PROJECT R&D+I

TITLE
AGENT - AEROBIC GRANULAR SLUDGE TECHNOLOGY COMBINED WITH SELECTED
MICROBIAL AGENTS TO DEGRADE TOXIC POLLUTANTS FROM WASTEWATER

HIGHLIGHTS
Exploration of the potential of aerobic granules in sequential reactors via bio-raising with
specialized bacteria for the efficient removal of toxic compounds.

ABSTRACT
The increasing scarcity of water calls for the reuse of waste water and for the development of
treatment systems with greater energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint. Aerobic granule
technology in sequential reactors (AGS-SBR) has been introduced recently being economically
promising and has been applied to domestic and industrial wastewater. The high concentration of
biomass and biosorption capacity are two attractive properties of the AGS making it promising for
the biodegradation of toxic pollutants. One of these classes of pollutants are fluorinated organic
compounds, widely used in pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications.

In this project we will explore the potential of AGS, via bio-raising with specialized bacteria, for
the efficient removal of toxic compounds. Polysaccharides are the major gel forming components
of granular exopolysaccharides (EPS) and can be recovered from AGS, thereby converting this
biomass into a resource. As microorganisms in native sludge do not always detain the ability to
degrade pollutants, bio-raising techniques will be explored. Thus, it will be investigated the
ability of degrading bacteria to establish themselves as granules, producing their own
immobilization material, and/or if EPS derivatives derived from AGS can be used as immobilization
matrix, thus allowing the biomass surplus to be recovered. This approach will establish strategies
for the immobilization of inocula, facilitating the transport and protection of bacteria. This
project could thus contribute to the reduction of toxic effluent discharges in natural courses.

KEYWORDS
Exopolysaccharides; bio-raising; Reuse / recovery waste; Fluororganic compounds; Aerobic granules.

PROMOTERS / PARTNERS
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia - Universidade Católica Portuguesa (coordenador); Universidade do Minho
(CEB).

FINANCING PROGRAM EXECUTION DATE GLOBAL BUDGET

Portugal 2020, within the scope of the

Competitiveness and Internationalization
Operational Program, in its ERDF component and 2018-2021 € 237,888.95
the budget of the Foundation for Science and
Technology, I.P. (FCT, IP) in its OE component

CONTACTS (ESB) E-MAIL PHONE

Paula Castro plcastro@porto.ucp.pt +351 22 55 800 59