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Bioengineering
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Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery
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Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 21531

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Omprakash Sarkar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Community Planning and Natural Resources, Lulea University of Technology, 971 87 Lulea, Sweden
Interests: acidogenic fermentation; anaerobic digestion; volatile fatty acids; biohydrogen; bioammonium; biological wastewater treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. J. Shanthi Sravan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
Interests: microbial electrochemical technologies; electro-fermentation; heavy metals; environmental biotechnology; bioenergy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biological wastewater treatment is an essential process in the purification and recycling of water resources that is aimed at removing various contaminants from wastewater using natural biological mechanisms. Wastewater possesses an abundant amount of nutrients that may lead to significant eutrophication if discharged into water bodies without any treatment. In the past, wastewater has been considered a significant concern for both the environment and public health. However, with the development of sustainable technologies, it is now recognized as a valuable resource. Energy is required for effective biological treatment processes, and incomplete nitrification/denitrification processes can release greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide, which is more potent than CO2. Wastewater treatment plants can treat wastewater by removing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and organic pollutants. However, it is crucial to extract nutrients and valorize the wastewater, which may be possible by combining its treatment with resource recovery.

The effectiveness of biological wastewater treatment relies on the principles of biodegradation and microbial metabolism. Through a series of well-designed processes, organic matter, nutrients, pathogens, and toxic substances present in wastewater can be efficiently degraded and removed. Oxygen availability, temperature, pH levels, retention time, and the availability of specific microorganisms are key factors that influence the performance and efficiency of biological treatment systems. The focus of the research in this area has been on learning about new communities of microorganisms; trying out new methods like biofilm reactors, activated sludge systems, and constructed wetlands; and looking into how advanced technologies like genetic engineering and nanotechnology can be used in the treatment process. There are many methods for the valorization of wastewater, such as anaerobic digestion (AD) and bioelectrogenesis. These processes harness the power of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, to break down organic and inorganic pollutants and enable the extraction of bioenergy in the form of biogas (specifically biomethane, biohydrogen, and bioelectricity), which leads to the production of biobased products such as platform chemicals, volatile fatty acids, and bioammonium.

This Special Issue aims to address the advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the field of biological wastewater treatment. It welcomes interdisciplinary studies encompassing microbiology, engineering, chemistry, biotechnology, and environmental sciences. Additionally, topics such as (i) biotechnological methods to extract resources from wastewater and turn them into value-added products, (ii) the integration of processes for bioenergy and biochemical production, and (iii) nutrient recovery for the circular economy and environmental management will be considered in this SI. The goal is to contribute to the development of sustainable wastewater treatment technologies that minimize environmental impact and maximize resource recovery. By disseminating cutting-edge research, this Special Issue aims to foster collaboration and encourage the adoption of novel approaches in the field of biological wastewater treatment.

Dr. Omprakash Sarkar
Dr. J. Shanthi Sravan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Bioengineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • wastewater treatment
  • nutrient recovery
  • bioenergy generation
  • biobased products
  • anaerobic digestion
  • volatile fatty acids
  • bioammonium
  • bioelectricity

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2089 KiB  
Article
Biogas Digestate and Its Electrodialysis Concentrate as Alternative Media Composition for A. platensis Cultivation: A Study on Nutrient Recovery from Dairy Wastewater
by Elena Singer, Sun-Hwa Jung, Vivekanand Vivekanand and Christoph Lindenberger
Bioengineering 2025, 12(5), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12050460 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 182
Abstract
The dairy industry generates substantial nutrient-rich wastewater, posing environmental challenges if discharged untreated. This study explores the potential of using the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis for nutrient recovery from dairy wastewater, precisely the liquid biogas digestate (BD). The research investigates the feasibility of utilising [...] Read more.
The dairy industry generates substantial nutrient-rich wastewater, posing environmental challenges if discharged untreated. This study explores the potential of using the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis for nutrient recovery from dairy wastewater, precisely the liquid biogas digestate (BD). The research investigates the feasibility of utilising BD and electrodialysis-concentrated BD (BD concentrate) as alternative media for A. platensis cultivation, with a focus on biomass productivity, nutrient uptake, and high-value product formation. Batch and continuous cultivation modes were employed. In batch experiments, biomass productivity was in the ratio of 0 and 0.27 g L−1 d−1, which was 8–100% lower than simulated values for all five tested media compositions. Phosphate fixation was limited with no fixation during batch cultivation and 8–69% during continuous cultivation, likely due to suboptimal N/P ratios, while ammonium removal remained consistently high (>98%). Phycocyanin yield decreased significantly by 92% at high BD concentrate concentrations compared to standard media. Continuous cultivation with 50% BD concentrate improved biomass productivity to 1.02 g L−1 d−1 and pigment yield to 107.9 mg g−1, suggesting a sufficient supply of nutrients. The findings highlight the potential of BD-based media for nutrient recovery but emphasise the need for optimisation strategies, such as nutrient supplementation and microbial adaptation, to enhance performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)
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20 pages, 5636 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Active Sludge Microorganisms Population During Wastewater Treatment in a Micro-Pilot Plant
by Daniela Roxana Popovici, Catalina Gabriela Gheorghe and Cristina Maria Dușescu-Vasile
Bioengineering 2024, 11(12), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11121306 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1440
Abstract
Knowledge of the impact of chemicals on the environment is important for assessing the risks that chemicals can generate in ecosystems. With the help of pilot-scale micro-tests, it was possible to evaluate the biological sludge in terms of its chemical and biological composition, [...] Read more.
Knowledge of the impact of chemicals on the environment is important for assessing the risks that chemicals can generate in ecosystems. With the help of pilot-scale micro-tests, it was possible to evaluate the biological sludge in terms of its chemical and biological composition, information that can be applied on an industrial scale in treatment plants. The important parameters analyzed in the evaluation of the biodegradability of wastewater were pH, chemical composition (NH4+, NO3−, NO2−, and PO43−), dry substance (DS), inorganic substance (IS), and organic substance (OS), and the biological oxygen demand (BOD)/chemical oxygen consumption (COD) ratio. The examination revealed the presence of free active ciliates Aspidisca polystyla, Lyndonotus setigerum, Vorticella microstoma, fixed by Zooglee, Paramecium sp., Opercularia, Colpoda colpidium, Euplotes, Didinum nasutum, Stentor, and Acineta tuberosa, metazoa Rotifers, filamentous algae, Nostoc and Anabena, and bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Nocardia, and Microccocus luteus. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that we carried out a study to evaluate the population of microorganisms starting from the premise that the probability of biodegradation of substances is directly proportional to the number of microorganisms existing in the environment and their enzymatic equipment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)
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16 pages, 2606 KiB  
Article
Microalgae-Based Remediation of Real Textile Wastewater: Assessing Pollutant Removal and Biomass Valorisation
by Rúben A. Martins, Eva M. Salgado, Ana L. Gonçalves, Ana F. Esteves and José C. M. Pires
Bioengineering 2024, 11(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11010044 - 1 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3163
Abstract
The textile industry generates highly contaminated wastewater. It severely threatens local ecosystems without proper treatment, significantly diminishing biodiversity near the discharge point. With rapid growth rates, microalgae offer an effective solution to mitigate the environmental impact of textile wastewater, and the generated biomass [...] Read more.
The textile industry generates highly contaminated wastewater. It severely threatens local ecosystems without proper treatment, significantly diminishing biodiversity near the discharge point. With rapid growth rates, microalgae offer an effective solution to mitigate the environmental impact of textile wastewater, and the generated biomass can be valorised. This study sets out to achieve two primary objectives: (i) to assess the removal of pollutants by Chlorella vulgaris from two distinct real textile wastewaters (without dilution) and (ii) to evaluate microalgal biomass composition for further valorisation (in a circular economy approach). Microalgae grew successfully with growth rates ranging from 0.234 ± 0.005 to 0.290 ± 0.003 d−1 and average productivities ranging from 78 ± 3 to 112.39 ± 0.07 mgDW L−1 d−1. All cultures demonstrated a significant reduction in nutrient concentrations for values below the legal limits for discharge, except for COD in effluent 2. Furthermore, the pigment concentration in the culture increased during textile effluent treatment, presenting a distinct advantage over conventional ones due to the economic value of produced biomass and pigments. This study underscores the promise of microalgae in textile wastewater treatment and provides valuable insights into their role in addressing the environmental challenges the textile industry poses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)
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Review

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27 pages, 3985 KiB  
Review
Advancement in Anaerobic Ammonia Oxidation Technologies for Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery: A Comprehensive Review and Perspectives
by Pradeep Singh, Monish Bisen, Sourabh Kulshreshtha, Lokender Kumar, Shubham R. Choudhury, Mayur J. Nath, Manabendra Mandal, Aman Kumar and Sanjay K. S. Patel
Bioengineering 2025, 12(4), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12040330 - 22 Mar 2025
Viewed by 553
Abstract
Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) technologies have attracted substantial interest due to their advantages over traditional biological nitrogen removal processes, including high efficiency and low energy demand. Currently, multiple side-stream applications of the anammox coupling process have been developed, including one-stage, two-stage, and three-stage [...] Read more.
Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) technologies have attracted substantial interest due to their advantages over traditional biological nitrogen removal processes, including high efficiency and low energy demand. Currently, multiple side-stream applications of the anammox coupling process have been developed, including one-stage, two-stage, and three-stage systems such as completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite, denitrifying ammonium oxidation, simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal, partial denitrification-anammox, and partial nitrification and integrated fermentation denitritation. The one-stage system includes completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite, oxygen-limited autotrophic nitrification/denitrification, aerobic de-ammonification, single-stage nitrogen removal using anammox, and partial nitritation. Two-stage systems, such as the single reactor system for high-activity ammonium removal over nitrite, integrated fixed-film activated sludge, and simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal, have also been developed. Three-stage systems comprise partial nitrification anammox, partial denitrification anammox, simultaneous ammonium oxidation denitrification, and partial nitrification and integrated fermentation denitritation. The performance of these systems is highly dependent on interactions between functional microbial communities, physiochemical parameters, and environmental factors. Mainstream applications are not well developed and require further research and development. Mainstream applications demand a high carbon/nitrogen ratio to maintain levels of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, high concentrations of ammonium and nitrite in wastewater, and retention of anammox bacteria biomass. To summarize various aspects of the anammox processes, this review provides information regarding the microbial diversity of different genera of anammox bacteria and the engineering aspects of various side streams and mainstream anammox processes for wastewater treatment. Additionally, this review offers detailed insights into the challenges related to anammox technology and delivers solutions for future sustainable research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)
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35 pages, 2367 KiB  
Review
A Review on Bioflocculant-Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles: Characterization and Application in Wastewater Treatment
by Nkanyiso C. Nkosi, Albertus K. Basson, Zuzingcebo G. Ntombela, Nkosinathi G. Dlamini and Rajasekhar V. S. R. Pullabhotla
Bioengineering 2024, 11(10), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11101007 - 10 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2086
Abstract
Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are tiny materials with special features such as high electric conductivity, catalytic activity, antimicrobial activity, and optical activity. Published reports demonstrate their utilization in various fields, including biomedical, agricultural, environmental, wastewater treatment, and sensor fields. CuNPs can be produced utilizing [...] Read more.
Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are tiny materials with special features such as high electric conductivity, catalytic activity, antimicrobial activity, and optical activity. Published reports demonstrate their utilization in various fields, including biomedical, agricultural, environmental, wastewater treatment, and sensor fields. CuNPs can be produced utilizing traditional procedures; nevertheless, such procedures have restrictions like excessive consumption of energy, low production yields, and the utilization of detrimental substances. Thus, the adoption of environmentally approachable “green” approaches for copper nanoparticle synthesis is gaining popularity. These approaches involve employing plants, bacteria, and fungi. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of data regarding the application of microbial bioflocculants in the synthesis of copper NPs. Therefore, this review emphasizes copper NP production using microbial flocculants, which offer economic benefits and are sustainable and harmless. The review also provides a characterization of the synthesized copper nanoparticles, employing numerous analytical tools to determine their compositional, morphological, and topographical features. It focuses on scientific advances from January 2015 to December 2023 and emphasizes the use of synthesized copper NPs in wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)
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32 pages, 1481 KiB  
Review
Green Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Silver Nanoparticles Using Bioflocculant: A Review
by Nkanyiso C. Nkosi, Albertus K. Basson, Zuzingcebo G. Ntombela, Nkosinathi G. Dlamini and Rajasekhar V. S. R. Pullabhotla
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050492 - 15 May 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3848
Abstract
Nanotechnology has emerged as an effective means of removing contaminants from water. Traditional techniques for producing nanoparticles, such as physical methods (condensation and evaporation) and chemical methods (oxidation and reduction), have demonstrated high efficiency. However, these methods come with certain drawbacks, including the [...] Read more.
Nanotechnology has emerged as an effective means of removing contaminants from water. Traditional techniques for producing nanoparticles, such as physical methods (condensation and evaporation) and chemical methods (oxidation and reduction), have demonstrated high efficiency. However, these methods come with certain drawbacks, including the significant energy requirement and the use of costly and hazardous chemicals that may cause nanoparticles to adhere to surfaces. To address these limitations, researchers are actively developing alternative procedures that are cost-effective, environmentally safe, and user-friendly. One promising approach involves biological synthesis, which utilizes plants or microorganisms as reducing and capping agents. This review discusses various methods of nanoparticle synthesis, with a focus on biological synthesis using naturally occurring bioflocculants from microorganisms. Bioflocculants offer several advantages, including harmlessness, biodegradability, and minimal secondary pollution. Furthermore, the review covers the characterization of synthesized nanoparticles, their antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. Additionally, it explores the utilization of these NPs in water purification and dye removal processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)
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15 pages, 1429 KiB  
Review
Advances in Biological Wastewater Treatment Processes: Focus on Low-Carbon Energy and Resource Recovery in Biorefinery Context
by J. Shanthi Sravan, Leonidas Matsakas and Omprakash Sarkar
Bioengineering 2024, 11(3), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11030281 - 16 Mar 2024
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 9123
Abstract
Advancements in biological wastewater treatment with sustainable and circularity approaches have a wide scope of application. Biological wastewater treatment is widely used to remove/recover organic pollutants and nutrients from a diverse wastewater spectrum. However, conventional biological processes face challenges, such as low efficiency, [...] Read more.
Advancements in biological wastewater treatment with sustainable and circularity approaches have a wide scope of application. Biological wastewater treatment is widely used to remove/recover organic pollutants and nutrients from a diverse wastewater spectrum. However, conventional biological processes face challenges, such as low efficiency, high energy consumption, and the generation of excess sludge. To overcome these limitations, integrated strategies that combine biological treatment with other physical, chemical, or biological methods have been developed and applied in recent years. This review emphasizes the recent advances in integrated strategies for biological wastewater treatment, focusing on their mechanisms, benefits, challenges, and prospects. The review also discusses the potential applications of integrated strategies for diverse wastewater treatment towards green energy and resource recovery, along with low-carbon fuel production. Biological treatment methods, viz., bioremediation, electro-coagulation, electro-flocculation, electro-Fenton, advanced oxidation, electro-oxidation, bioelectrochemical systems, and photo-remediation, are summarized with respect to non-genetically modified metabolic reactions. Different conducting materials (CMs) play a significant role in mass/charge transfer metabolic processes and aid in enhancing fermentation rates. Carbon, metal, and nano-based CMs hybridization in different processes provide favorable conditions to the fermentative biocatalyst and trigger their activity towards overcoming the limitations of the conventional process. The emerging field of nanotechnology provides novel additional opportunities to surmount the constraints of conventional process for enhanced waste remediation and resource valorization. Holistically, integrated strategies are promising alternatives for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of biological wastewater treatment while also contributing to the circular economy and environmental protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)
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