AU2017254929A1 - Floating bioprocessor - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of bioprocessing using a liquid biofeed is provided. The method includes the steps of floating a container comprising a first bioprocessing organism on a pond; and placing a liquid biofeed within the container, whereby the first bioprocessing organism consumes a substance within the liquid biofeed, to thereby bioprocess using the liquid biofeed. The pond may comprise an additional bioprocessing organism. The method may include the further step of transferring the liquid biofeed between the container and the pond before and/or after bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism, whereby the additional bioprocessing organism consumes a substance within the liquid biofeed. An apparatus and a system suitable for use according to the bioprocessing method are also provided. Influent 300 100 3 300 120 200 110 20 **00 Effluent 70 Figure 1 300 100 130 300 120 200 110 20 " EfflIu ent 4:l7 Figure 2

Description

TITLE

FLOATING BIOPROCESSOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to bioprocessing. More particularly, the invention relates, but is not limited, to the use of floating containers for bioprocessing, such as bioprocessing of wastewater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bioprocessing refers generally to the industrial use of living organisms to feed off or process a starting medium (referred to generally as a ‘biofeed’), thereby obtaining a desired end result. The end result may be the processed biofeed; a substance produced by the living organism; or the cultivated organism itself.

[0003] Bioprocessing is commonly used in the treatment of wastewater. Bioprocessing of wastewater generally occurs in ponds or lagoons (which generically includes chambers or vessels) containing organisms and wastewater for processing. In this context, typically, bioprocessing is aimed at reducing unwanted impurities from the wastewater.

[0004] Wastewater treatment ponds include anaerobic ponds, facultative ponds, and aerobic ponds. Anaerobic ponds typically receive a very heavy organic loading, such that there is no aerobic zone formed therein. In anaerobic ponds, biological treatment reactions are generally bacterial acid formation and/or methane formations. Facultative ponds comprise an aerobic layer overlying an anaerobic layer. Aerobic processes in the upper layer typically perform odour control, and nutrient and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal. Anaerobic processes in the lower layer perform, for example, sludge digestion and denitrification. Aerobic ponds are typically relatively shallow and maintain dissolved oxygen throughout their depth. Typically, photosynthetic, oxygen producing organisms (such as algae) are used in aerobic ponds.

[0005] In some cases, combinations of anaerobic, facultative, and/or aerobic ponds are used in ‘treatment chains’, wherein water treated using one pond type is transferred to another pond type. Notably however, in existing treatment facilities, independent infrastructure for each pond type is used, i.e. separate anaerobic, facultative, and/or aerobic ponds are required.

[0006] Additionally, in existing anaerobic, facultative, and aerobic ponds, control of organisms such that growth of the desired organisms is facilitated, and the growth of unwanted organisms is constrained or prevented, can be difficult. In facultative ponds, achieving growth of the correct organisms within the appropriate pond layer can represent a further challenge.

[0007] In addition to waste water treatment, bioprocessing may be exploited for the production of products in ‘bioreactors’. For example, bioreactors can be industrially used to obtain chemicals produced by an organism or derived from a starting medium, and/or to cultivate an organism itself. Bioreactors may be in the form of closed systems (e.g. sealed containers) or open systems (e.g. open tanks or ponds).

[0008] In view of the preceding, new approaches for bioprocessing, including those applicable to biotreatment of wastewater, would be desirable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] In a first aspect, there is provided a method of bioprocessing using a liquid biofeed, including the steps of: floating a container on a pond; and placing a first bioprocessing organism and a liquid biofeed within the container, whereby the first bioprocessing organism consumes a substance within the liquid biofeed to thereby bioprocess using the liquid biofeed, wherein the liquid biofeed is transferred between the container and the pond before and/or after bioprocessing.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the liquid biofeed is transferred from the pond to the container before bioprocessing in the container.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid biofeed is transferred from the container to the pond, after bioprocessing in the container.

[0012] Transfer of the liquid biofeed between the container and the pond may be direct or indirect. Processing and/or supplementation of the liquid biofeed may occur during transfer. In one preferred embodiment, liquid of the pond serves directly as the liquid biofeed for the first bioprocessing organism.

[0013] Suitably the liquid biofeed transferred to the floating container is a water-based or aqueous biofeed. Suitably, the liquid of the pond is or comprises water.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the liquid biofeed is wastewater. Suitably the substance consumed by the first bioprocessing organism is a wastewater contaminant. Preferably, the wastewater is at least partially purified by the bioprocessing. In these embodiments, the bioprocessing organism will be a biotreatment organism.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the first bioprocessing organism contained within the floating container is a photoactive organism. Preferably the first bioprocessing organism is photosynthetically active with wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum, i.e. between about 400 nm to about 680 nm.

[0016] The first bioprocessing organism may be a microorganism, such as a microalgae or a bacteria. In preferred embodiments, the first bioprocessing organism is selected from the group consisting of an algae; a cyanobacteria; and a bacteria. Preferably the algae is a microalgae. In some embodiments, the algae is selected from the group consisting of: Chlorella; Spirulina; Nannochloropsis; Nitzschia; Dunaliella; Nannochloris; Porphyridium; Schizochytrium; Tetraselmis; Euglena; Phacus; Chlamydomonas; Amkistrodesmus; Micractinium; Scenedesmus; Selenastrum; Dictyosphaerium; and Volvox.

[0017] In some embodiments, the liquid of the pond may comprise one or more additional bioprocessing organisms. Preferably, the additional bioprocessing organism is different than the first bioprocessing organism.

[0018] Preferably the additional bioprocessing organism is a microorganism, such as a microalgae or a bacteria. In preferred embodiments, the additional bioprocessing organism is selected from the group consisting of an algae; a cyanobacteria; and a bacteria. Preferably, the algae is a microalgae. In embodiments wherein the bioprocessing organism is a bacteria, the bacteria may be an aerobic bacteria, an anaerobic bacteria, or a purple sulphur bacteria, although without limitation thereto.

[0019] In certain embodiments wherein the liquid of the pond comprises one or more additional bioprocessing organisms, the method may include the further step of using the liquid of the pond as a liquid biofeed for bioprocessing using the additional bioprocessing organism.

[0020] In some said embodiments, the liquid biofeed used for bioprocessing in the floating container is liquid biofeed that has initially been used for bioprocessing in the pond. In some said embodiments, liquid biofeed used for bioprocessing in the floating container is subsequently used for bioprocessing in the pond.

[0021] In particularly preferred embodiments, the additional bioprocessing organism contained within the pond is a biotreatment organism adapted for bioprocessing of wastewater. In these embodiments, the pond will be a wastewater treatment pond.

[0022] In some embodiments the floating container may comprise one or more additional bioprocessing organisms. Preferably, the additional bioprocessing organism is different than the first bioprocessing organism.

[0023] Preferably the one or more additional bioprocessing organisms of the floating container is a microorganism, such as a microalgae or a bacteria. In preferred embodiments, the additional bioprocessing organism is selected from the group consisting of an algae; a cyanobacteria; and a bacteria. Preferably, the algae is a microalgae. In embodiments wherein the bioprocessing organism is a bacteria, the bacteria may be an aerobic bacteria, an anaerobic bacteria, or a purple sulphur bacteria, although without limitation thereto.

[0024] In particularly preferred embodiments, the additional bioprocessing organism of the floating container is a biotreatment organism adapted for bioprocessing of wastewater.

[0025] In certain embodiments wherein the floating container comprises one or more additional bioprocessing organisms, the method may include the step of containing the first bioprocessing organism and the additional bioprocessing organism within separate compartments of the floating container. Suitably, the compartments are separated by barriers.

[0026] In preferred said embodiments, the method may include the step of transferring the liquid biofeed to the compartment containing the first bioprocessing organism for bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism, before or after transferring the liquid medium to the compartment containing the additional bioprocessing organism for bioprocessing by the additional bioprocessing organism.

[0027] In preferred embodiments wherein the pond and/or the floating container comprise one or more additional bioprocessing organisms that are algae, the algae is selected from the group consisting of: Chlorella; Spirulina; Nannochloropsis; Nitzschia; Dunaliella; Nannochloris; Porphyridium; Schizochytrium; Tetraselmis; Euglena; Phacus; Chlamydomonas; Amkistrodesmus; Micractinium; Scenedesmus; Selenastrum; Dictyosphaerium; and Volvox.

[0028] In preferred embodiments wherein said one or more additional bioprocessing organisms are a cyanobacteria, the cyanobacteria is selected from the group consisting of: filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs; phototrophic acidobacteria; phototrophic heliobacteria; purple sulfur bacteria; purple non-sulfur bacteria; green sulfur bacteria; and green non-sulfur bacteria.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method may include the further step of actively mixing the contents of the floating container, to facilitate bioprocessing in the floating container, or in one or more compartments thereof.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method includes the step of controlling growth of a photoactive organism by use of the floating container wherein the floating container comprises one or more barriers which affect transmission of light. The growth of the organism may be controlled within the pond and/or within the floating container. The organism for which growth is controlled according to this embodiment may be the first bioprocessing organism, one or more of the one or more additional bioprocessing organisms, or a further organism.

[0031] In one embodiment, a floating container is used that comprises one or more barriers which affect transmission of light in the visible spectrum, i.e. a wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 680 nm. Preferably, transmission of light in the visible spectrum is constrained or prevented through the one or more barriers.

[0032] In one preferred form of said embodiment, the one or more barriers constrain or prevent transmission of light in the visible spectrum into the pond. Preferably, in this embodiment, the one or more barriers include a floor of the floating container. Preferably, the floor of the floating container is positioned against the surface of the pond. Suitably, the growth of a bioprocessing organism that photosynthesizes using wavelengths in the visible spectrum is thereby constrained or prevented in the pond.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments wherein the floating container comprises separate compartments containing the first bioprocessing organism and an additional bioprocessing organism, the one or more barriers may constrain or prevent transmission of light in the visible spectrum into one or more of the compartments. Preferably, the one or more barriers are barriers that separate the compartments of the floating container. Suitably, the growth of an organism that photosynthesizes using wavelengths in the visible spectrum is constrained in one or more of said compartments. Preferably the one or more compartments is a compartment comprising an additional bioprocessing organism.

[0034] In another embodiment, a floating container is used that comprises one or more barriers that affect transmission of light in the near infrared spectrum, i.e. a wavelength range of about 700 nm to about 1100 nm. Preferably, the one or more containers selectively transmit light in the near infrared spectrum.

[0035] In one preferred form of this embodiment, the one or more barriers selectively transmit light in the near infrared spectrum into the pond. Preferably, the one or more barriers include a floor of the floating container. Preferably, the floor of the floating container is positioned against the surface of the pond. Suitably, the growth of an organism that photosynthesizes using wavelengths in the near infrared spectrum is thereby facilitated in the pond.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments wherein the floating container comprises separate compartments containing the first bioprocessing organism and an additional bioprocessing organism, the one or more barriers may selectively transmit light in the infrared spectrum into one or more of the compartments. Preferably, the one or more barriers are barriers that separate the compartments of the floating container. Suitably, the growth of a bioprocessing organism that photosynthesizes using wavelengths in the near infrared spectrum is thereby facilitated in the one or more compartments. Preferably the one or more compartments is a compartment comprising an additional bioprocessing organism.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the method includes the further step of using a liquid contained within one or more further containers or further ponds as a biofeed for bioprocessing by one or more further bioprocessing organisms in said further containers or further ponds. Said liquid may be bioprocessed in the pond before or after bioprocessing in the one or more further containers or further ponds. Additionally or alternatively, said liquid may be used as a biofeed for bioprocessing in the floating container before or after bioprocessing in the one or more further containers or further ponds.

[0038] In one said embodiment, the one or more further containers or further ponds is or includes a further floating container. Preferably, the further floating container is floated on the same pond as the container containing the first bioprocessing organism.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the method of this aspect includes the further step of obtaining a product produced as a result of bioprocessing using the liquid biofeed. Suitably, the product may be: the first bioprocessing organism or an additional bioprocessing organism contained within the floating container; an active substance derived from or produced by the first bioprocessing organism or an additional bioprocessing organism contained within the floating container; and/or an substance derived from the liquid biofeed.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the method may additionally or alternatively include the step of obtaining a product produced as a result of bioprocessing by an additional bioprocessing organism in the pond.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the method may additionally or alternatively include the step of obtaining a product produced as a result of bioprocessing in the one or more further containers or further ponds.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method includes the further step of recycling biomass and/or nutrients produced in: the floating container; the pond; or the one or more further containers or further ponds, by transferring or returning biomass and/or nutrients produced by bioprocessing in one or more of said containers or ponds to one or more of said containers or ponds. Preferably, the further step of recycling biomass and/or nutrients includes processing a product produced as the result of bioprocessing in one or more of said containers or ponds, prior to returning biomass and/or nutrients to said containers or ponds. Suitably, the growth of a bioprocessing organism in said containers or ponds is facilitated by the recycling.

[0043] In certain such embodiments, the method includes the step of returning biomass and/or nutrients produced as a result of bioprocessing in the floating container to the floating container, to facilitate bioprocessing in the floating container.

[0044] In certain such embodiments, the method includes the step of transferring biomass and/or nutrients produced as a result of bioprocessing in the floating container to the pond, to facilitate bioprocessing in the pond.

[0045] In certain such embodiments, the method includes the step of transferring biomass and/or nutrients produced as a result of bioprocessing in the pond to the floating container, to facilitate bioprocessing in the floating container.

[0046] In some embodiments the method includes the further step of supplementing biofeed contained within the floating container, the pond, and/or one or more further container or ponds, with a nutrient to assist with bioprocessing. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of adding carbon dioxide to the biofeed contained within the floating container. Said supplementing may be performed by way of the recycling of the preceding embodiments, or in any other suitable manner.

[0047] In a second aspect, there is provided a bioprocessing apparatus, comprising: a bioprocessing container capable of containing a first bioprocessing organism; an inlet mechanism by which a liquid biofeed is transferrable to the bioprocessing container; and an outlet mechanism by which the liquid biofeed and/or biomass is removable from the bioprocessing container after bioprocessing, wherein the bioprocessing container is adapted for flotation on a pond, while containing and using the liquid biofeed for bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism, and the inlet mechanism and/or the outlet mechanism are adapted to transfer liquid biofeed between the bioprocessing container and the pond.

[0048] In an embodiment, the inlet mechanism is adapted to transfer liquid biofeed from the pond to the bioprocessing container.

[0049] Preferably, the apparatus is for use in the method of the first aspect.

[0050] Suitably the liquid biofeed transferrable to the bioprocessing container is a water-based or aqueous medium. In some preferred embodiments, the liquid biofeed is waste water.

[0051] Suitably, liquid of the pond on which the bioprocessing container is adapted to float is or comprises water.

[0052] Preferably, the inlet mechanism and/or the outlet mechanism is adapted to transfer liquid biofeed between the bioprocessing container and a pond on which the bioprocessing container is floated, whereby an additional bioprocessing organism contained within the pond can consume a substance within the liquid biofeed before and/or after bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism.

[0053] In preferred embodiments, the first bioprocessing organism is a photosynthetic or photoactive microorganism. Preferably, the first bioprocessing organism is an algae or cyanobacteria.

[0054] The bioprocessing container will comprise a body within which the bioprocessing organism and the liquid biofeed may be contained. Suitably, the body of the bioprocessing container will be capable of containing the bioprocessing organism and the liquid biofeed, and facilitate floating of the container on a liquid.

[0055] In some preferred embodiments the barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container are formed from or comprise a polymer or a rubber material.

[0056] In preferred embodiments wherein the barriers of the body the bioprocessing container are or comprise a polymer, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC); acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); and polyethylene (PE). In said embodiments, buoyancy may be provided by gas within a polymer membrane, or by the use of a low density polymer such as polystyrene or a urethane foam.

[0057] In preferred wherein the barrier is formed from rubber, preferably the rubber is a synthetic rubber. In said embodiments, buoyancy may be provided by gas within a rubber membrane.

[0058] The bioprocessing container may be an open or closed container. In a preferred embodiment wherein the chamber is an open container, the body of the container is sealed to prevent or constrain ingress of liquid when the container is floated on a liquid. Preferably, the open container comprises an open top or roof.

[0059] In some embodiments the body of the bioprocessing container further comprises compartments separated by one or more additional barriers, e.g. walls or floors, wherein the compartments are adapted to contain one or more additional bioprocessing organisms. Suitably, in these embodiments, the bioprocessing container may comprise one or more mechanisms facilitating transferral of liquid biofeed between the compartments, such as seals or valves.

[0060] In preferred embodiments, the one or more additional bioprocessing organisms are selected from the group consisting of an algae; a cyanobacteria; and a bacteria.

[0061] In some embodiments, one or more barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container are adapted to control transmission of a wavelength of light into the container and/or into a pond on which the container is floated.

[0062] In some said embodiments, the wavelength of light includes the visible spectrum, i.e. a range of about 400 nm to about 680 nm.

[0063] In one preferred embodiment, one or more of the barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container are adapted to constrain or prevent transmission of light in the visible spectrum into a pond upon which the bioprocessing container is floated. Preferably, in this embodiment the one or more barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container is or includes a floor of the chamber.

[0064] In an additional or alternative embodiment, one or more of the barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container is adapted to constrain or prevent transmission of light in the visible spectrum into one or more compartments of the bioprocessing container. Preferably the compartment is a compartment of the bioprocessing chamber adapted to comprise an additional bioprocessing organism.

[0065] In some embodiments wherein the one or more barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container are adapted to control transmission of a wavelength of light into the container and/or into a pond on which the container is floated, the wavelength of light is near infrared, i.e. in the range of about 700 nm to about 1100 nm.

[0066] In one preferred embodiment, one or more of the barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container selectively transmit near infrared light into a pond upon which the container is floated. Preferably, in this embodiment the one or more barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container is or includes a floor of the container.

[0067] In an additional or alternative embodiment, one or more of the barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container selectively transmits near infrared light into one or more compartments of the bioprocessing container. Preferably the compartment is a compartment of the bioprocessing container adapted to comprise an additional bioprocessing organism.

[0068] In some embodiments, the liquid biofeed transferrable to the bioprocessing container by the inlet mechanism is the liquid of the pond on which the bioprocessing container is floated.

[0069] Preferably, the inlet mechanism is a powered inlet mechanism, such as comprising a pump or Archimedes screw.

[0070] Preferably, the outlet mechanism is capable of functioning using gravity flow. In some embodiments the outlet mechanism comprises a hose or pipe. In some embodiments, the outlet comprises a weir, which may comprise a trough, to collect and/or direct the liquid from the outlet.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a mixing mechanism, such as a paddle wheel, located within the bioprocessing container, for actively mixing the liquid biofeed contained therein.

[0072] In a third aspect, there is provided a bioprocessing system, comprising: a bioprocessing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a bioprocessing container containing a first bioprocessing organism; an inlet mechanism by which a liquid biofeed is transferred to the bioprocessing container; and an outlet mechanism by which the liquid biofeed and/or biomass is removed from the bioprocessing container after bioprocessing; and a pond on which the bioprocessing container floats, wherein the inlet mechanism and/or the outlet mechanism transfers liquid biofeed between the bioprocessing container and the pond.

[0073] Preferably, the bioprocessing apparatus is the apparatus of the second aspect.

[0074] Preferably, the system is for use in the method of the first aspect.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the bioprocessing organism contained within the bioprocessing container is a photosynthetic bioprocessing organism. Preferably, the photosynthetic bioprocessing organism is an algae or cyanobacteria.

[0076] In some embodiments, the algae is selected from the group consisting of: Chlorella; Spirulina; Nannochloropsis; Nitzschia; Dunaliella; Nannochloris; Porphyridium; Schizochytrium; Tetraselmis; Euglena; Phacus; Chlamydomonas; Amkistrodesmus; Micractinium; Scenedesmus;

Selenastrum; Dictyosphaerium; and Volvox.

[0077] In some preferred embodiments, the liquid of the pond comprises one or more additional bioprocessing organisms. In preferred embodiments, the additional bioprocessing organism is adapted for bioprocessing. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the additional bioprocessing organism is a biotreatment organism adapted for bioprocessing of waste water. In these embodiments, the pond will be a wastewater treatment pond.

[0078] Preferably, the additional bioprocessing organism is different than the first bioprocessing organism. In preferred embodiments, the additional bioprocessing organism is selected from the group consisting of an algae; a cyanobacteria; and a bacteria. In embodiments wherein the additional bioprocessing organism is a bacteria, the bacteria may be an aerobic bacteria; an anaerobic bacteria; or a purple sulphur bacteria, although without limitation thereto.

[0079] In some preferred embodiments, the system further comprises an organism recycling chamber in operable connection with the bioprocessing container and/or the pond, for recycling the first bioprocessing organism and/or the additional bioprocessing organism and returning biomass and/or nutrients to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond. In one preferred embodiment the organism recycling chamber is for recycling the first bioprocessing organism and returning biomass and/or nutrients to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the recycling chamber may be for recycling an additional bioprocessing organism and returning biomass and/or nutrients to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond. In some embodiments, the organism recycling chamber is adapted to perform further bioprocessing of liquid containing an organism transferred thereto.

[0080] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a screening mechanism operatively connected to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond, for screening a liquid medium prior to delivery to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond.

[0081] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more further processing containers and/or processing ponds or chambers operatively connected to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond. In some embodiments, the further processing containers and/or further ponds or chambers are for bioprocessing and comprise one or more further bioprocessing organisms.

[0082] In one preferred embodiment, the further processing container is a floating container. Preferably, the further floating container is located on the pond on which the bioprocessing container containing the first bioprocessing organism floats. In one embodiment, the further floating container is or is of the organism recycling chamber.

[0083] In some embodiments the system further comprises one or more mechanisms for supplementing liquid contained within the bioprocessing container, the pond, and/or one or more further processing containers or further ponds, with a nutrient to assist with bioprocessing. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a mechanism for adding carbon dioxide to the liquid biofeed contained within the bioprocessing container.

[0084] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0085] It will be further appreciated that, in this specification, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” are not to be read as singular indefinite articles or as otherwise excluding more than one or more than a single subject to which the indefinite article refers. For example, “an” organism includes one organism, one or more organisms, or a plurality of organisms; and “a container” includes one container, one or more containers, or a plurality of containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0087] Figure 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system of the invention for wastewater processing.

[0088] Figure 2 is a schematic of another embodiment of a system of the invention for wastewater processing. A prototype of this embodiment has been produced and assessed as described in the examples.

[0089] Figure 3 is a schematic of another embodiment of a system of the invention for wastewater processing.

[0090] Figure 4 is a schematic of another embodiment of a system of the invention for wastewater processing.

[0091] Figure 5 is a schematic of another embodiment of a system of the invention for wastewater processing.

[0092] Figure 6 is a schematic of another embodiment of a system of the invention for wastewater processing.

[0093] Figure 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system of the invention for bioprocessing using coal seam gas water.

[0094] Figure 8 sets forth a comparison of photovoltaic (PV) output from a PV array at the site of installation with light meter readings (PS) for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0095] Figure 9 sets forth total nitrogen levels at an inlet to the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank inlet’); an outlet from the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank outlet’); a trough for collection of water from the bioprocessing container to direct flow to a floating clarifier (‘Floating unit trough’); and the surface of the floating clarifier (‘Clarifier effluent’), for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0096] Figure 10 sets forth ammonia levels at the inlet to the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank inlet’); the outlet from the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank outlet’); the trough (‘Floating unit trough'); and the surface of the clarifier (‘Clarifier effluent’), for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0097] Figure 11 sets forth ammonia levels on the surface of the clarifier and comparison with available light the day of collection of the ammonia data, and the day before collection of the ammonia data, for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0098] Figure 12 sets forth nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels on the surface of the clarifier unit and comparison with available light the day of collection of the NOx data, and the day before collection of the NOx data, for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0099] Figure 13 is a photograph of settling test results on wastewater at the inlet to the bioprocessing container, for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0100] Figure 14 is a photograph of settling test results on processed wastewater at the outlet from the bioprocessing container, for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0101] Figure 15 sets forth dissolved oxygen in the bioprocessing container of the prototype system described in the examples, and comparison with available light, and feed pump and paddle wheel operation.

[0102] Figure 16 sets forth mass of oxygen produced in the bioprocessing container of the prototype system described in the examples, per milmol photosynthetic light intensity.

[0103] Figure 17 sets forth nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels at the inlet to the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank inlet’), the outlet from the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank outlet’), the trough (‘Floating unit trough’) and the surface of the clarifier (‘Clarifier effluent’), for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0104] Figure 18 sets forth total suspended solids (TSS) at the clarifier surface and the trough (labelled ‘HRAP trough’ in this figure), for the system described in the examples.

[0105] Figure 19 sets forth total phosphorous (TP) and total suspended solids levels (TSS) at the clarifier surface, and comparison to available light, for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0106] Figure 20 sets forth ammonia and total nitrogen (TN) at the clarifier surface, and comparison to available light on the day of and the day before sampling, for the system described in the examples.

[0107] Figure 21 sets forth total nitrogen (TN) and volatile suspended solids (VSS) at the clarifier surface, and comparison to available light on the day of and the day before sampling, for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0108] Figure 22 sets forth chemical oxygen demand (COD) and volatile suspended solids (VSS) at the clarifier surface, and comparison to available light on the day of and the day before sampling, for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0109] Figure 23 sets forth COD at the inlet to the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank inlet’); the outlet from the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank outlet’); the trough (‘Floating unit trough’); and the surface of the clarifier ('Clarifier effluent’), and comparison to available light on the day of and the day before sampling, for the prototype system described in the examples.

[0110] Figure 24 sets forth COD at the inlet to the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank inlet’); the outlet from the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank outlet’); and the surface of the clarifier (‘Clarifier effluent’), and comparison to available light on the day of and the day before sampling, for the prototype system described in the examples. Note that scale for available light on the y-axis is decreased relative to Figure 23.

[0111] Figure 25 sets forth the ratio of volatile suspended solids (VSS) to suspended solids (SS) at the inlet to the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank inlet’).

[0112] Figure 26 sets forth the ratio of volatile suspended solids (VSS) to suspended solids (SS) at the outlet to the bioprocessing container (‘Main tank outlet’).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0113] Embodiments of the present invention reside in floating bioprocessors, and associated systems and methods, as herein described. Representative examples of embodiments of a system of the invention are described in detail as follows. It will be understood that, the integers have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

[0114] Referring to Figure 1, a typical known wastewater treatment pond 20 is depicted. This may be a natural or artificial earthen pond or an artificial tank or large chamber. A surface area of the wastewater of pond 20 is greater than 100 m2, such as up to multiple hectares. That is, the surface area of pond 20 may be greater than: 100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800; 900; 1000; 2000; 3000; 4000; 5000; 6000; 7000; 8000; 9000; or 10000 m2. The wastewater treatment pond 20 receives municipal or industrial liquid waste which is treated by aerobic, anaerobic or facultative processes.

[0115] As depicted in Figure 1, bioprocessing container 100 floats in the pond 20 and provides further or enhanced wastewater treatment. Bioprocessing container 100 is suitably made from a material that provides appropriate buoyancy, such as hereinbelow described. Bioprocessing container 100 contains algae, preferably a high rate algae photoactive using visible light. Wastewater from pond 20 may be transferred to container 100 using a pump, Archimedes screw or other suitable liquid transfer device. Bioprocessing container 100 provides further treatment of the wastewater that has been treated in pond 20.

[0116] It will be understood that bioprocessing chamber 100 forms part of bioprocessing apparatus 10. Furthermore, bioprocessing apparatus 10 and wastewater treatment pond 20 form part of waste water treatment system 1 that may further comprise one or more of: recycling chamber 30; screening mechanism 40; chamber 50 in the form of a holding tank; chamber 60 in the form of a processing pond; and chamber 70 in the form of a disinfection tank.

[0117] As depicted in Figure 1, apparatus 10 comprises bioprocessing container 100 as hereinabove described; inlet mechanism 200; and outlet mechanism 300. Bioprocessing container 100 is an open container, with a body comprising barriers in the form of floor 110 and walls 120, and an open top 130. Floor 110 and walls 120 are formed from low density foam, for buoyancy. Alternatively, walls 120 may be gas-filled membranes, such as shaped by hollow plastic forms although without limitation thereto.

[0118] Floors 110 and walls 120 facilitate flotation of bioprocessing chamber 100 containing algae and wastewater for bioprocessing, on the surface of the wastewater contained of pond 20. Floor 110 of bioprocessing container is greater than 10 m2, and may be up to about a hectare, or even greater. That is, the floor may be greater than: 10; 25; 50; 75; 100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800; 900; 1000; 2000; 3000; 4000; 5000; 6000; 7000; 8000; 9000; or 10000 m2. The specific size of the floor, and the container as a whole, can be suitably adjusted based on the surface area of pond 20.

[0119] The body of bioprocessing chamber 100 may further comprise additional barriers (not shown in Figure 1). By way of non-limiting example, the additional barriers may be used to form multiple compartments within bioprocessing container 100. Multiple compartments within bioprocessing chamber 100 can be used to separate additional microorganisms from the algae contained within bioprocessing container 100.

[0120] Furthermore, one or more barriers of the body of bioprocessing container 100 may have particular light transmission characteristics. By way of one non-limiting example, light of a wavelength in the visible spectrum, i.e. about 400 nm to about 680 nm, may be incapable or substantially incapable of transmission through floor 110, walls 120, and/or one or more additional barriers of bioprocessing container 100. Where visible light is constrained or prevented from transmission through these barriers, the growth of an unwanted microorganism that photosynthesizes using visible light can be accordingly constrained or prevented.

[0121] It will be appreciated that where transmission of visible light through floor 110 is prevented, unwanted growth of algae of bioprocessing container 100 may be constrained or prevented within wastewater contained in pond 20. It will be further appreciated that the placement of bioprocessing container 100 on pond 20, and the relative sizes of bioprocessing container 100 and pond 20, can influence the degree to which unwanted photoactive microorganism growth is constrained in pond 20 by bioprocessing container 100. For example, the degree of constraint may be maximised in a scenario wherein floor 110 of container 100 covers all or a majority of a surface of pond 20 that would otherwise be exposed to sunlight.

[0122] By way of another non-limiting example, floor 110, walls 120, and/or one or more additional barriers of bioprocessing chamber 100 may selectively transmit light of a particular wavelength, for example near infrared light, i.e. in the range of about 700 nm to about 1100 nm. Where near infrared light is selectively transmitted through these barriers, the growth of a desired microorganism that photosynthesizes using near infrared light can be accordingly facilitated or encouraged.

[0123] It will be appreciated that where near infrared light is selectively transmitted through floor 110, growth of a desired microorganism within the wastewater contained in pond 20 can be facilitated. Similar to as described above, it will be further appreciated that, in embodiments wherein near infrared light is selectively transmitted through floor 110 of bioprocessing container 100, the placement of bioprocessing container 100 on pond 20, and the relative size of bioprocessing container 100 and pond 20 can influence the degree to which desired microorganism growth is facilitated in pond 20 by bioprocessing container 100. For example, the degree to which desired microorganism growth is facilitated may be maximised in a scenario wherein floor 110 covers all or a majority of a surface of pond 20 that would otherwise be exposed to direct sunlight.

[0124] As depicted in Figure 1 by arrows, bioprocessing container 100 is operatively connected with inlet mechanism 200 and outlet mechanism 300. Inlet mechanism 200 is a powered inlet in the form of a pump, such as a peristaltic pump. Outlet mechanism 300 is in the form of a pipe and water is removed from bioprocessing container 100 by outlet mechanism 300 using gravity flow. As pictured in Figure 1, bioprocessing container 100 is further operatively connected to recycling chamber 30 in the form of an algae recycling tank that may be a clarifier.

[0125] Bioprocessing apparatus 10 and/or system 1 may further comprise a mixing mechanism 400, such as a paddle wheel, located within bioprocessing container 100. In some embodiments, the mixing mechanism 400 may be attached to the bioprocessing container 100. In these embodiments, the buoyancy of the bioprocessing container will be suitable to accommodate the mixing mechanism 400. In some embodiments, the mixing mechanism may be located on a floating raft within the bioprocessing container 100. The mixing mechanism may additionally or alternatively be fixed to another suitable structure. In embodiments wherein the mixing mechanism is fixed to another structure, it should remain in a substantially fixed position with respect to bioprocessing container 100.

[0126] As depicted in Figure 1, screening mechanism 40 is in the form of a metallic mesh screen; chamber 50 is in the form of a holding tank; and chamber 60 is in the form of a pre-treatment wastewater bioprocessing pond. These respective components are operatively connected, for example by way of pipe, channel, or hose.

[0127] In use, system 1 performs bioprocessing of or using waste water. Waste water influent passes through screening mechanism 40, to tank 50, then subsequently to pre-treatment pond 60. Transfer of waste water between these components may be by way of gravity flow, or powered, for example by pump. Pre-processed waste water is transferred from pretreatment pond 60 to pond 20, e.g. by way of pipe, channel, or hose, which may be by way of gravity flow or powered, for example by pump. Bioprocessing of the waste water transferred to pond 20 by a biotreatment organism contained of pond 20 is performed. After bioprocessing, pre-processed waste water transferred to pond 20 is partially purified. It will be appreciated that, during bioprocessing, significant replication of the biotreatment organism in pond 20 will typically occur.

[0128] In use, wastewater that has been subject to bioprocessing in pond 20 is transferred to bioprocessing container 100 by inlet mechanism 200. The wastewater is then used as a liquid biofeed for subsequent bioprocessing by the algae contained in bioprocessing container 100. After bioprocessing in bioprocessing container 100, the wastewater is at least partially purified. In particular, bioprocessing by the algae in bioprocessing container 100 removes further impurities that remain after bioprocessing in pond 20. It will be appreciated that, during bioprocessing, significant replication of the algae in bioprocessing container 100 will typically occur.

[0129] In use, a portion of the algae and/or wastewater contained within bioprocessing container 100 is transferred to algae recycling tank 30, as indicated by arrows in Figure 1. In use, algae recycling tank 30 processes algae and/or waste water transferred thereto, and returns biomass, nutrients, and/or processed waste water to bioprocessing container 100. Recycling tank 30 may also return biomass, nutrients, and/or processed waste water to pond 20. Transfer to and from algae recycling tank 30 may be by way of, for example, pipe, channel, or hose, and may be powered (e.g. by pump) or by way of gravity flow. It will be appreciated that, at least in some embodiments, further impurities may be removed from wastewater transferred from bioprocessing container 100 to recycling tank 30, by bioprocessing that occurs in algae recycling tank 30.

[0130] Biomass and/or nutrients returned to bioprocessing container 100 and, optionally pond 20, from algal recycling tank 30 will typically enhance growth and/or reproduction of the algae in bioprocessing container 100, and/or the additional bioprocessing organism in pond 20.

[0131] In use, after bioprocessing in bioprocessing container 100, outlet mechanism 300 transfers processed wastewater to disinfection chamber 70 in the form of a tank. In use, disinfection tank 70 removes further impurities from water processed by pond 20 and bioprocessing container 100.

[0132] As hereinbefore described, suitably, in use, flotation of bioprocessing container 100 on the wastewater of pond 20 may affect transmission of light through bioprocessing container 100 into the wastewater of pond 20. As such, in use, bioprocessing container 100 may be strategically placed within pond 20 to control growth of organisms within at least a section of pond 20.

[0133] It will be further appreciated that, in such examples, transmission of light in the visible spectrum, i.e. between about 400 nm and about 680 nm into one or more additional compartments (if present) defined by one or more barriers of the body of bioprocessing container 100 can be constrained or prevented.

[0134] The above arrangements may, respectively, prevent or at least constrain growth of organisms photosynthetically active in the visible spectrum in at least a section of pond 20, or within the one or more additional compartments of the body of bioprocessing container 100. By way of nonlimiting example, this arrangement may prevent or at least constrain growth of the algae contained within bioprocessing container 100, in at least this section of pond 20, or in these additional compartments of bioprocessing container 100, respectively.

[0135] By way of another non-limiting example, as hereinabove described, floor 110, walls 120, and/or one or more additional barriers of bioprocessing container 100 may selectively transmit light of particular wavelength, for example near infrared light, i.e. in the range of about 700 nm to about 1100 nm.

[0136] It will be appreciated that, in such examples, selective transmission of light in the near infrared spectrum into at least a section of pond 20, e.g. above which bioprocessing chamber 100 is positioned, can be achieved. It will be further appreciated that, in such examples, selective transmission of light in the near infrared spectrum into one or more additional compartments (if present) defined by one or more barriers of the body of bioprocessing container 100, can be achieved.

[0137] The above arrangements may, respectively, facilitate growth of organisms photosynthetically active in the near infrared spectrum in pond 20, or within the one or more additional compartments of the body of bioprocessing container 100. By way of non-limiting example, this arrangement may facilitate growth of infrared utilising bacteria contained within bioprocessing container 100, in pond 20, or in these additional compartments, respectively.

[0138] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of system 1. This embodiment is as described with reference to Figure 1, with the exception that algae recycling tank 30 is in the form of a floating clarifier located within pond 20. It will be appreciated that floating clarifier 30 of this embodiment of system 1 comprises an additional floating bioprocessing container, in which an additional bioprocessing organism in the form of or comprising algae transferred from bioprocessing 100 is contained.

[0139] Similar as described with reference to Figure 1 in this embodiment, in use, a portion of algae and wastewater contained within bioprocessing container 100 is transferred to floating clarifier 30, as indicated by arrows in Figure 2. Floating clarifier 30 processes algae and/or waste water transferred thereto, and returns biomass, nutrients, and/or processed waste water to bioprocessing container 100. Floating clarifier 30 may also return biomass, nutrients, and/or processed waster water to pond 20.

[0140] Figure 3 shows another embodiment of system 1 of the invention. This embodiment is as described with reference to Figure 1, with the exception that processing tank 60 is positioned to accept processed waste water from bioprocessing chamber 100 via outlet mechanism 300 for further processing in processing tank 60, prior to subsequent disinfection in disinfection chamber 70.

[0141] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of system 1 of the invention. In Figure 5, after screening by screening mechanism 40, waste water is first transferred to a chamber 50 which in this embodiment is in the form of anaerobic pond or anaerobic lagoon 50 and bioprocessed by an additional biotreatment organism located therein, and subsequently transferred to pond 20, which in this example is in the form of a facultative wastewater pond 20, for further bioprocessing as hereinabove described.

[0142] After bioprocessing in pond 20, waste water is transferred to bioprocessing container 100 of bioprocessing apparatus 10 for bioprocessing, as hereinabove described. Additionally, after bioprocessing using apparatus 10, waste water is transferred to chamber 60 which, as depicted in Figure 4, is in the form of a maturation pond.

[0143] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of system 1 of the invention. This embodiment is as described with reference to Figure 4, with the exception that waste water passes directly from lagoon 50 to bioprocessing container 100.

[0144] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of system 1 of the invention. This embodiment is as described with reference to Figure 1. However, in particular regard to bioprocessing apparatus 10, in addition to floor 110 and walls 120, the body of bioprocessing container 100 comprises an additional barrier in the form of wall 140.

[0145] Additional wall 140 separates bioprocessing container into compartments 100A and 100B. Additional wall 140 allows selective transmission of light in the near infrared wavelength into bioprocessing container compartment 100B.

[0146] Bioprocessing chamber compartment 100A contains the algae as hereinabove described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. Bioprocessing chamber compartment 100B contains an additional biotreatment organism in the form of bacteria photosynthetically active in the near infrared spectrum. As depicted in Figure 6, the additional biotreatment organism is a purple cyanobacteria.

[0147] As indicated by the respective arrows, waste water is transferred from holding tank 50 to bioprocessing container compartment 100B, wherein the waste water is bioprocessed by the purple cyanobacteria. Subsequently, waste water is transferred from bioprocessing compartment 100B to pond 20 for further bioprocessing using a suitable transfer mechanism, such as a pipe, hose, or pump.

[0148] After bioprocessing in pond 20, waste water is transferred to bioprocessing container 100A of bioprocessing apparatus 10 by inlet mechanism 200 for further bioprocessing, similar to as hereinabove described. Furthermore, after bioprocessing in bioprocessing container 100A using apparatus 10, waste water is transferred to further bioprocessing pond 60, and subsequently transferred for disinfection in disinfection container 70, as hereinabove described with reference to Figure 3.

[0149] Although the above embodiments have been described in the context of biotreatment for wastewater treatment to achieve wastewater purification, it will be appreciated that the above described system (or systems similar thereto incorporating modifications that will be readily apparent to the skilled person) can be used for bioprocessing to produce products such as the first organism or an additional organism contained within the first chamber; an active substance derived from or produced by the first organism or an additional organism contained within the first chamber; and/or an active substance derived from the liquid medium.

[0150] By way of example, as hereinabove described, growth and replication of the first bioprocessing organism in the form of algae contained within bioprocessing container 100 (or bioprocessing chamber 100A, in the case of the embodiment of system 1 exemplified with reference to Figure 6), and additional bioprocessing organisms present in pond 20, one or more additional further chambers (or bioprocessing chamber 100B, in the case of the embodiment of system 1 exemplified with reference to Figure 6), occurs during bioprocessing using the systems described herein. In additional to potential use in recycling as herein described, it will be readily appreciated that these bioprocessing organisms or biomass derived therefrom can be used as a product for a range of applications. By way of non-limiting example, the bioprocessing organisms or biomass can potentially be used as feedstock for biofuel, and in production of fertilisers and other additives.

[0151] It will be further appreciated that bioprocessing systems of the invention can be used in contexts other than wastewater treatment as hereinabove described.

[0152] By way of further example in this respect, reference is made to Figure 7, within which a further system 2 of the invention is depicted. In Figure 7, pond 20 is a typical known coal seam gas (CSG) water storage pond. Water contained within CSG water storage pond 20 will typically contain relatively high levels of salts and minerals, and may contain other nutrients and/or impurities. Floating on pond 20 is bioprocessing apparatus 10, comprising bioprocessing container 100 as hereinabove described. As depicted in Figure 7, bioprocessing container 100 comprises a halotolerant algae, for example Dunaliella or Asteromonas spp.

[0153] As depicted in Figure 7, CSG water of pond 20 is transferred to bioprocessing container 100 of bioprocessing apparatus 10. CSG water transferred to bioprocessing container 100 is then used as a biofeed for the halotolerant algae contained therein. As a result, high levels of replication and growth of the halotolerant algae occurs. Replicated algae is subsequently removed from bioprocessing container 100 by outlet mechanism 300, and used as biomass in the product of desired products, such as for biofuel and/or fertiliser production. Algal harvest may be by any suitable strategy. By way of non-limiting example, algal harvest may be performed using assisted clarification (e.g. using a coagulant or other suitable mechanism); or filtration (e.g. using a cloth filter or specialized filtration membrane).

[0154] Furthermore, bioprocessing of CSG water transferred to bioprocessing container 100 using the halotolerant algae contained therein may result in at least partial removal of unwanted salts, minerals, or impurities from the CSG water. CSG water that is thereby processed or purified may be further processed similar to as hereinabove described with reference to Figures 1-6, and/or used in suitable applications such as coal washing, dust suppression, construction or landscaping and revegetation application, or as drinking water for stock.

[0155] Additionally, as depicted in Figure 7, floor 110 is opaque to light, and placed to overlie the majority of the surface of pond 20 that would otherwise be exposed to light. Such placement and structure of floor 110 constrains unwanted growth and replication of photosynthetic organisms in pond 20, including unwanted growth of the halotolerant algae contained within bioprocessing container 100, in pond 20.

EXAMPLES

To assist the skilled person to readily understand and put the invention into practice, the following non-limiting examples are provided. Example 1. Pilot plant trial [0156] This Example describes a pilot plant incorporating an embodiment of a bioprocessing system as described herein.

Introduction [0157] It has been identified for the current invention that many wastewater treatment ponds in Australia have been designed as facultative ponds without maturation ponds. The traditional method to upgrade these pond plants would be to provide new earthen shallow ponds which are very capital intensive. In addition, many of the sites do not have suitable available area for these expansions. The sites generally treat wastewater from small towns.

[0158] This led to the concept of a floating algae bioreactor (described elsewhere herein as a ‘bioprocessing container’) as a potential alternative. The hypothesis being that as such an algae bioreactor is typically shallow, it could float on the top of a pond and have minimal impact on the capacity of the pond.

[0159] Twin facultative pond systems often have high algae content in their influent, particularly in the summer months. The high solids content can cause the effluent to fail licence conditions. Pond systems typically rely on the symbiosis of the algae and the bacteria to treat the pollutants in the wastewater. Therefore, to provide oxygen for the area covered with the floating unit, it was decided to allow the oxygen rich water to flow under the floating bioreactor to enable the bacteria underneath to metabolise in both aerobic and anoxic conditions. That is, ammonia present will be oxidised to NOx in aerobic conditions, which in addition to the NOx from the floating unit will provide and anoxic zone where and when oxygen is depleted.

[0160] The pilot system was installed at a sewerage treatment plant (STP) in Queensland, Australia, managed by an operator of several pond treatment plants, some in need of improved performance as they have difficulty meeting compliance due to high algae concentrations or they have a reduced treatment capacity.

[0161 ] The trial was undertaken to determine the potential to enhance the treatment capacity and licence compliance of existing pond systems with a relatively low capital and operating cost method. In addition, the pilot plant offered the opportunity to provide better understanding of pond operation and algae applications for wastewater treatment.

Expected outcomes [0162] The pilot bioprocessing system was anticipated to provide one or more of the following, in the context of the sewerage treatment plant: - Improved nitrogen removal; - Reduction of suspended solids in the effluent, resulting in reduced operating costs for the micro-filtration plant on site; - Increased capture rate of algae biomass by encouraging growth of strain(s) of algae that is able to settle; - Improved disinfection levels within the effluent, in comparison to the existing lagoon system; - Effective energy usage - such that it is able to be powered by solar energy, and; - More stable treatment quality throughout the year.

Description of sewerage treatment plant [0163] The targeted STP is located in Boonah, QLD, and operated by Queensland Urban Utilities. The STP serves an equivalent population (EP) of over 4,370, and treats approximately 593 kL/d of wastewater.

[0164] The STP consists of an aerated lagoon treatment system, comprising a primary and secondary lagoon operating in series.

[0165] The treated effluent is pumped to various locations of the plant, including: - Membrane filtration (MF) system which includes two (2) MF units operating in parallel to produce recycled water; - Onsite vetiver grass area for on-site irrigation reuse, - Emergency storage lagoon during over capacity; or, overflowed to Teviot Brook in emergencies only.

[0166] The existing STP achieves a total effluent nitrogen and phosphorous concentration of 10.5 mg/L and 5.4 mg/L, respectively.

Pilot configuration [0167] There are many parameters that affect the operation of a pond system. Key parameters include surface area, residence time and pond/chamber depth. Given that the key interest in the pilot plant is the interaction of algae in the treatment process and potential capacity increases by intensifying the algae stage, it was decided that the depth of the floating bioreactor was more important than the surface area for this pilot study. By way of elaboration, the depth defines how much of the reactor is exposed to light and oxygen transfer from the surface, and depth is therefore particularly important to simulate the facultative process.

[0168] For the pilot, the pond system was simulated with a large tank divided into two halves to enable an estimation of a typical facultative pond system. The floating bioreactor was sized and placed in the large tank (‘pond’) to as best as is practical simulate a location of an intended full-scale application.

[0169] Additionally, a further bioprocessing container in the form of a floating clarifier unit was used for the pilot system. The use of a floating clarifier unit overcomes difficulties associated with locating a conventional external clarifier unit, including difficulties in locating such a unit precisely enough in the context of the overall system. Floating clarifiers should also be relatively easy to scale-up for use outside of the pilot system. To maintain the biomass concentration and to promote a settling biomass, algal biomass is recycled from the bottom of the floating clarifier into the floating bioreactor.

[0170] Operating parameters of: - the pond feed pump, pumping wastewater into the pond containing the floating bioreactor; - the floating bioreactor (FBR) feed pump, pumping wastewater from the pond to the floating bioreactor; - the recycle pump, pumping algae accumulated in the clarifier to the floating bioreactor; - the paddle, mixing the contents of the floating bioreactor; and - the waste pump, removing excess algae biomass from the clarifier to waste are set forth in Table 1.

[0171] During the initial trial period, the inlet of the main tank was pumped with wastewater from the beginning of the primary lagoon of the STP lagoon system. The floating bioreactor takes its feed from the end of the pond. The floating clarifier returns the treated flow upstream of the floating bioreactor.

[0172] Algae biomass is made up of photosynthetic organisms that rely upon visible light to function. The specific algae accumulating in the pilot has not been characterised in detail, beyond comprising green microalgae. In order to determine the impact of light intensity on bioprocessing, a lux meter was installed. A factor of 0.0185 as reported on the Apogee website was used as the conversion factor for the conversion of lux readings to micromole of photosynthetic light for sunlight. For further reporting on a daily basis the conversion is reported in milmol to simplify the numbers.

[0173] The STP site has a photovoltaic (PV) array that is monitored. Photovoltaics use a slightly different spread of the light spectrum compared to photosynthetic organisms; however, the correlation is close. To determine the reliability of the lux meter for use as an indicator of the available photosynthetic light, the amount of light recorded by the lux meter was compared to the normalised power output from the PV array.

[0174] Figure 8 shows the comparison between PV output and the light meter PS readings. As the results indicate relatively close matches given the different spectra, it has been assumed that the light readings from the lux meter may be used as a strong indicator of the available light.

Results - Reduction of nitrogen and ammonia [0175] The pilot system has demonstrated the ability to achieve low levels of dissolved total nitrogen and ammonia, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0176] The feed concentrations of nitrogen to the floating bioreactor have been at predominantly low levels. The feed to the floating unit includes the recycled flow from the floating unit clarifier which was intended to dilute the influent concentration. However, for the purposes of this trial, the combination of the sewage being diluted at the inlet to the main pond system and the return flow upstream of the floating unit intake have resulted in the floating unit becoming nitrogen limited.

[0177] Even so, lower total nitrogen and ammonia levels were generally achieved at the outlet of the floating bioreactor as compared to the inlet after processing in the bioreactor, and still lower total nitrogen and ammonia levels were observed at the clarifier surface after processing in the clarifier.

[0178] Overall, the average reduction in ammonia between the floating bioreactor inlet and the clarifier surface was observed to be about 81%. It is important to note that this reduction was achieved during the winter months in south east Queensland. The ability to remove ammonia during the winter months is particularly important as literature and experience indicates that nitrification is lost during the winter and spring months in facultative pond systems. It is possible that a similar result would occur closer to the poles if the floating unit is insulated from the bulk water of the pond below.

[0179] Further to the above, Figure 11 and Figure 12 set out the relationship of ammonia and oxidised nitrogen (NOx) at the clarifier surface with the light intensity of the testing days and the light intensity on the day prior to testing. This data indicated that samples taken earlier in the day are more reliant upon the available light the previous day. Samples taken in the middle of the day were more closely linked to the light available on the day of sampling. - Suspended solids [0180] The use of an algae recycle from a clarifier has successfully established a predominantly settling algae biomass as previously described by Park and Craggs (2014) Effect of algal recycling rate on the performance of Pediastrum boryanum dominated wastewater treatment high rate algal pond. Water Science & Technology, 70.8,pp 1299-1306.

[0181] The concentration of suspended solids in the prototype system effluent has been higher than anticipated. This is possibly due to the extent of the area near the discharge being unshaded. Notably, the level of suspended solids has been preliminarily observed to be reduced since the floating bioreactor anchor was adjusted to reduce the area exposed to light.

[0182] Despite the elevated levels of suspended solids in the effluent, the settleability of the solids is improved compared to the solids in the influent water. This is demonstrated in Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 shows the settling test for the influent to the pilot system as compared to Figure 14 which shows the settling test for the effluent from the pilot system. The effluent clearly has a more readily settling solid content which produces a less concentrated residual solids following clarification. - Effective energy usage [0183] Algae is the main source of dissolved oxygen (DO) in facultative ponds systems. By intensifying the algae biomass growth phase it is possible to achieve supersaturated oxygen levels in the algae bioreactor during daylight hours at very low energy costs.

[0184] In a pond system the retention time in ponds is relatively high, at approximately 20 days. This provides the opportunity to use the pond to balance the flow such that the daily flow is treated during daylight hours through the floating algae bioreactor. Therefore, the feed pump and mixer only need to operate during daylight hours when solar power is available. A small battery system would be required due to the shape of the power generation curve to ensure the mixer could start prior to sunrise and continue for a short time after sunset.

[0185] The mixer needs to operate prior to sunrise to ensure the algae are in suspension when sunlight becomes available. It is desirable to continue mixing after sunset so that the algae and bacteria to utilise the oxygen for continued heterotrophic treatment of the water. - Oxygen production [0186] Figure 15 shows that the DO level in the floating bioreactor follows the available light with a clear lag. The paddle wheel trendline shown at a higher level represents the paddle wheel being offline, whilst the lower level represents the wheel being online. The data indicates a strong link to available light and no definable link to the paddle wheel operation.

[0187] The nitrogen limitation has restricted the ability to measure the impact of other parameters throughout the pilot trial period to date. This has been specifically limiting for pathogen reduction potential and oxygen production based on available light.

[0188] Nevertheless, Figure 16 shows the oxygen production at one (1) minute intervals compared the available light. This does not consider the oxygen demand in the form of heterotrophic activity by algae and/or bacteria. Without data on the demand, it is not possible to calculate the actual oxygen production for the available light. However, the data suggests that the oxygen production is limited by the DO in the bioreactor. The oxygen production per unit of photosynthetic light is high when the DO in the bioreactor is low but is very low when maintaining a DO level.

Limitations [0189] The pilot plant has limitations in that it is not possible to match all the parameters of the full-scale plant, particularly obtaining the right correlation with plant hydraulics and solids handling.

[0190] The nitrogen limitation observed in this pilot study has caused the biomass to become benthic and this has caused problems in recycling the biomass for appropriate biomass selection. Additionally, the initial decision to take the influent from the beginning of the main plant pond has exacerbated the nutrient limitation. This is because the influent is diluted in the main pond prior to entering the pilot plant.

[0191] The floating bioreactor used a transparent paddle which was hoped to limit the light shading for the small pilot unit. However, the paddle design was found to have a velocity distribution flaw which may have affected mixing within the bioreactor.

[0192] The recycle pump was initially blocked by debris falling into the floating bioreactor. This was resolved by reducing the size of the recycle pipe to prevent the debris being drawn into the pipe.

[0193] Establishing a suitable solids wasting regime has been problematic to date due to the nutrient limitations causing issues with biomass generation calculations.

Future work [0194] The current testing program is to be completed with addition of a control bioreactor to assess the overall treatment improvement using the current floating bioreactor.

[0195] The next step is to change the influent feed to the large tanks to primary settled sewage to better represent a pond system during operation and thus identify the impact on nitrogen removal.

[0196] The residence time of the larger tanks will be reduced to progressively represent an over-loaded pond system. The capacity increase achievable by the use of floating algae bioreactors will be determined. It is anticipated that as the larger tanks become more overloaded, the increased nutrient levels will boost the performance of the floating algae bioreactor.

Conclusions [0197] The pilot to date has clearly demonstrated that low nitrogen levels can be achieved at the clarifier discharge using a floating algae bioreactor on a pond system. The data also clearly demonstrates that the algal biomass is responsible for the elevated oxygen levels, not the mixer. This in turn allows high oxygen production to be achieved with low power mixing devices.

[0198] The photosynthesis method of producing oxygen on a pond system provides the opportunity to use the pond volume to balance flows and allow high quality treatment to be conducted during daylight hours when solar power is available. This would vary depending upon the number of days of clear sunshine for a particular location.

[0199] The results to date indicate that intensified algae biomass production in floating bioreactors is able to produce low ammonia effluent. Example 2. Further data collected during pilot plant trial [0200] This example sets out further data collected during the pilot plant trial conducted as described in Example 1, which was not dealt with in detail in that example.

[0201] During assessment of the pilot system described in Example 1, the following parameters: - Chemical Oxygen Demand COD (mg/L); - Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L); - BOD5 (mg/L); - Suspended Solids (mg/L); - Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS) (mg/L); - Ammonia (mg/L); - Nitrate + Nitrate (mg/L); - Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) (mg/L); - Total Nitrogen (mg/L); and - Total Phosphorous (mg/L), were measured at regular intervals over the period 4 April 2017 to 19 September 2017, at locations within the system including the inlet and the outlet to the floating bioreactor; and at the clarifier surface. Additionally, data on the daily photosynthetic photons (rrf2) was collected on both the same day and the day before measurement of the above parameters.

[0202] In addition to the data provided in Figures 9-12 and 15-16 discussed in Example 1, the collected information was used to produce the further charts provided as Figures 17-26, incorporating respective subsets of the above parameters. This analysis provides for an assessment of the degree to which processing in the floating bioreactor and/or the clarifier affects the level of various organic substances in the wastewater; and the degree to which available photosynthetic light affects these parameters.

STATEMENTS OF EMBODIMENTS

[0203] This following are statements of some preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0204] (1) A method of bioprocessing using a liquid biofeed, including the steps of: floating a container comprising a first bioprocessing organism on a pond comprising an additional bioprocessing organism; placing a liquid biofeed within the container, whereby the first bioprocessing organism consumes a substance within the liquid biofeed; and transferring the liquid biofeed between the container and the pond before and/or after bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism, whereby the additional bioprocessing organism consumes a substance within the liquid biofeed, to thereby bioprocess using the liquid biofeed.

[0205] (2) The method of (1), wherein the liquid biofeed is wastewater.

[0206] (3) The method of (2), wherein the substance consumed by the first bioprocessing organism is a wastewater contaminant, and the wastewater is at least partially purified by consumption of the substance by the first bioprocessing organism.

[0207] (4) The method of (2)-(3), wherein the substance consumed by the additional bioprocessing organism is a wastewater contaminant, and the wastewater is at least partially purified by consumption of the substance by the additional bioprocessing organism.

[0208] (5) The method of (1)-(4), wherein the first bioprocessing organism is a photoactive organism.

[0209] (6) The method of (1)-(5), wherein the first bioprocessing organism is photosynthetically active with wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum.

[0210] (7) The method of (1)-(6), wherein the first bioprocessing organism is an algae or cyanobacteria.

[0211] (8) The method of (7), wherein the first bioprocessing organism is a microalgae selected from the group consisting of: Chlorella; Spirulina; Nannochloropsis; Nitzschia; Dunaliella; Nannochloris; Porphyridium; Schizochytrium; Tetraselmis; Euglena; Phacus; Chlamydomonas; Amkistrodesmus; Micractinium; Scenedesmus; Selenastrum; Dictyosphaerium; and Volvox.

[0212] (9) The method of (1)-(8), wherein the additional bioprocessing organism is selected from the group consisting of an algae; a cyanobacteria; and a bacteria.

[0213] (10) The method of (1)-(9), wherein the additional bioprocessing organism is different than the first bioprocessing organism.

[0214] (11) The method of (1)-(10), wherein the floating container comprises one or more additional bioprocessing organisms, wherein the additional bioprocessing organism is different than the first bioprocessing organism.

[0215] (12) The method of (11), wherein the additional bioprocessing organism is selected from the group consisting of an algae; a cyanobacteria; and a bacteria.

[0216] (13) The method of (11 )-(12), wherein the additional bioprocessing organism is a biotreatment organism adapted for bioprocessing of wastewater.

[0217] (14) The method of (11)-(13), including the step of containing the first bioprocessing organism and the additional bioprocessing organism within separate compartments of the floating container.

[0218] (15) The method of (14), including the step of transferring the liquid biofeed to the compartment containing the first bioprocessing organism for bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism, before or after transferring the liquid medium to the compartment containing the additional bioprocessing organism for bioprocessing by the additional bioprocessing organism.

[0219] (16) The method of (1)-(15), wherein the pond and/or the floating container comprises one or more additional bioprocessing organisms that are algae, and the algae is selected from the group consisting of: Chlorella; Spirulina; Nannochloropsis; Nitzschia; Dunaliella; Nannochloris;

Porphyridium; Schizochytrium; Tetraselmis; Euglena; Phacus; Chlamydomonas; Amkistrodesmus; Micractinium; Scenedesmus; Selenastrum; Dictyosphaerium; and Volvox.

[0220] (17) The method of (1)-16), wherein the pond and/or the floating container comprises one or more additional bioprocessing organisms that are cyanobacteria, and the cyanobacteria is selected from the group consisting of: filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs; phototrophic acidobacteria; phototrophic heliobacteria; purple sulfur bacteria; purple nonsulfur bacteria; green sulfur bacteria; and green non-sulfur bacteria.

[0221] (18) The method of (1)-(17), including the step of actively mixing the contents of the floating container, to facilitate bioprocessing in the floating container.

[0222] (19) The method of (1)-(18), including the step of controlling growth of a photoactive organism by use of the floating container wherein the floating container comprises one or more barriers which affect transmission of light.

[0223] (20) The method of (19), wherein the growth of the organism is controlled within the pond.

[0224] (21) The method of (19) or (20), wherein the growth of the organism is controlled within the floating container.

[0225] (22) The method of (19)-(21), wherein the organism for which growth is controlled is the first bioprocessing organism, one or more of the one or more additional bioprocessing organisms, or a further organism.

[0226] (23) The method of (19)-(22), wherein the floating container comprises one or more barriers which affect transmission of light in the visible spectrum, and transmission of light in the visible spectrum is controlled through the one or more barriers, to thereby control of the growth of the organism.

[0227] (24) The method of (23), wherein the one or more barriers constrain or prevent transmission of light in the visible spectrum.

[0228] (25) The method of (23), wherein the one or more barriers selectively transmit light in the near infrared spectrum.

[0229] (26) The method of (23)-(25), wherein the one or more barriers include a floor of the floating container positioned adjacent the surface of the pond, and the one or more barriers affect transmission of light into the pond, to thereby control the growth of an organism in the pond.

[0230] (27) The method of (23)-(26), wherein the floating container comprises separate compartments containing the first bioprocessing organism and an additional bioprocessing organism, and the one or more barriers affect transmission of light in the visible spectrum into one or more of the compartments, to thereby control growth of an organism in one or more of the compartments.

[0231] (28) The method of (1)-(27), including the step of obtaining a product produced as a result of bioprocessing using the liquid biofeed.

[0232] (29) The method of (1)-(28), including the step of recycling biomass and/or nutrients produced in: the floating container; the pond; or one or more further containers or further ponds, by transferring or returning biomass and/or nutrients produced by bioprocessing in one or more of said containers or ponds to one or more of said containers or ponds.

[0233] (30) The method of (29), including the step of returning biomass and/or nutrients produced as a result of bioprocessing in the floating container to the floating container, to facilitate bioprocessing in the floating container.

[0234] (31) The method of (29)-(30), including the step of transferring biomass and/or nutrients produced as a result of bioprocessing in the floating container to the pond, to facilitate bioprocessing in the pond.

[0235] (32) The method of (29)-(31), including the step of transferring biomass and/or nutrients produced as a result of bioprocessing in the pond to the floating container, to facilitate bioprocessing in the floating container.

[0236] (33) The method of (1)-(32), including the step of supplementing biofeed contained within the floating container or the pond with a nutrient to assist with bioprocessing.

[0237] (34) The method of (33), wherein the nutrient is carbon dioxide.

[0238] (35) A bioprocessing apparatus, comprising: a bioprocessing container capable of containing a first bioprocessing organism; an inlet mechanism by which a liquid biofeed is transferable to the bioprocessing container; and an outlet mechanism by which the liquid biofeed and/or biomass is removable from the bioprocessing container after bioprocessing, wherein the bioprocessing container is adapted for flotation on a pond capable of containing an additional bioprocessing organism, while containing and using the liquid biofeed for bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism; and the inlet mechanism and/or the outlet mechanism is adapted to transfer liquid biofeed between the bioprocessing container and the pond whereby an additional bioprocessing organism contained within the pond can consume a substance within the liquid biofeed before and/or after bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism.

[0239] (36) The apparatus of (35) wherein the liquid biofeed transferrable to the bioprocessing container is waste water.

[0240] (37) The apparatus of (35) or (36), wherein the liquid of the pond on which the bioprocessing container is adapted to float is waste water.

[0241] (38) The apparatus of (35)-(37), wherein the liquid biofeed transferrable to the bioprocessing container by the inlet mechanism is the liquid of the pond on which the bioprocessing container is floatable.

[0242] (39) The apparatus of (35)-(38), wherein the inlet mechanism is a powered inlet mechanism.

[0243] (40) The apparatus of (35)-(39), wherein the outlet mechanism is capable of functioning using gravity flow.

[0244] (41) The apparatus of (35)-(40), further comprising a mixing mechanism located within the bioprocessing container, for actively mixing the liquid biofeed contained therein.

[0245] (42) The apparatus of (35)-(41), wherein a body of the bioprocessing container within which the first bioprocessing organism and the liquid biofeed may be contained comprises air or gas -filled barriers or a low density foam to facilitate floating of the container on a liquid.

[0246] (43) The apparatus (42), wherein the barriers are formed from or comprise a polymer or a rubber.

[0247] (44) The apparatus of (35)-(43) wherein the bioprocessing container is an open container and a body of the container is sealed to prevent or constrain ingress of liquid when the container is floated on a liquid.

[0248] (45) The apparatus of (44), wherein the open container comprises an open top or roof.

[0249] (46) The apparatus of (35)-(45), wherein a body of the bioprocessing container comprises compartments separated by one or more additional barriers, wherein the compartments are adapted to contain one or more additional bioprocessing organisms for use in bioprocessing.

[0250] (47) The apparatus of (46), wherein the bioprocessing container comprises one or more mechanisms facilitating transferral of liquid biofeed between the compartments.

[0251] (48) The apparatus of (35)-(47), wherein the one or more barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container are adapted to control transmission of a wavelength of light into the container and/or into a pond on which the container is floated.

[0252] (49) The apparatus of (48), wherein the wavelength of light includes the visible spectrum.

[0253] (50) The apparatus of (48)-(49), wherein the wavelength of light includes near infrared.

[0254] (51) The apparatus of (48)-(50), wherein the one or more of the barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container affect transmission of light into a pond upon which the bioprocessing container is floated.

[0255] (52) The apparatus of (48)-(51), wherein one or more of the barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container affect transmission of light into one or more compartments of the bioprocessing container.

[0256] (53) A bioprocessing system comprising the bioprocessing apparatus of (35)-(52) comprising a first bioprocessing organism contained within the bioprocessing container; and a pond on which the bioprocessing container of the apparatus floats containing an additional bioprocessing organism, wherein the inlet mechanism and/or the outlet mechanism transfers liquid biofeed between the bioprocessing container and the pond, whereby the liquid biofeed is bioprocessed by the first bioprocessing organism and the additional bioprocessing organism.

[0257] (54) The system of (53), further comprising an organism recycling chamber in operable connection with the bioprocessing container of the apparatus and/or the pond, for recycling the first bioprocessing organism contained within the bioprocessing container of the apparatus and/or the additional bioprocessing organism contained within the pond, and returning biomass and/or nutrients to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond.

[0258] (55) The system of (53)-(54), further comprising a screening mechanism operatively connected to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond, for screening a liquid medium prior to delivery to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond for use as a liquid biofeed.

[0259] (56) The system of (53)-(55), further comprises one or more further processing containers and/or processing ponds or chambers operatively connected to the bioprocessing container and/or the pond.

[0260] (57) The system of (56), wherein the further processing containers and/or further ponds or chambers are for bioprocessing and comprise one or more further bioprocessing organisms.

[0261] (58) The system of (57), wherein the further processing containers are or include a further floating container.

[0262] (59) The system of (53)-(58), further comprising one or more mechanisms for supplementing liquid contained within the bioprocessing container, the pond, and/or one or more further processing containers or further ponds of the system, with a nutrient to assist with bioprocessing.

[0263] (60) The system of (59) comprising a mechanism for adding carbon dioxide to the liquid biofeed contained within the bioprocessing container.

[0264] (61) The apparatus of (35)-(52), or the system of (53)-(60), for use according to the method of (1)-(34).

[0265] The above descriptions, examples, and statements of various embodiments of the present invention are provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0266] In particular, although detailed description and examples have focussed on particular systems of the invention, in view of the disclosure provided herein, the skilled person will readily be able to modify systems to undertake methods as described herein across their full scope.

TABLES

Table 1. Operating parameters of components of the prototype system described in Example 1.

Claims (15)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A method of bioprocessing using a liquid biofeed, including the steps of: floating a container comprising a first bioprocessing organism on a pond comprising an additional bioprocessing organism; placing a liquid biofeed within the container, whereby the first bioprocessing organism consumes a substance within the liquid biofeed; and transferring the liquid biofeed between the container and the pond before and/or after bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism, whereby the additional bioprocessing organism consumes a substance within the liquid biofeed, to thereby bioprocess using the liquid biofeed.
2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid biofeed is wastewater.
3. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first bioprocessing organism is a photoactive organism.
4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first bioprocessing organism is a microalgae selected from the group consisting of: Chlorella; Spirulina; Nannochloropsis; Nitzschia; Dunaliella; Nannochloris; Porphyridium; Schizochytrium; Tetraselmis; Euglena; Phacus; Chlamydomonas; Amkistrodesmus; Micractinium; Scenedesmus; Selenastrum; Dictyosphaerium; and Volvox.
5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional bioprocessing organism is selected from the group consisting of an algae; a cyanobacteria; and a bacteria, wherein the additional bioprocessing organism is different than the first bioprocessing organism.
6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the floating container comprises one or more additional bioprocessing organisms, wherein the additional bioprocessing organism is different than the first bioprocessing organism.
7. 7. The method of claim 1, including the step of actively mixing the contents of the floating container, to facilitate bioprocessing in the floating container.
8. 8. The method of claim 1, including the step of controlling growth of a photoactive organism by use of the floating container wherein the floating container comprises one or more barriers which affect transmission of light.
9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the growth of the organism is controlled within the pond, and wherein the one or more barriers include a floor of the floating container positioned adjacent the surface of the pond, and the one or more barriers affect transmission of light into the pond, to thereby control the growth of an organism in the pond.
10. 10. The method of claim 1, including the step of recycling biomass and/or nutrients produced in: the floating container; the pond; or one or more further containers or further ponds, by transferring or returning biomass and/or nutrients produced by bioprocessing in one or more of said containers or ponds to one or more of said containers or ponds.
11. 11. The method of claim 1, including the step of supplementing biofeed contained within the floating container or the pond with a nutrient to assist with bioprocessing.
12. 12. A bioprocessing apparatus, comprising: a bioprocessing container capable of containing a first bioprocessing organism; an inlet mechanism by which a liquid biofeed is transferable to the bioprocessing container; and an outlet mechanism by which the liquid biofeed and/or biomass is removable from the bioprocessing container after bioprocessing, wherein the bioprocessing container is adapted for flotation on a pond capable of containing an additional bioprocessing organism, while containing and using the liquid biofeed for bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism; and the inlet mechanism and/or the outlet mechanism is adapted to transfer liquid biofeed between the bioprocessing container and the pond whereby an additional bioprocessing organism contained within the pond can consume a substance within the liquid biofeed before and/or after bioprocessing by the first bioprocessing organism.
13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the liquid biofeed transferable to the bioprocessing container by the inlet mechanism is the liquid of the pond on which the bioprocessing container is floatable.
14. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein one or more barriers of the body of the bioprocessing container are adapted to control transmission of a wavelength of light into the container and/or into a pond on which the container is floated.
15. 15. A bioprocessing system comprising the bioprocessing apparatus of claim 12 comprising a first bioprocessing organism contained within the bioprocessing container; and a pond on which the bioprocessing container of the apparatus floats the pond containing an additional bioprocessing organism, wherein the inlet mechanism and/or the outlet mechanism of the bioprocessing apparatus transfers liquid biofeed between the bioprocessing container and the pond, whereby the liquid biofeed is bioprocessed by the first bioprocessing organism and the additional bioprocessing organism.