Public defence in Water and Environmental Engineering, M.Sc. Danielle Bansfield
Public defence from the Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Built Environment
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Title of the thesis: Pioneering circular pathways: improved recycling of nutrients in industrial wastewaters into value-added products.
Doctoral student: Danielle Bansfield
Opponent: Professor Piet Lens, National University Ireland Galway, Ireland
Custos: Assistant Professor Anna Mikola, Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Built Environment
Fungal-based treatment recycles the nutrients of food industry wastewater to valuable biomass.
The food industry produces vast amounts of wastewater rich in organic matter and nutrients, much of which remains untreated or is costly to process. This doctoral research explores how fungi can convert these waste streams into valuable biomass while simultaneously removing nutrients. By harnessing fungi’s ability to break down complex organic compounds, this approach offers a sustainable alternative to conventional wastewater treatment, reducing pollution while generating high-value by-products.
Of the five food production waste streams examined, cheese whey was identified as the most suitable for fungal growth. The study evaluated ten fungal species for their potential in biomass production, nutrient removal, and microalgal harvesting. To optimise species and waste stream selection, a novel application of a manometric BOD system was developed to measure fungal metabolic rates. Additionally, a new method for fungal-assisted microalgal harvesting was designed and validated in wastewater, demonstrating an innovative approach to biomass utilisation.
Key findings showed that Penicillium corylophilum was the most effective species overall, achieving high nutrient removal and biomass yields, with a fatty acid profile suitable for biofuel and feed applications. Geotrichum candidum excelled in carbon removal and contained high levels of crude protein and amino acids, making it a promising candidate for feed or supplement production. Additionally, Pleurotus ostreatus proved highly effective in harvesting the microalgae Scenedesmus sp., offering a sustainable alternative to resource intensive microalgal harvesting methods.
Beyond laboratory trials, this research highlights the practical implications of integrating fungal-based wastewater treatment into existing food production systems. These methods could enhance circular economy practices by transforming waste into useful bioproducts rather than discarding valuable nutrients. While challenges remain, such as scalability and economic feasibility, this study lays the foundation for further development towards industrial applications.
Ultimately, this research demonstrates that fungal valorisation of food industry wastewater can play a crucial role in sustainable resource recovery, reducing environmental impact while generating valuable biomaterials.
Keywords: fungi, biomass, flocculation, microalgal harvesting, resource recovery, circular economy, sustainability
Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/
Contact information of doctoral student: www.linkedin.com/in/djbansfield, danielle.bansfield@aalto.fi; danielle.bansfield@syke.fi
Doctoral theses in the school of Engineering: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/49
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