Summary
These innovative sensors have been developed to monitor PHA (bioplastics) and organic acids in new wastewater treatments with bacteria and yeast. Besides, volatile fatty acids (VFA) are monitored in anaerobic digestion of biomass to improve the biomethane production as a renewable energy. The main advantages are:
- PHA production and organic acid detection – Optical system based on cost effective multispectral sensor in VIS/IR range.
- VFA detection – Sensor based on a deuterium light source and OEM UV/VIS spectrometer.
- Both monitoring hardware can be controlled by a software (based on machine learning) installed in an embedded platform. Provides an on-line measurement system to optimise PHA and organic acid production processes.
- Quicker response than traditional lab assays whose take several days to obtain the results.
- Cost effective sensors (5-10x cheaper than current systems).
Result description
Hyperspectral image processing algorithms were used to extract cyanobacteria growing and population data during PHA production process.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Grants and Subsidies
- Business partners – SMEs, Entrepreneurs, Large Corporations
- Expanding to more markets /finding new customers
• Companies involved in the integration of the whole bioprocesses: PHA production systems, organic acid production and anaerobic processes to validate the sensors at real scale.
• Companies developing and selling sensors to water and wastewater utilities.
- Public or private funding institutions
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
- Research and Technology Organisations
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
Prototypes tested in relevant environment in 3 case studies:
- Production of citric acid with yeast (bioprocess treating grey water)
- Production of PHA (bioplastics) with cyanobacteria (bioprocess treating urban and run-off agriculturall wastewater
- Production of VFA (volatile fatty acids) in anaerobic digestion (bioprocess treating algae biomass and other organic waste)
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by ASOCIACION DE INVESTIGACION METALURGICA DEL NOROESTE
