The solar energy available within the visible portion of the solar spectrum is about 300 W/m2 (43... more The solar energy available within the visible portion of the solar spectrum is about 300 W/m2 (43%) and that available in the UV and IR portion is about 400 W/m2 (57%). This provides opportunities for developing integrated energy systems that capture and use specific wavelengths of the solar spectrum for different purposes. For example: biofuels from photosynthetic microbes use only the visible light; solar cells use a narrow band of the solar spectrum that could be either mostly in the visible or in the IR regions of the solar spectrum, depending on the photovoltaic materials, e.g., gallium antimonide (GaSb) cells utilize predominately IR radiation; and finally, solar panels that heat water utilize a broad range of wavelengths (visible plus IR). The basic idea of this research is that sunlight has many possible end-use applications including both direct use and energy conversion schemes; it is technically feasible to develop multifunctional solar energy systems capable of addressin...
The objective of this study was to determine adsorption isotherms for polynuclear aromatic (PNA) ... more The objective of this study was to determine adsorption isotherms for polynuclear aromatic (PNA) compounds in methanol and a mixture of 50 percent methanol 50 percent water. The adsorption isotherms are useful in understanding the behavior of PNA compounds in relation to the presence of a cosolvent and PNA physical/chemical characteristics. The results presented here are part of a broader study of assimilative capacities and loading rates being conducted at Utah State University.
The ability of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium to enhance the biotransformation ... more The ability of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium to enhance the biotransformation of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) in contaminated soils was evaluated in compost bioreactors. Radiolabelled114C and chemical mass balances were used to evaluate: 1) rate of disappearance of test compound; 2) mineralization; 3) formation of bound contaminant residue; and 4) treatment costs. Mineralization of B(a)P was found to be insignificant over the duration of test period. Moreover, no radioactivity was recovered in volatile organic traps indicating that transformation of B(a)P resulted in chemicals intermediates that remained associated with the compost matrix. Bound contaminant residue formation was found to be the major mechanism of B(a)P removal accounting for nearly 100% of the contaminant loss from the solvent extract (methylene chloride/acetone). A maximum rate of bound contaminant removal of 1.36 mg B(a)P/Kg soil-day was estimated in fungal inoculated system over the first thirty days...
Developing full-scale algal growth systems on attached platforms is motivated by the need to redu... more Developing full-scale algal growth systems on attached platforms is motivated by the need to reduce energy requirements and costs associated with conventional algae cultivation, harvesting, and downstream processes. Bioproducts from algae include fuels, feeds, pigments, and additional sustainable bioproducts, which serve as substitutes for petroleum-based chemicals. In addition, the development of robust algal biofilm technology offers the potential advantages of operating in deeper water columns, treating wastewaters that are characterized by high turbidity and/or color, and requiring less footprint area. The use of wastewater for algae cultivation has major advantages compared with using defined media added to clean water that include supplying both macro- and micronutrients that offset the cost of commercial fertilizers, utilizing currently existing infrastructure for handling, transporting, and containing large quantities of wastewater, recycling nutrients, and collecting revenues for wastewater remediation that offset the cost of cultivation. This chapter presents an examination of the current knowledge base for algae biofilms specifically related to developing an algae-based biorefinery that integrates wastewater treatment with bioproduct production. Topics examined include mathematical modeling challenges for predicting performance, scaling for production of large amounts of algae biomass, and culturing algae for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. Results of the examination indicate needs for standardization of parameters for measuring and monitoring biofilm processes, for characterization of mixed algae cultures, and for the development of mathematical models that can predict the growth and yield of mixed algal cultures as biofilms. Results also indicate that the integration of wastewater treatment and bioproducts production has promising benefits with regard to reducing energy requirements and costs of an algal-based industry, with associated benefits of environmental sustainability.
The subsurface environment of ground water is characterized by a complex interplay of physical, g... more The subsurface environment of ground water is characterized by a complex interplay of physical, geochemical and biological forces that govern the release, transport and fate of a variety of chemical substances. The impact of natural ground-water recharge and discharge processes on distributions of chemical constituents is understood for only a few types of chemical species. A purpose of the document is to discuss measures that can be taken to ensure that uncertainties do not undermine the ability to make reliable predictions about the response of contamination to various corrective or preventive measures. The need exists for a resource document that brings together available technical information in a form convenient for ground-water personnel within EPA and state and local governments on whom EPA ultimately depends for proper ground-water management. Volume II, Methodology describes various investigative approaches and techniques. Although extensively revised, part of Volume II was...
Biological processes, including microbial degradation, have been identified as critical mechanism... more Biological processes, including microbial degradation, have been identified as critical mechanisms for attenuating organic contaminants during transit through the vadose zone to the groundwater. On-site soil remedial measures using biological processes can reduce or eliminate groundwater contamination, thus reducing the need for extensive groundwater monitoring and treatment requirements. On-site remedial systems that utilize the soil as the treatment system accomplish treatment by using naturally occurring microorganisms to treat the contaminants. Treatment often may be enhanced by a variety of physical/chemical methods, such as fertilization, tilling, soil pH adjustment, moisture control, etc. The development of a bioremediation program for a specific contaminated soil system includes: (1) a thorough site/soil/waste characterization; (2) treatability studies; and (3) design and implementation of the bioremediation plan. Biological remediation of soils contaminated with organic che...
There is a current lack of knowledge concerning the behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ... more There is a current lack of knowledge concerning the behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) in complex environmental vadose zone soil samples with regard to potential ground water contamination. The study was undertaken, using a chemical mass balance approach, to determine the distribution of radiolabelled carbon, parent compounds, and transformation products of the radiolabelled PAH compounds, benzo(a)pyrene and pyrene, among aqueous, gas, and solid phases of a non-contaminated and contaminated (creosote-PCP) vadose zone soil over time of incubation. The apparent degradation of unlabelled PAHs and changes in toxicity of the water-soluble (aqueous) fraction were also measured. Humification represented the most significant mechanism influencing fate and alteration of spiked PAHs accounting for 70% to 95% of the added 14C over a 285 day study period. Humification occurred in poisoned as well as non-poisoned soil and indicated that abiotic process may play a dominant role i...
Land treatment systems are widely used in the United States for treating petroleum refinery waste... more Land treatment systems are widely used in the United States for treating petroleum refinery waste. Many of the petroleum compounds are degradable in bench scale studies. Proper operation of the treatment is critical for successful performance.
International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2017
Municipal and industrial wastewater production in North America is estimated at 85 cubic kilomete... more Municipal and industrial wastewater production in North America is estimated at 85 cubic kilometers per year, and a significant proportion of this wastewater is treated using coagulation-flocculation systems. Therefore, there is an interest to develop new effective, low cost coagulants to be utilized in these systems. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel, low cost coagulant blend of expanded shale, a ceramic derived from the concrete industry, and an industry standard coagulant, ferric sulfate. Triplicate jar tests were operated using synthetic wastewater flocculated with varying concentrations of either ferric sulfate, expanded shale, or a combination of both components. The wastewater was subsequently analyzed for turbidity removal. The optimum concentration for turbidity removal, 0.1 g/L expanded shale and 0.01 g/L ferric sulfate, removed 84.7% and 91% of turbidity and suspended solids, respectively. This blend outperformed the ferric sulfate only treatment, demonst...
Journal of Water Pollution Control Federation, 1988
Laboratory batch reactors were used to generate quantitative information about the fate of polynu... more Laboratory batch reactors were used to generate quantitative information about the fate of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PNA) compounds in soil systems. First-order deg radation rates and equilibrium partition coefficients determined in laboratory studies were used in the Vadose Zone Interactive Processes (VIP) mathematical model to predict the fate and be havior of the PNA compounds as a function of time and soil depth. Predicted model results were compared with independent laboratory soil column studies for model validation. The VIP model provided a good approximation of the degradation and transport of the seven PNA compounds evaluated after 6 months of incubation in soil. Sensitive parameters in the VIP model in cluded degradation rates and initial soil concentrations. /. Water Pollut. Control Fed., 60, 1684 (1988).
The Utilization of Bioremediation to Reduce Soil Contamination: Problems and Solutions, 2003
In this chapter, we address four state-of-the-art aspects of the Landfarming Framework. These inc... more In this chapter, we address four state-of-the-art aspects of the Landfarming Framework. These include: (1) definition and design, (2) treatment rate, (3) example of full-scale landfarming for soil bioremediation, and (4) research and application issues. Landfarming is a technology based on the use of soil microorganisms and agricultural methods in an aerobic environment to reduce soil contamination and associated risk of public exposure through transformation, immobilization, and detoxication processes in order to protect public health and the environment. Landfarming technology accomplishes recycling of organic carbon and nutrients within the biosphere and maintains basic soil characteristics necessary to support plant growth (forestation, vegetation, etc.) and thus contributes to natural resource sustainability. The success of landfarming technology depends upon efficient utilization of microorganisms in a soil farm environment to treat soil contamination. Thus the development and availability of tools and methods for effective utilization of microorganisms within a landfarm environment is critical. An improved understanding of chemical—soil—microbe interactions that includes bioavailability, microorganism characterization, and effect of biological formation of soil bound residues on risk assessment and management will result in improved design, management, and monitoring of landfarm systems for sustainable restoration of soil.
The fugacity-framework addresses multiple-media and multiple contaminant aspects of environmental... more The fugacity-framework addresses multiple-media and multiple contaminant aspects of environmental site assessment. A U.S. EPA database of priority chemicals has been linked to the fugacity model for assessment of contaminant sources, transport and transformation, and exposure. Site-specific data are provided by the user. This tool provides a way for managers to visualize the behavior of toxic chemicals at a contaminated site, the effect of site-specific characteristics on contaminant distribution, the behavior of daughter products of degradation, and the associated risks to humans and the environment. The framework can be used to make decisions regarding protection of public health and the environment, site rehabilitation, and the sustainable development and economic recovery of impacted sites, The fugacity framework can be accessed at http://www,engineering .usu.eduluwrY, Utah Water Research Laboratory.
Production and enhancement of high value phycocyanin pigment from microalgae biofilms cultured on... more Production and enhancement of high value phycocyanin pigment from microalgae biofilms cultured on oilfield and natural gas produced wastewater were investigated. Cyanobacteria isolated from Logan City, Utah, wastewater treatment Lagoons (LLC2) was cultured in produced water using rotating algal biofilm reactors (RABRs). The RABRs were operated under “low” and “high” light conditions and biomass and phycocyanin content were compared. Phycocyanin content was enhanced by growth under low light conditions to a maximum yield of 31.7 mg/g ash-free dry weight (AFDW) biomass for an 87.6% increase in phycocyanin yield. Phycocyanin productivity was equivalent for both the low and high light treatments (327 ± 81 and 305 ± 39 mg/m2/day, respectively), due to the significantly lower AFDW biomass productivity of the low light treatment (2.7 ± 0.4 g/m2-day). An indoor laboratory evaluation of 14 substrata for biofilm growth showed that cotton rope and cotton belt material provided the highest biom...
The solar energy available within the visible portion of the solar spectrum is about 300 W/m2 (43... more The solar energy available within the visible portion of the solar spectrum is about 300 W/m2 (43%) and that available in the UV and IR portion is about 400 W/m2 (57%). This provides opportunities for developing integrated energy systems that capture and use specific wavelengths of the solar spectrum for different purposes. For example: biofuels from photosynthetic microbes use only the visible light; solar cells use a narrow band of the solar spectrum that could be either mostly in the visible or in the IR regions of the solar spectrum, depending on the photovoltaic materials, e.g., gallium antimonide (GaSb) cells utilize predominately IR radiation; and finally, solar panels that heat water utilize a broad range of wavelengths (visible plus IR). The basic idea of this research is that sunlight has many possible end-use applications including both direct use and energy conversion schemes; it is technically feasible to develop multifunctional solar energy systems capable of addressin...
The objective of this study was to determine adsorption isotherms for polynuclear aromatic (PNA) ... more The objective of this study was to determine adsorption isotherms for polynuclear aromatic (PNA) compounds in methanol and a mixture of 50 percent methanol 50 percent water. The adsorption isotherms are useful in understanding the behavior of PNA compounds in relation to the presence of a cosolvent and PNA physical/chemical characteristics. The results presented here are part of a broader study of assimilative capacities and loading rates being conducted at Utah State University.
The ability of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium to enhance the biotransformation ... more The ability of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium to enhance the biotransformation of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) in contaminated soils was evaluated in compost bioreactors. Radiolabelled114C and chemical mass balances were used to evaluate: 1) rate of disappearance of test compound; 2) mineralization; 3) formation of bound contaminant residue; and 4) treatment costs. Mineralization of B(a)P was found to be insignificant over the duration of test period. Moreover, no radioactivity was recovered in volatile organic traps indicating that transformation of B(a)P resulted in chemicals intermediates that remained associated with the compost matrix. Bound contaminant residue formation was found to be the major mechanism of B(a)P removal accounting for nearly 100% of the contaminant loss from the solvent extract (methylene chloride/acetone). A maximum rate of bound contaminant removal of 1.36 mg B(a)P/Kg soil-day was estimated in fungal inoculated system over the first thirty days...
Developing full-scale algal growth systems on attached platforms is motivated by the need to redu... more Developing full-scale algal growth systems on attached platforms is motivated by the need to reduce energy requirements and costs associated with conventional algae cultivation, harvesting, and downstream processes. Bioproducts from algae include fuels, feeds, pigments, and additional sustainable bioproducts, which serve as substitutes for petroleum-based chemicals. In addition, the development of robust algal biofilm technology offers the potential advantages of operating in deeper water columns, treating wastewaters that are characterized by high turbidity and/or color, and requiring less footprint area. The use of wastewater for algae cultivation has major advantages compared with using defined media added to clean water that include supplying both macro- and micronutrients that offset the cost of commercial fertilizers, utilizing currently existing infrastructure for handling, transporting, and containing large quantities of wastewater, recycling nutrients, and collecting revenues for wastewater remediation that offset the cost of cultivation. This chapter presents an examination of the current knowledge base for algae biofilms specifically related to developing an algae-based biorefinery that integrates wastewater treatment with bioproduct production. Topics examined include mathematical modeling challenges for predicting performance, scaling for production of large amounts of algae biomass, and culturing algae for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. Results of the examination indicate needs for standardization of parameters for measuring and monitoring biofilm processes, for characterization of mixed algae cultures, and for the development of mathematical models that can predict the growth and yield of mixed algal cultures as biofilms. Results also indicate that the integration of wastewater treatment and bioproducts production has promising benefits with regard to reducing energy requirements and costs of an algal-based industry, with associated benefits of environmental sustainability.
The subsurface environment of ground water is characterized by a complex interplay of physical, g... more The subsurface environment of ground water is characterized by a complex interplay of physical, geochemical and biological forces that govern the release, transport and fate of a variety of chemical substances. The impact of natural ground-water recharge and discharge processes on distributions of chemical constituents is understood for only a few types of chemical species. A purpose of the document is to discuss measures that can be taken to ensure that uncertainties do not undermine the ability to make reliable predictions about the response of contamination to various corrective or preventive measures. The need exists for a resource document that brings together available technical information in a form convenient for ground-water personnel within EPA and state and local governments on whom EPA ultimately depends for proper ground-water management. Volume II, Methodology describes various investigative approaches and techniques. Although extensively revised, part of Volume II was...
Biological processes, including microbial degradation, have been identified as critical mechanism... more Biological processes, including microbial degradation, have been identified as critical mechanisms for attenuating organic contaminants during transit through the vadose zone to the groundwater. On-site soil remedial measures using biological processes can reduce or eliminate groundwater contamination, thus reducing the need for extensive groundwater monitoring and treatment requirements. On-site remedial systems that utilize the soil as the treatment system accomplish treatment by using naturally occurring microorganisms to treat the contaminants. Treatment often may be enhanced by a variety of physical/chemical methods, such as fertilization, tilling, soil pH adjustment, moisture control, etc. The development of a bioremediation program for a specific contaminated soil system includes: (1) a thorough site/soil/waste characterization; (2) treatability studies; and (3) design and implementation of the bioremediation plan. Biological remediation of soils contaminated with organic che...
There is a current lack of knowledge concerning the behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ... more There is a current lack of knowledge concerning the behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) in complex environmental vadose zone soil samples with regard to potential ground water contamination. The study was undertaken, using a chemical mass balance approach, to determine the distribution of radiolabelled carbon, parent compounds, and transformation products of the radiolabelled PAH compounds, benzo(a)pyrene and pyrene, among aqueous, gas, and solid phases of a non-contaminated and contaminated (creosote-PCP) vadose zone soil over time of incubation. The apparent degradation of unlabelled PAHs and changes in toxicity of the water-soluble (aqueous) fraction were also measured. Humification represented the most significant mechanism influencing fate and alteration of spiked PAHs accounting for 70% to 95% of the added 14C over a 285 day study period. Humification occurred in poisoned as well as non-poisoned soil and indicated that abiotic process may play a dominant role i...
Land treatment systems are widely used in the United States for treating petroleum refinery waste... more Land treatment systems are widely used in the United States for treating petroleum refinery waste. Many of the petroleum compounds are degradable in bench scale studies. Proper operation of the treatment is critical for successful performance.
International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2017
Municipal and industrial wastewater production in North America is estimated at 85 cubic kilomete... more Municipal and industrial wastewater production in North America is estimated at 85 cubic kilometers per year, and a significant proportion of this wastewater is treated using coagulation-flocculation systems. Therefore, there is an interest to develop new effective, low cost coagulants to be utilized in these systems. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel, low cost coagulant blend of expanded shale, a ceramic derived from the concrete industry, and an industry standard coagulant, ferric sulfate. Triplicate jar tests were operated using synthetic wastewater flocculated with varying concentrations of either ferric sulfate, expanded shale, or a combination of both components. The wastewater was subsequently analyzed for turbidity removal. The optimum concentration for turbidity removal, 0.1 g/L expanded shale and 0.01 g/L ferric sulfate, removed 84.7% and 91% of turbidity and suspended solids, respectively. This blend outperformed the ferric sulfate only treatment, demonst...
Journal of Water Pollution Control Federation, 1988
Laboratory batch reactors were used to generate quantitative information about the fate of polynu... more Laboratory batch reactors were used to generate quantitative information about the fate of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PNA) compounds in soil systems. First-order deg radation rates and equilibrium partition coefficients determined in laboratory studies were used in the Vadose Zone Interactive Processes (VIP) mathematical model to predict the fate and be havior of the PNA compounds as a function of time and soil depth. Predicted model results were compared with independent laboratory soil column studies for model validation. The VIP model provided a good approximation of the degradation and transport of the seven PNA compounds evaluated after 6 months of incubation in soil. Sensitive parameters in the VIP model in cluded degradation rates and initial soil concentrations. /. Water Pollut. Control Fed., 60, 1684 (1988).
The Utilization of Bioremediation to Reduce Soil Contamination: Problems and Solutions, 2003
In this chapter, we address four state-of-the-art aspects of the Landfarming Framework. These inc... more In this chapter, we address four state-of-the-art aspects of the Landfarming Framework. These include: (1) definition and design, (2) treatment rate, (3) example of full-scale landfarming for soil bioremediation, and (4) research and application issues. Landfarming is a technology based on the use of soil microorganisms and agricultural methods in an aerobic environment to reduce soil contamination and associated risk of public exposure through transformation, immobilization, and detoxication processes in order to protect public health and the environment. Landfarming technology accomplishes recycling of organic carbon and nutrients within the biosphere and maintains basic soil characteristics necessary to support plant growth (forestation, vegetation, etc.) and thus contributes to natural resource sustainability. The success of landfarming technology depends upon efficient utilization of microorganisms in a soil farm environment to treat soil contamination. Thus the development and availability of tools and methods for effective utilization of microorganisms within a landfarm environment is critical. An improved understanding of chemical—soil—microbe interactions that includes bioavailability, microorganism characterization, and effect of biological formation of soil bound residues on risk assessment and management will result in improved design, management, and monitoring of landfarm systems for sustainable restoration of soil.
The fugacity-framework addresses multiple-media and multiple contaminant aspects of environmental... more The fugacity-framework addresses multiple-media and multiple contaminant aspects of environmental site assessment. A U.S. EPA database of priority chemicals has been linked to the fugacity model for assessment of contaminant sources, transport and transformation, and exposure. Site-specific data are provided by the user. This tool provides a way for managers to visualize the behavior of toxic chemicals at a contaminated site, the effect of site-specific characteristics on contaminant distribution, the behavior of daughter products of degradation, and the associated risks to humans and the environment. The framework can be used to make decisions regarding protection of public health and the environment, site rehabilitation, and the sustainable development and economic recovery of impacted sites, The fugacity framework can be accessed at http://www,engineering .usu.eduluwrY, Utah Water Research Laboratory.
Production and enhancement of high value phycocyanin pigment from microalgae biofilms cultured on... more Production and enhancement of high value phycocyanin pigment from microalgae biofilms cultured on oilfield and natural gas produced wastewater were investigated. Cyanobacteria isolated from Logan City, Utah, wastewater treatment Lagoons (LLC2) was cultured in produced water using rotating algal biofilm reactors (RABRs). The RABRs were operated under “low” and “high” light conditions and biomass and phycocyanin content were compared. Phycocyanin content was enhanced by growth under low light conditions to a maximum yield of 31.7 mg/g ash-free dry weight (AFDW) biomass for an 87.6% increase in phycocyanin yield. Phycocyanin productivity was equivalent for both the low and high light treatments (327 ± 81 and 305 ± 39 mg/m2/day, respectively), due to the significantly lower AFDW biomass productivity of the low light treatment (2.7 ± 0.4 g/m2-day). An indoor laboratory evaluation of 14 substrata for biofilm growth showed that cotton rope and cotton belt material provided the highest biom...
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