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Zhao T, Liu Z, Guo Z, Yin X, Zhu W, He Z, Liu W, Yue X, Zhou A. External voltage regulates hydrogen and vivianite recovery from fermentation liquid in microbial electrolysis cell equipped with iron anode: Performance and mechanism. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 381:125209. [PMID: 40185019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 04/07/2025]
Abstract
Employing an iron anode in microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) can promote hydrogen yield and vivianite recovery from waste biomass by accelerating electron transport, but the performance is highly dependent on the functional microbial community present and the ferrous ion content. An external voltage had a significant effect on enriching functional microbes and controlling the release of ferrous ions. In this study, the effects of different voltages, i.e., 0.4 V, 0.6 V, 0.8 V and 1.0 V, on hydrogen production and vivianite recovery were explored. The results indicated that an applied voltage of 0.8 V resulted in the maximum hydrogen productivity of 11.17 mmol/g COD, representing an increase of 18∼91 % compared with the other voltage conditions. The removal efficiency of phosphorus reached 100 % at 3 d in the 0.8 V group, with vivianite as the main product at a purity of 92.7 %. An external voltage of 0.8 V notably enhanced the electrochemical performance of the MEC. The relative abundances of bio-cathodic microbes, i.e., electrochemically active bacteria, anaerobic fermentation bacteria, dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria and homoacetogens, greatly changed with different voltages, reaching 9.6 %, 3.2 %, 3.1 % and 23.7 %, respectively, in the 0.8 V group. The expression of key functional genes related hydrogen production, i.e., the ferredoxin-dependent hydrogenase pathway and pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase pathway, was significantly upregulated, whereas that related to homo-acetogenesis was downregulated under 0.8 V. This work reveals the performance and mechanism of synergistic hydrogen production and phosphorus recovery under an applied voltage, and provides new insights and feasible measures for improving hydrogen production and phosphorus recovery in MECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhao
- Department of Water Supply and Drainage, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Department of Water Supply and Drainage, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Zhengtong Guo
- Department of Water Supply and Drainage, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yin
- Department of Water Supply and Drainage, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenhai Zhu
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Zhangwei He
- School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenzong Liu
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiuping Yue
- Department of Water Supply and Drainage, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Engineer Research Institute of Sludge Disposition, and Resources, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Aijuan Zhou
- Department of Water Supply and Drainage, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Engineer Research Institute of Sludge Disposition, and Resources, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
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2
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Zhou W, Peng S, Yuan J, Gao Y. Application of bio-electrochemical systems for phosphorus resource recovery: Progress and prospects. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 375:124220. [PMID: 39884201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2024] [Revised: 01/09/2025] [Accepted: 01/17/2025] [Indexed: 02/01/2025]
Abstract
This review focuses on applying bio-electrochemical systems (BES) for phosphorus (P) recovery. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) degrade pollutants to generate electricity and recover P, with the structure and electrode materials playing a significant role in P recovery efficiency. Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) recover P while simultaneously producing hydrogen or methane, with factors such as voltage and pH influencing performance. Microbial desalination cells (MDCs) recover P through ion separation, although they face challenges such as membrane fouling. Novel BES technologies are emerging as promising solutions for water ecological remediation, particularly in removing P. P recovery products, including hydroxyapatite (HAP), struvite (MAP), and Vivianite. Factors such as pH, ion concentration, electrode materials, and temperature all influence P recovery. BES offers the advantages of high efficiency and environmental sustainability. Future research should focus on optimizing system structures and minimizing by-product deposition to further promote P resource recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbiao Zhou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Shiyuan Peng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Junyi Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Yan Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
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3
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Niu YF, Dong TT, Zhao ZG, Liu MY, Wang R, Yuan LJ. Self-driven electrochemical system for struvite and energy recovery from digested wastewater: Device optimization strategy and long-term operation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 373:123904. [PMID: 39754800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2024] [Revised: 12/13/2024] [Accepted: 12/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2025]
Abstract
A self-driven electrochemical system (SDES) was utilized to treat anaerobic digestate wastewater, aiming to achieve wastewater resource utilization and energy generation. The efficiencies of pollutant removal, resource recovery, and energy production were enhanced by adjusting device parameters (anode area, external resistance, and electrode spacing). The high pollutant removal rates and struvite purity were achieved with the magnesium anode area of 15 cm2, external resistance of 10 Ω, and electrode spacing of 10 cm. The appropriate anode area (3.0 cm2), external resistance (50 Ω), and electrode spacing (7.5 cm) were prone to achieve high electric energy output. For one cycle, the removal rates of PO43--P and NH4+-N were 95.37% and 39.10%, respectively, with an average output power of 50.98W/m³, and 0.0275g of struvite was recovered(50 ml digested wastewater). For the long-term operation (20 cycles), the average PO43--P and NH4+-N removal rates were 89.3% and 23.4%, the CV (Coefficient of Variation)for PO43--P and NH4+-N were 0.1998 and 0.0504, and the average output power was 8.90 W/m3. The SDES showed satisfactory performance without replacing the magnesium anode. Based on the comprehensive efficiency of pollutant removal, resource recovery, and energy production, a replacement cycle of 20 cycles for magnesium anode was determined. In summary, the SDES for treating the anaerobic digested wastewater was demonstrated with stability and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Niu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, PR China
| | - Ting-Ting Dong
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, PR China
| | - Zhi-Guo Zhao
- China National Heavy Machinery Research Institute Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710055, PR China
| | - Meng-Yu Liu
- School of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an, 710055, PR China
| | - Ru Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, PR China.
| | - Lin-Jiang Yuan
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Shaanxi Province, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, PR China
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4
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Guo P, Yan Y, Ngo KN, Peot C, Bollmeyer M, Yi S, Baldwin M, Reid M, Goldfarb JL, Lancaster K, De Clippeleir H, Gu AZ. Improving nutrients ratio in class A biosolids through vivianite recovery: Insights from a wastewater resource recovery facility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:173560. [PMID: 38823710 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Class A biosolids from water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) are increasingly used as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers. However, the high phosphorus to nitrogen ratio in biosolids leads to a potential accumulation of phosphorus after repeated land applications. Extracting vivianite, an FeP mineral, prior to the final dewatering step in the biosolids treatment can reduce the P content in the resulting class A biosolids and achieve a P:N ratio closer to the 1:2 of synthetic fertilizers. Using ICP-MS, IC, UV-Vis colorimetric methods, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and SEM-EDX, a full-scale characterization of vivianite at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTTP) was surveyed throughout the biosolids treatment train. Results showed that the vivianite-bound phosphorus in primary sludge thickening, before pre-dewatering, after thermal hydrolysis, and after anaerobic digestion corresponded to 8 %, 52 %, 40 %, and 49 % of the total phosphorus in the treatment influent. Similarly, the vivianite-bound iron concentration also corresponded to 8 %, 52 %, 40 %, and 49 % of the total iron present (from FeCl3 dosing), because the molar ratio between total iron and total incoming phosphorus was 1.5:1, which is the same stoichiometry of vivianite. Based on current P:N levels in the Class A biosolids at Blue Plains, a vivianite recovery target of 40 % to ideally 70 % is required in locations with high vivianite content to reach a P:N ratio in the resulting class A biosolid that matches synthetic fertilizers of 1:1.3 to 1:2, respectively. A financial analysis on recycling iron from the recovered vivianite had estimated that 14-25 % of Blue Plain's annual FeCl3 demand can potentially be met. Additionally, model simulations with Visual Minteq were used to evaluate the pre-treatment options that maximize vivianite recovery at different solids treatment train locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peibo Guo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, NY, USA; District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, 5000 Overlook Ave. SW, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Yuan Yan
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, NY, USA.
| | - Khoa Nam Ngo
- District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, 5000 Overlook Ave. SW, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Chris Peot
- District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, 5000 Overlook Ave. SW, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Melissa Bollmeyer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, NY, USA.
| | - Sang Yi
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, NY, USA.
| | - Mathew Baldwin
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, NY, USA.
| | - Matthew Reid
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, NY, USA.
| | - Jillian L Goldfarb
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, NY, USA.
| | - Kyle Lancaster
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, NY, USA.
| | - Haydée De Clippeleir
- District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, 5000 Overlook Ave. SW, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - April Z Gu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, NY, USA.
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He Y, Gao T, Gong A, Liang P. Sustained Phosphorus Removal and Enrichment through Off-Flow Desorption in a Reservoir of Membrane Capacitive Deionization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:3031-3040. [PMID: 38299499 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we used a membrane capacitive deionization device with a reservoir (R-MCDI) to enrich phosphorus (P) from synthetic wastewater. This R-MCDI had two small-volume electrode chambers, and most of the electrolyte was contained in the reservoir, which was circulated along the electrode chambers. Compared with conventional MCDI, R-MCDI exhibited a phosphate removal rate of 0.052 μmol/(cm2·min), approximately double that of MCDI. This was attributed to R-MCDI's utilization of OH- alternative adsorption to remove phosphate from the influent. Noticing that around 73.9% of the removed phosphate was stored in the electrolyte in R-MCDI, we proposed a novel off-flow desorption operation to enrich the removed phosphate in the reservoir. Exciting results from the multicycle experiment (∼8 h) of R-MCDI showed that the PO43--P concentration in the reservoir increased all the way from the initial 152 mg/L to the final 361 mg/L, with the increase in the P charge efficiency from 5.5 to 22.9% and the decrease in the energy consumption from 28.2 to 6.8 kW h/kg P. The P recovery performance of R-MCDI was evaluated by viewing other similar studies, which revealed that R-MCDI in this study achieved superior P enrichment with low energy consumption and that the off-flow desorption proposed here considerably simplified the operation and enabled continuous P enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei He
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Tie Gao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Ao Gong
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
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6
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Lai LL, Wan SZ, Qaisar M, Yang YF, Wang R, Yuan LJ. Electrochemically mediated phosphorus and energy recovery from digested effluent. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119511. [PMID: 37956517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The growing global concern over the high phosphorus concentration in discharged wastewaters has driven the demand for exploring the means to recover it from wastewater. We previously demonstrated the possibility of phosphorus recovery by iron-air fuel cells from digested effluent. The present study focused on further optimizing the performance of the fuel cell by adjusting the wastewater properties (initial pH) and device parameters (anode/cathode area ratio, electrode spacing). Under neutral or slightly alkaline conditions, the HCO3- ions accelerated the formation of iron anode passivation layer, resulting in a decreased phosphate removal efficiency and vivianite yield. Additionally, the occurrence of oxygen crossover with small electrode spacing and anode/cathode area ratio significantly influenced the efficiency of fuel cells in terms of phosphate removal, vivianite production, and electricity generation. The results showed that an acidic pH (5.78), an adequate anode/cathode area ratio (1.3), and an appropriate electrode spacing (5 cm) were prone to increase vivianite yield. Furthermore, the fuel cell achieved the highest electric energy output with an initial pH of 5.78, an anode/cathode area ratio of 0.4, and an electrode spacing of 7.5 cm. As far as operational cost was concerned, the iron-air fuel cell system exhibited a potential cost-saving advantage of about 65.6% compared to the traditional electrochemical crystallization system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Lai
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China.
| | - Si-Zhuo Wan
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China.
| | - Mahmood Qaisar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Pakistan.
| | - Yi-Fan Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China.
| | - Ru Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China.
| | - Lin-Jiang Yuan
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China.
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He Y, Gong A, Osabutey A, Gao T, Haleem N, Yang X, Liang P. Emerging electro-driven technologies for phosphorus enrichment and recovery from wastewater: A review. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 246:120699. [PMID: 37820510 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The recovery of phosphorus from wastewater is a critical step in addressing the scarcity of phosphorus resources. Electro-driven technologies for phosphorus enrichment have gathered significant attention due to their inherent advantages, such as mild operating conditions, absence of secondary pollution, and potential integration with other technologies. This study presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the field of phosphorus enrichment, with a specific focus on capacitive deionization and electrodialysis technologies. It highlights the underlying principles and effectiveness of electro-driven techniques for phosphorus enrichment while systematically comparing energy consumption, enrichment rate, and concentration factor among different technologies. Furthermore, the study provides a thorough analysis of the capacity of various technologies to selectively enrich phosphorus and proposes several methods and strategies to enhance selectivity. These insights offer valuable guidance for advancing the future development of electrochemical techniques with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in phosphorus enrichment from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei He
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Ao Gong
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Augustina Osabutey
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Tie Gao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Noor Haleem
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Xufei Yang
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
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Zhang Y, Qin J, Chen Z, Chen Y, Zheng X, Guo L, Wang X. Efficient removal and recovery of phosphorus from industrial wastewater in the form of vivianite. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115848. [PMID: 37024026 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
With the shortage of phosphorus resources, the concept of phosphorus recovery from wastewater is generally proposed. Recently, phosphorus recovery from wastewater in the form of vivianite has been widely reported, which could be used as a slow-release fertilizer as well as the production of lithium iron phosphate for Li-ion batteries. In this study, chemical precipitation thermodynamic modeling was applied to evaluate the effect of solution factors on vivianite crystallization with actual phosphorus containing industrial wastewater. The modeling results showed that the solution pH influences the concentration of diverse ions, and the initial Fe2+ concentration affects the formation area of vivianite. The saturation index (SI) of vivianite increased with the initial Fe2+ concentration and Fe:P molar ratio. pH 7.0, initial Fe2+ concentration 500 mg/L and Fe:P molar ratio 1.50 were the optimal conditions for phosphorus recovery. Mineral Liberation Analyzer (MLA) accurately determined the purity of vivianite was 24.13%, indicating the feasibility of recovering vivianite from industrial wastewater. In addition, the cost analysis showed that the cost of recovering phosphorus by the vivianite process was 0.925 USD/kg P, which can produce high-value vivianite products and realize "turn waste into treasure".
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzhong Zhang
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jiafu Qin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Zhenguo Chen
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Hua An Biotech Co., Ltd., Foshan, 528300, China.
| | - Yongxing Chen
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xuwen Zheng
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Hua An Biotech Co., Ltd., Foshan, 528300, China.
| | - Lu Guo
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Hua An Biotech Co., Ltd., Foshan, 528300, China.
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Lai LL, Liu C, Liu MY, Wan SZ, Zhao ZG, Wang R, Yuan LJ. Condition optimization of iron-air fuel cell to treat phosphate-containing wastewater regarding sustainable development. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137507. [PMID: 36495975 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Increasing use of phosphorus products and excessive exploitation of phosphorus resources become two major problems in perspective of phosphorus sustainable development. Phosphorus recovery is the shortcut to solve this dilemma. Combining electrochemistry, an iron-air fuel cell was adopted to recover phosphate and electricity from phosphate-containing wastewater in our previous studies. The present study focused on investigating the effects of catholyte/anolyte conductivity, external resistance, and anolyte pH on the performance of iron-air fuel cell, and obtaining the optimized conditions. Furthermore, the electrochemical methods of phosphate recovery were compared and assessed, and it is concluded that iron-air fuel cell has great potential for energy recovery. The phosphate removal efficiencies and vivianite yield roughly positively correlated with the catholyte conductivity and the anolyte pH, but negatively correlated with the external resistance and the anolyte conductivity. The electricity generation roughly positively correlated with the catholyte conductivity and anolyte conductivity, but showed limitations in the test range of anolyte pH and external resistance. To pursue high phosphate removal efficiencies and vivianite yield, the catholyte conductivity, external resistance, anolyte pH and anolyte conductivity were suggested to be 35 g-NaCl/L, 10 Ω, 8 and 0 g-NaCl/L. While if electricity generation was the primary goal, these parameters should be 35 g-NaCl/L, 220 Ω, 5 and 70 g-NaCl/L. The optimized conditions will help to improve the phosphate removal efficiency, vivianite yield and electricity generation, and to promote the development of iron-air fuel cell technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Lai
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE. Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, 455000, PR China
| | - Meng-Yu Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE. Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China
| | - Si-Zhuo Wan
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE. Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China
| | - Zhi-Guo Zhao
- China National Heavy Machinery Research Institute Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710014, PR China
| | - Ru Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE. Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China
| | - Lin-Jiang Yuan
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China; Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE. Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No.13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710055, PR China.
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10
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Wang R, Wan S, Lai L, Zhang M, Zeb BS, Qaisar M, Tan G, Yuan L. Recovering phosphate and energy from anaerobic sludge digested wastewater with iron-air fuel cells: Two-chamber cell versus one-chamber cell. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:154034. [PMID: 35202690 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic sludge digested (ASD) wastewater is widespread in wastewater treatment plants. Recovering phosphate from ASD wastewater not only removes pollutants but also solves the phosphorus deficiency problem. Iron-air fuel cells were chosen to recover phosphate and generate electricity from ASD wastewater. To optimize cell configuration, a two-chamber and a one-chamber iron-air fuel cell were set up. The phosphate removal efficiency, the vivianite yield and the electricity generation efficiency of the two fuel cells were evaluated. It turned out that the volumetric removal rate (VRR) of phosphate of the two-chamber cell was 11.60 mg P·L-1·h-1, which was about five times of that in the one-chamber cell. The phosphate recovery product vivianite was detected on the surface of the iron anodes and the calculated purities of the two-chamber fuel cell and one-chamber fuel cell were 90.6% and 58.7%, respectively. Considering the content and purity, the iron anode surface in the two-chamber fuel cell was the best point to recover phosphate. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) in the two-chamber fuel cell provided low pH conditions suitable for vivianite formation. Moreover, under the low pH condition, metal ions of Fe2+, Ca2+, Al3+ and so on were kept soluble, leading to a high conductivity. The high conductivity caused low internal resistance, which benefited the electricity generation. The total output electric power of the two-chamber fuel cell was 2.4 times that of the one-chamber fuel cell when treating 25 mL ASD wastewater (0.62 vs. 0.26 mW·h). Overall, the two-chamber fuel cell was the better choice for phosphate recovery and electricity generation from ASD wastewater. Further studies on the long-term operation of two-chamber fuel cells should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Sizhuo Wan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Lingling Lai
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Meng Zhang
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hang Zhou 310058, PR China
| | - Bibi Saima Zeb
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Mahmood Qaisar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Guotao Tan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Linjiang Yuan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China.
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