Nutrient recovery and pollutant removal during renewable fuel production: opportunities and challenges

Margo Elzinga1, Desiree de Haan2, Cees J N Buisman3

  • 1Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, PO Box 17, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Paqell BV, Reactorweg 301, 3542 AD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Trends in Biotechnology
|January 20, 2023
PubMed

Related Concept Videos

Bioremediation00:46

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
19.7K
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms01:30

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
116
Fates of Pyruvate01:20

Fates of Pyruvate

Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, where glucose is oxidized to pyruvate, simultaneously reducing NAD+ to NADH. Two molecules of ATP are also produced by substrate-level phosphorylation.
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
8.8K
Challenges with Nonrenewable Energy01:30

Challenges with Nonrenewable Energy

Challenges with Nonrenewable EnergyNonrenewable energy sources such as coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy have powered the world for decades, but they come with significant challenges. These energy sources are finite, contribute to pollution, and have environmental and economic drawbacks. As demand for energy grows, scientists and engineers are working to find sustainable solutions to these challenges.Key Challenges of Nonrenewable EnergyLimited Supply – Fossil fuels and uranium take...
Biomass Energy01:30

Biomass Energy

Biomass EnergyBiomass energy is a renewable energy source derived from organic materials such as plants, wood, and animal waste. These materials store energy from the sun through photosynthesis and can be used to produce heat, electricity, and biofuels. Biomass is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Importance of Biomass EnergyRenewable and Sustainable – Biomass comes from plants and waste materials, making it a continuously available energy...
Renewable Resources01:28

Renewable Resources

Renewable ResourcesRenewable resources are natural materials or forms of energy that can be replenished or reused naturally in a short amount of time. These include sunlight, wind, water, and plants. Unlike nonrenewable resources like coal or oil, which take millions of years to form, renewable resources are part of Earth’s natural cycles. We use them for energy, food, and materials. Learning how renewable resources work helps us find better ways to meet our needs without harming the planet...