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Fermentation
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Efficient Biorefinery of Waste Biomass into Valuable Resources and Energy
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Efficient Biorefinery of Waste Biomass into Valuable Resources and Energy

A special issue of Fermentation (ISSN 2311-5637). This special issue belongs to the section "Industrial Fermentation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 19678

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Aijuan Zhou

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Guest Editor
College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
Interests: resource recovery; biomass treatment; fermentation; microbial electrocatalysis; bioenergy production
Dr. Cristiano Varrone

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Interests: chemistry and bioscience; fermentation technology; biorefinery; plastic biodegradation; waste valorization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Zhangwei He

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an 710055, China
Interests: resource recovery from wastes/wastewater; waste management; biotechnology; anaerobic digestion; biochar

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over-reliance on fossil fuels and its consequences, which take the form of global warming and air pollution, necessitate the exploration of more sustainable and alternative resources for circular and carbon-neutral development. Biomass-derived fuels and chemicals (e.g., hydrogen, methane, short-chain and long-chain carboxylic acids, and alcohols) are regarded as crucial components in efforts to meet sustainability criteria. The treatment of waste biomass is currently undergoing a paradigm shift from "waste disposal" to the more promising prospect of "energy and resource recovery". Biotechnology treatment is the core technology underlying the biotransformation process that turns carbon-rich biomass into high-value-added fuels and chemicals via pure cultures or defined heterogeneous microbial consortia. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to highlight the findings of original research articles and reviews in this field. Topics of interest for this issue include, but are not limited to: the development of fermentation technologies, electrofermentation, chain elongation, product extraction for the conversion of waste biomass into green chemicals, biofuels, biopolymers, related process optimization, microbial ecological mechanism, and application-related engineering.

Prof. Dr. Aijuan Zhou
Dr. Cristiano Varrone
Dr. Zhangwei He
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fermentation is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomass
  • waste valorization
  • biorefinery
  • anaerobic treatment
  • hydrogen production
  • biogas production
  • valuable chemicals recovery
  • product extraction
  • novel biotechnology
  • process optimization

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 4815 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Food Waste Slurry as Potential Candidate for Lipid Accumulation: A Concept of Oleaginous Bio-Refinery
by Samia Qadeer, Azeem Khalid, Shahid Mahmood, Aansa Rukaya Saleem and Muzammil Anjum
Fermentation 2023, 9(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9020163 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1814
Abstract
In the current state of huge waste production and energy crisis, there is a need to find additional alternate energy resources and options for waste management. The present study was designed to measure the potential of different fruit wastes to serve as substrate [...] Read more.
In the current state of huge waste production and energy crisis, there is a need to find additional alternate energy resources and options for waste management. The present study was designed to measure the potential of different fruit wastes to serve as substrate for lipid accumulation in oleaginous bacteria. For this purpose, three novel bacterial strains (AF3, KM1 and KM10) isolated from the crude oil samples were systematically compared for their lipid accumulation potential using three types of waste including orange waste (OW), mango waste (MW) and apple waste (AW). Using waste as sole substrate, it was observed that maximum lipid accumulation by each strain was above 20%, which confirms that the bacteria belong to the oleaginous group. However, each bacterial isolate represented differential accumulative capacity with varying organic matter removal efficiency. Maximum lipid accumulation was achieved by KM10 (>25%) with AW as substrate, and KM1 (>24%) with MW as substrate; however, AF3 represented only 21% lipid accumulation using AW as substrate. Similarly, the maximum removal efficiency was recorded for KM10 in AW, followed by OW, where >60% and >50% of volatile solids (VS) removal, respectively, were achieved over the period of 7 days of incubation. This showed that the oleaginous strains also exhibit excellent waste treatment efficiency. The 16s RNA gene sequencing results showed that these KM1 and KM10 strains were Serratia surfactantfaciens and Serratia liquefaciens. In the end, a circular economy model was presented to highlight the significance of the mechanisms, which offers dual benefits over the linear economy model. Overall, the findings of the present study revealed that the novel oleaginous strains not only provide considerable lipid accumulation, but are simultaneously capable of low-cost waste treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Biorefinery of Waste Biomass into Valuable Resources and Energy)
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21 pages, 1549 KiB  
Article
Hazop Analysis of a Bioprocess for Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production from Organic Waste: Part B
by Roberto Lauri, Emma Incocciati, Biancamaria Pietrangeli, Lionel Nguemna Tayou, Francesco Valentino, Marco Gottardo and Mauro Majone
Fermentation 2023, 9(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9020154 - 4 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2886
Abstract
The production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from industrial waste streams has attracted the attention of researchers and process industries because they could replace traditional plastics. The integrated treatment of civil wastewater along with organic solid wastes in a novel “urban biorefinery” is a very [...] Read more.
The production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from industrial waste streams has attracted the attention of researchers and process industries because they could replace traditional plastics. The integrated treatment of civil wastewater along with organic solid wastes in a novel “urban biorefinery” is a very important option to implement a synergic treatment of all relevant bio-waste streams. The development of new biotech processes should consider the occupational health and safety issues from the initial design stages. Among the process hazards analysis techniques, HAZard and OPerability (HAZOP) methodology is widely used for studying both the processes hazards and their operability problems, by exploring the effects of any deviations from design conditions. In the present study, a modified version of HAZOP methodology has been applied to a three-step process developed at pilot scale in the Treviso municipal wastewater treatment plant in order to produce PHA. This paper (part B) shows the results of HAZOP analysis applied to the second process step aimed at culturing the activated sludge under periodic feeding conditions into a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The analysis applied to the process conditions, corresponding to the maximum PHA content in the biomass, has led to the identification of technical solutions to mitigate the main occupational risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Biorefinery of Waste Biomass into Valuable Resources and Energy)
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14 pages, 1276 KiB  
Article
Hazop Analysis of a Bioprocess for Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production from Organic Waste: Part A
by Roberto Lauri, Emma Incocciati, Biancamaria Pietrangeli, Lionel Nguemna Tayou, Francesco Valentino, Marco Gottardo and Mauro Majone
Fermentation 2023, 9(2), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9020099 - 22 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2879
Abstract
The number of bioprocesses for the circular economy of organic waste has grown in recent years. Implementation of new processes and technologies should consider occupational health and safety issues from the initial design stages. Among the process hazards analysis techniques, HAZard and OPerability [...] Read more.
The number of bioprocesses for the circular economy of organic waste has grown in recent years. Implementation of new processes and technologies should consider occupational health and safety issues from the initial design stages. Among the process hazards analysis techniques, HAZard and OPerability (HAZOP) methodology is widely used for studying both the process’s hazards and their operability problems, by exploring the effects of any deviations from design conditions. In the present study, a modified version of HAZOP methodology has been applied to a three-steps process developed at pilot scale in the Treviso municipal wastewater treatment plant in order to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as the final high value product. This paper shows the results of HAZOP analysis applied to the first process step (acidogenic fermentation) aimed at volatile fatty acids production. The analysis has been applied to the process conditions corresponding to the maximum PHA content in the biomass. The HAZOP study results showed that this methodology allowed a comprehensive exploration of conventional chemical engineering process hazards and biological hazards. Final piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for acidogenic fermentation have been designed, identifying all prevention measures aimed at managing the hazard and operability issues. The P&ID shows the interconnection of equipment and the instrumentation required for controlling the process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Biorefinery of Waste Biomass into Valuable Resources and Energy)
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13 pages, 3274 KiB  
Article
Ferrous-Iron-Activated Sulfite-Accelerated Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production from Waste-Activated Sludge Fermentation: Process Assessment and Underlying Mechanism
by Fang Cao, Xujiang Guo, Xiaoyun Yin, Zhixuan Cui, Shuli Liu and Aijuan Zhou
Fermentation 2023, 9(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9010020 - 26 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1843
Abstract
To break the bottlenecks of slow hydrolysis and low acid production efficiency of waste-activated sludge (WAS) in the traditional anaerobic fermentation process, this study investigated the employment of ferrous-iron (Fe(II))-activated sulfite to produce hydroxyl, sulfate, and other highly oxidizing radicals on WAS floc [...] Read more.
To break the bottlenecks of slow hydrolysis and low acid production efficiency of waste-activated sludge (WAS) in the traditional anaerobic fermentation process, this study investigated the employment of ferrous-iron (Fe(II))-activated sulfite to produce hydroxyl, sulfate, and other highly oxidizing radicals on WAS floc cracking and short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production during anaerobic fermentation. The effect of the dosage ratio of Fe(II)/S(IV) was also studied. Results showed that the combined pretreatment of Fe(II)-activated sulfite significantly promoted the exfoliation of extracellular polymers and the subsequent SCFAs production. The highest concentration of SCFAs reached 7326.5 mg COD/L under the optimal dosage of 1:2 for Fe(II)/S(IV), which was 1.1~2.1 times higher than that of other research groups. Meanwhile, the analysis by 3D fluorescence spectroscopy and EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) showed that Fe(II)-activated sulfite had a synergistic effect on the rupture of sludge cells and the stripping of extracellular polymers, with SO4− and OH as the key radicals generated and being much stronger in the 1:1 and 1:2 groups. High-throughput sequencing showed that the Fe(II)-activated sulfite system significantly changed the functional microbial diversity. The anaerobic fermentation bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria were significantly enriched. The underlying mechanism of Fe(II)-activated sulfite oxidation and molecular ecological network of key microbiomes were unveiled. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Biorefinery of Waste Biomass into Valuable Resources and Energy)
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15 pages, 1607 KiB  
Article
Dry Anaerobic Digestion of Brewer’s Spent Grains toward a More Sustainable Brewery: Operational Performance, Kinetic Analysis, and Bioenergy Potential
by William Gustavo Sganzerla, Josiel Martins Costa, Miriam Tena-Villares, Luz Selene Buller, Solange I. Mussatto and Tania Forster-Carneiro
Fermentation 2023, 9(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9010002 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3410
Abstract
Industrial beer production generates brewer’s spent grains (BSG) as a primary solid waste. The disposal of industrial waste can cause negative environmental side effects, including greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluated the dry anaerobic digestion (AD) of BSG for bioenergy recovery as a [...] Read more.
Industrial beer production generates brewer’s spent grains (BSG) as a primary solid waste. The disposal of industrial waste can cause negative environmental side effects, including greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluated the dry anaerobic digestion (AD) of BSG for bioenergy recovery as a solution toward a more sustainable brewery. The laboratory-scale agitated tank batch reactor (6.8 L) was started up with BSG (25%), mesophilic inoculum (45%), and water (30%). The experimental results showed 82.12% solids biodegradation, 57.38% soluble chemical oxygen demand removal, and an accumulated methane yield of 10.53 L CH4 kg−1 TVS. The methane production efficiency was evaluated by the modified Gompertz, Cone, and first-order kinetic models. The Cone model fitted methane evolution better than the modified Gompertz and first-order kinetic models. The biogas produced from the dry AD of BSG could generate electricity (0.133 MWh ton−1) and heat (598.45 MJ ton−1), mitigating 0.0099 and 0.0335 tCO2eq ton−1 BSG, respectively, for electricity and heat. The implementation of dry AD could supply 7.38% of the electricity and 6.86% of the heat required for beer production. Finally, in a biorefinery concept, dry AD can be an alternative route for solid waste management and bioenergy recovery, contributing to reduce the environmental impact of breweries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Biorefinery of Waste Biomass into Valuable Resources and Energy)
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24 pages, 2753 KiB  
Article
Towards a Biorefinery Processing Waste from Plantain Agro-Industry: Process Design and Techno-Economic Assessment of Single-Cell Protein, Natural Fibers, and Biomethane Production through Process Simulation
by James A. Gómez, Luis G. Matallana and Óscar J. Sánchez
Fermentation 2022, 8(11), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8110582 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2709
Abstract
The plantain agro-industry generates different residues in the harvest and post-harvest stages. Therefore, the design of processes for valorization is required. The aim of this work was to design and techno-economically evaluate the processes for the production of single-cell protein, natural fibers, and [...] Read more.
The plantain agro-industry generates different residues in the harvest and post-harvest stages. Therefore, the design of processes for valorization is required. The aim of this work was to design and techno-economically evaluate the processes for the production of single-cell protein, natural fibers, and biomethane from plantain residues by process simulation in the framework of the design of a future biorefinery for valorization of these residues. The processes were simulated using SuperPro Designer. The scale size was calculated at 1,267,071 tons for the processing of plantain lignocellulosic waste (pseudostems) and 3179 tons for the processing of starchy waste (rejected unripe plantain fruits). The results obtained suggest that the best alternative for the valorization of plantain residues corresponded to the production of natural fibers, with a net present value of $29,299,000. This work shows that waste from the plantain agro-industry exhibits high potential as a feedstock for the production of value-added products. In addition, the process flowsheets simulated in this work can be integrated into the basic design of a biorefinery processing plantain waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Biorefinery of Waste Biomass into Valuable Resources and Energy)
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15 pages, 2794 KiB  
Article
The Addition of Biochar and Hyper-Thermal Inoculum Can Regulate the Fate of Heavy Metals Resistant Bacterial Communities during the Livestock Manure Composting
by Qingjun Zhang, Tong Zhu, Qingxiang Xiao and Ning An
Fermentation 2022, 8(5), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8050207 - 3 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2335
Abstract
In the present investigation the effects of biochar and hyper-thermal inoculum on the heavy-metal-resistant bacteria (HMRB) during livestock manure composting were studied. An experiment was performed on composting livestock manure and wheat straw amended with biochar and hyper-thermal inoculum. Physicochemical properties, enzyme activity, [...] Read more.
In the present investigation the effects of biochar and hyper-thermal inoculum on the heavy-metal-resistant bacteria (HMRB) during livestock manure composting were studied. An experiment was performed on composting livestock manure and wheat straw amended with biochar and hyper-thermal inoculum. Physicochemical properties, enzyme activity, heavy metals (HMs), and bacterial activities were monitored, and a comprehensive assessment was analyzed during the composting process. The results showed that the dominant phyla of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Chloroflexi were enriched, but this was not the case with Firmicutes. The abundance of Galbibacter, Thermobifida, Sphaerobacter, and Actinomadura was significantly different in CT15 and BHCT15. In addition, this study showed that the selected factors are less correlated with HMRB compared with the CT group. Therefore, this study could provide new insights into the effect of biochar and hyper-thermal inoculum amendments on the fate of HMRB under HMs and high temperature stress during livestock manure composting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Biorefinery of Waste Biomass into Valuable Resources and Energy)
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