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Publications

NIBIOs employees contribute to several hundred scientific articles and research reports every year. You can browse or search in our collection which contains references and links to these publications as well as other research and dissemination activities. The collection is continously updated with new and historical material.

2023

2022

Abstract

Three strains of chlorophyte microalgae indigenous in Norway were studied regarding their potential for nutrient removal and resource recovery from wastewater. The nutrient uptake, growth, and cell composition (total proteins and carbohydrates) were monitored under a controlled batch environment for 14 days. Additionally, the fatty acids were analyzed at the end of the study. The fastest nutrient removal was achieved by Lobochlamys segnis F12 that used up NH4+ (28 mg L-1) and PO43- (15 mg L-1) after 4 days. Similar PO43- uptake was achieved by Tetradesmus wisconsinensis H1 while its NH4+ uptake took 2 days longer. Both strains showed a higher specific growth rate (1.1 day-1) than Klebsormidium flaccidum NIVA-CHL80 (0.55 day-1). The highest biomass (1.276 ± 21 mg L-1) and carbohydrates content (40%) were achieved by T. wisconsinensis. K. flaccidum was characterized by superior protein content (53 ± 4%). In terms of total fatty acids production both K. flaccidum and L. segnis were favored (184 ± 6 and 193 ± 12 mg g-1 dry cells), especially with their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content (82 and 67%, respectively). The fatty acids of K. flaccidum consisted mainly C18:2 n-6 (73% of the total). L. segnis had a preferable n3 to n6 ratio (1.3) in their fatty acid profile. The proteins and carbohydrates content changed in all strains depending on the growth stage. Therefore, resource recovery scenarios could be further optimized for a specific cell component production combined with an appropriate strategy for nutrient removal from wastewater.

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Abstract

Microplastics ending up in nature as a result of end-of-life processes for plastic packaging is a serious environmental concern, and was addressed in the Packnoplast project through sampling at three sites: one biogas facility in Norway and two thermoplastic recycling plants, one in Norway and one in The Netherlands. The amounts of microplastics ending up in soil from biogas digestate was estimated to represent 0.4-2 mg/kg soil per year if 6 t/daa of biogas digestate is used as fertilizer. Food packaging is estimated to represent 75% of this. The amounts of microplastics measured are significant, but too small to affect soil properties even on a time-scale of decades. The risk of adverse effects on soil quality, plant growth or soil organisms seem very low at the current predicted rates of plastic inputs to soil. Since plastics are virtually non-degradable, they are still prone to accumulate in soil, and waste streams recycled to soil need to address and prevent plastic contamination even better than today. Thermoplastic recycling plants are handling large amounts of plastic, and during processes in the plant, microplastics are generated. Concentrations of microplastic particles varied from 7 to 51 particles per lite rin the effluent water from the two plants. Discharges of effluent water are often through the sewer system and/or into a water body. Today regulations regarding discharges of microplastics are missing. Sand filter treatment of the effluent water was a promising treatment technique to remove the microplastics. Background concentrations of microplastics, comparable to pristine areas, were found in blue mussels sampled outside the thermoplastic recycling plant in Norway. Knowledge about the risk imposed by microplastics to the aquatic environment is today not known.

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Abstract

Prediction of the relative phosphorus (P) fertiliser value of bio-based fertiliser products is agronomically important, but previous attempts to develop prediction models have often failed due to the high chemical complexity of bio-based fertilisers and the limited number of products included in analyses. In this study, regression models for prediction were developed using independently produced data from 10 different studies on crop growth responses to P applied with bio-based fertiliser products, resulting in a dataset with 69 products. The 69 fertiliser products were organised into four sub-groups, based on the inorganic P compounds most likely to be present in each product. Within each product group, multiple regression was conducted using mineral fertiliser equivalents (MFE) as response variable and three potential explanatory variables derived from chemical analysis, all reflecting inorganic P binding in the fertiliser products: i) NaHCO3-soluble P, ii) molar ratio of calcium (Ca):P and iii) molar ratio of aluminium+iron (Al+Fe):P. The best regression model fit was achieved for sewage sludges with Al-/Fe-bound P (n = 20; R2 = 79.2%), followed by sewage sludges with Ca-bound P (n = 11; R2 = 71.1%); fertiliser products with Ca-bound P (n = 29; R2 = 58.2%); and thermally treated sewage sludge products (n=9;R2=44.9%). Even though external factors influencing P fertiliser values (e.g. fertiliser shape, application form, soil characteristics) differed between the underlying studies and were not considered, the suggested prediction models provide potential for more efficient P recycling in practice.

Abstract

Green roofs are increasingly being used to meet the challenges of extreme rainfall and surface water management in cities and towns. Biochar is a locally sourced and carbon-negative material that can be used as a substrate component for green roofs. Here are some experiences NIBIO has gained in this area through research and testing of various concept.