2021-2022 Update: Publications and More!
Updated: Sep 8, 2022
As we close out 2021, we would like to take the time to recognize the achievements made thus far. Twenty-three publications have been authored by our research group, including five review papers! A summary of these works are listed below:
Cruz, I.A., Chuenchart, W., Long, F., Surendra, K.C., Andrade, L.R.S., Bilal, M., Liu, H., Figueiredo, R.T., Khanal, S.K. and Ferreira, L.F.R., 2021. Application of machine learning in anaerobic digestion: Perspectives and challenges. Bioresource Technology, p.126433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126433
A comprehensive review on machine learning to anaerobic digestion.
Wongkiew, S., Hu, Z., Lee, J.W., Chandran, K., Nhan, H.T., Marcelino, K.R. and Khanal, S.K., 2021. Nitrogen Recovery via Aquaponics–Bioponics: Engineering Considerations and Perspectives. ACS ES&T Engineering, 1(3), pp.326-339. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestengg.0c00196
The first review regarding bioponics, it's applications and design considerations.
All other 2022 works are listed below. A comprehensive list of all of our research can be found at: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZoYE6k0AAAAJ
In our commitment to helping our undergraduates, we are please to announce that two UROP projects mentored by our research group were approved! Waste Management and Resource Recovery
Ruby Anne Polintang & April Vidad
This project aims to improve the waste management and resource recovery at the University of Hawaii by reducing the volume of aluminum cans and non-food waste. It includes a pneumatic can compactor to compact aluminum cans. It also consists of sensors that determine the current level of waste of each bin and once it is detected full, there is an alert system to notify those in charge to empty out the waste bin(s). This can reduce the amount of time trash bins need to be changed out and checked on. Lastly, it encourages students and staff to separate their leftover food waste from their takeout containers to prevent leftover food waste from going to a landfill as it releases methane gas into the environment.
Small Scale Soldier Fly Farm and the Effect of Substrates on Larvae Nutritional Value
Tavish McGreevy
The proposed project concentrates and provides valuable data on two main focuses. The project's first focus is to better understand how different food waste substrates (sourced from UH cafeterias) affect the carbohydrate, lipid and protein profiles of soldier fly larvae. This data can be used to then formulate substrate mixtures that can ensure optimal nutritive values for animal and human consumption. The second focus is to build a robust prototype farm. Although outputs may be lower than a commercial setup, the prototype will serve as a blueprint for a much larger operation.
Furthermore, congratulations to Renisha Karki on a successful defense of her thesis entitled Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Coffee Pulp and Cattle Manure: Evaluation of Process Stability. You have left a mark on this lab group; we hope nothing but the best at Umich!
We would also like recognize Dr. Lut Raskin's induction into the National Academy of Engineering
In addition, congratulations to Dr. Khanal! He was featured as an 2021 outstanding alumni at his alma mater: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Lastly, the lab group was feature in several news outlets within the university!
As we beginning the new year, our lab group wishes you happy holidays! Mahalo