| Project Detail |
Increasing waste water value for a sustainable society
Single-cell microorganisms can boost waste water value if they generate high-value biomaterials using the nutrients contained within. But microorganisms are harmed by the high concentration of ammonia in waste water, which stops algae from growing. The EU-funded PhyToVALUE project seeks to establish an innovative method to detect algal ammonia inhibition. It will screen appropriate fluorescent methods, which will then be applied to inhibited algal cells. PhyToVALUE will design a multivariate statistical model to differentiate ammonia toxicity from other inhibitions as well as a low-cost fluorescent monitoring device. These methods and device will be integrated into a long-term ammonia feeding control experiment to evaluate viability. PhyToVALUE’s findings will promote waste water treatment, aquaculture, and algal mass cultivation, fostering a sustainable society.
Unicellular small plants, microalgae and cyanobacteria, have a great potential to valorize wastewater by producing high-value biomaterials using the contained nutrients. However, a high concentration of ammonia in wastewater exhibits strong toxicity to microorganisms and prevents the successful cultivation of algae. While dilution is the most prevalent solution, large consumption of freshwater resources is costly and not sustainable. Therefore, this project aims to develop a novel method to detect algal ammonia inhibition by fluorescence monitoring, which will enable direct feeding of undiluted ammonia-containing wastewaters by controlling the feeding rate. In this project, appropriate fluorescent methods will be screened first, and the screened methods will be applied to algal cells exposed to various types of inhibition. A multivariate statistical model will be constructed to distinguish ammonia toxicity from other inhibitions. For improvement of feasibility, a low-cost fluorescent monitoring device shall be also developed. Finally, the developed methods and devices will be integrated into a long-term ammonia feeding control experiment to evaluate the feasibility. During the implementation of the research project, the candidate will receive training both from the host institution (Universidad de Valladolid; UVa) and from the Centre Algatech (CA) where the external advisor belongs to. The candidate will further develop skills in process engineering in the training from UVa and learn the mechanisms of fluorescence from CA. The expected results of the project include a fluorescent algal toxicity identification tool, a low-cost fluorescent monitoring device, and the ammonia toxicity control protocol, all of which have a strong impact on the field of wastewater treatment, aquaculture, and algal mass cultivation. Successful development of proposed methods will enhance the utilization of waste for value creation, leading to the establishment of a sustainable society. |
