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Nanomaterial-Aided Enhancement for Psychrophilic Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor for Sustainable Bioenergy Recovery from Organic Waste

Project description

Bioenergy production: boosting the productivity of cold-loving bacteria

Replacing fossil fuels with alternative, carbon-rich biobased ones can face challenges in the energy required to produce them. Biogas production via the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, such as livestock waste by microbes, is one such process. This process is particularly challenging in cold regions where anaerobic digestion requires higher temperatures. Psychrophilic bacteria thrive in the cold and are capable of growth and reproduction at low temperatures, but psychrophilic anaerobic digestion still faces many challenges. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the Nano4PAnMBR project aims to address these using nanomaterials that enhance digestion and membrane bioreactor technologies to reduce fouling, thereby boosting renewable bioenergy production

Objective

In response to climate change, the EU has pledged to reduce net GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. A primary strategy to achieve these ambitious climate and energy goals is the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Biogas production through anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste, such as livestock waste, plays a crucial role in Europe's move towards sustainability. Owing to the high energy input required for mesophilic or thermophilic AD in cold regions, psychrophilic AD has emerged as a promising biotechnology for treating specific livestock wastes (e.g. pig manure, or PM) and recovering bioenergy in these climates.

However, psychrophilic AD still confronts significant challenges in treating PM, including: i) inefficiencies in methane production due to diminished microbial activity at low temperatures, ii) slow growth and susceptibility of methanogenic consortia to washout, and iii) the adverse effects of antibiotics present in PM on microbial activity. The EU-funded Nano4PAnMBR project seeks to develop a cutting-edge and viable psychrophilic AD technology by integrating nanomaterials and membrane bioreactor technologies to boost renewable bioenergy production. This goal will be accomplished through the following research objectives: 1) Synthesizing and screening nanomaterials to enhance psychrophilic AD of PM; 2) Evaluating the performance of the psychrophilic AnMBR in treating PM using the selected nanomaterials; 3) Investigating methods to mitigate membrane fouling.

This project is profoundly interdisciplinary, incorporating tools, approaches, and expertise from the engineering, microbiology, nanotechnology, and membrane technology fields. The participating researcher will receive comprehensive training in both scientific and broader skills. Activities for dissemination, communication, and exploitation have been planned to engage a wide range of audiences.

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Topic(s)

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 165 312,96
Address
EDIF A CAMPUS DE LA UAB BELLATERRA CERDANYOLA V
08193 Cerdanyola Del Valles
Spain

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Region
Este Cataluña Barcelona
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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