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Chapter 1

Bioresource Technology

Aarhus University, Tjele: Evaluation of near infraredspectroscopy and software sensor methods fordetermination of total alkalinity in anaerobic digestersResearch findings, ‘Evaluation of near infrared spectroscopy and soft-ware sensor methods for determination of total alkalinity in anaer-obic digesters,’ are discussed in a new report. “In this study two ap-proaches to predict the total alkalinity (expressed as mg L(-1)HCO(3)(-)) of an anaerobic digester are examined: firstly, software sensorsbased on multiple linear regression algorithms using data from pH,redox potential and electrical conductivity and secondly, near infraredreflectance spectroscopy (NIRS),” investigators in Denmark report.

“Of the software sensors, the model using data from all threeprobes but a smaller dataset using total alkalinity values below 6000mg L(-1)HCO(3)(-) produced the best calibration model (R(2)=0.76and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 969 mg L(-1)HCO(3)(-)). When validated with new data, the NIRS method pro-duced the best model (R(2)=0.87 RMSEp=1230 mg L(-1)HCO(3)(-)).The NIRS sensor correlated better with new data (R(2)=0.54),” wroteA.J. Ward and colleagues, University of Aarhus, Faculty of Agricul-tural.

The researchers concluded: “This study has developed new andimproved algorithms for monitoring total alkalinity within anaero-bic digestion systems which will facilitate real-time optimisation ofmethane production.”

Ward and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Evaluation of near infrared spectroscopy and software sensormethods for determination of total alkalinity in anaerobic digesters.Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(5):4083-90).

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CHAPTER 1 BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY

For additional information, contact A.J. Ward, University ofAarhus, Dept. of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sci-ence, Blichers Alle 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark. (2011 MAR 17)

Aarhus University, Tjele: Real time monitoring of abiogas digester with gas chromatography, near-infraredspectroscopy, and membrane-inlet mass spectrometryNew research, ‘Real time monitoring of a biogas digester with gaschromatography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and membrane-inletmass spectrometry,’ is the subject of a report. “Four methods of mon-itoring the anaerobic digestion process were studied at pilot scale.The methods employed were Micro Gas Chromatography (-GC) andMembrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MIMS) for measurements in thegas phase, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and pH in the liquidphase,” researchers in Denmark report.

“Micro Gas Chromatography accurately measured H(2), CH(4),H(2)S, N(2) and O(2) in the headspace whereas the MIMS accuratelymeasured CH(4), CO(2), H(2)S, reduced organic sulfur compounds andp-cresol, also in the headspace. In the liquid phase, NIRS was foundto be suitable for estimating the concentrations of acetate, propionateand total volatile fatty acids (VFA) but the error of prediction wastoo large for accurate quantification,” wrote A.J. Ward and colleagues,Aarhus University, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences.

The researchers concluded: “Both the -GC and NIRS were lowmaintenance methods whereas the MIMS required frequent cleaningand background measurements.”

Ward and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (Real time monitoring of a biogas digester with gas chromatogra-phy, near-infrared spectroscopy, and membrane-inlet mass spectrom-etry. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(5):4098-103).

For additional information, contact A.J. Ward, Faculty of Agricul-tural Sciences, Dept. of Biosystems Engineering, Aarhus University,Blichers Alle 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark. (2011 MAR 15)

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AC College of Technology, Chennai: Two-step biodieselproduction from Calophyllum inophyllum oil -optimization of modified ß-zeolite catalyzedpre-treatmentCurrent study results from the report, ‘Two-step biodiesel productionfrom Calophyllum inophyllum oil: optimization of modified ß-zeolitecatalyzed pre-treatment,’ have been published. “In this study, a two-step process was developed to produce biodiesel from Calophyllum ino-phyllum oil. Pre-treatment with phosphoric acid modified ß-zeolite inacid catalyzed esterification process preceded by transesterificationwhich was done using conventional alkali catalyst potassium hydrox-ide (KOH),” scientists in Chennai, India report.

“The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship be-tween the reaction temperatures, reaction time and methanol to oilmolar ratio in the pre-treatment step. Central Composite Design(CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were utilized todetermine the best operating condition for the pre-treatment step,”wrote V. SathyaSelvabala and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “Biodiesel produced by this processwas tested for its fuel properties.”

SathyaSelvabala and colleagues published their study in Biore-source Technology (Two-step biodiesel production from Calophylluminophyllum oil: optimization of modified ß-zeolite catalyzed pre-treatment. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(2):1066-72).

For additional information, contact V. SathyaSelvabala, AC Col-lege of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Chennai 600025,India. (2011 FEB 1)

Aix-Marseille University: Comparison between UVspectroscopy and nirs to assess humification processduring sewage sludge and green wastes co-compostingNew research, ‘Comparison between UV spectroscopy and nirs to as-sess humification process during sewage sludge and green wastes co-composting,’ is the subject of a report. According to recent researchpublished in the journal Bioresource Technology, “The humification oforganic matter during composting was studied by the quantificationand monitoring of the evolution of humic substances (Humic Acid-HAand Fulvic Acid-FA) by UV spectra deconvolution (UVSD) and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) methods. The final aim ofthis work was to compare UVSD to NIRS method, already applied onthe same compost samples in previous studies.”

“Finally, UVSD predictions were good for HA and HA/FA (r(2) of0.828 and 0.531) but very bad for FA (r(2) of 0.092). In contrary, all

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NIRS correlations were accurate and significant with r(2) of 0.817,0.806 and 0.864 for HA, FA and HA/FA ratio respectively. From theseresults, HA/FA ratio being a well-used index of compost maturity,UVSD and NIRS represent two invaluable tools for the monitoringof the composting process,” wrote R. Albrecht and colleagues, Aix-Marseille University.

The researchers concluded: “However, we can note that NIRS pre-dictions were more accurate than UVSD calibrations.”

Albrecht and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Comparison between UV spectroscopy and nirs to assesshumification process during sewage sludge and green wastes co-composting. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(6):4495-500).

For additional information, contact R. Albrecht, Aix-Marseille Uni-versite, Institut Mediterraneen d’Ecologie et de Paleoecologie, UMRCNRS IRD, Ecologie Microbienne et Biotechnologies, Faculte des Sci-ences et Techniques de Saint-Jerome, Case 452, 13397 MarseilleCedex 20, France.. (2011 MAR 29)

Annamalai University: Bio-kinetic analysis on treatmentof textile dye wastewater using anaerobic batch reactorInvestigators publish new data in the report ‘Bio-kinetic analysis ontreatment of textile dye wastewater using anaerobic batch reactor.’“An anaerobic digestion technique was applied to textile dye wastew-ater aiming at the colour and COD removal. Pet bottles of 5 L capac-ity were used as reactor which contains methanogenic sludge of half aliter capacity which was used for the treatment of combined synthetictextile dye and starch wastewater at different mixing ratios of 20:80,30:70, 40:60, 50:50 and 60:40 with initial COD concentrations as 3520,3440, 3360, 3264 and 3144 mg L(-1), respectively,” scientists writingin the journal Bioresource Technology report.

“The reactor was maintained at room temperature (30±3°C) withinitial pH of 7. The maximum COD and colour removal were81.0% and 87.3% at an optimum mixing ratio of 30:70 of textile dyeand starch wastewaters. Both Monod’s and Haldane’s models wereadopted in this study. The kinetic constants of cell growth under Hal-dane’s model were satisfactory when compared to Monod’s model,”wrote G. Gnanapragasam and colleagues, Annamalai University, De-partment of Civil Engineering.

The researchers concluded: “The kinetic constants obtained byHaldane’s model were found to be in the range of max=0.037-0.146h(-1), Ks=651.04-1372.88 mg L(-1) and Ki=5681.81-18727.59 mg L(-1).”

Gnanapragasam and colleagues published their study in Biore-source Technology (Bio-kinetic analysis on treatment of textile dye

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wastewater using anaerobic batch reactor. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(2):627-32).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting G.Gnanapragasam, Annamalai University, Dept. of Civil Engineering,Annamalainagar 608 002, India. (2011 FEB 1)

Arizona State University, Tempe: A kinetic evaluation ofanaerobic treatment of swine wastewater at twotemperatures in a temperate climate zoneInvestigators publish new data in the report ‘A kinetic evaluationof anaerobic treatment of swine wastewater at two temperatures ina temperate climate zone.’ “A static granular bed reactor (SGBR)was used to treat swine wastewater at 24 and 16°C. At 24°C, the or-ganic loading rate (OLR) was 0.7-5.4 kg COD/m(3)day and the averagechemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was 88.5%, respec-tively,” scientists in the United States report.

“Meanwhile, at 16°C, the OLR was 1.6-4.0 kg COD/m(3)day and theaverage COD removal efficiency was 68.0%, respectively. The SGBRacted as a bioreactor as well as a biofilter. After backwashing, therecovery of COD removal was not a function of an OLR but recoverytime, while that of TSS removal was not a function of either recoverytime or the OLR. The maximum substrate utilization rate (k(max))ratio was 1.89 between 24 and 16°C, and the half velocity constant(K(s)) ratio was 1.22, and the maximum specific growth rate ((max))ratio was 4.71,” wrote S.J. Lim and colleagues, Arizona State Univer-sity.

The researchers concluded: “In addition, the temperature-activitycoefficient in this study was determined to be 1.09.”

Lim and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (A kinetic evaluation of anaerobic treatment of swine wastewaterat two temperatures in a temperate climate zone. Bioresource Tech-nology, 2011;102(4):3724-9).

For additional information, contact S.J. Lim, Environmental andSustainable Engineering, Dept. of Civil, Arizona State University,Tempe, AZ 85287 USA. (2011 FEB 22)

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Asian Institute of Technology, Pathum Thani:Comparison of some new pretreatment methods forsecond generation bioethanol production from wheatstraw and water hyacinthCurrent study results from the report, ‘Comparison of some new pre-treatment methods for second generation bioethanol production fromwheat straw and water hyacinth,’ have been published. According torecent research published in the journal Bioresource Technology, “Pre-treatment of lignocellulosic residues like water hyacinth (WH) andwheat straw (WS) using crude glycerol (CG) and ionic liquids (IL) pre-treatment was evaluated and compared with conventional dilute acidpretreatment (DAT) in terms of enzymatic hydrolysis yield and fer-mentation yield of pretreated samples. In the case of WS, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate pretreatment was found to be the bestmethod.”

“The hydrolysis yields of glucose and total reducing sugars were2.1 and 3.3 times respectively higher by IL pretreatment than DAT,while it was 1.4 and 1.9 times respectively higher with CG pretreat-ment. For WH sample, CG pretreatment was as effective as DAT andmore effective than IL pretreatment regarding hydrolysis yield. Thefermentation inhibition was not noticeable with both types of pretreat-ment methods and feedstocks. Besides, CG pretreatment was foundas effective as pure glycerol pretreatment for both feedstocks,” wroteY.N. Guragain and colleagues, Asian Institute of Technology.

The researchers concluded: “This opens up an attractive economicroute for the utilization of CG.”

Guragain and colleagues published their study in BioresourceTechnology (Comparison of some new pretreatment methods for sec-ond generation bioethanol production from wheat straw and water hy-acinth. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(6):4416-24).

For additional information, contact Y.N. Guragain, Asian Instituteof Technology, 58 Moo 9, Km 42, Paholyothin Highway, Klong Luang,Pathumthani 12120, Thailand.. (2011 MAR 29)

Autonomous University, Bellaterra: Evolution of organicmatter in a full-scale composting plant for the treatmentof sewage sludge and biowaste by respiration techniquesand pyrolysis-GC/MSFresh data on Bioresource Technology are presented in the report‘Evolution of organic matter in a full-scale composting plant for thetreatment of sewage sludge and biowaste by respiration techniquesand pyrolysis-GC/MS.’ According to recent research from Bellaterra,

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Spain, “A full-scale composting plant treating in two parallel linessewage sludge and the source-selected organic fraction of municipalsolid waste (OFMSW or biowaste) has been completely monitored.Chemical routine analysis proved not to be suitable for an adequateplant monitoring in terms of stabilization and characterization of theprocess and final compost properties.”

“However, the dynamic respiration index demonstrated to be themost feasible tool to determine the progression of the degradation andstabilization of organic matter for both sewage sludge and OFMSWlines. Both lines exhibited an important degree of stabilizationof organic matter using rapid and cumulative respiration indices.Pyrolysis-GC/MS was applied to the most important inputs, outputs,and intermediate points of the plant. It proved to be a powerful tool forthe qualitative characterization of molecular composition of organicmatter present in solid samples,” wrote M. Pognani and colleagues,Autonomous University.

The researchers concluded: “A full characterization of the samplesconsidered is also presented.”

Pognani and colleagues published their study in BioresourceTechnology (Evolution of organic matter in a full-scale compost-ing plant for the treatment of sewage sludge and biowaste by res-piration techniques and pyrolysis-GC/MS. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(6):4536-43).

For additional information, contact M. Pognani, Composting Re-search Group, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Autonomade Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193-Barcelona, Spain.. (2011 MAR 29)

Autonomous University, Cerdanyola: Respirometricscreening of several types of manure and mixturesintended for compostingFresh data on Bioresource Technology are presented in the report‘Respirometric screening of several types of manure and mixtures in-tended for composting.’ “The viability of mixtures from manure andagricultural wastes as composting sources were systematically stud-ied using a physicochemical and biological characterization. The com-bination of different parameters such as C:N ratio, free air space (FAS)and moisture content can help in the formulation of the mixtures,” sci-entists in Barcelona, Spain report.

“Nevertheless, the composting process may be challenging, partic-ularly at industrial scales. The results of this study suggest that ifthe respirometric potential is known, it is possible to predict the be-haviour of a full scale composting process. Respiration indices canbe used as a tool for determining the suitability of composting as ap-plied to manure and complementary wastes. Accordingly, manure and

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agricultural wastes with a high potential for composting and someproposed mixtures have been characterized in terms of respirationactivity. Specifically, the potential of samples to be composted hasbeen determined by means of the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) and thedynamic respirometric index (DRI). During this study, four of thesemixtures were composted at full scale in a system consisting of a con-fined pile with forced aeration. The biological activity was monitoredby means of the oxygen uptake rate inside the material (OURinsitu).This new parameter represents the real activity of the process,” wroteR. Barrena and colleagues, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, De-partment of Chemical Engineering.

The researchers concluded: “The comparison between the poten-tial respirometric activities at laboratory scale with the in situ respiro-metric activity observed at full scale may be a useful tool in the designand optimization of composting systems for manure and other organicagricultural wastes.”

Barrena and colleagues published their study in BioresourceTechnology (Respirometric screening of several types of manureand mixtures intended for composting. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(2):1367-77).

For additional information, contact R. Barrena, Composting Re-search Group, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Escola d’Enginyeria,Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola, 08193Barcelona, Spain. (2011 FEB 1)

AV Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Vladivostok:Laboratory experiment to determine the potential of twomacroalgae from the Russian Far-East as biofilters forintegrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)A new study, ‘Laboratory experiment to determine the potential oftwo macroalgae from the Russian Far-East as biofilters for inte-grated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA),’ is now available. “Two lo-cal macroalgal species (Undaria pinnatifida and Gracilaria vermiculo-phylla) were tested in laboratory experiments to determine their nu-trient uptake potential and their physiological response to waste wa-ter effluents from a mariculture project on bivalve mollusks (mussels).No negative effects on the growth and photosynthesis rates of the al-gae were detected,” investigators in Russia report.

“High nutrient uptake rates and high nutrient removal efficiencywere measured in both tested species. We propose that U. pinnati-fida be introduced into IMTA systems during the cold-water season toremove nutrients from cultured animals,” wrote A.V. Skriptsova andcolleagues, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Marine Biology.

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The researchers concluded: “The culture of this species can be al-ternated with that of G. vermiculophylla during warm-water seasonin order to provide a longer biofiltration period.”

Skriptsova and colleagues published their study in BioresourceTechnology (Laboratory experiment to determine the potential oftwo macroalgae from the Russian Far-East as biofilters for inte-grated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). Bioresource Technology,2011;102(3):3149-54).

For additional information, contact A.V. Skriptsova, AV Zhirmun-sky Institute of Marine Biology, Far-Eastern Branch of the RussianAcademy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia. (2011 FEB 8)

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi: Substrate inhibitionduring bio-filtration of TCE using diazotrophic bacterialcommunityCurrent study results from the report, ‘Substrate inhibition duringbio-filtration of TCE using diazotrophic bacterial community,’ havebeen published. According to recent research published in the journalBioresource Technology, “The kinetics of biodegradation of TCE in thebiofilter packed with wood charcoal and inoculated with diazotrophicbacterial community had been investigated. Use of Michaelis-Mententype model showed that substrate inhibition was present in the sys-tem.”

“The kinetic model proposed by Edwards (1970) was used to cal-culate kinetic parameters-maximum elimination capacity (EC(max)),substrate constant (K(s)), and inhibition constant (K(I)). The modelfitted well with the experimental data and the EC(max) was found tobe in the range of 10.8-6.1 g/m(3) h. The K(s) values depended uponsubstrate concentration and ranged from 0.024 to 0.043 g/m(3) indi-cating the high affinity of diazotrophs for TCE,” wrote A.K. Shuklaand colleagues, Banaras Hindu University, Department of Botany.

The researchers concluded: “The K(I) values were low and nearlyconstant (0.011-0.015 g/m(3)) indicating a moderate substrate inhibi-tion.”

Shukla and colleagues published their study in BioresourceTechnology (Substrate inhibition during bio-filtration of TCE us-ing diazotrophic bacterial community. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(3):3561-3).

For additional information, contact A.K. Shukla, Banaras HinduUniversity, Dept. of Botany, Varanasi, India. (2011 FEB 8)

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Bangor University: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) inmicroalgal photobioreactors - a potential loss in solarenergy conversion?A report, ‘Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in microalgal photobiore-actors: a potential loss in solar energy conversion,’ is newly publisheddata in Bioresource Technology. “Microalgae are considered to be a po-tential alternative to terrestrial crops for bio-energy production due totheir relatively high productivity per unit area of land. In this workwe examined the amount of dissolved organic matter exuded by algalcells cultured in photobioreactors, to examine whether a significantfraction of the photoassimilated biomass could potentially be lost fromthe harvestable biomass,” investigators in Menai Bridge, the UnitedKingdom report.

“We found that the mean maximum amount of dissolved organiccarbon (DOC) released measured 6.4% and 17.3% of the total organiccarbon in cultures of Chlorellavulgaris and Dunaliella tertiolecta, re-spectively. This DOM in turn supported a significant growth of bacte-rial biomass, representing a further loss of the algal assimilated car-bon. The release of these levels of DOC indicates that a significantfraction of the photosynthetically fixed organic matter could be lostinto the surrounding water, suggesting that the actual biomass yieldper hectare for industrial purposes could be somewhat less than ex-pected,” wrote C.J. Hulatt and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “A simple and inexpensive optical tech-nique, based on chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) mea-surements, to monitor such losses in commercial PBRs is discussed.”

Hulatt and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in microalgal photobioreac-tors: a potential loss in solar energy conversion? Bioresource Technol-ogy, 2010;101(22):8690-7).

For additional information, contact C.J. Hulatt, School of OceanSciences, College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, MenaiBridge, Anglesey, UK. (2011 JAN 18)

Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan: Bio-diesel productiondirectly from the microalgae biomass of Nannochloropsisby microwave and ultrasound radiationResearchers detail in ‘Bio-diesel production directly from the microal-gae biomass of Nannochloropsis by microwave and ultrasound radia-tion,’ new data in Bioresource Technology. According to a study fromIsrael, “This work offers an optimized method for the direct conversionof harvested Nannochloropsis algae into bio-diesel using two noveltechniques. The first is a unique bio-technology-based environmental

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system utilizing flue gas from coal burning power stations for microal-gae cultivation.”

“This method reduces considerably the cost of algae production.The second technique is the direct transesterification (a one-stagemethod) of the Nannochloropsis biomass to bio-diesel production us-ing microwave and ultrasound radiation with the aid of a SrO cata-lyst. These two techniques were tested and compared to identify themost effective bio-diesel production method,” wrote M. Koberg and col-leagues, Bar Ilan University, Center for Advanced Materials and Nan-otechnology.

The researchers concluded: “Based on our results, it is concludedthat the microwave oven method appears to be the most simple andefficient method for the one-stage direct transesterification of the as-harvested Nannochloropsis algae.”

Koberg and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Bio-diesel production directly from the microalgae biomass ofNannochloropsis by microwave and ultrasound radiation. BioresourceTechnology, 2011;102(5):4265-9).

For more information, contact M. Koberg, Bar-Ilan University,Dept. of Chemistry and Kanbar Laboratory for Nanomaterials, Cen-ter for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Ramat-Gan 52900,Israel. (2011 MAR 15)

Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan: Optimization ofbio-diesel production from soybean and wastes of cookedoil - combining dielectric microwave irradiation and a SrOcatalystInvestigators publish new data in the report ‘Optimization of bio-diesel production from soybean and wastes of cooked oil: combiningdielectric microwave irradiation and a SrO catalyst.’ “This work offersan optimized method in the transesterification of pristine (soybean)oil and cooked oil to bio-diesel, based on microwave dielectric irradi-ation as a driving force for the transesterification reaction and SrOas a catalyst. This combination has demonstrated excellent catalyticactivity and stability,” researchers in Israel report.

“The transesterification was carried out with and without stirring.According to 1H NMR spectroscopy and TLC results, this combinationaccelerates the reaction (to less than 60 s), maintaining a very highconversion (99%) and high efficiency. The catalytic activity of SrOunder atmospheric pressure in the presence of air and under the ar-gon atmosphere is demonstrated. The optimum conversion of cookedoil (99.8%) is achieved under MW irradiation of 1100 W output with

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magnetic stirring after only 10 s,” wrote M. Koberg and colleagues, BarIlan University, Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.

The researchers concluded: “The optimum method decreases thecost of bio-diesel production and has the potential for industrial ap-plication in the transesterification of cooked oil to bio-diesel.”

Koberg and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Optimization of bio-diesel production from soybean and wastesof cooked oil: combining dielectric microwave irradiation and a SrOcatalyst. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(2):1073-8).

For additional information, contact M. Koberg, Bar-Ilan Univer-sity, Dept. of Chemistry and Kanbar Laboratory for Nanomaterialsat the Bar-Ilan University Center for Advanced Materials and Nan-otechnology, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel. (2011 FEB 1)

Beijing Forestry University: Structural comparison andenhanced enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulosicpreparation from Populus tomentosa Carr., by differentcellulose-soluble solvent systemsNew investigation results, ‘Structural comparison and enhanced enzy-matic hydrolysis of the cellulosic preparation from Populus tomentosaCarr., by different cellulose-soluble solvent systems,’ are detailed in astudy published in Bioresource Technology. “This study aims to es-tablish an efficient pretreatment process using cellulose-dissolutionsolvents to enhance the enzymatic saccharification. LiOH/urea,LiCl/DMAc, concentrated phosphoric acid, ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride; [BMIM]Cl) and N-methyl-morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) were selected as the cellulose dissolution agents,”scientists in Beijing, People’s Republic of China report.

“Except the cellulosic sample regenerated from LiCl/DMAc system,all the other treated samples exhibited lower cellulose crystallinityand degree of polymerization (DP), and consequently, exhibited a sig-nificant enhancement on enzymatic hydrolysis kinetic. Ionic liquidpretreatment offered unique advantages in the hydrolysis rate in thefirst 10h, probably due to the extensively structural transformationof cellulose from the crystalline to the amorphous region,” wrote K.Wang and colleagues, Beijing Forestry University.

The researchers concluded: “Meanwhile, the regenerated cellulosefrom concentrated phosphoric acid almost completely consisted of cel-lulose II, and achieved the highest saccharification yield.”

Wang and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Structural comparison and enhanced enzymatic hydrolysisof the cellulosic preparation from Populus tomentosa Carr., by dif-ferent cellulose-soluble solvent systems. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(6):4524-9).

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For more information, contact K. Wang, Institute of BiomassChemistry and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing100083, People’s Taiwan.. (2011 MAR 28)

Beijing University of Chemical Technology: The effects offour different pretreatments on enzymatic hydrolysis ofsweet sorghum bagasseInvestigators publish new data in the report ‘The effects of fourdifferent pretreatments on enzymatic hydrolysis of sweet sorghumbagasse.’ According to recent research published in the journal Biore-source Technology, “Four pretreatment processes including ionic liq-uids, steam explosion, lime, and dilute acid were used for enzymatichydrolysis of sweet sorghum bagasse. Compared with the other threepretreatment approaches, steam-explosion pretreatment showed thegreatest improvement on enzymatic hydrolysis of the bagasse.”

“The maximum conversion of cellulose and the concentrationof glucose obtained from enzymatic hydrolysis of steam explosionbagasse reached 70% and 25 g/L, respectively, which were both 2.5times higher than those of the control (27% and 11 g/L). The resultsbased on the analysis of SEM photos, FTIR, XRD and NMR detectionsuggested that both the reduction of crystallite size of cellulose andcellulose degradation from the Ia and Iß to the Fibril surface celluloseand amorphous cellulose were critical for enzymatic hydrolysis,” wroteJ. Zhang and colleagues, Beijing University of Chemical Technology.

The researchers concluded: “These pretreatments disrupted thecrystal structure of cellulose and increased the available surface area,which made the cellulose better accessible for enzymatic hydrolysis.”

Zhang and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (The effects of four different pretreatments on enzymatichydrolysis of sweet sorghum bagasse. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(6):4585-9).

For additional information, contact J. Zhang, Beijing Key Labo-ratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, BeijingUniversity of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, People’s Taiwan..(2011 MAR 29)

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Beijing University of Technology: Biological sludgereduction and enhanced nutrient removal in a pilot-scalesystem with 2-step sludge alkaline fermentation and A2OprocessScientists discuss in ‘Biological sludge reduction and enhanced nutri-ent removal in a pilot-scale system with 2-step sludge alkaline fermen-tation and A2O process’ new findings in Bioresource Technology. “Toenhance nutrient removal performance and reduce disposal amountof waste activated sludge (WAS), a pilot-scale continuous system con-sisting of a 2-step sludge alkaline fermentation process and an A(2)Oreactor was proposed. The feasibility of WAS reducing and resourcingby alkaline fermentation was investigated,” scientists writing in thejournal Bioresource Technology report.

“Volatile fatty acids (VFA) yield was higher under alkaline con-dition than that under acidic condition. Through 2-step alkaline fer-mentation, substantial VFA was accumulated, and then elutriated outcontinuously from an up-flow column by domestic wastewater. The re-sults showed that 38.2% of sludge was hydrolyzed, 19.7% was finallyacidified into VFA, and as high as 42.1% of WAS was reduced. More-over, after introducing the fermentation liquids with higher propor-tion of acetic acid and propionic acid into the A(2)O reactor, the totalnitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies reached to 80.1% and90.0%, respectively,” wrote Y. Gao and colleagues, Beijing Universityof Technology.

The researchers concluded: “Sludge reduction and enhanced nu-trient removal could be achieved simultaneously in the proposed sys-tem.”

Gao and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (Biological sludge reduction and enhanced nutrient removal in apilot-scale system with 2-step sludge alkaline fermentation and A2Oprocess. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(5):4091-7).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Y. Gao, Bei-jing University of Technology, Key Laboratory of Beijing for WaterQuality Science and Water Environmental Recovery Engineering,Beijing 100124, China. (2011 MAR 15)

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BioEnergy Science Center, Oak Ridge: Mathematicalmodeling of hydrolysate diffusion and utilization incellulolytic biofilms of the extreme thermophileCaldicellulosiruptor obsidiansisNew research, ‘Mathematical modeling of hydrolysate diffusion andutilization in cellulolytic biofilms of the extreme thermophile Caldicel-lulosiruptor obsidiansis,’ is the subject of a report. According to re-cent research published in the journal Bioresource Technology, “In thisstudy, a hydrolysate diffusion and utilization model was developedto examine factors influencing cellulolytic biofilm morphology. Modelsimulations using Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis revealed that thecellulolytic biofilm needs to generate more hydrolysate than it con-sumes to establish a higher than bulk solution intra-biofilm substrateconcentration to support its growth.”

“This produces a hydrolysate surplus that diffuses through thethin biofilm structure into the bulk solution, which gives rise to auniform growth rate and hence the homogeneous morphology of thecellulolytic biofilm. Model predictions were tested against experimen-tal data from a cellulose-fermenting bioreactor and the results wereconsistent with the model prediction and indicated that only a smallfraction (10-12%) of the soluble hydrolysis products are utilized by thebiofilm,” wrote Z.W. Wang and colleagues, Oak Ridge National Labo-ratory, Biosciences Division.

The researchers concluded: “The factors determining the rate-limiting step of cellulolytic biofilm growth are also analyzed and dis-cussed.”

Wang and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (Mathematical modeling of hydrolysate diffusion and utilizationin cellulolytic biofilms of the extreme thermophile Caldicellulosirup-tor obsidiansis. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(3):3155-62).

For additional information, contact Z.W. Wang, BioEnergy ScienceCenter, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, OakRidge, TN 37831 USA. (2011 FEB 8)

Brigham Young University, Provo: Method for evaluatinganaerobic digester performanceResearch findings, ‘Method for evaluating anaerobic digester perfor-mance,’ are discussed in a new report. “The degradation rate andefficiency of digestion processes is typically measured by introducinga substrate or pollutant into a digester and then monitoring the efflu-ents for the pollutant or substrate, a costly and slow process. A new

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method for rapid measurement of the rates and efficiencies of anaero-bic degradation of pollutants and lignocellulose substrates from vari-ous pretreatments is described,” scientists in the United States report.

“The method uses micro-reactors (10-30mL) containing a mixedculture of anaerobic bacteria obtained from a working anaerobic di-gester. The rate of degradation of pollutants and metabolic heatrate are measured in parallel sets of micro-reactors. Measurementof metabolic rate and pollutant degradation simultaneously is an ef-fective means of rapidly examining pollutant degradation on a micro-scale,” wrote T. Cline and colleagues, Brigham Young University.

The researchers concluded: “Calorimetric measurements alone al-low rapid, relative evaluation of various substrate pretreatment meth-ods.”

Cline and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Method for evaluating anaerobic digester performance. Biore-source Technology, 2010;101(22):8623-6).

For more information, contact T. Cline, Brigham Young University,Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Provo, UT 84602-5700 USA.(2011 JAN 18)

Cemagref, Rennes: Combined anaerobic and activatedsludge anoxic/oxic treatment for piggery wastewaterCurrent study results from the report, ‘Combined anaerobic and acti-vated sludge anoxic/oxic treatment for piggery wastewater,’ have beenpublished. According to a study from Rennes, France, “A process com-bining anaerobic digestion and anoxic/oxic treatment was developed totreat pig slurry in-order-to partially convert organic matter (OM) intoa valuable energy and simultaneously to comply with the environmen-tal constraints as regards to nitrogen removal. However, OM contentof digested pig slurry is insufficient to allow a further complete deni-trification of the mineral nitrogen content.”

“Hence, four different configurations were designed and evaluatedto manage the OM requirements and achieve denitrification. Partialnitrification (PN) of ammonium to nitrite was also applied by reg-ulating oxygen inflow time. Thus, the combined process could re-move 38-52% of CODt, 79-88% of CODs, 66-75% of TN and 98-99%of NH(4)(+)N concentrations depending on the slurry characteristics.Anaerobic digestion was able to produce 5.9 Nm(3) of CH(4)/m(slurryadded)(3). PN allowed a reduction in the oxygen and OM require-ments respectively for nitrification and denitrification,” wrote R. Ra-jagopal and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “Thus, this process trims-down the en-ergy costs at the farm scale.”

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Rajagopal and colleagues published the results of their researchin Bioresource Technology (Combined anaerobic and activated sludgeanoxic/oxic treatment for piggery wastewater. Bioresource Technol-ogy, 2011;102(3):2185-92).

For additional information, contact R. Rajagopal, Cemagref, URGERE, Rennes, France. (2011 FEB 8)

Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai: Novelapproach towards recovery of glycosaminoglycans fromtannery wastewaterCurrent study results from the report, ‘Novel approach towards recov-ery of glycosaminoglycans from tannery wastewater,’ have been pub-lished. According to recent research from Adyar, India, “Poly ethyleneglycol (PEG)-poly acrylic acid (PAA) based aqueous two-phase system(ATPS) was selected as a practical model to recover glycosaminogly-cans (GAGs) from tannery wastewater. The influence of PEG molec-ular weight, tie line length (TLL), pH, temperature and NaCl concen-tration on the partition coefficient of glycosaminoglycans from tannerywastewater was studied.”

“Partition coefficient of glycosaminoglycan decreases on increaseof PEG molecular weight, NaCl concentration and temperature,whereas it increases with increase of pH. In the PEG-rich phase, in-creased partitioning of GAGs was observed with increase in TLL. Thepartitioning of GAGs was better in PEG 4000 at pH 8.0, 20 °C with ayield of 91.50%,” wrote J.R. Rao and colleagues, Council of Scientificand Industrial Research.

The researchers concluded: “This study demonstrates the poten-tial application of ATPS processes for the recovery of GAGs from com-plex biological suspensions.”

Rao and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (Novel approach towards recovery of glycosaminoglycans from tan-nery wastewater. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(2):872-8).

For additional information, contact J.R. Rao, Chemical Labora-tory, Central Leather Research Institute, Council of Scientific and In-dustrial Research, Adyar, Chennai 600 020, India. (2011 FEB 1)

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China Agricultural University, Beijing: Rapid estimationof nutrients in chicken manure during plant-fieldcomposting using physicochemical propertiesFresh data on Bioresource Technology are presented in the report‘Rapid estimation of nutrients in chicken manure during plant-fieldcomposting using physicochemical properties.’ According to a studyfrom Beijing, People’s Republic of China, “Regression equations whichrelate livestock and poultry manure nutrient content to its sev-eral physicochemical properties have been reported by previous re-searchers. This study explores the feasibility and efficiency to deter-mine the nutrients (TN; TP; TK; Cu and Zn) in chicken manure duringcomposting using physicochemical properties (pH, EC and DM), andcompares the performances of regression equations in this study withthose in the literature.”

“The results show that DM is the best predictor to construct thesingle linear regressions for all the nutrients (R2=0.84, p


more practical and valuable,” scientists writing in the journal Biore-source Technology report.

“Different from most oxidoreductases, diketoreductase displayedan excellent tolerance to certain organic solvents without any changeson the catalytic properties. After optimizing reaction conditions, anaqueous-hexane (1:1) biphasic system was established for the prepa-ration of 3R,5S-dihydroxy product by diketoreductase,” wrote X. Wuand colleagues, China Pharmaceutical University.

The researchers concluded: “This system was further scaled upto 0.5 l at a substrate concentration of 105 g/l (378 mM), and the3R,5S-hydroxy product was obtained with a yield of 83.5% and excel-lent stereoselectivity (de >99.5%, ee >99.5%).”

Wu and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technology(Preparation of ethyl 3R,5S-6-(benzyloxy)-3,5-dihydroxy-hexanoate byrecombinant diketoreductase in a biphasic system. Bioresource Tech-nology, 2011;102(3):3649-52).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting X. Wu, Lab-oratory of Chemical Biology, School of Life Science and Technology,China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PRChina. (2011 FEB 7)

Chonbuk National University, Jeonbuk: Preparation ofPEI-coated bacterial biosorbent in water solution -optimization of manufacturing conditions using responsesurface methodologyResearch findings, ‘Preparation of PEI-coated bacterial biosorbent inwater solution: optimization of manufacturing conditions using re-sponse surface methodology,’ are discussed in a new report. “The aimof this study is to optimize preparation method of polyethyleneimine(PEI)-coated bacterial biosorbent in water as reaction media using fer-mentation waste biomass of Corynebacterium glutamicum as a rawmaterial. The fermentation waste biomass of C. glutamicum and Re-active Red 4 were used as model raw bacterium and pollutant,” scien-tists writing in the journal Bioresource Technology report.

“Major factors affecting the performance of PEI-coated biosorbentwere the amounts of polymer (PEI) and cross-linker glutaraldehyde(GA). These factors were optimized through response surface method-ology (RSM) with two-level-two-factor (2(2)) full factorial central com-posite design. As a result, the optimum conditions were found to be4.29 g of PEI and 0.15 mL of GA, with 10 g of the biomass, where thesorption capacity was enhanced 4.52-fold compared to that of the rawbiomass,” wrote J. Mao and colleagues, Chonbuk National University.

The researchers concluded: “Therefore, this simple, cost-effective,and water-based method could be a useful modification tool for the

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development of a high performance biosorbent for removing anionicpollutants.”

Mao and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (Preparation of PEI-coated bacterial biosorbent in water solu-tion: optimization of manufacturing conditions using response surfacemethodology. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(2):1462-7).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting J. Mao,Chonbuk National University, Dept. of Bioprocess Engineering, Jeon-buk 561-756, Republic of Korea. (2011 JAN 31)

Chonbuk National University, Jeonbuk: Recovery ofzero-valent gold from cyanide solution by a combinedmethod of biosorption and incinerationData detailed in ‘Recovery of zero-valent gold from cyanide solutionby a combined method of biosorption and incineration’ have been pre-sented. “A new combined way of biosorption and incineration is pre-sented for the recovery of gold from gold-cyanide solutions. Decar-boxylated biosorbent (DCB) was prepared by removing interfering car-boxyl groups from the surface of inactive Corynebacterium glutam-icum,” scientists in South Korea report.

“The recovery of gold from the exhausted biosorbents was per-formed using elution or incineration. The maximum gold(I) uptakeswere obtained as 50.19 and 86.16mg/g for the raw biomass and DCB,respectively. The biosorption performance of DCB indicated that in-terfering carboxyl groups were successfully removed. The recoveryefficiency of ionic gold through elution and purity of metallic gold bymeans of incineration were over 93% and as high as 61.89%, respec-tively. The result of XPS analysis indicated that the gold(I) was able tobe reduced into zero-valent gold during incineration,” wrote I.S. Kwakand colleagues, Chonbuk National University.

The researchers concluded: “It was noted that the combinedmethod of biosorption and incineration could be effective for concen-tration and recovery of gold from the cyanide solutions.”

Kwak and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Recovery of zero-valent gold from cyanide solution by a com-bined method of biosorption and incineration. Bioresource Technology,2010;101(22):8587-92).

For additional information, contact I.S. Kwak, Chonbuk NationalUniversity, Dept. of Bioprocess Engineering and Development of NewParadigm for BIN Fusion Technology, WCU Project, Jeonbuk, SouthKorea. (2011 JAN 17)

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Cornell University, Ithaca: Assessment of commercialhemicellulases for saccharification of alkaline pretreatedperennial biomassA report, ‘Assessment of commercial hemicellulases for saccharifi-cation of alkaline pretreated perennial biomass,’ is newly publisheddata in Bioresource Technology. According to a study from the UnitedStates, “The objective of this research was to measure the effects ofdifferent cellulase and hemicellulase mixtures on fermentable sugarproduction from two different perennial biomasses–switchgrass and alow-impact, high-diversity prairie biomass mixture (LIHD). Each wassubjected to NaOH pretreatment, followed by hydrolysis with a com-mercial cellulase and ß-glucosidase mixture [CB] supplemented witheither of two hemicellulases.”

“For both biomasses, there was little gain in sugar yield when usingCB alone beyond 20-25 mg/g TS; further gain in yield was possible onlythrough hemicellulase supplementation. An equation that modeledCB and hemicellulase effects as occurring independently fit the datareasonably well, except at the lowest of cellulase loadings with hemi-cellulase, where synergistic interactions were evident,” wrote D.L.Sills and colleagues, Cornell University.

The researchers concluded: “Examination of the marginal effec-tiveness of enzyme loadings (incremental grams sugar per incremen-tal mg enzyme) over a broad range of loadings suggests that there is noneed to customize enzymatic hydrolysis for NaOH-pretreated switch-grass and LIHD.”

Sills and colleagues published the results of their research in Biore-source Technology (Assessment of commercial hemicellulases for sac-charification of alkaline pretreated perennial biomass. BioresourceTechnology, 2011;102(2):1389-98).

For additional information, contact D.L. Sills, School of Civil andEnvironmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853USA. (2011 FEB 1)

Cornell University, Ithaca: Cathodes as electron donorsfor microbial metabolism - Which extracellular electrontransfer mechanisms are involved?“This review illuminates extracellular electron transfer mechanismsthat may be involved in microbial bioelectrochemical systems with bio-cathodes. Microbially-catalyzed cathodes are evolving for new biopro-cessing applications for waste(water) treatment, carbon dioxide fixa-tion, chemical product formation, or bioremediation,” scientists writ-ing in the journal Bioresource Technology report.

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“Extracellular electron transfer processes in biological anodes,were the electrode serves as electron acceptor, have been widely stud-ied. However, for biological cathodes the question remains: what arethe biochemical mechanisms for the extracellular electron transferfrom a cathode (electron donor) to a microorganism? This questionwas approached by not only analysing the literature on biocathodes,but also by investigating known extracellular microbial oxidation re-actions in environmental processes. Here, it is predicted that in directelectron transfer reactions, c-type cytochromes often together with hy-drogenases play a critical role and that, in mediated electron transferreactions, natural redox mediators, such as PQQ will be involved inthe bioelectrochemical reaction. These mechanisms are very similarto processes at the bioanode, but the components operate at differentredox potentials,” wrote M. Rosenbaum and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “The biocatalyzed cathode reactions,thereby, are not necessarily energy conserving for the microorganism.”

Rosenbaum and colleagues published their study in BioresourceTechnology (Cathodes as electron donors for microbial metabolism:Which extracellular electron transfer mechanisms are involved?Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(1 Sp. Iss.):324-333).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting L.T. An-genent, Cornell University, Dept. of Biology & Environmental En-gineering, 214 Riley Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.

The publisher of the journal Bioresource Technology can be con-tacted at: Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane,Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England. (2011 MAR 15)

Dalian University of Technology: Effects of an electricfield and zero valent iron on anaerobic treatment of azodye wastewater and microbial community structuresInvestigators publish new data in the report ‘Effects of an electric fieldand zero valent iron on anaerobic treatment of azo dye wastewater andmicrobial community structures.’ According to recent research pub-lished in the journal Bioresource Technology, “A zero valent iron (ZVI)bed with a pair of electrodes was packed in an anaerobic reactor aim-ing at enhancing treatment of azo dye wastewater. The experimentswere carried out in three reactors operated in parallel: an electricfield enhanced ZVI-anaerobic reactor (R1), a ZVI-anaerobic reactor(R2) and a common anaerobic reactor (R3).”

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“R1 presented the highest performance in removal of COD andcolor. Raising voltage in R1 further improved its performance. Scan-ning electron microscopy images displayed that the structure of gran-ular sludge from R1 was intact after being fed with the high dye con-centration, while that of R3 was broken. Fluorescence in situ hy-bridization analysis indicated that the abundance of methanogens inR1 was significantly greater than that in the other two reactors,” wroteY. Liu and colleagues, Dalian University of Technology.

The researchers concluded: “Denaturing gradient gel elec-trophoresis showed that the coupling of electric field and ZVI in-creased the diversity of microbial community and especially enhancedbacterial strains responsible for decolorization.”

Liu and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technology(Effects of an electric field and zero valent iron on anaerobic treatmentof azo dye wastewater and microbial community structures. Biore-source Technology, 2011;102(3):2578-84).

For additional information, contact Y. Liu, Dalian University ofTechnology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmen-tal Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Educa-tion, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian, China.(2011 FEB 7)

Dalian University of Technology: Electron transfermechanisms, new applications, and performance ofbiocathode microbial fuel cells“Broad application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) requires low cost andhigh operational sustainability. Microbial-cathode MFCs, or cathodesusing only bacterial catalysts (biocathodes), can satisfy these demandsand have gained considerable attention in recent years,” researchersin People’s Republic of China report.

“Achievements with biocathodes over the past 3-4 years have beenparticularly impressive not only with respect to the biological aspectsbut also the system-wide considerations related to electrode materi-als and solution chemistry. The versatility of biocathodes enables usto use not only oxygen but also contaminants as possible electron ac-ceptors, allowing nutrient removal and bioremediation in conjunctionwith electricity generation. Moreover, biocathodes create opportuni-ties to convert electrical current into microbially generated reducedproducts. While many new experimental results with biocathodeshave been reported, we are still in the infancy of their engineeringdevelopment,” wrote L.P. Huang and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “This review highlights the opportuni-ties, limits, and challenges of biocathodes.”

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Huang and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Electron transfer mechanisms, new applications, and per-formance of biocathode microbial fuel cells. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(1 Sp. Iss.):316-323).

For additional information, contact L.P. Huang, Dalian Univer-sity of Technology, Key Laboratory Ind Ecology & Environmental En-gineering, Minist Education MOE, School Environmental Science &Technology, Dalian 116024, People’s Republic of China.

Publisher contact information for the journal Bioresource Technol-ogy is: Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidling-ton, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England. (2011 MAR 18)

Data on Bioresource Technology Discussed by Z. Fu andColleaguesResearch findings, ‘Textiles wastewater treatment using anoxic filterbed and biological wriggle bed-ozone biological aerated filter,’ are dis-cussed in a new report. “In this study, the performance of the anoxicfilter bed and biological wriggle bed-ozone biological aerated filter(AFB-BWB-O(3)-BAF) process treating real textile dyeing wastewa-ter was investigated. After more than 2 month process operation, theaverage effluent COD concentration of the AFB, BWB, O(3)-BAF were704.8 mg/L, 294.6 mg/L and 128.8 mg/L, with HRT being 8.1-7.7h, 9.2hand 5.45 h, respectively,” investigators in People’s Republic of Chinareport.

“Results showed that the effluent COD concentration of the AFBdecreased with new carriers added and the average removal COD effi-ciency was 20.2%. During operation conditions, HRT of the BWB andO(3)-BAF was increased, resulting in a decrease in the effluent CODconcentration. However, on increasing the HRT, the COD reductioncapability expressed by the unit carrier COD removal loading of theBWB reactor increased, while that of the O(3)-BAF reactor decreased,”wrote Z. Fu and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “This study is a beneficial attempt toutilize the AFB-BWB-O(3)-BAF combine process for textile wastewa-ter treatment.”

Fu and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technology(Textiles wastewater treatment using anoxic filter bed and biologicalwriggle bed-ozone biological aerated filter. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(4):3748-53).

For additional information, contact Z. Fu, Guangdong Esquel Tex-tile Co., Ltd, 528500 FoShan, Guangdong Province, PR China. (2011FEB 22)

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Data on Bioresource Technology Published by S.F. Bodiniand ColleaguesResearch findings, ‘Rhizosphere dynamics during phytoremediationof olive mill wastewater,’ are discussed in a new report. Accordingto a study from Terni, Italy, “The potential of phytoremediation asa treatment option for olive mill wastewater (OMW) was tested onfive perennial tree species. Cupressus sempervirens and Quercus ilexproved tolerant to six-month OMW treatment followed by six-monthwater irrigation, whereas Salix sp. and Laurus nobilis and, later, Pi-nus mugo suffered from phytotoxic effects.”

“Test plants were compared to controls after treatment and irriga-tion, by monitoring biochemical and microbiological variations in therhizosphere soil. OMW-treated soils were exposed to 50-fold higherphenols concentrations, which, irrespective of whether the respectiveplants were OMW-resistant or susceptible, were reduced by more than90% by the end of the irrigation cycle, owing to significantly increasedlaccase, peroxidase and ß-glucosidase activities, recovery/acquisitionof bacterial culturability and transitory development of specializedfungal communities sharing the presence of Geotrichum candidum,”wrote S.F. Bodini and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “Of all results, the identification ofPenicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium aurantiogriseum as dom-inant rhizosphere fungi was distinctive of OMW-tolerant species.”

Bodini and colleagues published the results of their researchin Bioresource Technology (Rhizosphere dynamics during phytore-mediation of olive mill wastewater. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(6):4383-9).

For additional information, contact S.F. Bodini, Dept. of Envi-ronmental Biotechnologies, ISRIM Scarl, Strada di Pentima 4, 05100Terni, Italy.. (2011 MAR 29)

Data on Bioresource Technology Published by T.L. daSilva and ColleaguesResearch findings, ‘Monitoring Rhodotorula glutinis CCMI 145 phys-iological response and oil production growing on xylose and glucoseusing multi-parameter flow cytometry,’ are discussed in a new report.“Flow cytometry was used to monitor the lipid content, viability andintrinsic light scatter properties of Rhodotorula glutinis CCMI 145cells growing on batch cultures using xylose and glucose as carbonsources. The highest lipid content was observed for cells grown onglucose, at the end of the exponential phase (17.8% w/w),” scientistsin Lisboa, Portugal report.

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“The proportion of cells stained with PI attaining 77% at the endof the glucose growth. Cells growing on xylose produced a maximumlipid content of 10.6% (w/w), at the stationary phase. An increase inthe proportion of cells stained with PI was observed, reaching 29% atthe end of xylose growth,” wrote Silva T.L. da and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “Changes in the side and forward lightscatter detected during the yeast batch cultures supported that R. glu-tinis cells grown on glucose experienced harsher conditions, resultingin a high level of cytoplasmic membrane damage, which did not occurwhen R. glutinis cells grew on xylose.”

da and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (Monitoring Rhodotorula glutinis CCMI 145 physiological re-sponse and oil production growing on xylose and glucose using multi-parameter flow cytometry. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(3):2998-3006).

For more information, contact T.L. da Silva, Laboratorio Nacionalde Energia e Geologia (LNEG), Unidade de Bioenergia, Estrada doPaco do Lumiar, Lisboa, Portugal. (2011 FEB 8)

Data on Bioresource Technology Reported by E.E. Kaluand Co-ResearchersResearchers detail in ‘Continuous-flow biodiesel production using slit-channel reactors,’ new data in Bioresource Technology. “Slit-channelreactors are reactors whose active surface areas are orders of mag-nitude higher than those of micro-reactors but have low fabricationcosts relative to micro-reactors. We successfully produced biodieselwith different degrees of conversion using homogeneous catalyst inthe slit-channel reactor,” scientists in Tallahassee, United States re-port.

“The reactor performance shows that percent conversion of soy-bean oil to biodiesel increases with channel depth, as expected, dueto more efficient mixing. Shallow slit-channels require short averageresidence times for complete product conversion. Present results showthat the slit-channel reactor provides an improved performance overtraditional batch reactors using homogeneous sodium alkoxide cata-lyst. It is aimed to couple the reactors with solid catalysts in convert-ing soybean oil to biodiesel and implementation method is suggested,”wrote E.E. Kalu and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “The cost advantages resulting fromthe ease of fabrication of slit-channel reactors over micro-reactors andhow these factors relate to the oil conversion efficiency to biodiesel arebriefly noted and discussed.”

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Kalu and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (Continuous-flow biodiesel production using slit-channel reactors.Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(6):4456-61).

For more information, contact E.E. Kalu, FAMU-FSU COE, Chem-ical & Biomedical Eng Department, Tallahassee, FL 32310, UnitedStates.. (2011 APR 1)

DaYeh University, Changhua: Xenobiotic substratereduces yield of activated sludge in a continuous flowsystemData detailed in ‘Xenobiotic substrate reduces yield of activatedsludge in a continuous flow system’ have been presented. “Thebiomass yield of a continuous flow activated sludge system variedwhen the system treated influent containing different compositions ofbiogenic and xenobiotic substrates. Both the biogenic substrate and atest xenobiotic 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were degradedat steady-state activated sludge operations,” scientists writing in thejournal Bioresource Technology report.

“The true yields, determined from steady-state activated sludgetreatment performances, were at the maximum and the minimumwhen the activated sludge treated the influent of sole biogenic sub-strate and sole 2,4-D, respectively. The minimum yield was 56% ofthe maximum. Yield reduction between the maximum and the min-imum was proportional to the concentration of 2,4-D in the influ-ent. This trend of yield reduction suited a model that describes themetabolic uncoupling effect of 2,4-D on the sludge’s degradation ofthe substrates,” wrote N.M. Chong and colleagues, DaYeh University,Department of Environmental Engineering.

The researchers concluded: “The model function variable was de-fined as the ratio of 2,4-D to biogenic COD concentrations in the in-fluent.”

Chong and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Xenobiotic substrate reduces yield of activated sludge in a con-tinuous flow system. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(5):4069-75).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting N.M. Chong,DaYeh University, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, No 168, Uni-versity Rd., Dacun, Changhua 51591, Taiwan, Taiwan. (2011 MAR15)

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Department of Biological Research, Kolkata: Mechanisticstudies on the binding of Acid Yellow 99 on coir pithScientists discuss in ‘Mechanistic studies on the binding of Acid Yellow99 on coir pith’ new findings in Bioresource Technology. According torecent research published in the journal Bioresource Technology, “Theinteraction of Acid Yellow 99 (AY 99) with coir pith has been investi-gated in aqueous medium to understand the mechanism of adsorptionand explore the potentiality of this biomass towards controlling pol-lution resulting from textile dyes. The obtained results establish thatone gram of coir pith can adsorb 442.13 mg of AY 99.”

“The adsorption process is found to be a function of pH of the solu-tion, the optimum pH value being 2.0. The process follows Langmuir-Freundlich dual isotherm model. Scanning electron microscopic anal-ysis demonstrates that on dye adsorption the biomass develops unevenand irregular surface. X-ray diffraction study indicates incorporationof the dye into the micropores and macropores of the adsorbent andthereby enhancing its degree of crystallinity,” wrote M.M. Khan andcolleagues, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Depart-ment of Biological Chemistry.

The researchers concluded: “The results of Fourier transform in-frared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemical modification of the functionalgroups establish that binding of AY 99 on coir pith occurs throughelectrostatic and complexation reaction.”

Khan and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (Mechanistic studies on the binding of Acid Yellow 99 on coir pith.Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(3):2394-9).

For additional information, contact M.M. Khan, Indian Associa-tion for the Cultivation of Science, Dept. of Biological Chemistry,Kolkata, India. (2011 FEB 8)

Department of Chemistry, Graz: Biological pretreatmentof cellulose - enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis rate usingcellulose-binding domains from cellulasesNew research, ‘Biological pretreatment of cellulose: enhancing en-zymatic hydrolysis rate using cellulose-binding domains from cellu-lases,’ is the subject of a report. According to a study from Graz,Austria, “In this study, cellulose-binding domains (CBDs) of cellulasesfrom Trichoderma reesei were used in a pretreatment step and werefound to effectively reduce the crystallinity of cellulose (both Aviceland fibrous cellulose). This, in turn, led to higher glucose concentra-tions (up to 25% increase) in subsequent hydrolysis of cellulose usinga mixture of cellulases and without the need for any intermediate pu-rification step.”

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“CBDs were shown to be active in a range of temperatures (up to50°C), while cellulase hydrolytic activity was greatly reduced after in-cubation at 50°C. This was explained by retention of full binding ca-pacity after incubation at 50°C for 15 h,” wrote M. Hall and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “Our findings suggest that CBDs maybe a valuable tool in pretreating cellulose and eventually afford fasterenzymatic conversion of cellulose to glucose, thus contributing to moreaffordable processes in the production of biofuels.”

Hall and colleagues published the results of their research in Biore-source Technology (Biological pretreatment of cellulose: enhancingenzymatic hydrolysis rate using cellulose-binding domains from cel-lulases. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(3):2910-5).

For additional information, contact M. Hall, Organic and Bioor-ganic Chemistry, Dept. of Chemistry, Heinrichstrabe 28, 8010 Graz,Austria. (2011 FEB 8)

Department of Soil Research, Espinardo: qRT-PCRquantification of the biological control agent Trichodermaharzianum in peat and compost-based growing mediaA report, ‘qRT-PCR quantification of the biological control agent Tri-choderma harzianum in peat and compost-based growing media,’ isnewly published data in Bioresource Technology. According to astudy from Espinardo, Spain, “To ensure proper use of Trichodermaharzianum in agriculture, accurate data must be obtained in pop-ulation monitoring. The effectiveness of qRT-PCR to quantify T.harzianum in different growing media was compared to the commonlyused techniques of colony counting and qPCR.”

“Results showed that plate counting and qPCR offered similar T.harzianum quantification patterns of an initial rapid increase in fun-gal population that decreased over time. However, data from qRT-PCR showed a population curve of active T. harzianum with a delayedonset of initial growth which then increased throughout the experi-ment. Results demonstrated that T. harzianum can successfully growin these media and that qRT-PCR can offer a more distinct represen-tation of active T. harzianum populations,” wrote R. Beaulieu and col-leagues.

The researchers concluded: “Additionally, compost amended withT. harzianum exhibited a lower Fusarium oxysporum infection rate(67%) and lower percentage of fresh weight loss (11%) in comparisonto amended peat (90% infection rate, 23% fresh weight loss).”

Beaulieu and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (qRT-PCR quantification of the biological control agent Tricho-derma harzianum in peat and compost-based growing media. Biore-source Technology, 2011;102(3):2793-8).

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For more information, contact R. Beaulieu, Centro de Edafologiay Biologia Aplicada del Segura (CEBAS-CSIC), Dept. of Soil WaterConservation and Organic Waste Management, Espinardo, Murcia,Spain. (2011 FEB 8)

Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir: Destruction of some moreand less hydrophobic PAHs and their toxicities in apetrochemical industry wastewater with sonication inTurkeyFresh data on Bioresource Technology are presented in the report ‘De-struction of some more and less hydrophobic PAHs and their toxicitiesin a petrochemical industry wastewater with sonication in Turkey.’According to a study from Buca, Turkey, “The effects of increasing son-ication time (60-150min), NaCl (2-18g/l), S(2)O(8)(2-) (2-10mg/l) and1-butanol (200-600mg/l) concentrations on the destructions of sevenpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and acute toxicity in a petro-chemical industry wastewater in Izmir (Turkey) were investigated.The yields in more hydrophobic PAHs (DahA and BghiP) were as highas in less hydrophobic PAHs (CHR, PHE, PY, BbF and ANT) at 60degrees C after 150min sonication.”

“The removals in all PAHs increased from 72-78% to 97-99% as theNaCl administration was increased from 1.5 to 12g/l. The degradationefficiency of seven PAHs was enhanced by 36% with 6mg/l S(2)O(8)(2-)after 150min,” wrote D.T. Sponza and colleagues, Dokuz Eylul Univer-sity, Department of Environmental Engineering.

The researchers concluded: “OH(*) is the major process for com-plete sonodegradation of less hydrophobic PAHs while pyrolysis is themajor process for complete degradation of more hydrophobic PAHs.”

Sponza and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Destruction of some more and less hydrophobic PAHs andtheir toxicities in a petrochemical industry wastewater with sonica-tion in Turkey. Bioresource Technology, 2010;101(22):8639-48).

For more information, contact D.T. Sponza, Dokuz Eylul Univer-sity, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, Tinaztepe Campus, Buca,Izmir, Turkey. (2011 JAN 18)

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Donghua University, Shanghai: Preparation andcharacterization of activated carbon produced from ricestraw by (NH4)2HPO4 activationCurrent study results from the report, ‘Preparation and characteri-zation of activated carbon produced from rice straw by (NH4)2HPO4activation,’ have been published. According to a study from Shanghai,People’s Republic of China, “Effects of different pretreatment proto-cols in (NH(4))(2)HPO(4) activation of rice straw on porous activatedcarbon evolution were evaluated. The pore structure, morphology andsurface chemistry of obtained activated carbons were investigated bynitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier trans-form infrared spectroscopy.”

“It was found that pretreatment combining impregnation with(NH(4))(2)HPO(4) and preoxidation could significantly affect thephysicochemical properties of prepared activated carbons. Theapparent surface area and total pore volume as high as 1154m2/g and 0.670 cm(3)/g were obtained respectively, whencombined process of impregnation followed by preoxidation at 200°Cand activation at 700°C was carried out. Meanwhile, the activatedcarbon yield and maximum methylene blue adsorption capacity up to41.14% and 129.5 mg/g were achieved, respectively,” wrote P. Gao andcolleagues, Donghua University.

The researchers concluded: “The results exhibited that(NH(4))(2)HPO(4) could be an effective activating agent for pro-ducing activated carbons from rice straw.”

Gao and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technol-ogy (Preparation and characterization of activated carbon producedfrom rice straw by (NH4)2HPO4 activation. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(3):3645-8).

For more information, contact P. Gao, College of Environmen-tal Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620,China. (2011 FEB 8)

DS College, Aligarh: Enhancement of wood wastedecomposition by microbial inoculation prior tovermicompostingCurrent study results from the report, ‘Enhancement of wood wastedecomposition by microbial inoculation prior to vermicomposting,’have been published. “To investigate the feasibility of microbial pre-decomposition of timber wastes to quality production of vermicom-post with higher agronomic value, timber wastes were inoculatedwith different combinations of the fungi Phanerochete chrysosporium,Trichoderma reesei, Aspergillus niger and the bacteria Azotobacter

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chroococcum (MTCC 3853) and Bacillus cereus (MTCC 4079) and in-cubated at 28-30 °C in a mechanical composter. The inoculation en-hanced the degradation of timber wastes, increased total nitrogen andimproved the quality and enhanced production of vermicompost gen-erated with the native earthworm Drawida willsi Michelsen,” investi-gators in India report.

“Total nitrogen increased from 0.16% to 1.52% and total organiccarbon (TOC) decreased from 42% to 13%. Out of 10 microbial combi-nations tested for pre-decomposition, the combination of P. chrysospo-rium+T. reesei was found best in terms of ligno-cellulosic decomposi-tion, and P. chrysosporium+A. niger+B. cereus with respect of castoutput,” wrote R. Kumar and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “The study shows that microbial pre-decomposition of timber wastes to produce quality vermicompost is afeasible technology.”

Kumar and colleagues published their study in BioresourceTechnology (Enhancement of wood waste decomposition by micro-bial inoculation prior to vermicomposting. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(2):1475-80).

For additional information, contact R. Kumar, Vermiculture Re-search Station, Dept. of Zoology, DS College, Dr. BRA University,Aligarh 202001, UP, India. (2011 FEB 1)

Durban University of Technology: Bioprospecting forhyper-lipid producing microalgal strains for sustainablebiofuel production“Global petroleum reserves are shrinking at a fast pace, increas-ing the demand for alternate fuels. Microalgae have the ability togrow rapidly, and synthesize and accumulate large amounts (approx-imately 20-50% of dry weight) of neutral lipid stored in cytosolic lipidbodies,” scientists in Durban, South Africa report.

“A successful and economically viable algae based biofuel indus-try mainly depends on the selection of appropriate algal strains.The main focus of bioprospecting for microalgae is to identify uniquehigh lipid producing microalgae from different habitats. Indigenousspecies of microalgae with high lipid yields are especially valuable inthe biofuel industry. Isolation, purification and identification of natu-ral microalgal assemblages using conventional techniques is generallytime consuming. However, the recent use of micromanipulation as arapid isolating tool allows for a higher screening throughput. The ap-propriate media and growth conditions are also important for success-ful microalgal proliferation. Environmental parameters recorded atthe sampling site are necessary to optimize in vitro growth. Identifica-tion of species generally requires a combination of morphological and

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genetic characterization. The selected microalgal strains are grown inupscale systems such as raceway ponds or photobireactors for biomassand lipid production. This paper reviews the recent methodologiesadopted for site selection, sampling, strain selection and identifica-tion, optimization of cultural conditions for superior lipid yield for bio-fuel production,” wrote T. Mutanda and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “Energy generation routes of microal-gal lipids and biomass are discussed in detail.”

Mutanda and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Bioprospecting for hyper-lipid producing microalgal strains forsustainable biofuel production. Bioresource Technology, 2011;102(1Sp. Iss.):57-70).

For more information, contact F. Bux, Durban University Tech-nology, Institute Water & Wastewater Technology, ZA-4001 Durban,South Africa.

Publisher contact information for the journal Bioresource Technol-ogy is: Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidling-ton, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England. (2011 MAR 18)

Durban University of Technology: PAM fluorometry as atool to assess microalgal nutrient stress and monitorcellular neutral lipidsNew investigation results, ‘PAM fluorometry as a tool to assess mi-croalgal nutrient stress and monitor cellular neutral lipids,’ are de-tailed in a study published in Bioresource Technology. According torecent research published in the journal Bioresource Technology, “Thisstudy investigated the use of Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluo-rometry to measure nutrient induced physiological stress and subse-quent synthesis of cellular neutral lipids. A freshwater Chlorella sp.was subjected to complete nutrient stress (distilled H2 O) and selec-tive nutrient stress in modified BG-11 media (BG-11-N, BG-11-P andBG-11-Fe).”

“Physiological stress was recorded using parameters, rETR,Fv/Fm, Ek, a and NPQ. Induced stress became evident when theseparameters were significantly altered, suggesting the onset of neutrallipid synthesis. Complete nutrient stress induced the highest yieldof cellular neutral lipids (˜49%) compared to absence of selected nu-trients (˜30%). Physiological stress was recorded by a significant de-crease in rETR (75%), Fv/Fm (36%), and Ek (60%) and an increase inNPQ (83%),” wrote S. White and colleagues, University of Technology.

The researchers concluded: “Optimization of neutral lipids oc-curred by initially maximizing the biomass and subsequently subject-ing the harvested biomass to complete nutrient stress.”

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White and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (PAM fluorometry as a tool to assess microalgal nutrientstress and monitor cellular neutral lipids. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(2):1675-82).

For additional information, contact S. White, Durban Universityof Technology, Institute of Water and Wastewater Research, PO Box1334, Durban 4000, South Africa. (2011 FEB 1)

Ehime University, Matsuyama: Accumulation of Indiumand other heavy metals by Eleocharis acicularis - anoption for phytoremediation and phytominingNew investigation results, ‘Accumulation of Indium and other heavymetals by Eleocharis acicularis: an option for phytoremediation andphytomining,’ are detailed in a study published in Bioresource Tech-nology. According to recent research published in the journal Biore-source Technology, “Eleocharis acicularis was exposed to different con-centrations of In, Ag, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn in the laboratory to assessits capability in accumulating these metals.”

“After 15 days, 477 mg/kg dry wt. of In was accumulated by theroots; concentrations of Ag, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn in the shoots were326, 1120, 575, 195, and 213 mg/kg dry wt., respectively,” wrote N.T.Ha and colleagues, Ehime University.

The researchers concluded: “The results indicate that E. acicularishas the ability to accumulate these metals from water, making it agood candidate species for phytoremediation and phytomining.”

Ha and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Technology(Accumulation of Indium and other heavy metals by Eleocharis acic-ularis: an option for phytoremediation and phytomining. BioresourceTechnology, 2011;102(3):2228-34).

For additional information, contact N.T. Ha, Graduate Schoolof Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan.(2011 FEB 8)

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Eskisehir Osmangazi University: Pyrolysis of grapebagasse - effect of pyrolysis conditions on the productyields and characterization of the liquid productCurrent study results from the report, ‘Pyrolysis of grape bagasse:effect of pyrolysis conditions on the product yields and characteri-zation of the liquid product,’ have been published. According to re-cent research published in the journal Bioresource Technology, “Inthis study, pyrolysis of grape bagasse was investigated with the aimto study the product distribution and their chemical compositionsand to identify optimum process conditions for maximizing the bio-oil yield. Particular investigated process variables were temperature(350-600°C), heating rate (10-50°C/min) and nitrogen gas flow rate(50-200 cm(3)/min).”

“The maximum oil yield of 27.60% was obtained at the final pyrol-ysis temperature of 550°C, sweeping gas flow rate of 100 cm(3)/minand heating rate of 50°C/min in a fixed-bed reactor. The elementalanalysis and heating value of the bio-oils were determined, and thenthe chemical composition of the bio-oil was investigated using chro-matographic and spectroscopic techniques such as column chromatog-raphy, (1)H NMR and FTIR. The fuel properties of the bio-oil suchas flash point, viscosity and density were also determined,” wrote I.Demiral and colleagues, Eskisehir Osmangazi University.

The researchers concluded: “The bio-oils obtained from grapebagasse were presented as an environmentally friendly feedstock can-didate for bio-fuels.”

Demiral and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Pyrolysis of grape bagasse: effect of pyrolysis conditions on theproduct yields and characterization of the liquid product. BioresourceTechnology, 2011;102(4):3946-51).

For additional information, contact I. Demiral, Faculty of Engi-neering and Architecture, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, EskisehirOsmangazi University, Meselik Campus, 26480 Eskisehir, Turkey.(2011 FEB 22)

Federal University, Recife: Kinetics and bioreactor studiesof immobilized invertase on polyurethane rigid adhesivefoamNew investigation results, ‘Kinetics and bioreactor studies of immo-bilized invertase on polyurethane rigid adhesive foam,’ are detailedin a study published in Bioresource Technology. “A new support,polyurethane rigid adhesive foam (PRAF), which can be used to coverinternal surface of metallic tubes, was used to immobilize invertasefor application in an enzymatic bioreactor. The kinetic parameters

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were: Km–46.5±1.9 mM (PRAF-invertase) and 61.2±0.1 mM (free en-zyme) and Vmax 42.0±4.3 U/mg protein/min (PRAF-invertase) and445.3±24.0 U/mg protein/min (free invertase),” researchers in Recife,Brazil report.

“The PRAF-invertase derivative maintained 50.1% of initial activ-ity (69.17 U/g support) for 8 months (4°C) and was not observed mi-crobial contamination. The bioreactor showed the best production ofinverted sugar syrup using up-flow rate (0.48 L/h) with average con-version of 10.64±1.5% h(-1) at feeding rate (D) of 104 h(-1). The opera-tional inactivation rate constant (kopi) and half-life were 1.92 x 10(-4)min(-1) and 60 h (continue use),” wrote P.G. Cadena and colleagues,Universidade Federal de Pernambuco.

The researchers concluded: “The PRAF spray support lookspromising as a new alternative to produce immobilized derivatives onreactor surfaces.”

Cadena and colleagues published their study in BioresourceTechnology (Kinetics and bioreactor studies of immobilized inver-tase on polyurethane rigid adhesive foam. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(2):513-8).

For additional information, contact P.G. Cadena, UniversidadeFederal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Laboratorio de Imunopatologia KeizoAsami (LIKA), Av Prof Moraes Rego, s, n, 50780-901 Recife, Pernam-buco, Brazil. (2011 FEB 1)

Federal University, Sao Carlos: Performance evaluationand phylogenetic characterization of anaerobic fluidizedbed reactors using ground tire and pet as supportmaterials for biohydrogen productionFresh data on Bioresource Technology are presented in the report‘Performance evaluation and phylogenetic characterization of anaero-bic fluidized bed reactors using ground tire and pet as support ma-terials for biohydrogen production.’ “This study evaluated two dif-ferent support materials (ground tire and polyethylene terephthalate[PET]) for biohydrogen production in an anaerobic fluidized bed re-actor (AFBR) treating synthetic wastewater containing glucose (4000mg L(-1)). The AFBR, which contained either ground tire (R1) or PET(R2) as support materials, were inoculated with thermally pretreatedanaerobic sludge and operated at a temperature of 30°C,” researchersin Brazil report.

“The AFBR were operated with a range of hydraulic retentiontimes (HRT) between 1 and 8h. The reactor R1 operating with a HRTof 2h showed better performance than reactor R2, reaching a max-imum hydrogen yield of 2.25 mol H(2)mol(-1) glucose with 1.3mg of

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biomass (as the total volatile solids) attached to each gram of groundtire,” wrote A.R. Barros and colleagues, Federal University, Depart-ment of Chemical Engineering.

The researchers concluded: “Subsequent 16S rRNA gene sequenc-ing and phylogenetic analysis of particle samples revealed that reac-tor R1 favored the presence of hydrogen-producing bacteria such asClostridium, Bacillus, and Enterobacter.”

Barros and colleagues published their study in Bioresource Tech-nology (Performance evaluation and phylogenetic characterization ofanaerobic fluidized bed reactors using ground tire and pet as sup-port materials for biohydrogen production. Bioresource Technology,2011;102(4):3840-7).

For additional information, contact A.R. Barros, Federal Univer-sity of Sao Carlos, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Rod WashingtonLuis km 235, CEP 13565-905 Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil. (2011 FEB 21)

Findings from I. Bruch and Co-Authors Provide NewInsights into Bioresource TechnologyResearchers detail in ‘Improving the treatment efficiency of con-structed wetlands with zeolite-containing filter sands,’ new data inBioresource Technology. “In this study the physical and chemicalproperties of three different lava sands used in constructed wetlandsfor municipal wastewater treatment were investigated. The aim wasto identify those properties and mechanisms that render lava sandsas highly efficient filter media which could substitute conventional,fluviatile sands,” scientists in Germany report.

“It was shown that although lava sands per se may be suitable fil-ter materials, the presence of zeolite minerals within the lava sandsenhances the purification efficiency tremendously. Zeolites not onlyincrease the sorption capacity, but even more important, they are ableto absorb water in large amounts, which in turn leads to strongerswelling. The latter reduces hydrological conductivity considerably,resulting in a longer contact time to eliminate pollutants,” wrote I.Bruch and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: “A simple mineralogical survey of filtermaterials for the presence of zeolites may render many installationsof constructed wetlands successful.”

Bruch and colleagues publishe

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