Graduation Semester and Year
Fall 2024
Language
English
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering
Department
Civil Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Melanie Sattler, P.E.
Second Advisor
Dr. Kimberly Bowles
Third Advisor
Dr. Arpita Bhatt
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Niloofar Parsaeifard
Abstract
TAV5 is a bacterium strain of the family Opitutaceae from Termite-Associated Verrucomicrobium isolated from the hindgut of Reticulitermes Flavipes, the most common subterranean termite in North America. The genome of TAV5 contains genes coding for enzymes that could structurally modify lignin.
Pulp & paper wastewater and Sugarcane bagasse contain high levels of cellulose (44-46%) and hemicellulose (27-32% ), as well as lignin (17-23%) which is recalcitrant to biodegradation. The lignin tend to shield the cellulose and hemicellulose making them inaccessible for biodegradation.
TAV5 can breakdown lignin, making the cellulose and hemicellulose accessible to microorganisms for biodegradation into methane generation for renewable energy.
The overall goal of this research is to investigate the use of Termite gut microbe (TAV5) to biodegrade lignin and boost methane production from anaerobic digestion of two lignin-containing waste streams: sugarcane bagasse and pulp & paper wastewater.
Ninety 125ml reactor bottles were filled with 5g of bagasse and 15g of pulp and paper wastewater. TAV5 cells were added at varying percentage ratios of 10% to 90% to AD microorganisms, which was obtained from an anaerobic digester at Village Creek Wastewater Reclamation facility. Water was added to achieve 90% moisture content, and the bottles were sealed, flushed with nitrogen to keep out oxygen. They were then kept in a control room at 30oC.
Gas was routinely measured until production ceased. 70% TAV5 ratio increased methane generation by 47% in bagasse, and 40% TAV5 ratio increased methane generation by 24% in pulp & paper wastewater. For pH impact, pH 8.0 increased methane generation by 57% at 45%TAV5 ratio for bagasse, and for pulp & paper wastewater, pH 8.0 at 90% TAV5 ratio increased methane yield at 29%.
Keywords
Pulp and paper, Sugarcane bagasse, Termite Gut Microbe (TAV5), Lignocellulose, Cellulose, Hemicellulose, Lignin, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy, Methane Generation
Disciplines
Civil and Environmental Engineering | Civil Engineering | Environmental Engineering
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Ntiamoah-Asare, Doreen and Sattler, Melanie Ph.D, P.E., "Termite Gut Microbe (TAV5) Application to Pulp & Paper Wastewater and Sugarcane Bagasse: Enhancing Lignin Degradation and Methane Generation during Anaerobic Digestion" (2024). Civil Engineering Dissertations. 500.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/civilengineering_dissertations/500
Comments
I profoundly acknowledge the patience, love, guidance, and commitment of my Advisor; Dr. Melanie Sattler, P.E.; members of my dissertation committee: Dr. Kimberly Bowles, Dr. Arpita Bhatt and Dr. Niloofar Parsaeifard for their advice, encouragement, motivation, insightful comments and suggestions throughout my research work.
I also acknowledge Mr. Mohammed Qays who provided assistance in diverse ways throughout my laboratory experiments.
I am indebted to the following funders, sponsors and donors:
Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF)
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
Kelcy Warren
Albert & Lee B. Half
College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
The University of Texas at Arlington Graduate School, for their financial support.
A great appreciation also goes to the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of companies, the Chief Operating Officer of the Environment and Sanitation Group, and the Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Ltd.
Finally, a tremendous appreciation to my family and loved ones.