Production of protein-rich cells from microbial biomass cultivation using sugarcane vinasse as substrate

• Grant number: 18/01334-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2019
• End date: September 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Zaiat
• Grantee: Rafaela Carvalho Paula
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/06246-7 - Biorefinery concept applied to biological wastewater treatment plants: environmental pollution control coupled with material and energy recovery, AP.TEM

Abstract

Brazil stands out as the world's largest producer of sugarcane and the second largest producer of ethanol. During the processing of sugarcane to produce ethanol occurs an excessive generation of vinasse. This type of wastewater presents as main characteristics high concentrations of organic matter, and acid/corrosive properties. Commonly, this effluent is treated via fertigation; however, it can be a potential pollutant if overly discharged in the soil. Biological treatments for vinasse have aroused interest among researchers worldwide due to the successful results described in the literature. Recent researches have shown the potential for energy production with simultaneous degradation of this effluent. However, other studies about bioenergy generation through production of protein-rich cells using this wastewater as substrate it is in constant development. The main objective of this project is to evaluate the applicability of the vinasse as a substrate for the production of protein-rich cells from different inoculum. Also, indicate a mode of feeding (batch or fed batch, both sequential) in a mixing reactor to obtain protein matrix. (AU)