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Ceballos-Escalera A, Pous N, Bañeras L, Balaguer MD, Puig S. Advancing towards electro-bioremediation scaling-up: On-site pilot plant for successful nitrate-contaminated groundwater treatment. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121618. [PMID: 38663208 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121618] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The potential of nitrate electro-bioremediation has been fully demonstrated at the laboratory scale, although it has not yet been fully implemented due to the challenges associated with scaling-up bioelectrochemical reactors and their on-site operation. This study describes the initial start-up and subsequent stable operation of an electro-bioremediation pilot plant for the treatment of nitrate-contaminated groundwater on-site (Navata site, Spain). The pilot plant was operated under continuous flow mode for 3 months, producing an effluent suitable for drinking water in terms of nitrates and nitrites (<50 mg NO3- L-1; 0 mg NO2- L-1). A maximum nitrate removal rate of 0.9 ± 0.1 kg NO3- m-3 d-1 (efficiency 82 ± 18 %) was achieved at a cathodic hydraulic retention time (HRTcat) of 2.0 h with a competitive energy consumption of 4.3 ± 0.4 kWh kg-1 NO3-. Under these conditions, the techno-economic analysis estimated an operational cost of 0.40 € m-3. Simultaneously, microbiological analyses revealed structural heterogeneity in the reactor, with denitrification functionality concentrated predominantly from the centre to the upper section of the reactor. The most abundant groups were Pseudomonadaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Gallionellaceae, and Xanthomonadaceae. In conclusion, this pilot plant represents a significant advancement in implementing this technology on a larger scale, validating its effectiveness in terms of nitrate removal and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, the results validate the electro-bioremediation in a real environment and encourage further investigation of its potential as a water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ceballos-Escalera
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Narcís Pous
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Lluis Bañeras
- Group of Environmental Microbial Ecology, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 40, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain.
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2
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Ceballos-Escalera A, Pous N, Balaguer MD, Puig S. Nitrate electro-bioremediation and water disinfection for rural areas. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141370. [PMID: 38316275 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141370] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate-contaminated groundwater is a pressing issue in rural areas, where up to 40 % of the population lacks access to safely managed drinking water services. The high costs and complexity of centralised treatment in these regions exacerbate this problem. To address this challenge, the present study proposes electro-bioremediation as a more accessible decentralised alternative. Specifically, the main focus of this study is developing and evaluating a compact reactor designed to accomplish simultaneous nitrate removal and groundwater disinfection. Significantly, this study has established a new benchmark for nitrate reduction rate within bioelectrochemical reactors, achieving the maximum reported rate of 5.0 ± 0.3 kg NO3- m-3NCC d-1 at an HRTcat of 0.7 h. Furthermore, thein-situ generation of free chlorine was effective for water disinfection, resulting in a residual concentration of up to 4.4 ± 1.1 mg Cl2 L-1 in the effluent at the same HRTcat of 0.7 h. These achievements enabled the treated water to meet the drinking water standards for nitrogen compounds (nitrate, nitrite, and nitrous oxide) as well as pathogens content (T. coliforms, E. coli, and Enterococcus). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of the electro-bioremediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater as a decentralised water treatment system in rural areas with a competitive operational cost of 1.05 ± 0.16 € m-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ceballos-Escalera
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Narcís Pous
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain.
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3
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Lin S, Tang W, Xiao Y, Zan F, Liu X, Chen G, Hao T. Sulfur bacteria-reinforced microbial electrochemical denitrification. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 393:130121. [PMID: 38029802 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130121] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Two limiting factors of microbial electrochemical denitrification (MED) are the abundance and efficiency of the functional microorganisms. To supply these microorganisms, MED systems are inoculated with denitrifying sludge, but such method has much room for improvement. This study compared MED inoculated with autotrophic denitrifying inoculum (ADI) versus with heterotrophic denitrifying inoculum (HDI). ADI exhibited electroactivity for 50% less of timethan HDI. The denitrification efficiency of the ADI biocathode was42% higherthan that of the HDI biocathode. The HDI biocathode had high levels of polysaccharides while the ADI biocathode was rich in proteins, suggesting that two biocathodes may achieveMED but via differentpathways. Microbial communities of two biocathodes indicated MED of HDI biocathode may rely on interspecies electron transfer, whereas sulfur bacteria of ADI biocathode take electrons directly from the cathode to achieve MED. Utilizing autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing denitrifiers, this study offers a strategy for enhancing MED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution (Hong Kong Branch) and Water Technology Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Wentao Tang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution (Hong Kong Branch) and Water Technology Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Yihang Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Feixiang Zan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Low-Carbon Water Environment Technology Center (HUST-SUKE), Key Laboratory of Water and Wastewater Treatment, MOHURD, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- School of Materials and Environment Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guanghao Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution (Hong Kong Branch) and Water Technology Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tianwei Hao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau.
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4
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Fekete-Kertész I, Pous N, Feigl V, Márton R, Berkl Z, Ceballos-Escalera A, Balaguer MD, Puig S, Molnár M. Ecotoxicity characterization assisted performance assessment of electro-bioremediation reactors for nitrate and arsenite elimination. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:250-265. [PMID: 37881108 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The performance of combined reduction of nitrate (NO3 - ) to dinitrogen gas (N2 ) and oxidation of arsenite (As[III]) to arsenate (As[V]) by a bioelectrochemical system was assessed, supported by ecotoxicity characterization. For the comprehensive toxicity characterization of the untreated model groundwater and the treated reactor effluents, a problem-specific ecotoxicity test battery was established. The performance of the applied technology in terms of toxicity and target pollutant elimination was compared and analyzed. The highest toxicity attenuation was achieved under continuous flow mode with hydraulic retention time (HRT) = 7.5 h, with 95%, nitrate removal rate and complete oxidation of arsenite to arsenate. Daphnia magna proved to be the most sensitive test organism. The results of the D. magna lethality test supported the choice of the ideal operational conditions based on chemical data analysis. The outcomes of the study demonstrated that the applied technology was able to improve the groundwater quality in terms of both chemical and ecotoxicological characteristics. The importance of ecotoxicity evaluation was also highlighted, given that significant target contaminant elimination did not necessarily lower the environmental impact of the initial, untreated medium, in addition, anomalies might occur during the technology operational process which in some instances, could result in elevated toxicity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Fekete-Kertész
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Narcís Pous
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Viktória Feigl
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rita Márton
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Berkl
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Maria D Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Mónika Molnár
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
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5
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Ceballos-Escalera A, Pous N, Korth B, Harnisch F, Balaguer MD, Puig S. Ex-situ electrochemical characterisation of fixed-bed denitrification biocathodes: A promising strategy to improve bioelectrochemical denitrification. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 347:140699. [PMID: 37977534 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140699] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide issue of nitrate-contaminated groundwater requires practical solutions, and electro-bioremediation offers a promising and sustainable treatment. While it has shown potential benefits, there is room for improvement in treatment rates, which is crucial for its further and effective implementation. In this field, electrochemical characterisation is a valuable tool for providing the foundation for optimising bioelectrochemical reactors, but applying it in fixed-bed reactors is challenging due to its high intrinsic electrical resistance. To overcome these challenges, this study employed the easy and swift eClamp methodology to screen different process parameters and their influence on the performance of fixed-bed denitrifying biocathodes composed of granular graphite. Granules were extracted and studied ex-situ under controlled conditions while varying key operational parameters (such as pH, temperature, and nitrate concentration). In the studied biocathode, the extracellular electron transfer associated with denitrification was identified as the primary limiting step with a formal potential of -0.225 ± 0.007 V vs. Ag/AgCl sat. KCl at pH 7 and 25 °C. By varying the nitrate concentration, it was revealed that the biocathode exhibits a strong affinity for nitrate (KMapp of 0.7 ± 0.2 mg N-NO3- L-1). The maximum denitrification rate was observed at a pH of 6 and a temperature of 35 °C. Furthermore, the findings highlight a 2e-/1H+ transfer, which holds considerable implications for the energy metabolism of bioelectrochemical denitrifiers. These compiled results provide valuable insights into the understanding of denitrifying biocathodes and enable the improvement and prediction of their performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ceballos-Escalera
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Narcís Pous
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Benjamin Korth
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain.
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6
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Kumar M, Saggu SK, Pratibha P, Singh SK, Kumar S. Exploring the role of microbes for the management of persistent organic pollutants. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118492. [PMID: 37384989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118492] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals which have been persisting in the environment for many years due to their longer half-lives. POPs have gained attention over the last few decades due to the unsustainable management of chemicals which led to their widespread and massive contamination of biota from different strata and environments. Due to the widespread distribution, bio-accumulation and toxic behavior, POPs have become a risk for organisms and environment. Therefore, a focus is required to eliminate these chemicals from the environment or transform into non-toxic forms. Among the available techniques for the removal of POPs, most of them are inefficient or incur high operational costs. As an alternative to this, microbial bioremediation of POPs such as pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, pharmaceuticals and personal care products is much more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, bacteria play a vital role in the biotransformation and solubilization of POPs, which reduces their toxicity. This review specifies the Stockholm Convention that evaluates the risk profile for the management of existing as well as emerging POPs. The sources, types and persistence of POPs along with the comparison of conventional elimination and bioremediation methods of POPs are discussed comprehensively. This study demonstrates the existing bioremediation techniques of POPs and summaries the potential of microbes which serve as enhanced, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach for POPs elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar
- School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, GNA University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144401, India
| | - Sandeep Kaur Saggu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144004, India
| | - Pritu Pratibha
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Science, Plant Stress Center, CAS, Shanghai, 201602, China
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211002, India.
| | - Shiv Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, 151203, India.
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7
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Mujawar SY, Shamim K, Vaigankar DC, Naik MM, Dubey SK. Rapid arsenite oxidation by Paenarthrobacter nicotinovorans strain SSBW5: unravelling the role of GlpF, aioAB and aioE genes. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:333. [PMID: 37712976 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03673-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
A novel arsenite resistant bacterial strain SSBW5 was isolated from the battery waste site of Corlim, Goa, India. This strain interestingly exhibited rapid arsenite oxidation with an accumulation of 5 mM arsenate within 24 h and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 18 mM. The strain SSBW5 was identified as Paenarthrobacter nicotinovorans using 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of arsenite-exposed cells revealed the interaction of arsenite with several important functional groups present on the cell surface, possibly involved in the resistance mechanism. Interestingly, the whole genome sequence analysis also clearly elucidated the presence of genes, such as GlpF, aioAB and aioE encoding transporter, arsenite oxidase and oxidoreductase enzyme, respectively, conferring their role in arsenite resistance. Furthermore, this strain also revealed the presence of several other genes conferring resistance to various metals, drugs, antibiotics and disinfectants. Further suggesting the probable direct or indirect involvement of these genes in the detoxification of arsenite thereby increasing its tolerance limit. In addition, clumping of bacterial cells was observed through microscopic analysis which could also be a strategy to reduce arsenite toxicity thus indicating the existence of multiple resistance mechanisms in strain SSBW5. In the present communication, we are reporting for the first time the potential of P. nicotinovorans strain SSBW5 to be used in the bioremediation of arsenite via arsenite oxidation along with other toxic metals and metalloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajiya Yusuf Mujawar
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, 403206, India
| | - Kashif Shamim
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, 403206, India
- National Centre for Natural Product Research, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
| | - Diviya Chandrakant Vaigankar
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, 403206, India
- Marine Microbiology, School of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, 403206, India
| | - Milind Mohan Naik
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, 403206, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Dubey
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, 403206, India.
- Center of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., 221005, India.
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8
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Gizewski J, V D Sande L, Holtmann D. Contribution of electrobiotechnology to sustainable development goals. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1106-1108. [PMID: 36959083 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interlinked goals designed to be a 'shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future'. Therefore, global efforts should focus on achieving these. Herein, we discuss the contribution of electrobiotechnology to the realization of the SDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Gizewski
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Lisa V D Sande
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Dirk Holtmann
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390 Giessen, Germany.
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9
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Feng H, Yang W, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Chen L, Kang Y, Huang H, Chen R. Electroactive microorganism-assisted remediation of groundwater contamination: Advances and challenges. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 377:128916. [PMID: 36940880 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater contamination has become increasingly prominent, therefore, the development of efficient remediation technology is crucial for improving groundwater quality. Bioremediation is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, while coexisting pollutant stress can affect microbial processes, and the heterogeneous character of groundwater medium can induce bioavailability limitations and electron donor/acceptor imbalances. Electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) are advantageous in contaminated groundwater because of their unique bidirectional electron transfer mechanism, which allows them to use solid electrodes as electron donors/acceptors. However, the relatively low-conductivity groundwater environment is unfavorable for electron transfer, which becomes a bottleneck problem that limits the remediation efficiency of EAMs. Therefore, this study reviews the recent advances and challenges of EAMs applied in the groundwater environment with complex coexisting ions, heterogeneity, and low conductivity and proposes corresponding future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China; College of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanyue Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yangcheng Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Kang
- Zhejiang Ecological Environmental Monitoring Center, 117 Xueyuan Road, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huan Huang
- Zhejiang Ecological Environmental Monitoring Center, 117 Xueyuan Road, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruya Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
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10
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Rogińska J, Philippon T, Hoareau M, P. A. Jorand F, Barrière F, Etienne M. Challenges and Applications of Nitrate-Reducing Microbial Biocathodes. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 152:108436. [PMID: 37099858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems which employ microbes as electrode catalysts to convert chemical energy into electrical energy (or conversely), have emerged in recent years for water sanitation and energy recovery. Microbial biocathodes, and especially those reducing nitrate are gaining more and more attention. The nitrate-reducing biocathodes can efficiently treat nitrate-polluted wastewater. However, they require specific conditions and they have not yet been applied on a large scale. In this review, the current knowledge on nitrate-reducing biocathodes will be summarized. The fundamentals of microbial biocathodes will be discussed, as well as the progress towards applications for nitrate reduction in the context of water treatment. Nitrate-reducing biocathodes will be compared with other nitrate-removal techniques and the challenges and opportunities of this approach will be identified.
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11
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Liu Y, Qian J, Liu Y, Li F, Fang Y. Behavior characteristics of bimolecular reactive transport in heterogeneous porous media. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 321:138126. [PMID: 36801584 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138126] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the mechanism of bimolecular reactive solute transport in heterogeneous porous media, the chemical reaction (CuSO4 + Na2EDTA2-→CuEDTA2) was carried out by laboratory experiments and numerical simulation in heterogeneous porous media. Three different kinds of heterogeneous porous media (Sd2 = 1.72, 1.67 and 0.80 mm2) and flow rates (1.5, 2.5 and 5.0 mL/s) were considered. The increase of flow rate would promote the mixing between reactants, resulting in a greater peak value and a slighter "tailing" of product concentration, while the increase of medium heterogeneity would result in a more significant "tailing". It was found that the concentration breakthrough curves of reactant CuSO4 had a peak in the early stage of the transport, and the peak value increased with the increase of flow rate and medium heterogeneity. The concentration peak of CuSO4 was caused by the delayed mixing and reaction of reactants. The IM-ADRE (The advection-dispersion-reaction equation considering incomplete mixing) model could well simulate the experimental results. The simulation error of IM-ADRE model for the concentration peak of product was less than 6.15%, and the fitting accuracy for "tailing" increased with the increase of flow. The dispersion coefficient increased logarithmically with the increase of flow, and was negatively correlated to the heterogeneity of the medium. In addition, the dispersion coefficient of CuSO4 simulated by IM-ADRE model was one order of magnitude larger than that simulated by ADE model, indicating that the reaction promoted dispersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Jiazhong Qian
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Fulin Li
- Water Resources Research Institute of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Yunhai Fang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
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12
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Song B, Zhi Z, Zhou Q, Wu D, Yu L, Gong F, Yin Y, Meng F, Li C, Chen Z, Song M. Enhanced arsenic removal by reusable hexagonal CeO 2/Fe 2O 3 nanosheets with exposed (0001) facet. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157490. [PMID: 35870585 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157490] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Arsenite in wastewater has caused increasing concern because of high toxicity and mobility. Iron oxides are widely available and regarded as effective adsorbents for arsenic. However, conventional iron oxides usually are only effective for arsenate (As(V)) adsorption by complexation, but not for As(III) adsorption because of their poor catalytic oxidation activities, which greatly limits arsenic removal efficiency. In this study, a uniform hexagonal FeCe bimetal oxide nanosheets (Fe0.21Ce0.29O) enclosed by high active (0001) planes was synthesized by a solvothermal method to improve the catalytic activity of Fe2O3. The experimental results showed that adsorption capacity of Fe0.21Ce0.29O reached 61.1 mg/g for arsenic and 70 % of that at equilibrium was achieved in <10 min. Based on characterization analyses and density functional theory simulation, the new insight in oxidation and complexation mechanism of arsenic was proposed. Firstly, As(III) was adsorbed to adsorbent surface by forming stable structure of Ce-O-As or Fe-O-As, and then converted into As(V) by dissolved oxygen under the catalysis of (0001) planes densely distributed on Fe2O3 and CeO2 surfaces. The formed As(V) species were bound on Fe0.21Ce0.29O surface by forming bidentate and monodentate surface complexes. Finally, the safety of As-containing solution treated with Fe0.21Ce0.29O was well proved by the zebrafish embryo developmental toxicity tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Song
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Zejian Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China; College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Di Wu
- College of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Feng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China.
| | - Ying Yin
- College of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Fanyue Meng
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Chengming Li
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Zhiliang Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Min Song
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China.
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13
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Puggioni G, Milia S, Unali V, Ardu R, Tamburini E, Balaguer MD, Pous N, Carucci A, Puig S. Effect of hydraulic retention time on the electro-bioremediation of nitrate in saline groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 845:157236. [PMID: 35810909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have proven their capability to treat nitrate-contaminated saline groundwater and simultaneously recover value-added chemicals (such as disinfection products) within a circular economy-based approach. In this study, the effect of the hydraulic retention time (HRT) on nitrate and salinity removal, as well as on free chlorine production, was investigated in a 3-compartment BES working in galvanostatic mode with the perspective of process intensification and future scale-up. Reducing the HRT from 30.1 ± 2.3 to 2.4 ± 0.2 h led to a corresponding increase in nitrate removal rates (from 17 ± 1 up to 131 ± 1 mgNO3--N L-1d-1), although a progressive decrease in desalination efficiency (from 77 ± 13 to 12 ± 2 %) was observed. Nitrate concentration and salinity close to threshold limits indicated by the World Health Organization for drinking water, as well as significant chlorine production were achieved with an HRT of 4.9 ± 0.4 h. At such HRT, specific energy consumption was low (6.8·10-2 ± 0.3·10-2 kWh g-1NO3--Nremoved), considering that the supplied energy supports three processes simultaneously. A logarithmic equation correlated well with nitrate removal rates at the applied HRTs and may be used to predict BES behaviour with different HRTs. The bacterial community of the bio-cathode under galvanostatic mode was dominated by a few populations, including the genera Rhizobium, Bosea, Fontibacter and Gordonia. The results provide useful information for the scale-up of BES treating multi-contaminated groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puggioni
- University of Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy; Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Stefano Milia
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Valentina Unali
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ardu
- University of Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy; DiSB, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Elena Tamburini
- DiSB, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Narcís Pous
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Alessandra Carucci
- University of Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sebastià Puig
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
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14
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Richa A, Touil S, Fizir M. Recent advances in the source identification and remediation techniques of nitrate contaminated groundwater: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 316:115265. [PMID: 35576711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have long been committed to identify nitrate sources in groundwater and to develop an advanced technique for its remediation because better apply remediation solution and management of water quality is highly dependent on the identification of the NO3- sources contamination in water. In this review, we systematically introduce nitrate source tracking tools used over the past ten years including dual isotope and multi isotope techniques, water chemistry profile, Bayesian mixing model, microbial tracers and land use/cover data. These techniques can be combined and exploited to track the source of NO3- as mineral or organic fertilizer, sewage, or atmospheric deposition. These available data have significant implications for making an appropriate measures and decisions by water managers. A continuous remediation strategy of groundwater was among the main management strategies that need to be applied in the contaminated area. Nitrate removal from groundwater can be accomplished using either separation or reduction based process. The application of these processes to nitrate removal is discussed in this review and some novel methods were presented for the first time. Moreover, the advantages and limitations of each approach are critically summarized and based on our own understanding of the subject some solutions to overcomes their drawbacks are recommended. Advanced techniques are capable to attain significantly higher nitrate and other co-contaminants removal from groundwater. However, the challenges of by-products generation and high energy consumption need to be addressed in implementing these technologies for groundwater remediation for potable use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Richa
- University of Djilali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana, Algeria.
| | - Sami Touil
- University of Djilali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana, Algeria.
| | - Meriem Fizir
- Laboratoire de Valorisation des Substances Naturelles, Université Djilali Bounaâma, Khemis Miliana, Algeria.
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15
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An F, Feng X, Dang Y, Sun D. Enhancing nitrate removal efficiency of micro-sized zero-valent iron by chitosan gel balls encapsulating. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 823:153641. [PMID: 35131244 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153641] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The activity of micro-sized zero-valent iron (MZVI) material for nitrate removal in neutral pH and low C/N ratios water needs to be improved. In this study, micro-sized zero-valent iron@chitosan (MZVI@CS) material was synthesized through embedding MZVI particles into chitosan (CS) gel by sol-gel method, and was used for deep removal of NO3--N in the absence of organic carbon sources and neutral pH. The NO3--N removal rate of MZVI@CS was 0.37 mg-N·L-1·d-1 (dosage of 1%, initial pH = 7, 25 °C, initial nitrate concentration = 15 mg-N·L-1), which was 11.33 times higher than that of MZVI. The apparent activation energy (Ea) of MZVI@CS with nitrate was 38.23 kJ·mol-1. MZVI@CS can remove nitrate effectively at a low concentration (15 mg-N·L-1). A stable denitration rate (0.37-2.28 mg-N·L-1·d-1) could be maintained under weak acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions (pH = 5-9). More than 80% of reduced nitrate was converted to N2, and only a small amount was converted to NH4+ or NO2-. The gel structure of MZVI@CS eliminated the agglomeration between MZVI particles while the forming of Fe-CS chelates reduced the formation of iron oxide and solved the problems of passivation, hence successfully strengthened the NO3--N removal efficiency of MZVI. Therefore MZVI@CS has great application potential in NO3--N deep removal of water bodies with neutral pH and low C/N ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Facai An
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xianlu Feng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yan Dang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dezhi Sun
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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16
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Korth B, Pous N, Hönig R, Haus P, Corrêa FB, Nunes da Rocha U, Puig S, Harnisch F. Electrochemical and Microbial Dissection of Electrified Biotrickling Filters. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:869474. [PMID: 35711746 PMCID: PMC9197458 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.869474] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrified biotrickling filters represent sustainable microbial electrochemical technology for treating organic carbon-deficient ammonium-contaminated waters. However, information on the microbiome of the conductive granule bed cathode remains inexistent. For uncovering this black box and for identifying key process parameters, minimally invasive sampling units were introduced, allowing for the extraction of granules from different reactor layers during reactor operation. Sampled granules were analyzed using cyclic voltammetry and molecular biological tools. Two main redox sites [-288 ± 18 mV and -206 ± 21 mV vs. standard hydrogen electrode (SHE)] related to bioelectrochemical denitrification were identified, exhibiting high activity in a broad pH range (pH 6-10). A genome-centric analysis revealed a complex nitrogen food web and the presence of typical denitrifiers like Pseudomonas nitroreducens and Paracoccus versutus with none of these species being identified as electroactive microorganism so far. These are the first results to provide insights into microbial structure-function relationships within electrified biotrickling filters and underline the robustness and application potential of bioelectrochemical denitrification for environmental remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Korth
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Narcís Pous
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Richard Hönig
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Philip Haus
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felipe Borim Corrêa
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulisses Nunes da Rocha
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastià Puig
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
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17
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Carucci A, Erby G, Puggioni G, Spiga D, Frugoni F, Milia S. Ammonium recovery from agro-industrial digestate using bioelectrochemical systems. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 85:2432-2441. [PMID: 35486466 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2022.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Growing food and biomass production at the global scale has determined a corresponding increase in the demand for and use of nutrients. In this study, the possibility of recovering nitrogen from agro-industrial digestate using bioelectrochemical systems was investigated: two microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) were fed with synthetic and real digestate (2.5 gNH4+-N L-1). Carbon felt and granular graphite were used as anodes in MEC-1 and MEC-2, respectively. As to synthetic wastewater, the optimal nitrogen load (NL) for MEC-1 and -2 was 1.25 and 0.75 gNH4+-N d-1, respectively. MEC-1 showed better performance in terms of NH4+-N removal efficiency (39 ± 2.5%) and recovery rate (up to 70 gNH4+-N m-2d-1), compared to MEC-2 (33 ± 4.7% and up to 30 gN m-2d-1, respectively). At the optimal hydraulic retention time, lower NH4+-N removal efficiencies and recovery rates were observed when real digestate was fed to MEC-1 (29 ± 6.6% and 60 ± 13 gNH4+-N m-2d-1, respectively) and MEC-2 (21 ± 7.9% and 10 ± 3.6 gNH4+-N m-2d-1, respectively), likely due to the higher complexity of the influent. The average energy requirements were 3.6-3.7 kWh kgNremoved-1, comparable with values previously reported in the literature and lower than conventional ammonia recovery processes. Results are promising and may reduce the need for costly and polluting processes for nitrogen synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carucci
- Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy E-mail: ; National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG), Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Erby
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG), Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Puggioni
- Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy E-mail:
| | - D Spiga
- Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy E-mail:
| | - F Frugoni
- Agrofortis srl, via Monte Suello 18, 25128, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Milia
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG), Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy
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18
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Xiao Z, Jiang Q, Li Y, Zhou J, Chen D, Xia T. Enhanced microbial nitrate reduction using natural manganese oxide ore as an electron donor. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 306:114497. [PMID: 35038669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114497] [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: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate contamination of groundwater is a global problem. Enhanced biological nitrate reduction by liquid organics combined with low-cost natural materials (as electron donors) can cost-effectively remove nitrate from groundwater. Dissolved Mn(II) as an electron donor has been thoroughly investigated to support microbial nitrate reduction. However, most Mn in soil and sediments is in solid form, and the ability of solid-phase natural manganese oxide ore (NMO) as electron donor and for supporting microbial nitrate reduction is unknown. Therefore, a microcosm experiment was conducted to bridge this gap in knowledge. The results demonstrated that microbial nitrate reduction (mainly converted to nitrite) was enhanced by NMO (rich in cryptomelane). The electrochemical and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses suggested that NMO may be oxidized by microbial metabolism. Illumina Miseq sequencing results indicated that Acidovorax spp. played a crucial role in NMO-supported nitrate reduction. Further Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) analyses indicated that bacterial extracellular electron transfer may be one of the mechanisms for the microbial NMO oxidation. The results of our study highlight the potential importance of NMO in nitrate reduction in the natural environment and may pave the way for NMO-assisted technology for nitrate removal from groundwater with less usage of organic electron donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixing Xiao
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Qitao Jiang
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Yi Li
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Jun Zhou
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Dan Chen
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China.
| | - Ting Xia
- College of Urban Construction, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, PR China
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19
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Qiao L, Yuan Y, Mei C, Yin W, Zou C, Yin Y, Guo Q, Chen T, Ding C. Reinforced nitrite supplement by cathode nitrate reduction with a bio-electrochemical system coupled anammox reactor. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112051. [PMID: 34529971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anammox has been widely used for the treatment of nitrogen wastewater. However, the problem of stable NO2- supplement becomes one of the limiting factors. It is an effective method to obtain NO2- by denitrifying the NO3-, including the by-product of Anammox. In this study, NO2- was reinforced by bio-electrochemical system (BES) through the reaction of partial denitrification in situ in an Anammox reactor. Our results showed that both NO3- and NO2- can be reduced on the cathode with different Coulombic efficiencies. The reduction of NO3- amount increased with an increase in Inf-NO3-, which was greater than that of NO2-. The conversion amount of NO3- was 2.50% ± 17.25% to the theoretical Eff-NO3-, and the maximum reduction amount was 23.24% with the highest Coulombic efficiency of 3.56%. High throughput results showed that denitrifying bacteria, such as Limnobacter, Thauera, Denitratisoma, Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira, were attached to the cathode surface and in Anammox granular sludge. This study showed that NO2- can be supplied by reducing the by-product NO3- with denitrification cathode at Anammox environment in-situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Qiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Environmental Protection Equipment, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Environmental Protection Equipment, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China.
| | - Chang Mei
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China
| | - Wanxin Yin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China
| | - Chao Zou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China
| | - Yanan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
| | - Qingyuan Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Environmental Protection Equipment, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China
| | - Tianming Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Environmental Protection Equipment, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China.
| | - Cheng Ding
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Environmental Protection Equipment, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China
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20
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Ceballos-Escalera A, Pous N, Balaguer MD, Puig S. Electrochemical water softening as pretreatment for nitrate electro bioremediation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150433. [PMID: 34560446 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150433] [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: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Electro bioremediation is gaining interest as a sustainable treatment for contaminated groundwater. Nevertheless, the investigation is still at the laboratory level, and before their implementation is necessary to overcome important drawbacks. A prevalent issue is the high groundwater hardness that generates scale deposition on electrodes that irreversibly affects the treatment effectiveness and their lifetime. For this reason, the present study evaluated a novel and sustainable approach combining electrochemical water softening as a preliminary step for electro bioremediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater. Batch mode tests were performed at mL-scale to determine the optimum reactor configuration (single- or two-chambers) and the suitable applied cathode potential for electrochemical softening. A single-chamber reactor working at a cathode potential of -1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl was chosen. Continuous groundwater softening under this configuration achieved a hardness removal efficiency of 64 ± 4% at a rate of 305 ± 17 mg CaCO3 m-2cathode h-1. The saturation index at the effluent of the main minerals susceptible to precipitate (aragonite, calcite, and brucite) was reduced up to 90%. Softening activity plummeted after 13 days of operation due to precipitate deposition (mostly calcite) on the cathode surface. Polarity reversal periods were considered to detach the precipitated throughout the continuous operation. Their implementation every 3-4 days increased the softening lifetime by 48%, keeping a stable hardness removal efficiency. The nitrate content of softened groundwater was removed in an electro bioremediation system at a rate of 1269 ± 30 g NO3- m-3NCC d-1 (97% nitrate removal efficiency). The energy consumption of the integrated system (1.4 kWh m-3treated) confirmed the competitiveness of the combined treatment and paves the ground for scaling up the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ceballos-Escalera
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Narcís Pous
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
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21
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Fan X, Nie L, Chen Z, Zheng Y, Wang G, Shi K. Simultaneous removal of nitrogen and arsenite by heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification bacterium Hydrogenophaga sp. H7. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1103913. [PMID: 36938130 PMCID: PMC10020585 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1103913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nitrogen and arsenic contaminants often coexist in groundwater, and microbes show the potential for simultaneous removal of nitrogen and arsenic. Here, we reported that Hydrogenophaga sp. H7 was heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (HNAD) and arsenite [As(III)] oxidation bacterium. Methods The appearance of nitrogen removal and As(III) oxidation of Hydrogenophaga sp. H7 in liquid culture medium was studied. The effect of carbon source, C/N ratio, temperature, pH values, and shaking speeds were analyzed. The impact of strains H7 treatment with FeCl3 on nitrogen and As(III) in wastewater was assessed. The key pathways that participate in simultaneous nitrogen removal and As(III) oxidation was analyzed by genome and proteomic analysis. Results and discussion Strain H7 presented efficient capacities for simultaneous NH4 +-N, NO3 --N, or NO2 --N removal with As(III) oxidation during aerobic cultivation. Strikingly, the bacterial ability to remove nitrogen and oxidize As(III) has remained high across a wide range of pH values, and shaking speeds, exceeding that of the most commonly reported HNAD bacteria. Additionally, the previous HNAD strains exhibited a high denitrification efficiency, but a suboptimal concentration of nitrogen remained in the wastewater. Here, strain H7 combined with FeCl3 efficiently removed 96.14% of NH4 +-N, 99.08% of NO3 --N, and 94.68% of total nitrogen (TN), and it oxidized 100% of As(III), even at a low nitrogen concentration (35 mg/L). The residues in the wastewater still met the V of Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard of China after five continuous wastewater treatment cycles. Furthermore, genome and proteomic analyses led us to propose that the shortcut nitrification-denitrification pathway and As(III) oxidase AioBA are the key pathways that participate in simultaneous nitrogen removal and As(III) oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- College of Biology and Agricultural Resources, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang, China
| | - Li Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengjun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongliang Zheng
- College of Biology and Agricultural Resources, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang, China
| | - Gejiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Gejiao Wang,
| | - Kaixiang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Gejiao Wang,
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Puggioni G, Milia S, Dessì E, Unali V, Pous N, Balaguer MD, Puig S, Carucci A. Combining electro-bioremediation of nitrate in saline groundwater with concomitant chlorine production. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 206:117736. [PMID: 34656821 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117736] [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: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater pollution and salinization have increased steadily over the years. As the balance between water demand and availability has reached a critical level in many world regions, a sustainable approach for the management (including recovery) of saline water resources has become essential. A 3-compartment cell configuration was tested for a new application based on the simultaneous denitrification and desalination of nitrate-contaminated saline groundwater and the recovery of value-added chemicals. The cells were initially operated in potentiostatic mode to promote autotrophic denitrification at the bio-cathode, and then switched to galvanostatic mode to improve the desalination of groundwater in the central compartment. The average nitrate removal rate achieved was 39±1 mgNO3--N L-1 d-1, and no intermediates (i.e., nitrite and nitrous oxide) were observed in the effluent. Groundwater salinity was considerably reduced (average chloride removal was 63±5%). Within a circular economy approach, part of the removed chloride was recovered in the anodic compartment and converted into chlorine, which reached a concentration of 26.8±3.4 mgCl2 L-1. The accumulated chlorine represents a value-added product, which could also be dosed for disinfection in water treatment plants. With this cell configuration, WHO and European legislation threshold limits for nitrate (11.3 mgNO3--N L-1) and salinity (2.5 mS cm-1) in drinking water were met, with low specific power consumptions (0.13±0.01 kWh g-1NO3--Nremoved). These results are promising and pave the ground for successfully developing a sustainable technology to tackle an urgent environmental issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puggioni
- University of Cagliari - Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy; Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Stefano Milia
- National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Emma Dessì
- University of Cagliari - Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Unali
- National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Narcís Pous
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Alessandra Carucci
- University of Cagliari - Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy
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He S, Hu W, Liu Y, Xie Y, Zhou H, Wang X, Chen J, Zhang Y. Mechanism of efficient remediation of U(VI) using biogenic CMC-FeS complex produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 420:126645. [PMID: 34329121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Uranium in groundwater during uranium mining activities urgently needs to be remediated through effective and environmental-friendly approaches. The reduction and immobilization of soluble U(VI) using biogenic carboxymethyl cellulose modified iron sulfide complex (biogenic CMC-FeS complex) is one of the emerging and innovative methods. However, its removal mechanism is largely unknown. Here, biogenic CMC-FeS complex with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and CMC was successfully synthesized by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and showed highly dispersible capacity. The tryptophan and tyrosine, which were the main components in EPS produced by SRB on CMC-FeS surface, significantly increased the U(VI) removal capacity of the biogenic CMC-FeS complex compared with chemically synthesized CMC-FeS. U(VI) removal was attributed to the adsorption of soluble U(VI) by ≡FeO+, CMC, tryptophan, and tyrosine on the biogenic CMC-FeS complex, following its reduction by S2-, S22- and Fe2+. Moreover, biogenic CMC-FeS complex with CMC-to-FeS molar ratio of 0.0005 performed well in the presence of bicarbonate (5 mM), humic acid (10 mg/L), or co-existing cations such as Pb2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ (200 ug/L) at pH 7.0, and displayed relatively high oxidation resistance and stability ability. This work provides an in-depth understanding of the biogenic CMC-FeS complex for the U(VI) removal and contributes to the development of cost-effective U(VI) remediation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu He
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biological Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Wanrong Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biological Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yali Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biological Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biological Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biological Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xuqian Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biological Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biological Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Yongkui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biological Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
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