Production of biodegradable plastics from glucose using 3HV fermentation bacteria in activated sludge | |
| Author | Adithya, Mruthinti |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-04-10 |
| Subject(s) | Biodegradation Plastics--Biodegradation |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. EV-04-10 |
| Abstract | Conversion of organic wastes into biodegradable plastics in the form of Polyhydroxyalkonates (PHA) by 3-Hydroxyvalerate fermentation (3HV) bacteria was attempted by using activated sludge enriched with 3HV fermentation bacteria. The accumulation of PHA was mainly observed at the anaerobic phase during the course of the experiment. Glucose was the main constituent of the synthetic wastewater, which was accumulated in the form of PHA inside the cells of 3HV fermentation bacteria. The main aim behind the experiment was to find out the optimum conditions required for the maximum accumulation of PHA in the cells of the microorganisms. The main factor investigated was to find out the effect of pH on the accumulation of PHA. The seed sludge used for the experiment was taken from a starch industry, which contained more amount of carbon substrate thereby making it useful for the growth and enrichment of 3HV fermentation bacteria. Two reactors were operated which were maintained at same pH range for the first phase of the experiment and later in the second phase the pH of the second reactor was a little bit lowered. The first phase was mainly carried out to activate and enrich the sludge for the second phase of the experiment. The microorganisms consumed glucose as feed substrate, which was present as the main constituent in the synthetic wastewater supplied and accumulated as PHA under anaerobic conditions. The activity of the 3HV fermentation bacteria was measured out by batch experiments under anaerobic condition with glucose as the feed to find out the accumulation capacity of 3HV fermentation bacteria. The amount of PHA accumulated was found to be more in the second reactor, which was maintained at a lower pH. The results showed a more amount of 3HV form of PHA in the sludge. The amount of PHA accumulated was nearly double at acidic pH when compared to control. |
| Year | 2004 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. EV-04-10 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Satoh, Hiroyasu |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shipin, Oleg V.; Visvanathan, Chettiyappan |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2004 |