Innovative integration of bio-flocculants and nonthermal atmospheric plasma for enhanced biobased resource recovery from wastewaters

Project no.: RTU-PA-2024/01-0068

Project implementation period: 01.10.2024 - 31.01.2026

Riga Technical University (RTU), Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Rezekne Academy of Technologies (RTA)

Project leader: PhD, senior researcher Aigars Lavrinovičs (RTU)

Team:

- RTU: PhD Aigars Lavrinovičs, Mg. Anna Čivžele

- WUR: PhD Dainis Sudmalis

- RTA: Dr.sc.ing. Andris Martinovs, M.Sc. Andris Martinovs Jr., Mg.sc.comp. Guntis Koļčs, Luīze Bule, Skaidrīte Lavrinoviča, Dr.biol. Rasma Tretjakova

Project aim: Development of a novel technology that complements bio-based resource recovery processes from wastewaters.

Tasks:

- Optimisation of the conditions for cultivation of microalgal biomass in food production wastewaters;

- Investigation and improvement of the efficiency of biopolymers as flocculation agents for microalgae recovery;

- Investigation and improvement of the extraction of valuable substances from microalgae biomass using non-thermal plasma processing.

Project results:

- Two original articles in scientific journals (Scopus Q1);

- Presentations at two international scientific conferences, as well as national workshops and seminars;

- International project application prepared and submitted on the basis of the project's scientific results;

- Partial elaboration of two doctoral theses;

- The elaboration of a Master's thesis will be launched at WUR to support the proposed project;

- Development of a Bachelor's thesis in mechatronics;

- International scientific seminar in the framework of the annual RTU scientific conference section "Bioenergy Technologies and Biotechnologies" to disseminate and exchange research results among scientists;

- Demonstration of project ideas and results in popular scientific TV programmes and national news stories;

- Regular publication of scientific results on the websites of the project implementing organisations, on social media and on the LinkedIn profiles of the project participants.

Project funding: EUR 200 000