Descripción del proyecto
Aumentar el valor de las aguas residuales para lograr una sociedad sostenible
Los microorganismos unicelulares pueden potenciar el valor de las aguas residuales si generan biomateriales de alto valor utilizando los nutrientes que estas contienen. Sin embargo, los microorganismos se ven perjudicados por la elevada concentración de amoníaco en las aguas residuales, que impide el crecimiento de algas. El equipo del proyecto PhyToVALUE, financiado con fondos europeos, pretende establecer un método innovador para detectar la inhibición de las algas que provoca el amoníaco. Examinarán métodos fluorescentes apropiados, que luego se aplicarán a células de algas inhibidas. En PhyToVALUE se diseñará un modelo estadístico multivariante para diferenciar la toxicidad del amoníaco de otras inhibiciones, así como un dispositivo de control fluorescente de bajo coste. Estos métodos y el dispositivo se integrarán en un experimento de control de la alimentación con amoníaco a largo plazo para evaluar su viabilidad. Los hallazgos de PhyToVALUE promoverán el tratamiento de aguas residuales, la acuicultura y el cultivo masivo de algas y fomentarán así una sociedad sostenible.
Objetivo
Unicellular small plants, microalgae and cyanobacteria, have a great potential to valorize wastewater by producing high-value biomaterials using the contained nutrients. However, a high concentration of ammonia in wastewater exhibits strong toxicity to microorganisms and prevents the successful cultivation of algae. While dilution is the most prevalent solution, large consumption of freshwater resources is costly and not sustainable. Therefore, this project aims to develop a novel method to detect algal ammonia inhibition by fluorescence monitoring, which will enable direct feeding of undiluted ammonia-containing wastewaters by controlling the feeding rate. In this project, appropriate fluorescent methods will be screened first, and the screened methods will be applied to algal cells exposed to various types of inhibition. A multivariate statistical model will be constructed to distinguish ammonia toxicity from other inhibitions. For improvement of feasibility, a low-cost fluorescent monitoring device shall be also developed. Finally, the developed methods and devices will be integrated into a long-term ammonia feeding control experiment to evaluate the feasibility. During the implementation of the research project, the candidate will receive training both from the host institution (Universidad de Valladolid; UVa) and from the Centre Algatech (CA) where the external advisor belongs to. The candidate will further develop skills in process engineering in the training from UVa and learn the mechanisms of fluorescence from CA. The expected results of the project include a fluorescent algal toxicity identification tool, a low-cost fluorescent monitoring device, and the ammonia toxicity control protocol, all of which have a strong impact on the field of wastewater treatment, aquaculture, and algal mass cultivation. Successful development of proposed methods will enhance the utilization of waste for value creation, leading to the establishment of a sustainable society.
Ámbito científico
Not validated
Not validated
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesfisheries
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwater treatment processeswastewater treatment processes
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyphycology
- natural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsstatistics and probability
- engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterials
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Régimen de financiación
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinador
47002 VALLADOLID
España