[en] In this study, the properties of unstable and stable flocs were investigated under the steady operation of a membrane bioreactor (MBR). The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) composition, surface charge, and hydrophobicity of unstable and stable flocs were examined and compared. Interfacial interactions of the membrane with unstable flocs, unstable flocs themselves, and unstable and stable flocs were assessed using the extended Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (XDLVO) models. Cake layer resistance was found to contribute more than 80% of total resistance under steady operating conditions. Compared with stable flocs, unstable flocs possessed a higher level of EPS, more diverse protein, more negative charge, weaker hydrophobicity, and higher fouling potential. Thermodynamic analyses showed that unstable flocs had a higher adhesive strength (− 63.4 mJ/m²) with the membrane, lower self-cohesive strength (− 18.3 mJ/m²), and higher cohesive strength (− 54.3 mJ/m²) with stable flocs. Therefore, some unstable flocs remained on the membrane surface to form the cake layer due to their poor cohesion strength.

[en] A hierarchical control system is being developed and applied to a mixed culture bioprocess in a continuous stirred tank reactor. A bioreactor, with its inherent complexity and non-linear behavior was an interesting, yet, difficult application for control theory. The bottom level of the hierarchy was implemented as a number of integrated set point controls and data acquisition modules. Within the second level was a diagnostic system that used expert knowledge to determine the operational status of the sensors, actuators, and control modules. A diagnostic program was successfully implemented for the detection of stirrer malfunctions, and to monitor liquid delivery rates and recalibrate the pumps when deviations from desired flow rates occurred. The highest control level was a supervisory shell that was developed using expert knowledge and the history of the reactor operation to determine the set points required to meet a set of production criteria. At this stage the supervisory shell analyzed the data to determine the state of the system. In future implementations, this shell will determine the set points required to optimize a cost function using expert knowledge and adaptive learning techniques

[en] Membrane fouling by soluble microbial products (SMP) remains one of the limitations for widespread applications of membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems. Over the past two decades, the characteristics and behaviors of SMP have attracted much attention, and efforts have been dedicated to clarify their role in membrane fouling in MBRs. However, to date, there are only few reviews directly relating this area, and the objective of previous reviews is to concentrate on SMP and their implications in biological treatment systems and their effluents. This brief review relating only to SMP-caused membrane fouling evaluation at the fractional level (SMP key components, sub-fractions and hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions) and at the overall level (SMP overall roles, characteristics and factors) is presented, which could greatly help researchers and engineers to better understand SMP actual contribution to membrane fouling and adopt effective measures to avoid SMP-caused fouling in MBRs.

No abstract available

[en] Highlights: • The corrosion effect of B. vietnamensis on 2507 DSS surfaces was studied. • A flat plate bioreactor was used to simulate the real marine environment. • Bacterial metabolite accumulated at localized area and caused a heterogeneous biofilm. • B. vietnamensis induced pitting on 2507 DSS surface after 14 days' exposure.

[en] The different types of bioreactors for biogas production are considered in the paper. The basic advantages and disadvantages are given, too.

[en] Proposals for possible cooperation with Western partners : To obtain the scale transfers method in laboratory condition of microorganisms cultivation to industrial conditions based on the parameters of spatial cultivation to industrial conditions based on the parameters of spatial heterogeneous hydrodynamics situation in bioreactors. The problem is the impossibility to count constructive elements and regimes of ferments operation which provided optimum environment for microorganisms vital functions because the hydrodynamic, biological and mass change processes are complicated. To solve the problems it is required to : - Investigate the different sides of physiology of culture-producer of Biologically Active Substances (hereinafter BAS) - Investigate the interrelation between the stirring and biological transformation in microorganism cells - Analyze and search main tendencies required to control biosynthesis (BAS) processes and reproduction of biosynthesis results at the cultivation change scale - Analyze technical properties of the reactor and the revealing of the spatial heterogeneous hydrodynamics situation at the different scales of bioreactor parameters - Investigate cinematic energy mediums field in the different bioreactor scales - Obtain the criteria dependencies estimating the irregularity of the stirrings intensity - Prepare the methodological foundations of microbiological processes forecast required to introduce to the industrial biosynthesis environment Expected results : To detect the comparable regimes of bioreactor operation in order to achieve equal production range and realize the scale-up method

[en] A microcomputer-based system for the continuous collection and analysis of data from a fermentor is described. The system was designed around commercially available hardware and interface and software packages written for microcomputers. Additional programmes were written in BASIC to allow the results to be printed in a specific format. The data read from the fermentor were automatically stored on a floppy disc and analysis on the data can be performed at our convenience. Such method for data collection is not limited to a bioreactor, however, since instruments that require continuous accurate reading, such as GLC, HPLC, etc., could be coupled to a microcomputer system. (author)

[en] In Malaysia the Eurycoma longifolia is better known as a Tongkat Ali, where it has great local demand as a health tonic. Observation after 3 months revealed that modified MS medium (1/2 Nitrate) supplemented with IBA at 5.0 mg/L and 6.0 mg/L (5% sucrose) was found to be the best formulation for adventitious root induction. The data obtained showed that 70% (10 + 2 adventitious root per explants) of the explants cultured formed the adventitious root in both treatments. Other treatments tested within the range (1.0- 10.0 mg/L) produced less than four adventitious roots per explant. Meanwhile, in the treatment using IAA, the highest formation of root was recorded in 7.0 mg/L with the number of root produced was 3 + 1 per explant. Apart from that, observation after 2 months revealed that 4 + 1 adventitious root per explant was observed in the treatment using 4 mg/L NAA. The chemical profiling studies was carried out by focusing on the production of 9-methoxycanthine-6-one in callus derived from different explants, namely leaf, petiole, rachis and root. The R_f value spots of 9-methoxycanthine-6-one (obtained from the TLC) analysis showed a yellowish green in colour when observed under UV light at 366 nm. Based on the intensity and size of the spots on the chromatogram, it was detected that concentration of 9-methoxycanthine-6-one in root-derived callus was generally higher as compared to other calluses. Therefore, adventitious root culture can be an attractive as it is highly differentiated and can cause stable and extensive production of secondary metabolites. (Author)

[en] The study develops an algorithm for valuating static substratum - biofilm systems used in biogas reactors. This valuation method permits coupling the service value of static substratum - biofilm systems as derived from individual quality factors with the costs of the substratum. Beyond this the cost-related value thus obtained is of principle value for comparing different variants. (orig.)