Descrizione del progetto
Aumentare il valore delle acque reflue a favore di una società sostenibile
Alcuni microrganismi unicellulari sono in grado di innalzare il valore delle acque reflue quando producono biomateriali di elevato valore utilizzando le sostanze nutritive in essi contenute. Tuttavia, l’alta concentrazione di ammoniaca presente nelle acque reflue danneggia i microrganismi, interrompendo la crescita delle alghe. Il progetto PhyToVALUE, finanziato dall’UE, intende stabilire un metodo innovativo per rilevare l’inibizione algale legata all’ammoniaca. Per farlo, vaglierà metodi fluorescenti adeguati che saranno successivamente applicati alle cellule algali inibite. PhyToVALUE progetterà un modello statistico multivariato per distinguere la tossicità dell’ammoniaca da altri fattori inibitori, e realizzerà un dispositivo di monitoraggio fluorescente a basso costo. I metodi e il dispositivo saranno integrati in un esperimento di controllo dell’apporto di ammoniaca a lungo termine per valutarne la fattibilità. I risultati di PhyToVALUE favoriranno il trattamento delle acque reflue, l’acquacoltura e la coltivazione in massa delle alghe, promuovendo l’avvento di una società sostenibile.
Obiettivo
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.
Campo scientifico
- 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
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Meccanismo di finanziamento
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinatore
47002 VALLADOLID
Spagna