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Consistent production of high quality PHA using activated sludge harvested from full scale municipal wastewater treatment - PHARIO.

Authors :
Werker A
Bengtsson S
Korving L
Hjort M
Anterrieu S
Alexandersson T
Johansson P
Karlsson A
Karabegovic L
Magnusson P
Morgan-Sagastume F
Sijstermans L
Tietema M
Visser C
Wypkema E
van der Kooij Y
Deeke A
Uijterlinde C
Source :
Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research [Water Sci Technol] 2018 Dec; Vol. 78 (11), pp. 2256-2269.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers by mixed microbial cultures concurrent to wastewater treatment is a valorization route for residual organic material. This development has been at pilot scale since 2011 using industrial and municipal organic residuals. Previous experience was the basis for a PHA production demonstration project: PHARIO. PHARIO was centred on processing surplus activated sludge biomass from the Bath full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant in the Netherlands to produce PHA. Full-scale surplus activated sludge was fed to a pilot facility to produce PHA rich biomass using fermented volatile fatty acid (VFA) rich liquors from industry or primary sludge sources. A PHA rich biomass with on average 0.41 gPHA/gVSS was obtained with reproducible thermal properties and high thermal stability. A routine kilogram scale production was established over 10 months and the polymer material properties and market potential were evaluated. Surplus full-scale activated sludge, over four seasons of operations, was a reliable raw material to consistently and predictably produce commercial quality grades of PHA. Polymer type and properties were systematic functions of the mean co-polymer content. The mean co-polymer content was predictably determined by the fermented feedstock composition. PHARIO polymers were estimated to have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to currently available (bio)plastics.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0273-1223
Volume :
78
Issue :
11
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
30699077
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2018.502