporary marine ice sheet margins.

Influences of sudden changes in discharge and physical stream characteristics on transient storage and nitrate uptake in an urban stream

AbstractChanges in the physical structure of urban streams can occur abruptly due to flashy high‐flow events and subsequently alter stream processes, including transient storage and nitrate uptake. We examined temporal variability in transient storage and nitrate uptake by exploring the effects of altered physical characteristics resulting from a single high‐flow event in three reaches of Spring Creek, an urban stream in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Study reaches of varying geomorphic and hydraulic characteristics were chosen to represent distinct geomorphic settings in terms of substrate size, sinuosity, bed slope, and degree of rehabilitation and structural controls. We performed detailed physical characterizations and multiple nutrient injections of Br− and NO3− to estimate transient storage and nitrate uptake in each reach. A comparison of pre‐flood and post‐flood data indicates that transient storage and nitrate uptake are highly context specific and mediated by interactions between geomorphic setting and flood discharge. In the two reaches that showed significant post‐flood increases in transient storage (250% to 350% increases in Fmed200), the pool‐riffle reach exhibited a significant increase in uptake velocity, while the channelized reach did not. In contrast, transient storage decreased post‐flood in the third reach containing hydraulic structures. These complex responses likely reflect reach‐specific differences in hyporheic versus in‐channel storage. This study shows that repeat injections are necessary to describe nutrient dynamics because transient storage and nitrate uptake can be highly variable over time (showing changes on the order of 100%) due to variation in discharge and geomorphically influential flow events. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Porosity changes during packed bed solid-state fermentation

Porosity is one of the key parameters in a typical solid-state fermentation model that represents the intra and inter-particle void spaces in bioreactor bed. In this research, the particle density and moisture content of the bed were used to determine the porosity changes of the solid substrate bed during the fermentation of Aspergillus niger in a laboratory scale packed-bed bioreactor. Biomass growth was also monitored by means of measuring CO2 and O2 in the bioreactors outlet gas online. As such, an experimental relationship between humidity and porosity has been developed and can be used in solid-state fermentation modeling.

Lovastatin production by Aspergillus terreus using lignocellulose biomass in large scale packed bed reactor

The effect of superficial air velocity on lovastatin production by Aspergillus terreus PL10 using wheat bran and wheat straw was investigated in a 7L and a 1200L packed bed reactor. Mass transfer and reaction limitations on bioconversion in the 1200L reactor was studied based on a central composite design of experiments constructed using the superficial air velocity and solid substrate composition as variables and lovastatin production as response. The surface response prediction showed a maximum lovastatin production of 1.86mgg−1 dry substrate on day 5 of the bioconversion process when the reactor was operated using 0.19vvm airflow rate (23.37cmmin−1 superficial air velocity) and 54% substrate composition (wC). Lovastatin production did not increase significantly with superficial air velocity in the 7L reactor. Variation in temperature and exit CO2 composition was recorded, and the Damköhler number was calculated for lovastatin production at these two scales. The results showed that in larger reactors mass transfer limitation controlled bioconversion while in smaller reactors bioconversion was controlled by reaction rate limitations. In addition, mass transfer limitations in larger reactors reduced the rate of metabolic heat removal, resulting in hot spots within the substrate bed.

Mannanase Production by Aspergillus niger USM F4 Via Solid Substrate Fermentation in a Shallow Tray Using Palm Kernel Cake as a Substrate

Aims: A local fungal isolate, Aspergillus niger USM F4 produced high level of mannanase activity when cultivated in a shallow tray system (45 x 40 x 7 cm3) using palm kernel cake (PKC), an easily available cheap agricultural waste which are found abundantly in Malaysia. Methodology and Results: A range of 0.25 to 1.5 cm bed heights were investigated in tracking in the most suitable condition and maximum production of mannanase. The highest mannanase production of 918.68 U/g substrate was obtained on the fifth day of cultivation after using all the optimised cultural conditions that consisted of 400 g of PKC that equivalent to 0.50 cm of substrate thickness with the particle size of ≤ 0.5 mm, moisture content of 80% (w/w) with the addition of 2% (w/w) molasses as a carbon source and 4% (w/w) ammonium nitrate as a nitrogen source, inoculums size of 1x107 spores/ml, with once at every 24 h of mixing frequency and cultivation temperature at room temperature 30±2 °C. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The results obtained from this study showed that a shallow tray system was suitable to be used for getting highest enzyme production in SSF. Besides using a bigger volume of substrate, the correct substrate bed height is also important.