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Establishing process conditions for optimal wastewater treatment processes using a microfluidic platform
Citation Link: https://doi.org/10.15480/882.17304
Publikationstyp
Doctoral Thesis
Date Issued
2026
Sprache
English
Author(s)
Advisor
Referee
Title Granting Institution
Technische Universität Hamburg
Place of Title Granting Institution
Hamburg
Examination Date
2026-06-03
Institute
TORE-DOI
Citation
Technische Universität Hamburg (2026)
Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are undergoing constant development to enhance sustainability, driven by the increasingly growing need to reduce energy consumption and stringent regulations. These systems must be robust, continuous, and scalable, yet elucidating the effect of operational parameters should at best rely on multiparallel, small-scale experiments for controlled investigation of biological activity. This thesis employed microfluidic biofilm cultivation systems to investigate the influence of process conditions for two wastewater treatment technologies.
In bioelectrochemical systems (BES), biofilm–electrode interaction is a key factor for electricity generation, and low electron transfer rates limit system efficiency. To address this, electrode surfaces in a microfluidic BES were functionalized with riboflavin and AQDS, and combined with rough surface materials to cultivate co-culture biofilms of Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella oneidensis. Surface pre-treatment and increased roughness enhanced biofilm-electrode interaction compared to a naturally formed biofilm matrix, yielding over fivefold higher mean current densities and reducing initiation time by improving initial electroactive biofilm attachment, biocompatibility, and electron transfer. Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) is a widely applied biological phosphorus (P) removal strategy that mitigates eutrophication and supports regulatory compliance. P-removal is primarily performed by polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs), yet their responses to varying operational conditions remain poorly understood, underscoring a critical knowledge gap. A microfluidic model biofilm system (MMBS) was used to systematically analyze key process conditions, including carbon (C) source, COD/P ratio, pH and temperature, and their effect on the activity of PAOs and other species, as well as EBPR performance. Metagenomic analysis demonstrated that Dechloromonas and Zoogloea were prevalent under all the tested conditions. The C source exerted a stronger influence on system dynamics, with glucose and acetate/propionate supporting the highest P-removal, while ethanol, glycerol, and amino acids led to limited system performance. A low COD:P ratio enhanced phosphorus removal and biofilm formation, and PAO activity was maximal at pH≤7.5, whereas operation at 12 °C did not adversely affect process efficiency. These results guide optimizing design and operation parameters in full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
In bioelectrochemical systems (BES), biofilm–electrode interaction is a key factor for electricity generation, and low electron transfer rates limit system efficiency. To address this, electrode surfaces in a microfluidic BES were functionalized with riboflavin and AQDS, and combined with rough surface materials to cultivate co-culture biofilms of Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella oneidensis. Surface pre-treatment and increased roughness enhanced biofilm-electrode interaction compared to a naturally formed biofilm matrix, yielding over fivefold higher mean current densities and reducing initiation time by improving initial electroactive biofilm attachment, biocompatibility, and electron transfer. Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) is a widely applied biological phosphorus (P) removal strategy that mitigates eutrophication and supports regulatory compliance. P-removal is primarily performed by polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs), yet their responses to varying operational conditions remain poorly understood, underscoring a critical knowledge gap. A microfluidic model biofilm system (MMBS) was used to systematically analyze key process conditions, including carbon (C) source, COD/P ratio, pH and temperature, and their effect on the activity of PAOs and other species, as well as EBPR performance. Metagenomic analysis demonstrated that Dechloromonas and Zoogloea were prevalent under all the tested conditions. The C source exerted a stronger influence on system dynamics, with glucose and acetate/propionate supporting the highest P-removal, while ethanol, glycerol, and amino acids led to limited system performance. A low COD:P ratio enhanced phosphorus removal and biofilm formation, and PAO activity was maximal at pH≤7.5, whereas operation at 12 °C did not adversely affect process efficiency. These results guide optimizing design and operation parameters in full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
Subjects
sustainable water management
circular economy
DDC Class
660.6: Biotechnology
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