1
|
Abate R, Oon YS, Oon YL, Bi Y. Microalgae-bacteria nexus for environmental remediation and renewable energy resources: Advances, mechanisms and biotechnological applications. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31170. [PMID: 38813150 PMCID: PMC11133723 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Microalgae and bacteria, known for their resilience, rapid growth, and proximate ecological partnerships, play fundamental roles in environmental and biotechnological advancements. This comprehensive review explores the synergistic interactions between microalgae and bacteria as an innovative approach to address some of the most pressing environmental issues and the demands of clean and renewable freshwater and energy sources. Studies indicated that microalgae-bacteria consortia can considerably enhance the output of biotechnological applications; for instance, various reports showed during wastewater treatment the COD removal efficiency increased by 40%-90.5 % due to microalgae-bacteria consortia, suggesting its great potential amenability in biotechnology. This review critically synthesizes research works on the microalgae and bacteria nexus applied in the advancements of renewable energy generation, with a special focus on biohydrogen, reclamation of wastewater and desalination processes. The mechanisms of underlying interactions, the environmental factors influencing consortia performance, and the challenges and benefits of employing these bio-complexes over traditional methods are also discussed in detail. This paper also evaluates the biotechnological applications of these microorganism consortia for the augmentation of biomass production and the synthesis of valuable biochemicals. Furthermore, the review sheds light on the integration of microalgae-bacteria systems in microbial fuel cells for concurrent energy production, waste treatment, and resource recovery. This review postulates microalgae-bacteria consortia as a sustainable and efficient solution for clean water and energy, providing insights into future research directions and the potential for industrial-scale applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rediat Abate
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yoong-Sin Oon
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Yoong-Ling Oon
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Yonghong Bi
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Suri D, Aeshala LM, Palai T. Microbial electrosynthesis of valuable chemicals from the reduction of CO 2: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33678-z. [PMID: 38772994 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The present energy demand of the world is increasing but the fossil fuels are gradually depleting. As a result, the need for alternative fuels and energy sources is growing. Fuel cells could be one alternative to address the challenge. The fuel cell can convert CO2 to value-added chemicals. The potential of bio-fuel cells, specifically enzymatic fuel cells and microbial fuel cells, and the importance of immobilization technology in bio-fuel cells are highlighted. The review paper also includes a detailed explanation of the microbial electrosynthesis system to reduce CO2 and the value-added products during microbial electrosynthesis. Future research in bio-electrochemical synthesis for CO2 conversion is expected to prioritize enhancing biocatalyst efficiency, refining reactor design, exploring novel electrode materials, understanding microbial interactions, integrating renewable energy sources, and investigating electrochemical processes for carbon capture and selective CO2 reduction. The challenges and perspectives of bio-electrochemical systems in the application of CO2 conversion are also discussed. Overall, this review paper provides valuable insights into the latest developments and criteria for effective research and implementation in bio-fuel cells, immobilization technology, and microbial electro-synthesis systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Suri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, 177005, India
| | - Leela Manohar Aeshala
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190006, India
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Tapas Palai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, 177005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Das S, Raj R, Das S, Ghangrekar MM. Evaluating application of photosynthetic microbial fuel cell to exhibit efficient carbon sequestration with concomitant value-added product recovery from wastewater: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:98995-99012. [PMID: 35661302 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The emission of CO2 from industrial (24%) and different anthropogenic activities, like transportation (27%), electricity production (25%), and agriculture (11%), can lead to global warming, which in the long term can trigger substantial climate changes. In this regard, CO2 sequestration and wastewater treatment in tandem with bioenergy production through photosynthetic microbial fuel cell (PMFC) is an economical and sustainable intervention to address the problem of global warming and elevating energy demands. Therefore, this review focuses on the application of different PMFC as a bio-refinery approach to produce biofuels and power generation accompanied with the holistic treatment of wastewater. Moreover, CO2 bio-fixation and electron transfer mechanism of different photosynthetic microbiota, and factors affecting the performance of PMFC with technical feasibility and drawbacks are also elucidated in this review. Also, low-cost approaches such as utilization of bio-membrane like coconut shell, microbial growth enhancement by extracellular cell signalling mechanisms, and exploitation of genetically engineered strain towards the commercialization of PMFC are highlighted. Thus, the present review intends to guide the budding researchers in developing more cost-effective and sustainable PMFCs, which could lead towards the commercialization of this inventive technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Das
- PK Sinha Centre for Bioenergy & Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Rishabh Raj
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Sovik Das
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Makarand M Ghangrekar
- PK Sinha Centre for Bioenergy & Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
From Waste to Watts: Updates on Key Applications of Microbial Fuel Cells in Wastewater Treatment and Energy Production. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14020955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Due to fossil fuel depletion and the rapid growth of industry, it is critical to develop environmentally friendly and long-term alternative energy technologies. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a powerful platform for extracting energy from various sources and converting it to electricity. As no intermediate steps are required to harness the electricity from the organic substrate’s stored chemical energy, MFC technology offers a sustainable alternative source of energy production. The generation of electricity from the organic substances contained in waste using MFC technology could provide a cost-effective solution to the issue of environmental pollution and energy shortages in the near future. Thus, technical advancements in bioelectricity production from wastewater are becoming commercially viable. Due to practical limitations, and although promising prospects have been reported in recent investigations, MFCs are incapable of upscaling and of high-energy production. In this review paper, intensive research has been conducted on MFCs’ applications in the treatment of wastewater. Several types of waste have been extensively studied, including municipal or domestic waste, industrial waste, brewery wastewater, and urine waste. Furthermore, the applications of MFCs in the removal of nutrients (nitrogen and sulphates) and precious metals from wastewater were also intensively reviewed. As a result, the efficacy of various MFCs in achieving sustainable power generation from wastewater has been critically addressed in this study.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lawan J, Wichai S, Chuaypen C, Nuiyen A, Phenrat T. Constructed sediment microbial fuel cell for treatment of fat, oil, grease (FOG) trap effluent: Role of anode and cathode chamber amendment, electrode selection, and scalability. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131619. [PMID: 34346343 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
For wastewater treatment, sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) have advantages over traditional microbial fuel cells in cost (due to their membrane-less structure) and operation (less intensive maintenance). Nevertheless, the technical obstacles of SMFCs include their high internal electrical resistance due to sediment in the anode chamber and slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the cathode chamber, which is responsible for their low power density (PD) (0.2-50 mW/m2). This study evaluated several SMFC improvements, including anode and cathode chamber amendment, electrode selection, and scaling the chamber size up to obtain optimally constructed single-chamber SMFCs to treat fat, oil, and grease (FOG) trap effluent. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, PD, and electrical energy conversion efficiency concerning theoretically available chemical energy from FOG trap effluent treatment (%ECWW) were examined. Packing biochar in the anode chamber reduced its electrical resistance by 5.76 times, but the improvement in PD was trivial. Substantial improvement occurred when packing the cathode chamber with activated carbon (AC), which presumably catalyzed the ORR, yielding a maximum PD of 109.39 mW/m2, 959 times greater than without AC in the cathode chamber. This SMFC configuration resulted in a COD removal efficiency of 85.80 % and a %ECWW of 99.74 % in 30 days. Furthermore, using the most appropriate electrode pair and chamber volume increased the maximum PD to 1787.26 mW/m2, around 1.7 times greater than the maximum PD by SMFCs reported thus far. This optimally constructed SMFC is low cost and applicable for household wastewater treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesada Lawan
- Research Unit for Integrated Natural Resources Remediation and Reclamation (IN3R), Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand; Center of Excellence for Sustainability of Health, Environment, and Industry (SHEI), Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Siriwan Wichai
- Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Choopong Chuaypen
- Department of Mechanical of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Aussanee Nuiyen
- Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Tanapon Phenrat
- Research Unit for Integrated Natural Resources Remediation and Reclamation (IN3R), Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand; Center of Excellence for Sustainability of Health, Environment, and Industry (SHEI), Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dong F, Simoska O, Gaffney E, Minteer SD. Applying synthetic biology strategies to bioelectrochemical systems. ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/elsa.202100197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Dong
- Department of Chemistry University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - Olja Simoska
- Department of Chemistry University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - Erin Gaffney
- Department of Chemistry University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Valorisation of CO2 into Value-Added Products via Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES) and Electro-Fermentation Technology. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation7040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microbial electrocatalysis reckons on microbes as catalysts for reactions occurring at electrodes. Microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells are well-known in this context; both prefer the oxidation of organic and inorganic matter for producing electricity. Notably, the synthesis of high energy-density chemicals (fuels) or their precursors by microorganisms using bio-cathode to yield electrical energy is called Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES), giving an exceptionally appealing novel way for producing beneficial products from electricity and wastewater. This review accentuates the concept, importance and opportunities of MES, as an emerging discipline at the nexus of microbiology and electrochemistry. Production of organic compounds from MES is considered as an effective technique for the generation of various beneficial reduced end-products (like acetate and butyrate) as well as in reducing the load of CO2 from the atmosphere to mitigate the harmful effect of greenhouse gases in global warming. Although MES is still an emerging technology, this method is not thoroughly known. The authors have focused on MES, as it is the next transformative, viable alternative technology to decrease the repercussions of surplus carbon dioxide in the environment along with conserving energy.
Collapse
|
8
|
Tiwari BR, Rouissi T, Brar SK, Surampalli RY. Critical insights into psychrophilic anaerobic digestion: Novel strategies for improving biogas production. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 131:513-526. [PMID: 34280728 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) under psychrophilic temperature has only recently garnered deserved attention. In major parts of Europe, USA, Canada and Australia, climatic conditions are more suited for psychrophilic (<20 ℃) rather than mesophilic (35 - 37 ℃) and thermophilic (55 - 60 ℃) AD. Low temperature has adverse effects on important cellular processes which may render the cell biology inactive. Moreover, cold climate can also alter the physical and chemical properties of wastewater, thereby reducing the availability of substrate to microbes. Hence, the use of low temperature acclimated microbial biomass could overcome thermodynamic constraints and carry out flexible structural and conformational changes to proteins, membrane lipid composition, expression of cold-adapted enzymes through genotypic and phenotypic variations. Reduction in organic loading rate is beneficial to methane production under low temperatures. Moreover, modification in the design of existing reactors and the use of hybrid reactors have already demonstrated improved methane generation in the lab-scale. This review also discusses some novel strategies such as direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET), co-digestion of substrate, bioaugmentation, and bioelectrochemical system assisted AD which present promising prospects. While DIET can facilitate syntrophic electron exchange in diverse microbes, the addition of organic-rich co-substrate can help in maintaining suitable C/N ratio in the anaerobic digester which subsequently can enhance methane generation. Bioaugmentation with psychrophilic strains could reduce start-up time and ensure daily stable performance for wastewater treatment facilities at low temperatures. In addition to the technical discussion, the economic assessment and future outlook on psychrophilic AD are also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bikash R Tiwari
- Institut National de la recherche scientifique - Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Université du Québec, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Tarek Rouissi
- Institut National de la recherche scientifique - Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Université du Québec, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Satinder Kaur Brar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, North York, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Rao Y Surampalli
- Global Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Lenexa, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Priyadarshini M, Ahmad A, Das S, Ghangrekar MM. Application of microbial electrochemical technologies for the treatment of petrochemical wastewater with concomitant valuable recovery: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 29:61783-61802. [PMID: 34231137 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14944-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Petrochemical industry is one of the major and rapidly growing industry that generates a variety of toxic and recalcitrant organic pollutants as by-products, which are not only harmful to the aquatic animals but also affects human health. The majority of the components of petrochemical wastewater (PW) are carcinogenic, genotoxic and phytotoxic in nature; hence, this complex wastewater generated from different petrochemical processes should be efficiently treated prior to its disposal in natural water bodies. The established technologies like advanced oxidation, membrane bioreactor, electrocoagulation and activated sludge process employed for the treatment of PW are highly energy intensive and incurs high capital and operation cost. Moreover, these technologies are not effective in completely eliminating petroleum hydrocarbons present in PW. Thus, to reduce the energy requirement and also to transform the chemical energy trapped in these organic matters present in this wastewater into bioelectricity and other value-added products, microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) can be efficaciously used, which would also compensate the treatment cost by transforming these pollutants into bioenergy and valuables. In this regard, this review elucidates the feasibility and application of different METs as an appropriate alternative for the treatment of PW. Furthermore, the numerous bottlenecks towards the real-life application and commercialization of pioneering METs have also been articulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monali Priyadarshini
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Azhan Ahmad
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Sovik Das
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Makarand Madhao Ghangrekar
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India. .,Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vishwanathan AS. Microbial fuel cells: a comprehensive review for beginners. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:248. [PMID: 33968591 PMCID: PMC8088421 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02802-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have shown immense potential as a one-stop solution for three major sustainability issues confronting the world today-energy security, global warming and wastewater management. MFCs represent a cross-disciplinary platform for research at the confluence of the natural and engineering sciences. The diversity of variables influencing performance of MFCs has garnered research interest across varied scientific disciplines since the beginning of this century. The increasing number of research publications has made it necessary to keep track of work being carried out by research groups across the globe and consolidate significant findings on a regular basis. Review articles are often the nodal points for beginners who are required to undertake an exploratory survey of literature to identify a suitable research problem. This 'review of reviews' is a ready-reckoner that directs readers to relevant reviews and research articles reporting significant developments in MFC research in the last two decades. The article also highlights the areas needing research attention which when addressed could take this technology a few more steps closer to practical implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. S. Vishwanathan
- WATER Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, 515134 Andhra Pradesh India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Das S, Ghangrekar MM. Performance comparison between batch and continuous mode of operation of microbial electrosynthesis for the production of organic chemicals. J APPL ELECTROCHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10800-020-01524-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
12
|
Review—Microbial Electrosynthesis: A Way Towards The Production of Electro-Commodities Through Carbon Sequestration with Microbes as Biocatalysts. JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/abb836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
13
|
Das I, Das S, Dixit R, Ghangrekar MM. Goethite supplemented natural clay ceramic as an alternative proton exchange membrane and its application in microbial fuel cell. IONICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11581-020-03472-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|