- Title
- Advanced phycoremediation technology (phycosol) for eco-innovation to drive circular bioeconomy and sustainable wine industry
- Creator
- Kuppan, Praveen
- Relation
- University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Thesis
- Resource Type
- thesis
- Date
- 2024
- Description
- Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Description
- This thesis delves into the significant role of microalgae technology within the circular bioeconomy, specifically its application in advancing eco-innovations for winery wastewater treatment, thereby contributing to the industry’s efforts towards sustainable wine-making. The research begins by examining traditional methods of nutrient recovery, highlighting the inefficiencies and environmental drawbacks associated with these conventional approaches. A significant gap is identified in the existing frameworks, particularly the underutilization of nutrients in agricultural wastewater. The thesis proposes bridging this gap with innovative, nature-inspired solutions, with a focus on technologies such as Constructed Wetlands and microalgae systems. Amongst, the study identified that microalgae systems with solar technology termed “phycosol” in eco-innovation offer a more effective and sustainable alternative, promising enhanced resource recovery and reduced environmental impact. These solutions not only adhere to the principles of circularity but also contribute to reducing carbon footprints and minimizing nutrient loss, presenting a comprehensive approach towards achieving environmental sustainability. Following the literature review, the thesis presents experimental evidence demonstrating the efficacy of extremophilic microalgae strains, such as Desmodesmus sp. MAS1 and Heterochlorella sp. MAS3, in the remediation of winery wastewaters. These strains exhibit exceptional adaptability to adverse conditions and a capacity for sustainable biomass production, positioning them as ideal solutions for wastewater treatment challenges. Through a series of experiments comparing immobilized and non-immobilized cultivation methods, the research employs machine learning techniques to optimize the pollutant removal process. The results highlight the robust potential of microalgae as a viable and sustainable wastewater treatment option, with both cultivation strategies showing comparable efficiency in pollutant removal. Furthermore, the thesis explores the application of microalgae biomass in creating value-added products, such as biofertilizers, highlighting its potential to enhance soil health and plant growth. This application supports the notion of farm-to-farm circularity, emphasizing the broader implications of microalgae technology in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, based on the experimental findings, this research introduces a novel assessment of solar-integrated eco-technologies, including the evaluation of high-rate algal ponds and photobioreactors, through frameworks such as emergy analysis and life cycle assessment. This assessment reveals the systems’ effectiveness in incorporating circularity measures and underscores their viability and sustainability in winery wastewater treatment. Further, for a realistic evaluation of the proposed technology, a thorough techno-economic analysis was conducted to compare the performance and financial viability of different cultivation systems, advocating for the inclusion of biomass processing to enhance long-term profitability. In conclusion, this research bridges the gaps in conventional wastewater treatment methods and showcases the multifaceted benefits of microalgae technology. By demonstrating the effectiveness and sustainability of these eco-innovations, the thesis argues for their transformative potential within the circular bioeconomy. It advances our understanding of sustainable practices in the wine industry and sets a precedent for the broader application of circular principles in environmental management and agriculture, advocating for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
- Subject
- circular bioeconomy; microlagae; solar; LCA; winery; sustainability
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1511375
- Identifier
- uon:56487
- Rights
- Copyright 2024 Praveen Kuppan, This thesis is under embargo and will be made available 06.06.2025.
- Language
- eng
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