Description du projet
Augmenter la valeur des eaux usées afin de contribuer à une société plus durable
S’ils parvenaient à utiliser les nutriments contenus dans les eaux usées pour générer des biomatériaux de grande valeur, les micro-organismes unicellulaires pourraient contribuer à leur valorisation. Ils sont toutefois limités par la forte concentration en ammoniac des eaux résiduelles, qui empêche les algues de se développer. Le projet PhyToVALUE, financé par l’UE, entend établir une méthode innovante de détection de l’inhibition des algues par l’ammoniac. Pour ce faire, il passera au crible différentes méthodes par fluorescence, qui seront ensuite appliquées aux cellules d’algues inhibées. PhyToVALUE concevra un modèle statistique multivarié permettant de différencier la toxicité de l’ammoniac des autres inhibitions, ainsi qu’un dispositif de surveillance par fluorescence à faible coût. Ces méthodes et ce dispositif seront intégrés dans une expérience de surveillance à long terme de la teneur en ammoniac afin d’évaluer la viabilité. Les résultats de PhyToVALUE permettront de faire progresser le traitement des eaux usées, l’aquaculture et la culture de masse des algues, ce qui contribuera à une société plus durable.
Objectif
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.
Champ scientifique
- 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
Mots‑clés
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Régime de financement
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinateur
47002 VALLADOLID
Espagne