EPSRC-SFI: REducing Greenhouse gas emissions and ENgaging antibactErial Resistance in Anaerobic Treated Effluents (REGENERATE)
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Abstract
REGENERATE is to support the rapidly growing waste-to-energy anaerobic treated effluent industry. To this end, we will be the first to apply an energetics-driven engineering method in wastewater treatment systems to improve ammonia removal capacity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate antibiotic resistance. Therefore, paradigm-shifting innovation is necessary to advance the wastewater industry to a more carbon natural, environmental healthy future. Given that the waste-to-energy anaerobic treated effluent is rich in ammonia and antibiotics, the state-of-the-art energy-efficient Partial Nitrification-Anammox (PN-A) system is incapable to address the increasing greenhouse gas emission (N2O emission) and environmental health demands (antibiotic resistance), albeit its high ammonia removal efficiency. REGENERATE will respond to this challenge, taking advantage of energetics fundamental in a multiple-scale investigation. Microbial energetics drives metabolic pathways and determinates specific end-products and regulates gene expression. Specifically, evidence shows energetics-driven aeration supply can regulate N2O emission reduction and improve antibiotics biodegradation. Multiple combination of engineered aeration strategy is possible; therefore, we will develop a coupled dissolved oxygen level and aeration setpoint energetics-driven approach to investigate microbial consortia found in the PN/A system. The effects of aeration-driven energetics using industrially relevant metrics and analytical chemistry and genomic biology will be examined crossing a lab-, bench-, and full-scale experimentation in this project. Accordingly, a key feature of REGENERATE is to up-scale and achieve rapid industrial adoption of the upgraded PN-A technology by liaising the Project Scholars from Academia and Partners from the Water Industry to implement the research outcomes for operational sites. The other innovation is to introduce microbial energetics as the first principle to current water industry practices. This will be done by using high throughput chemical and genomics analyses to collect an unprecedented engineering and genomics dataset including the lab-, bench-, and full-scale experiments. Further, the dataset will be trained and analysed by the machine learning pipelines developed in the project. Finally, we will access a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental and economic benefits of the PN-A system for the waste-to-energy anaerobic treated effluent industry. Therefore, we will conduct transformative research by including bench-, lab-, and full-scale investigation and apply interconnected research areas including Environmental Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Microbial Genomics, and Machine Learning Computer Science, Water Infrastructure Planning and Engineering, and bring together an interdisciplinary team with 9 scholars and 2 stakeholders. REGENERATE will, thus, encourage deployment and speedy acceptance of the proposed PN-A technology into a more sustainable, healthy waste-to-energy paradigm.
Organisations
- Imperial College London (Lead Research Organisation)
- BBSRC (Co-funder)
- DURHAM UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- University of Galway (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Dublin City University (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Wessex Water (Collaboration)
- Thames Water Utilities Limited (Collaboration)
- University of Washington (Project Partner)
- Tokyo University of Agriculture & Techno (Project Partner)
- Thames Water Utilities Limited (Project Partner)
- City University of Hong Kong (Project Partner)
- Irish Water (Project Partner)
Publications
| Description | I have integrated the information about the project into three modules at Imperial College London |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Our educational initiatives, including courses, have empowered postgraduates and graduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to research in wastewater treatment and environmental microbiology. Evidence of increased enrollment, positive feedback from participants, and improved academic performance may demonstrate the reach and benefits of these educational developments. By providing training and educational developments for postgraduates and research users, we have strengthened research capacity in the fields of wastewater treatment and environmental microbiology. Evidence of increased research output, collaborations, and funding opportunities may indicate the long-term impact of our efforts on building research capacity and advancing scientific knowledge in these areas |
| Description | Integrated research information in Lectures |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Young Engineers and Researchers understood the process |
| Title | Antibiotics Analysis in influent and effluent of wastewater |
| Description | The antibiotics targeted in our study (specifically, SMX and CPFX in Experiment 1 and 3; SMX, CPFX, TET, AMX, and ERY in Experiment 2) in both influent and effluent samples will be detected using liquid chromatography (Agilent 1200 series) equipped with a C18 column and a UV detector. For identifying intermediates of partially degraded antibiotics, solid phase extraction will be utilized, followed by analysis using liquid chromatography tandem Q-ToF mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS, Agilent 6540), as outlined by FR at DCU23, a collaborating investigator. The first batch of the samples collected are sent to the respective Co-PI. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | We are using this established method. |
| Title | Samples Collection from Full-scale Anammox Plant |
| Description | This involves the collection and preservation of samples from a full-scale anammox wastewater treatment plant located in Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK. The primary aim is to investigate the biological processes and microbial communities responsible for the anammox reaction, which is a critical component of nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. The samples collected are destined for two main purposes: Reactor startup at the University of Galway, Ireland: These samples are preserved in ice packs immediately upon collection to ensure the viability and integrity of the microbial communities. This preservation method is crucial for transporting the samples under conditions that minimize changes to the microbial community structure and function until they can be introduced into the reactor at the University of Galway. Extraction of mRNA: To study the gene expression of the microbes involved in the anammox process, some samples are fixed immediately with 50% RNAlater. RNAlater is a storage solution that stabilizes and protects cellular RNA in intact, unfrozen tissue and cell samples, halting RNA degradation. This is essential for accurate downstream molecular biology applications, such as quantifying mRNA levels, which provide insights into the metabolic activities and functional capabilities of the microbial community within the wastewater treatment process. we are going to conduct comprehensive genomics and meta transcriptomics analysis on the samples collected from full scale anammox process. We are going deep into the community and their genetic underpinnings that facilitate the anammox reaction, particularly focusing on how specific influent characteristics and operational conditions influence gene expression and activity. This shall help us to identify and characterize the genes directly involved in the anammox pathway, shedding light on their regulation, expression patterns, and interactions under different environmental stimuli. |
| Type Of Material | Biological samples |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | We have gathered samples to initiate our experiment and explore the regulation of anammox genes. We have not created a new method. |
| Title | Bioflocs and biofilm from AFBRs with conductive and non-conductive media |
| Description | Meta-genomic samples were taken from two lab-scale anaerobic fluidised-bed bioreactors. Reactor 1 (R1) contained PVDF media with a semi-conductive polyaniline coating. Reactor 2 (R2) contained just the base PVDF media (non-conductive). Samples from the biofilms on those media and the bulk suspension were analysed at two separate time points, creating 8 samples in total. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | These samples were critical in the completion of the PhD thesis titled "Impact of Nitrate Dosing and Conductive Media on Anaerobic Fluidised-bed Treatment of Low-Strength Wastewater". Microbial community analysis and genome bin interogation were used to demonstrate the impact of the polyaniline coating on microbial community structure - higher relative abundances of exoelectrogenic bacteria in R1 - and to show sequence similarity scores of putative nitric oxide dismutase genes. Two manuscripts are being drafted from this thesis for publication. |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra/PRJNA1083991 |
| Title | Influent and effluent profile and mata-omics datasets in an Anammox-based process |
| Description | Through our research project, we have generated extensive datasets encompassing chemical analysis results (nitrogen species), meta-omic data from microbial communities, and metadata related to the annamox-based process. These datasets are meticulously curated and stored in databases, facilitating further analysis and future research endeavors. Additionally, collections of sludge samples and microbial specimens have been amassed, providing valuable resources for ongoing and future investigations in environmental microbiology and biotechnology. |
| Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | As part of our research endeavors, we are in the process of preparing two publications that will showcase the outcomes and insights gained from our work. These publications will serve as valuable resources for the scientific community, providing comprehensive analyses and interpretations of our findings in the field of wastewater treatment. Upon publication, we are committed to making the datasets associated with these publications publicly available. These datasets will encompass a wide array of information, including chemical analysis results, genetic data from microbial communities, and metadata related to wastewater treatment processes. By sharing these datasets, we aim to promote transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration within the research community, allowing other researchers to validate our findings and explore additional research questions. Furthermore, the genomic datasets generated as part of our research will be uploaded to the JGI IMG (Integrated Microbial Genomes & Microbiomes) database. This platform serves as a centralized repository for microbial genomic data, enabling researchers worldwide to access, analyze, and compare genomic information across diverse microbial species and ecosystems. By contributing our genomic datasets to JGI IMG, we facilitate broader access and utilization of these valuable resources, fostering further exploration and discovery in the field of environmental microbiology. |
| Description | Dr Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosciences, Durham University |
| Organisation | Durham University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collecting sample from full scale PNA system of Wessex water and Thames water. We shall extract proteins from reactor biomass and analyze the results |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr. Marcos shall help us to carry out metaproteomic at Durham University |
| Impact | We are planning to go to Durham University Lab. Dr. Marcos shall provide us lab space. |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Dr Muhammad Afzal, Wessex Water |
| Organisation | Thames Water Utilities Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We are collecting influent and effluent samples, along with PNA bioreactor biomass, for metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and planned metaproteomics analysis, at Thames Water facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Helping Imperial to collect sample from full-scale PNA system |
| Impact | Imperial Team has analyzed metagenomics results of Thames Water full-scale PNA system |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Hafedh Benamor, Area Scientist, Wessex Water |
| Organisation | Wessex Water |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We are collecting influent and effluent samples, along with PNA bioreactor biomass, for metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and planned metaproteomics analysis, while also monitoring N2O emissions at Wessex Water facilities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Hafedh and Wessex Water are assisting us in collecting samples from their full-scale PNA reactor. Contract negotiations are ongoing to obtain 4-5 years of data from the PNA system. |
| Impact | We have presented them the metagenomics results (microbial community) from Wessex water PNA system |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Ms. Naomi Clay-Michael/ Process engineer, Thames Water |
| Organisation | Thames Water Utilities Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Our collaboration with Thames Water facilitated access to anammox-based treatment plants (Basingstoke sewage treatment works) supported Ms. Naomi Clay-Michael, where we conducted site visits to observe operations and collect sludge samples. These samples were meticulously analysed through a combination of chemical assays and genomic sequencing techniques in nitrogen transformation in an Anammox-based pilot-scale plant. Chemical analyses provided insights into the composition and characteristics of the sludge, while genomic sequencing enabled us to elucidate the microbial communities driving the anammox process. We will provide a holistic of datasets and results for the operational optimisation in anammox-based system for Thames Water |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners at Thames Water played a crucial role in facilitating our collaboration by granting access to their anammox-based treatment plants, specifically the Basingstoke sewage treatment works. With this access, supported by Ms. Naomi Clay-Michael, we conducted site visits to observe plant operations and collect sludge samples. These samples were subjected to meticulous analysis, combining chemical assays and genomic sequencing techniques. The chemical analyses provided insights into the composition and characteristics of the sludge, while genomic sequencing allowed us to delve into the microbial communities responsible for driving the anammox process. Overall, our partners' support and collaboration were instrumental in providing access to valuable resources and expertise, enhancing the breadth and depth of our research endeavors in understanding nitrogen transformation in an Anammox-based pilot-scale plant. |
| Impact | Comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between microbial consortia, chemical constituents, and treatment efficacy in wastewater treatment systems. This multi-disciplinary approach enhances the robustness and applicability of the research findings, addressing various aspects of environmental engineering and microbial ecology. This collaboration is multi-disciplinary, involving expertise from various fields: Environmental Engineering: Focuses on wastewater treatment processes, sludge management, and sustainability. Microbiology: Investigates microbial communities and their roles in nitrogen removal processes. Analytical Chemistry: Conducts chemical analyses and measurements, including antibiotic concentrations. Outcome: Comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between microbial consortia, chemical constituents, and treatment efficacy in wastewater treatment systems. This multi-disciplinary approach enhances the robustness and applicability of the research findings, addressing various aspects of anammox-based system operation and design in Thames Water |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Prof Fiona Regan, Director, DCU Water Institute School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin |
| Organisation | Dublin City University |
| Country | Ireland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Our team has sampled influent and effluent wastewater sample from full-scale PNA process of Thames water and Wessex Water. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Professor Fiona Team is helping to analyze the antibiotics in the influents and effluents of full-scale and lab-scale PNA system. |
| Impact | The group is working on detecting antibiotics from influent and effluent of PNA system |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Prof. Ximin Zhang, National University of Ireland, Galway |
| Organisation | University of Galway |
| Country | Ireland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | In addition to our ongoing collaboration with Thames Water, we have extended our research efforts through a partnership with Prof. Ximin Zhang's team in Ireland. Our collaboration involves the transfer of anammox sludge to Prof. Zhang's laboratory, where it serves as a crucial component for their reactor operations and ongoing investigations. This collaborative endeavor not only strengthens the breadth and depth of our research endeavors but also fosters knowledge exchange and advances our collective understanding of wastewater treatment processes. By leveraging the expertise and resources of Prof. Zhang's team, we are able to enhance the robustness and applicability of our research findings, ultimately contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | By incorporating our sludge as inoculants, Prof. Zhang's team aims to further explore the efficacy and performance of anammox-based treatment processes under idea condition for more scientific investigation. Furthermore, Prof. Zhang's team will also conduct measurements of antibiotic concentrations, aligning with the proposed research plan. Insights into the presence and levels of antibiotics in wastewater treatment processes, facilitating informed decision-making regarding water quality management. This aspect of the collaboration expands the scope of our investigation, shedding light on the presence and impact of antibiotics in wastewater treatment systems. |
| Impact | This collaboration is multi-disciplinary, involving expertise from various fields: 1. Environmental Engineering: Focuses on wastewater treatment processes, chemical analysis, and plant operations. 2. Microbiology: Investigates microbial communities and their roles in nitrogen transformation processes. 3. Genomics: Utilizes sequencing techniques to analyze genetic data and microbial diversity. 4. Knowledge Exchange and Transfer: Integration of expertise from multiple disciplines enriches the research outcomes, leading to a holistic understanding of anammox-based treatment processes. The collaboration facilitated knowledge exchange between academic researchers and industry professionals, fostering mutual learning and understanding both in the UK and Ireland. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Invited to serve as a keynote speaker in 2024 14th International Conference on Environmental Science and Engineering from 20th-22nd September, 2024, in Hong Kong |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This talk will be during 20th-22nd September, 2024, in Hong Kong. It is expected to have 200+ participants. The activity of the outcomes or impacts will be reported next week |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.icese.org/ |
| Description | Presentation of anaerobic nitrogen cycling results to King's College London |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presentation given during a seminar session between research groups from Imperial College London and King's College London. This talk led to discussion of novel nitrogen cycling possibilities in anaerobic wastewater treatment plants that are currently under-researched. Outcome was increased interest in collaboration to further explore the phenomena observed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Presented talk on "Quantum Circuits for Quorum Sensing-based Gene Regulation", Imperial College London, UK (14 May 2024). |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Discussion on use of quantum circuits for Quorum Sensing-based Gene Regulation |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Seminar at City University of Hong Kong/Title: Advancements in Wastewater Treatment: Insights from Chemical and Bioinformatics Analyses |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A seminar was conducted at City University of Hong Kong, focusing on advancements in nitrogen removal and antibiotic degradation with N2O emission reduction in Anammox-based system. The seminar aimed to disseminate research progress and findings about nitrogen transformation between anammox, ammonia-oxidising bacteria, denitrifies, etc. Attendees included students, faculty members, and researchers interested in environmental engineering and related fields. Purpose: The purpose of the seminar was to share insights and knowledge gained from the research project with the academic community at City University of Hong Kong. By presenting the latest developments in chemical analysis and bioinformatics analyses, the seminar aimed to stimulate discussion, foster collaboration, and inspire further research in the field. Outcomes/Impacts: Enhanced Understanding: The seminar provided attendees with a deeper understanding of advanced analytical techniques and bioinformatics analyses in nitrogen removal. Knowledge Exchange: Participants engaged in discussions and knowledge exchange, enriching their understanding of cutting-edge research in environmental engineering, especially Anammox bacteria. Networking Opportunities: The seminar facilitated networking among researchers, students, and faculty members, potentially leading to future collaborations and research partnerships. Increased Interest: Attendees reported increased interest in related subject areas, indicating the seminar's success in sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for N2O emission reduction. Potential Research Opportunities: The seminar may have opened avenues for potential research collaborations and funding opportunities, contributing to the advancement of wastewater treatment technologies and environmental sustainability efforts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Workshop on Quantum Computing and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, UK (14 May 2024) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This full-day workshop, organized by Dr. Po-Heng Lee and his team at Imperial College London, focused on the application of quantum computing in engineering, with a particular emphasis on environmental engineering. The event brought together professionals and students from various universities, fostering interdisciplinary discussions and knowledge exchange. The workshop aimed to introduce emerging quantum computing techniques to address complex engineering challenges. As an outcome, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on potential research collaborations, and there was increased interest in exploring quantum computing applications in environmental engineering. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |