Co-Fermentation Strategy for Augmented Carbon Source Availability in Biological Nutrient Removal Systems: Optimization and Performance Evaluation

Hosseini Yazdi, Seyed Mohammad Sadegh

Co-Fermentation Strategy for Augmented Carbon Source Availability in Biological Nutrient Removal Systems: Optimization and Performance Evaluation

dc.contributor.advisor	Chu, Angus
dc.contributor.author	Hosseini Yazdi, Seyed Mohammad Sadegh
dc.contributor.committeemember	Achari, Gopal
dc.contributor.committeemember	Black, Kerry
dc.contributor.committeemember	Ponnurangam, Sathish
dc.contributor.committeemember	Hamza, Rania
dc.date	2024-11
dc.date.accessioned	2024-09-20T18:40:03Z
dc.date.available	2024-09-20T18:40:03Z
dc.date.issued	2024-09-18
dc.description.abstract	This research delves into an innovative approach within the field of wastewater treatment, focusing on the co-fermentation of Primary Sludge (PS) with Fermented Sludge (FS), Soft Drink Wastewater (SDWW), and Yeast Wastewater (YWW) to produce volatile fatty acids (VFA). The utilization of waste materials in wastewater treatment, particularly for the synthesis of VFA, represents a significant stride towards sustainable and eco-friendly practices. VFA is crucial intermediates in the biological nutrient removal (BNR) process and play a key role in the anaerobic digestion and biosynthesis of bioplastics and biofuels. The study employs batch fermentation experiments using PS obtained from wastewater treatment facilities, a critical step in the advanced treatment of wastewater. The aim was to investigate the impact of co-substrate addition and different feeding mode on VFA production and composition. Key VFA identified include acetic acid, propionic acid, iso-butyric acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid, with acetic acid and iso-butyric acid predominantly yielding the highest. Further, the research explores the optimization of Food-to-Microorganism ratios, temperatures, and mixing conditions. This is in line with the latest advancements in wastewater treatment which emphasize process optimization for enhanced efficiency and sustainability. The findings reveal substantial enhancements in VFA/SCOD ratios under specific operational conditions, indicating a promising avenue for improved biogas production. Microbial community analysis in the study provides deeper insights into the biological aspects of wastewater treatment. Dominant phyla like Bacteroidota, Campilobacterota, Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, and Proteobacteria were identified, which are instrumental in the biodegradation and nutrient cycling processes in wastewater systems. The study's outcomes hold significant implications for the advancement of wastewater treatment technologies. The addition of biodegradable SDWW and YWW not only improves the fermentation profile but also substantially enhances VFA yields, showcasing the potential of co-fermentation in wastewater treatment. These findings underline the importance of integrating innovative biological processes for effective wastewater management, ultimately contributing to the development of more sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly treatment strategies.
dc.identifier.citation	Hosseini Yazdi, S. M. S. (2024). Co-fermentation strategy for augmented carbon source availability in biological nutrient removal systems: optimization and performance evaluation (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.
dc.identifier.uri	https://hdl.handle.net/1880/119844
dc.language.iso	en
dc.publisher.faculty	Graduate Studies
dc.publisher.institution	University of Calgary
dc.rights	University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subject	Carbon source
dc.subject	Biological nutrient removal
dc.subject	External substrate
dc.subject	Wastewater
dc.subject.classification	Engineering--Environmental
dc.subject.classification	Engineering--Civil
dc.title	Co-Fermentation Strategy for Augmented Carbon Source Availability in Biological Nutrient Removal Systems: Optimization and Performance Evaluation
dc.type	doctoral thesis
thesis.degree.discipline	Engineering – Civil
thesis.degree.grantor	University of Calgary
thesis.degree.name	Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
ucalgary.thesis.accesssetbystudent	I do not require a thesis withhold – my thesis will have open access and can be viewed and downloaded publicly as soon as possible.