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Dr. Ana Gonçalves
LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 CO2 capture
0 Microalgae applications
0 Wastewater remediation
0 Biomass valorization
0 Photobioreactors

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CO2 capture
Photobioreactors
Wastewater remediation

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Journal article
Published: 27 January 2021 in Sustainability
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Humanity is facing some major global threats, namely lack of environmental sustainability, the energy crisis associated with the unsustainable reliance on fossil fuels, and water scarcity, which will be exacerbated with the rapid growth of urban areas. Researchers have drawn their attention to microalgae, photosynthetic microorganisms known for their environmental applications, such as wastewater remediation and lipids accumulation, to produce third-generation biofuels to solve some of these major issues. Considering this dual role, this study evaluated the potential of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris on nutrient removal from a paper industry effluent and bioenergy production. Firstly, experiments were performed to assess the potential of this microalga to: (i) successfully grow in different concentrations of a paper industry effluent (20% to 100%); and (ii) treat the industrial effluent, reducing phosphorus concentrations to values below the accepted legal limits. Then, a techno-economic assessment was performed to study the viability of a C. vulgaris biorefinery targeting the remediation of a paper industry effluent and bioenergy production. The results have shown that C. vulgaris was able to successfully grow and treat the paper industry effluent. Under these conditions, average biomass productivities determined for this microalga ranged between 15.5 ± 0.5 and 26 ± 1 mg dry weight (DW) L−1 d−1, with maximum biomass concentrations reaching values between 337 ± 9 and 495 ± 25 mg DW L−1 d−1. Moreover, final phosphorus concentrations ranged between 0.12 ± 0.01 and 0.5 ± 0.3 mg P L−1, values below the legal limits imposed by the Portuguese Environment Agency on the paper industry. Regarding the proposal of a microalgal biorefinery for the bioremediation of paper industry effluents with bioenergy production, the techno-economic study demonstrated that six of the seven studied scenarios resulted in an economically-viable infrastructure. The highest net present value (15.4 million euros) and lowest discounted payback period (13 years) were determined for Scenario 3, which assumed a photosynthetic efficiency of 3%, a lipids extraction efficiency of 75%, and an anaerobic digestion efficiency of 45%. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that besides being economically viable, the proposed biorefinery presents several environmental benefits: (i) the remediation of an industrial effluent; (ii) CO2 uptake for microalgal growth, which contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gases emissions; (iii) production of clean and renewable energy; (iv) soil regeneration; and (v) promotion of a circular economy.

ACS Style

Maria Silva; Ana Gonçalves; Vítor Vilar; José Pires. Experimental and Techno-Economic Study on the Use of Microalgae for Paper Industry Effluents Remediation. Sustainability 2021, 13, 1314 .

AMA Style

Maria Silva, Ana Gonçalves, Vítor Vilar, José Pires. Experimental and Techno-Economic Study on the Use of Microalgae for Paper Industry Effluents Remediation. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (3):1314.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maria Silva; Ana Gonçalves; Vítor Vilar; José Pires. 2021. "Experimental and Techno-Economic Study on the Use of Microalgae for Paper Industry Effluents Remediation." Sustainability 13, no. 3: 1314.

Review
Published: 19 January 2021 in Applied Sciences
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The increase in worldwide population observed in the last decades has contributed to an increased demand for food supplies, which can only be attained through an improvement in agricultural productivities. Moreover, agricultural practices should become more sustainable, as the use of chemically-based fertilisers, pesticides and growth stimulants can pose serious environmental problems and lead to the scarcity of finite resources, such as phosphorus and potassium, thus increasing the fertilisers’ costs. One possible alternative for the development of a more sustainable and highly effective agriculture is the use of biologically-based compounds with known activity in crops’ nutrition, protection and growth stimulation. Among these products, microalgal and cyanobacterial biomass (or their extracts) are gaining particular attention, due to their undeniable potential as a source of essential nutrients and metabolites with different bioactivities, which can significantly improve crops’ yields. This manuscript highlights the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria in the improvement of agricultural practices, presenting: (i) how these photosynthetic microorganisms interact with higher plants; (ii) the main bioactive compounds that can be isolated from microalgae and cyanobacteria; and (iii) how microalgae and cyanobacteria can influence plants’ growth at different levels (nutrition, protection and growth stimulation).

ACS Style

Ana L. Gonçalves. The Use of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria in the Improvement of Agricultural Practices: A Review on Their Biofertilising, Biostimulating and Biopesticide Roles. Applied Sciences 2021, 11, 871 .

AMA Style

Ana L. Gonçalves. The Use of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria in the Improvement of Agricultural Practices: A Review on Their Biofertilising, Biostimulating and Biopesticide Roles. Applied Sciences. 2021; 11 (2):871.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana L. Gonçalves. 2021. "The Use of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria in the Improvement of Agricultural Practices: A Review on Their Biofertilising, Biostimulating and Biopesticide Roles." Applied Sciences 11, no. 2: 871.

Journal article
Published: 28 October 2020 in Chemical Engineering Journal
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Leachates treatment relies on the adoption of a multi-barrier strategy, involving primary, secondary, and tertiary processes. Due to their ability to grow in a wide variety of environmental conditions, and their nutritional requirements, especially in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus, microalgae appear as a promising alternative for the tertiary treatment of landfill leachates. Despite these advantages, only a few studies have promoted landfill leachates treatment using microalgae, most of them emphasizing the need for effluent dilution in water to minimize the toxicity and high color/turbidity of these effluents. An option to avoid the use of freshwater for effluent dilution would be the development of novel photobioreactors (PBRs), able to improve light absorption and, hence, light utilization efficiency by microalgae. This study evaluated the potential of Chlorella vulgaris and Tetradesmus obliquus on nitrogen (in the forms of nitrate and nitrite) removal from a pre-treated landfill leachate. Preliminary experiments using different concentrations of the pre-treated leachate were carried out in 1-L flasks. These results have shown that microalgal growth and nitrogen removal were higher in more diluted conditions. After selection of the adequate effluent concentration, a tubular PBR coupled to an optical reflector was used for biomass production. This innovative PBR is known to improve light distribution along the tube perimeter, enhancing microalgal photosynthetic activity. In fact, a significant improvement in C. vulgaris biomass productivities and nitrogen species removal efficiencies was observed in this PBR, confirming its potential as an effective platform for microalgal biomass production and tertiary treatment of landfill leachates.

ACS Style

Bruna Porto; Ana L. Gonçalves; Ana F. Esteves; Selene M.A. Guelli U. de Souza; Antônio A.U. de Souza; Vítor J.P. Vilar; José C.M. Pires. Assessing the potential of microalgae for nutrients removal from a landfill leachate using an innovative tubular photobioreactor. Chemical Engineering Journal 2020, 413, 127546 .

AMA Style

Bruna Porto, Ana L. Gonçalves, Ana F. Esteves, Selene M.A. Guelli U. de Souza, Antônio A.U. de Souza, Vítor J.P. Vilar, José C.M. Pires. Assessing the potential of microalgae for nutrients removal from a landfill leachate using an innovative tubular photobioreactor. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2020; 413 ():127546.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bruna Porto; Ana L. Gonçalves; Ana F. Esteves; Selene M.A. Guelli U. de Souza; Antônio A.U. de Souza; Vítor J.P. Vilar; José C.M. Pires. 2020. "Assessing the potential of microalgae for nutrients removal from a landfill leachate using an innovative tubular photobioreactor." Chemical Engineering Journal 413, no. : 127546.

Journal article
Published: 26 April 2020 in Applied Sciences
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Paper and pulp industries produce effluents with high phosphorus concentrations, which need to be treated before their discharge in watercourses. The use of microalgae for this purpose has attracted the attention of researchers because: (i) microalgae can assimilate phosphorus (one of the main nutrients for their growth); and (ii) growing on effluents can significantly reduce the costs and environmental impact of microalgal biomass production. This study evaluated the growth and ability of Chlorella vulgaris to remove the phosphorus from a secondary-treated effluent of a Portuguese paper company. Batch experiments were performed for 11 days using different dilutions of the effluent to evaluate its inhibitory effect on microalgae. Results showed that the non-diluted effluent inhibited microalgal growth, indicating that this bioremediation process is possible after a previous dilution of the effluent. Regarding phosphorus removal, promising results were achieved, especially in the experiments conducted with the most diluted effluent: removal efficiencies obtained in these conditions were (54 ± 1)%. Another interesting finding of this study was microalgal growth in flakes’ form (mainly due to the compounds present in the effluent and to the pH values achieved), which can be an important economic advantage for biomass recovery after the remediation step.

ACS Style

Bruna Porto; Ana L. Gonçalves; Ana F. Esteves; Selene M. A. Guelli Ulson De Souza; Antônio A. Ulson De Souza; Vítor J. P. Vilar; José C. M. Pires. Microalgal Growth in Paper Industry Effluent: Coupling Biomass Production with Nutrients Removal. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 3009 .

AMA Style

Bruna Porto, Ana L. Gonçalves, Ana F. Esteves, Selene M. A. Guelli Ulson De Souza, Antônio A. Ulson De Souza, Vítor J. P. Vilar, José C. M. Pires. Microalgal Growth in Paper Industry Effluent: Coupling Biomass Production with Nutrients Removal. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (9):3009.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bruna Porto; Ana L. Gonçalves; Ana F. Esteves; Selene M. A. Guelli Ulson De Souza; Antônio A. Ulson De Souza; Vítor J. P. Vilar; José C. M. Pires. 2020. "Microalgal Growth in Paper Industry Effluent: Coupling Biomass Production with Nutrients Removal." Applied Sciences 10, no. 9: 3009.

Journal article
Published: 09 January 2020 in Energies
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Microalgae have drawn the attention of several researchers as an alternative to the traditional physicochemical CO2 capture methods, since they can convert CO2 and water into organic matter and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Microalgal growth can be improved by changing light supply, such as light intensity, wavelength, and photoperiod. In this study, the effect of different light wavelengths on CO2 capture, nutrient removal from a synthetic effluent and biomass production of Chlorella vulgaris, Tetradesmus obliquus and Neochloris oleoabundans was studied. The experiments were conducted with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with different wavelengths: 380–750 nm (white), 620–750 nm (red) and 450–495 nm (blue). The maximum specific growth rate was obtained by N. oleoabundans with white LEDs (0.264 ± 0.005 d−1), whereas the maximum biomass productivity (14 ± 4 mgdw L−1 d−1) and CO2 fixation rate (11.4 mgCO2 L−1 d−1) were obtained by C. vulgaris (also with white LEDs). Nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies obtained under white light conditions were also the highest for the three studied microalgae.

ACS Style

Ana F. Esteves; Olívia S. G. P. Soares; Vítor J. P. Vilar; José C. M. Pires; Ana L. Gonçalves. The Effect of Light Wavelength on CO2 Capture, Biomass Production and Nutrient Uptake by Green Microalgae: A Step Forward on Process Integration and Optimisation. Energies 2020, 13, 333 .

AMA Style

Ana F. Esteves, Olívia S. G. P. Soares, Vítor J. P. Vilar, José C. M. Pires, Ana L. Gonçalves. The Effect of Light Wavelength on CO2 Capture, Biomass Production and Nutrient Uptake by Green Microalgae: A Step Forward on Process Integration and Optimisation. Energies. 2020; 13 (2):333.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana F. Esteves; Olívia S. G. P. Soares; Vítor J. P. Vilar; José C. M. Pires; Ana L. Gonçalves. 2020. "The Effect of Light Wavelength on CO2 Capture, Biomass Production and Nutrient Uptake by Green Microalgae: A Step Forward on Process Integration and Optimisation." Energies 13, no. 2: 333.

Book chapter
Published: 01 January 2020 in Handbook of Microalgae-Based Processes and Products
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ACS Style

Ana Filipa Esteves; Cíntia Jesus Almeida; Ana L. Gonçalves; José Pires. Microalgae harvesting techniques. Handbook of Microalgae-Based Processes and Products 2020, 225 -281.

AMA Style

Ana Filipa Esteves, Cíntia Jesus Almeida, Ana L. Gonçalves, José Pires. Microalgae harvesting techniques. Handbook of Microalgae-Based Processes and Products. 2020; ():225-281.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana Filipa Esteves; Cíntia Jesus Almeida; Ana L. Gonçalves; José Pires. 2020. "Microalgae harvesting techniques." Handbook of Microalgae-Based Processes and Products , no. : 225-281.

Book chapter
Published: 01 January 2020 in Advances in Carbon Capture
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ACS Style

Miguel A. Vale; António Ferreira; José Pires; Ana L. Gonçalves. CO2 capture using microalgae. Advances in Carbon Capture 2020, 381 -405.

AMA Style

Miguel A. Vale, António Ferreira, José Pires, Ana L. Gonçalves. CO2 capture using microalgae. Advances in Carbon Capture. 2020; ():381-405.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Miguel A. Vale; António Ferreira; José Pires; Ana L. Gonçalves. 2020. "CO2 capture using microalgae." Advances in Carbon Capture , no. : 381-405.

Article
Published: 27 July 2018 in Environmental Biology of Fishes
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The increased interest in photosynthetic microorganisms for wastewater treatment processes has led to the demand for new biomass harvesting strategies. Biofilm systems have emerged as a good alternative to planktonic photosynthetic cultures. However, knowledge on the environmental aspects influencing microalgal/cyanobacterial biofilm formation is required. This study reports the influence of: (i) surface physicochemical properties of selected microorganisms (Chlorella vulgaris, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Synechocystis salina, and Microcystis aeruginosa) and materials (copper—Cu; glass—G; poly(methyl methacrylate)—PMMA; polystyrene—PS; polyvinyl chloride—PVC; and AISI316 stainless steel—SS) and (ii) culture media composition (glucose-deficient and glucose-enriched media) on biofilm formation (up to 7 days), with constant temperature, light irradiation, and shaking conditions. Adhesion was assessed through thermodynamic prediction of adhesion and by in vitro adhesion assays on microtiter plates. In general, higher biofilm densities were observed after 7 days of experiment, and followed the order: SS > PS > G > PVC > PMMA> Cu. M. aeruginosa was the highest biofilm-former microorganism (2.1 × 106 CFU cm−2), while P. subcapitata has shown lack of ability to adhere. Moreover, the higher biofilm formation ability was observed when glucose-deficient medium was used. Furthermore, the present results pointed out that the thermodynamic approach failed to predict the stochasticity of microalgal/cyanobacterial adhesion. In light of these findings, others factors must be considered when using predictive tools. Therefore, fine-tuning on photosynthetic biofilm formation can be obtained by optimizing the bulk fluid composition and the type of surface. In conclusion, the results show the potential of the selected microalgae/cyanobacteria for biofilm-based technology.

ACS Style

Ana Barros; Ana L. Gonçalves; Manuel Simões. Microalgal/cyanobacterial biofilm formation on selected surfaces: the effects of surface physicochemical properties and culture media composition. Environmental Biology of Fishes 2018, 31, 375 -387.

AMA Style

Ana Barros, Ana L. Gonçalves, Manuel Simões. Microalgal/cyanobacterial biofilm formation on selected surfaces: the effects of surface physicochemical properties and culture media composition. Environmental Biology of Fishes. 2018; 31 (1):375-387.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana Barros; Ana L. Gonçalves; Manuel Simões. 2018. "Microalgal/cyanobacterial biofilm formation on selected surfaces: the effects of surface physicochemical properties and culture media composition." Environmental Biology of Fishes 31, no. 1: 375-387.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2018 in Algal Research
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This study investigated the impact of varying concentrations of tetracycline on the performance of mixed microalgae-bacteria photo-bioreactors. Photo-bioreactors were assessed for their ability to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the biogas of anaerobic membrane bioreactor (anMBR), and nutrients from the anaerobic effluent. The varying concentrations of tetracycline had no impact on the removal of CO2 from biogas. 29% v/v of CO2 was completely removed to generate >20% v/v of oxygen (O2) in all reactors. Removal of nutrients and biomass was not affected at low concentrations of tetracycline (≤150μg/L), but 20mg/L of tetracycline lowered the biomass generation and removal efficiencies of phosphate. Conversely, high chlorophyll a and b content was observed at 20mg/L of tetracycline. High tetracycline level had no impact on the diversity of 18S rRNA gene-based microalgal communities but adversely affected the 16S rRNA gene-based microbial communities. Specifically, both Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla decreased in relative abundance but not phylum Chloroplast. Additionally, both nitrogen-fixing (e.g. Flavobacterium, unclassified Burkholderiales and unclassified Rhizobiaceae) and denitrifying groups (e.g. Hydrogenophaga spp.) were significantly reduced in relative abundance at high tetracycline concentration. Phosphate-accumulating microorganisms, Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were similarly reduced upon exposure to high tetracycline concentration. Unclassified Comamonadaceae, however, increased in relative abundance, which correlated with an increase in the abundance of tetracycline resistance genes associated with efflux pump mechanism. Overall, the findings demonstrate that antibiotic concentrations in municipal wastewaters will not significantly affect the removal of nutrients by the mixed microalgae-bacteria photo-bioreactors. However, utilizing such photo-bioreactors as a polishing step for anMBRs that treat wastewaters with high tetracycline concentration may not be effective as evidenced from the lower nutrient removal and occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes

ACS Style

Yanghui Xiong; Dzenan Hozic; Ana L. Goncalves; Manuel Simões; Pei-Ying Hong. Increasing tetracycline concentrations on the performance and communities of mixed microalgae-bacteria photo-bioreactors. Algal Research 2018, 29, 249 -256.

AMA Style

Yanghui Xiong, Dzenan Hozic, Ana L. Goncalves, Manuel Simões, Pei-Ying Hong. Increasing tetracycline concentrations on the performance and communities of mixed microalgae-bacteria photo-bioreactors. Algal Research. 2018; 29 ():249-256.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yanghui Xiong; Dzenan Hozic; Ana L. Goncalves; Manuel Simões; Pei-Ying Hong. 2018. "Increasing tetracycline concentrations on the performance and communities of mixed microalgae-bacteria photo-bioreactors." Algal Research 29, no. : 249-256.

Review
Published: 27 September 2017 in Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
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Biofilms can cause severe problems to human health due to the high tolerance to antimicrobials; consequently, biofilm science and technology constitutes an important research field. Growing a relevant biofilm in the laboratory provides insights into the basic understanding of the biofilm life cycle including responses to antibiotic therapies. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate biofilm reactor is a critical decision, necessary to obtain reproducible and reliable in vitro results. A reactor should be chosen based upon the study goals and a balance between the pros and cons associated with its use and operational conditions that are as similar as possible to the clinical setting. However, standardization in biofilm studies is rare. This review will focus on the four reactors (Calgary biofilm device, Center for Disease Control biofilm reactor, drip flow biofilm reactor, and rotating disk reactor) approved by a standard setting organization (ASTM International) for biofilm experiments and how researchers have modified these standardized reactors and associated protocols to improve the study and understanding of medical biofilms.

ACS Style

Inês B. Gomes; Ana Meireles; Ana L. Gonçalves; Darla M. Goeres; Jelmer Sjollema; Lúcia C. Simões; Manuel Simões. Standardized reactors for the study of medical biofilms: a review of the principles and latest modifications. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 2017, 38, 657 -670.

AMA Style

Inês B. Gomes, Ana Meireles, Ana L. Gonçalves, Darla M. Goeres, Jelmer Sjollema, Lúcia C. Simões, Manuel Simões. Standardized reactors for the study of medical biofilms: a review of the principles and latest modifications. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology. 2017; 38 (5):657-670.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Inês B. Gomes; Ana Meireles; Ana L. Gonçalves; Darla M. Goeres; Jelmer Sjollema; Lúcia C. Simões; Manuel Simões. 2017. "Standardized reactors for the study of medical biofilms: a review of the principles and latest modifications." Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 38, no. 5: 657-670.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2017 in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
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ACS Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Manuel Simões. Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for higher alcohols production: An environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2017, 77, 580 -589.

AMA Style

Ana L. Gonçalves, Manuel Simões. Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for higher alcohols production: An environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2017; 77 ():580-589.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Manuel Simões. 2017. "Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for higher alcohols production: An environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 77, no. : 580-589.

Book chapter
Published: 28 July 2017 in Algal Biofuels
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ACS Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Sergio L. Pereira; Vitor J.P. Vilar; Jose C.M. Pires; Vitor V. Vieira; Luis T. Guerra; Joana F. Lapa; Diana B. Fonseca; Luis F. Costa; Edgar T. Santos; Leonel Pereira. Use of Wastewater to Improve the Economic Feasibility of Microalgae-Based Biofuels. Algal Biofuels 2017, 30 -65.

AMA Style

Ana L. Gonçalves, Sergio L. Pereira, Vitor J.P. Vilar, Jose C.M. Pires, Vitor V. Vieira, Luis T. Guerra, Joana F. Lapa, Diana B. Fonseca, Luis F. Costa, Edgar T. Santos, Leonel Pereira. Use of Wastewater to Improve the Economic Feasibility of Microalgae-Based Biofuels. Algal Biofuels. 2017; ():30-65.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Sergio L. Pereira; Vitor J.P. Vilar; Jose C.M. Pires; Vitor V. Vieira; Luis T. Guerra; Joana F. Lapa; Diana B. Fonseca; Luis F. Costa; Edgar T. Santos; Leonel Pereira. 2017. "Use of Wastewater to Improve the Economic Feasibility of Microalgae-Based Biofuels." Algal Biofuels , no. : 30-65.

Book chapter
Published: 28 July 2017 in Algal Biofuels
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ACS Style

Sarmidi Amin; Kurniadhi Prabandono; Ana L. Gonçalves; Sérgio L. Pereira; Vítor J.P. Vilar; José C.M. Pires; Leonel Pereira. Biodiesel Production from Microalgae. Algal Biofuels 2017, 66 -102.

AMA Style

Sarmidi Amin, Kurniadhi Prabandono, Ana L. Gonçalves, Sérgio L. Pereira, Vítor J.P. Vilar, José C.M. Pires, Leonel Pereira. Biodiesel Production from Microalgae. Algal Biofuels. 2017; ():66-102.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sarmidi Amin; Kurniadhi Prabandono; Ana L. Gonçalves; Sérgio L. Pereira; Vítor J.P. Vilar; José C.M. Pires; Leonel Pereira. 2017. "Biodiesel Production from Microalgae." Algal Biofuels , no. : 66-102.

Review
Published: 01 June 2017 in Algal Research
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The development of anthropogenic activities has led to an excessive disposal of wastes into water bodies, thus reducing water quality and damaging aquatic ecosystems. To avoid the negative impacts associated to the discharge of wastes into water courses, effective remediation processes are required to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in discharged effluents. Current methodologies applied for nutrients removal tend to be complex, expensive and energy demanding. Therefore, cultivation of microalgae has appeared as an emerging alternative for nutrients removal from wastewaters. These photosynthetic microorganisms require large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus for their growth. However, since it is very difficult to maintain pure cultures of these microorganisms in wastewater treatment processes, several studies have reported the use of natural and artificial microalgal consortia composed exclusively by microalgae or by microalgae and bacteria. The use of these consortia in the remediation of wastewaters can be very advantageous because: (i) cooperative interactions between the co-cultivated microorganisms can occur, enhancing the overall uptake of nutrients; and (ii) these systems tend to be more resistant to environmental conditions oscillations. This study provides an updated review of the literature regarding the application of microalgal consortia in the remediation of wastewaters from different sources, focusing on the mechanisms involved in nutrients removal by microalgae and the main interactions established between the microorganisms integrating the consortia and how they can influence nutrients removal efficiencies.

ACS Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; José Pires; Manuel Simões. A review on the use of microalgal consortia for wastewater treatment. Algal Research 2017, 24, 403 -415.

AMA Style

Ana L. Gonçalves, José Pires, Manuel Simões. A review on the use of microalgal consortia for wastewater treatment. Algal Research. 2017; 24 ():403-415.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; José Pires; Manuel Simões. 2017. "A review on the use of microalgal consortia for wastewater treatment." Algal Research 24, no. : 403-415.

Journal article
Published: 17 November 2016 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Landfill leachates result from the degradation of solid residues in sanitary landfills, thus presenting a high variability in terms of composition. Normally, these effluents are characterized by high ammoniacal-nitrogen (N–NH4+) concentrations, high chemical oxygen demands and low phosphorus concentrations. The development of effective treatment strategies becomes difficult, posing a serious problem to the environment. Phycoremediation appears to be a suitable alternative for the treatment of landfill leachates. In this study, the potential of Chlorella vulgaris for biomass production and nutrients (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus) removal from different compositions of a landfill leachate was evaluated. Since microalgae also require phosphorus for their growth, different loads of this nutrient were evaluated, giving the following N:P ratios: 12:1, 23:1 and 35:1. The results have shown that C. vulgaris was able to grow in the different leachate compositions assessed. However, microalgal growth was higher in the cultures presenting the lowest N–NH4+ concentration. In terms of nutrients uptake, an effective removal of N–NH4+ and phosphorus was observed in all the experiments, especially in those supplied with phosphorus. Nevertheless, N–NO3− removal was considered almost negligible. These promising results constitute important findings in the development of a bioremediation technology for the treatment of landfill leachates.

ACS Style

Sérgio F. L. Pereira; Ana L. Gonçalves; Francisca C. Moreira; Tânia F. C. V. Silva; Vítor J. P. Vilar; José C. M. Pires. Nitrogen Removal from Landfill Leachate by Microalgae. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2016, 17, 1926 .

AMA Style

Sérgio F. L. Pereira, Ana L. Gonçalves, Francisca C. Moreira, Tânia F. C. V. Silva, Vítor J. P. Vilar, José C. M. Pires. Nitrogen Removal from Landfill Leachate by Microalgae. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016; 17 (11):1926.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sérgio F. L. Pereira; Ana L. Gonçalves; Francisca C. Moreira; Tânia F. C. V. Silva; Vítor J. P. Vilar; José C. M. Pires. 2016. "Nitrogen Removal from Landfill Leachate by Microalgae." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 17, no. 11: 1926.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2016 in Journal of Cleaner Production
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ACS Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; José C.M. Pires; Manuel Simões. Wastewater polishing by consortia of Chlorella vulgaris and activated sludge native bacteria. Journal of Cleaner Production 2016, 133, 348 -357.

AMA Style

Ana L. Gonçalves, José C.M. Pires, Manuel Simões. Wastewater polishing by consortia of Chlorella vulgaris and activated sludge native bacteria. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2016; 133 ():348-357.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; José C.M. Pires; Manuel Simões. 2016. "Wastewater polishing by consortia of Chlorella vulgaris and activated sludge native bacteria." Journal of Cleaner Production 133, no. : 348-357.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2016 in Algal Research
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International audienceThe ability of microalgae to fix carbon dioxide and convert it into biofuels, foods and other valuable products has drawn a lot of scientific attention in the last decades. In the last years a number of works aimed at understanding the influence of daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations that affect cell metabolism, and thus biomass production efficiency, have been carried out. However the impact of temperature on cell mortality has never been considered, while temperatures higher than the optimal growth temperature are often reached in summer for outdoor cultivation. This paper explores the effect of high temperatures both on mortality and growth for cultures of Chlorella vulgaris in a photobioreactor. Viability was measured with fluorescein diacetate (FDA), and thus mortality and growth rates were estimated, together with chlorophyll a and intracellular contents in carbon and nitrogen. While the fraction of viable cells decreased at higher temperatures, viable growth and mortality increased from 20 degrees C to 28 degrees C. Chl(a):Cresults suggest that temperature induced photoacclimation in the viable fraction of cells at higher temperatures. A Hinshelwood model was fitted to the data and appropriately described the mortality increase with temperature. Mechanisms affecting growth and mortality rates at high temperature are then discussed

ACS Style

Rui Serra-Maia; Olivier Bernard; Ana Gonçalves; Sakina Bensalem; Filipa Lopes. Influence of temperature on Chlorella vulgaris growth and mortality rates in a photobioreactor. Algal Research 2016, 18, 352 -359.

AMA Style

Rui Serra-Maia, Olivier Bernard, Ana Gonçalves, Sakina Bensalem, Filipa Lopes. Influence of temperature on Chlorella vulgaris growth and mortality rates in a photobioreactor. Algal Research. 2016; 18 ():352-359.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rui Serra-Maia; Olivier Bernard; Ana Gonçalves; Sakina Bensalem; Filipa Lopes. 2016. "Influence of temperature on Chlorella vulgaris growth and mortality rates in a photobioreactor." Algal Research 18, no. : 352-359.

Journals
Published: 06 June 2016 in RSC Advances
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This study suggests growth inhibition ofSynechocystis salinawhen co-cultured withPseudokirchneriella subcapitatathrough the production of an allelochemical – lactic acid.

ACS Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Ana Cristina Abreu; A. Coqueiro; Alexandra Gaspar; Fernanda Borges; Y. H. Choi; J. C. M. Pires; Manuel Simões. Co-cultivation of Synechocystis salina and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata under varying phosphorus concentrations evidences an allelopathic competition scenario. RSC Advances 2016, 6, 56091 -56100.

AMA Style

Ana L. Gonçalves, Ana Cristina Abreu, A. Coqueiro, Alexandra Gaspar, Fernanda Borges, Y. H. Choi, J. C. M. Pires, Manuel Simões. Co-cultivation of Synechocystis salina and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata under varying phosphorus concentrations evidences an allelopathic competition scenario. RSC Advances. 2016; 6 (61):56091-56100.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Ana Cristina Abreu; A. Coqueiro; Alexandra Gaspar; Fernanda Borges; Y. H. Choi; J. C. M. Pires; Manuel Simões. 2016. "Co-cultivation of Synechocystis salina and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata under varying phosphorus concentrations evidences an allelopathic competition scenario." RSC Advances 6, no. 61: 56091-56100.

Journal article
Published: 23 March 2016 in Energies
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The rapid development of modern society has resulted in an increased demand for energy, mainly from fossil fuels. The use of this source of energy has led to the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. In this context, microalgae culturing may be an effective solution to reduce the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, since these microorganisms can capture CO2 and, simultaneously, produce bioenergy. This work consists of a techno-economic assessment of a microalgal production facility integrated in a petrochemical complex, in which established infrastructure allows efficient material and energy transport. Seven different scenarios were considered regarding photosynthetic, lipids extraction and anaerobic digestion efficiencies. This analysis has demonstrated six economically viable scenarios able to: (i) reduce CO2 emissions from a thermoelectric power plant; (ii) treat domestic wastewaters (which were used as culture medium); and (iii) produce lipids and electrical and thermal energy. For a 100-ha facility, considering a photosynthetic efficiency of 3%, a lipids extraction efficiency of 75% and an anaerobic digestion efficiency of 45% (scenario 3), an economically viable process was obtained (net present value of 22.6 million euros), being effective in both CO2 removal (accounting for 1.1 × 104 t per year) and energy production (annual energy produced was 1.6 × 107 kWh and annual lipids productivity was 1.9 × 103 m3).

ACS Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz; Fernando G. Martins; Manuel Simões; José C. M. Pires. Integration of Microalgae-Based Bioenergy Production into a Petrochemical Complex: Techno-Economic Assessment. Energies 2016, 9, 224 .

AMA Style

Ana L. Gonçalves, Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz, Fernando G. Martins, Manuel Simões, José C. M. Pires. Integration of Microalgae-Based Bioenergy Production into a Petrochemical Complex: Techno-Economic Assessment. Energies. 2016; 9 (4):224.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz; Fernando G. Martins; Manuel Simões; José C. M. Pires. 2016. "Integration of Microalgae-Based Bioenergy Production into a Petrochemical Complex: Techno-Economic Assessment." Energies 9, no. 4: 224.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2016 in Algal Research
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The accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, as well as the enrichment of water courses in nutrients are environmental issues associated to numerous impacts on ecosystems. Several attempts have been made to address these issues, but the cost and sustainability of current methodologies are still a concern. Cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms appears as a sustainable solution because: (i) they can effectively uptake CO2 and nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus; and (ii) the resulting biomass can be processed into valuable products. In this study, the effect of different CO2 concentrations (from approximately 0.04 to 10% v/v) on CO2 capture, biomass production and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) uptake was assessed for the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and the cyanobacteria Synechocystis salina and Microcystis aeruginosa grown at laboratory scale under batch mode. For the studied range of CO2 concentrations, C. vulgaris, S. salina and M. aeruginosa have reached the highest biomass productivities (0.126 ± 0.033 gdw L− 1 d− 1) and carbon fixation rates (0.101 ± 0.027 gC L− 1 d− 1). These microorganisms have also been effective in nutrients uptake, reaching removal efficiencies close to 100%. Through mathematical modelling, it was possible to conclude that optimal CO2 concentration for these microorganisms was 5.35 ± 0.34% (v/v).

ACS Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Carla M. Rodrigues; José Pires; Manuel Simões. The effect of increasing CO2 concentrations on its capture, biomass production and wastewater bioremediation by microalgae and cyanobacteria. Algal Research 2016, 14, 127 -136.

AMA Style

Ana L. Gonçalves, Carla M. Rodrigues, José Pires, Manuel Simões. The effect of increasing CO2 concentrations on its capture, biomass production and wastewater bioremediation by microalgae and cyanobacteria. Algal Research. 2016; 14 ():127-136.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ana L. Gonçalves; Carla M. Rodrigues; José Pires; Manuel Simões. 2016. "The effect of increasing CO2 concentrations on its capture, biomass production and wastewater bioremediation by microalgae and cyanobacteria." Algal Research 14, no. : 127-136.