CHE5055Z Critical Synthesis

on
Approaches to biomass retention in a non-sterile
environment
Presented by: Tayana Raper
University of Cape Town >> 15 May, 2014 >> - 2 -
Brief Background
Selection
of articles
Chosen based
on quick read of
content
Variety of topics
for differing
opinions
Methods of
selection
Avoided Google
Scholar
Made use of
subscribed
databases and
journal searches
Critical Synthesis
University of Cape Town >> 15 May, 2014 >> Critical Synthesis - 3 -
Papers Studied
Title Year Authors Journal Citations
Impact
Factor
Production of PHA by activated sludge
treating municipal wastewater: effect of
pH, sludge retention time (SRT) and
acetate concentration in influent
2003
Chua A,
Takabatake H,
Satoh H, Mino T.
Water
Research
91 5.389
Influence of sludge retention time on
membrane fouling and bioactivities in
membrane bioreactor system
2005
Han S, Bae T,
Jang G, Tak T.
Process
Biochemistry
88 2.983
Increasing PHA yields from Cupriavidus
necator by using filtered digestate liquors
2013
Passanha P,
Esteves S, Kedia
G, Dinsdale R,
Guwy A.
Bioresource
Technology
0 5.172
Performance of a bioreactor with
submerged membranes for aerobic
treatment of municipal wastewater
2002
Rosenberger S,
Kruger U, Witzig
R, Manz W,
Szewzyk U,
Kraume M.
Water
Research
201 5.389
Domestic Wastewater treatment using an
anaerobic bioreactor coupled with
membrane filtration
1999
Wed C, Huang X,
Qian Y.
Process
Biochemistry
48 2.983
University of Cape Town >> 15 May, 2014 >> Critical Synthesis - 4 -
Brief Background
Maximised
by
increasing
SRT
Conversion
of feed
Low
substrate
concentration
Why
Biomass
Retention?
High
throughput
flowrates
Strain on
downstream
purification
Soluble
product
University of Cape Town >> 15 May, 2014 >> Critical Synthesis - 5 -
Similarities
Use of Membrane
Reactor
Type of membrane
reactor
Benefits of increased
SRT
Disadvantages of
increased SRT
Yes, along with
sequencing
batch reactors
(SBRs)
Submerged
Hollow fibre
(differing pore
sizes)
Higher
sludge/biomass
concentration
Membrane
permeability is
decreased
Treatment
performance better
than traditional
wastewater plants
Increase in
concentration of
inorganics
(endogenous
residue)
Sung-Soo Han et al, S. Rosenberger et al and Cheng Weng et al all concurred
about the use of membrane bioreactor systems, in conjunction with sequencing
batch reactors
Diagram showing SBR with a
membrane filter
Rosenberger S et al (2002)
University of Cape Town >> 15 May, 2014 >> < Conference > - 6 -
Contradictions
Adeline Chua et al and Pearl Passanha et al looked at producing PHA from
activated sludge and digestate liquors respectively. Their approaches were less
obvious, and different to other three authors.
Reactor type used Effect of Increased SRT
Fed batch reactor
for formation of
PHA
PHA production from
activate sludge was higher,
for lower SRT (3 days vs.
10 days). Chua A, et al
Passanha P. et al only
looked at one 50 hour
fermentation
Batch experimental setup used
in Chua A. et al (2003).
University of Cape Town >> 15 May, 2014 >> < Conference > - 7 -
Approach to Synthesis
Selection
Find appropriate
articles
Ensure reputable
Summarise
Careful analysis of
sub-topic
Summary of
findings
Compare
and
Compile
Use summary to
collate information
Highlight
contradictions
Identify areas
needing work
University of Cape Town >> 15 May, 2014 >> < Conference > - 8 -
Limitations
Biomass Retention is a broader sub-topic than expected.

Most of the articles are of recently used approaches as opposed to
traditional.

Factor of sterility vs. non-sterility proved very difficult to find. Most
articles didnt mention much about this.

Qualitative comparison due to varying methods used
Comparing general approaches not necessary specific details.

Five papers is actually too few to get an accurate synthesis about
biomass retention.

More literature on traditional approaches should be found.



University of Cape Town >> 15 May, 2014 >> < Conference > - 9 -
Thank you