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Wu M, Zhao D, Gu B, Wang Z, Hu J, Yu Z, Yu J. Efficient degradation of aqueous dichloromethane by an enhanced microbial electrolysis cell: Degradation kinetics, microbial community and metabolic mechanisms. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 139:150-159. [PMID: 38105043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Dichloromethane (DCM) has been listed as a toxic and harmful water pollutant, and its removal needs attention. Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are viewed as a promising alternative for pollutant removal, which can be strengthened from two aspects: microbial inoculation and acclimation. In this study, the MEC for DCM degradation was inoculated with the active sludge enhanced by Methylobacterium rhodesianum H13 (strain H13) and then acclimated in the form of a microbial fuel cell (MFC). Both the introduction of strain H13 and the initiation in MFC form significantly promoted DCM degradation. The degradation kinetics were fitted by the Haldane model, with Vmax, Kh, Ki and vmax values of 103.2 mg/L/hr, 97.8 mg/L, 268.3 mg/L and 44.7 mg/L/hr/cm2, respectively. The cyclic voltammogram implies that DCM redox reactions became easier with the setup of MEC, and the electrochemical impedance spectrogram shows that the acclimated and enriched microbes reduced the charge transfer resistance from the electrode to the electrolyte. In the biofilm, the dominant genera shifted from Geobacter to Hyphomicrobium in acclimation stages. Moreover, Methylobacterium played an increasingly important role. DCM metabolism mainly occurred through the hydrolytic glutathione S-transferase pathway, given that the gene dcmA was identified rather than the dhlA and P450/MO. The exogenous electrons facilitated the reduction of GSSG, directly or indirectly accelerating the GSH-catalyzed dehalogenation. This study provides support for the construction of an efficient and stable MEC for DCM removal in water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wu
- College of Environment, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Di Zhao
- Shentuo Environment (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Bing Gu
- Zhejiang Tianyi Environmental Co. Ltd., Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ziru Wang
- College of Environment, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Hu
- College of Environment, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Zhiliang Yu
- College of Environment, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianming Yu
- College of Environment, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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2
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Ul Z, Sulonen M, Baeza JA, Guisasola A. Continuous high-purity bioelectrochemical nitrogen recovery from high N-loaded wastewaters. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 158:108707. [PMID: 38653107 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) have been identified as an energy efficient system for ammonium recovery from wastewater. However, high ammonium concentrations at the anode can have inhibitory effects. This work aims to determine the effects on current generation performance and active ammonia nitrogen recovery in wastewater containing 0.5 to 2.5 g N-NH4+/L. The study also evaluates the effect of two cathode materials, stainless steel (SS-MEC) and nickel foam (NF-MEC). When the concentration of ammonium in the feed was increased from 0.5 to 1.5 g N-NH4+/L the maximum current density increased from 3.2 to 3.9 A/m2, but a further increase to 2.5 g N-NH4+/L inhibited the biofilm activity, decreasing the current density to 0.5 A/m2. The maximum ammonium removal and recovery efficiencies were 71 % and 33 % at 0.5 g N-NH4+/L. The SS-MEC exhibited more energy efficient ammonium recovery compared to the NF-MEC, requiring 3.6 kWh/kgN,recovered at 0.5 gN-NH4+/L. The highest ammonium recovery rate of 33 gN/m2/d (1.5 gN-NH4+/L) was obtained with an energy consumption of 4.5 kWh/kgN,recovered. Conversely, a lower recovery rate (10 gN/m2/d for 2.5 gN-NH4+/L) resulted in reduced energy consumption at 2.1 kWh/kgN,recovered. This highlights the inherent trade-off between energy consumption and efficient ammonium recovery in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Ul
- GENOCOV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mira Sulonen
- GENOCOV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Baeza
- GENOCOV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Albert Guisasola
- GENOCOV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Fattahi N, Reed J, Heronemus E, Fernando P, Hansen R, Parameswaran P. Polyethylene glycol hydrogel coatings for protection of electroactive bacteria against chemical shocks. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 156:108595. [PMID: 37976771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Loss of bioelectrochemical activity in low resource environments or from chemical toxin exposure is a significant limitation in microbial electrochemical cells (MxCs), necessitating the development of materials that can stabilize and protect electroactive biofilms. Here, polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels were designed as protective coatings over anodic biofilms, and the effect of the hydrogel coatings on biofilm viability under oligotrophic conditions and ammonia-N (NH4+-N) shocks was investigated. Hydrogel deposition occurred through polymerization of PEG divinyl sulfone and PEG tetrathiol precursor molecules, generating crosslinked PEG coatings with long-term hydrolytic stability between pH values of 3 and 10. Simultaneous monitoring of coated and uncoated electrodes co-located within the same MxC anode chamber confirmed that the hydrogel did not compromise biofilm viability, while the coated anode sustained nearly a 4 × higher current density (0.44 A/m2) compared to the uncoated anode (0.12 A/m2) under oligotrophic conditions. Chemical interactions between NH4+-N and PEG hydrogels revealed that the hydrogels provided a diffusive barrier to NH4+-N transport. This enabled PEG-coated biofilms to generate higher current densities during NH4+-N shocks and faster recovery afterwards. These results indicate that PEG-based coatings can expand the non-ideal chemical environments that electroactive biofilms can reliably operate in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Fattahi
- Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jeffrey Reed
- Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Evan Heronemus
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Priyasha Fernando
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Ryan Hansen
- Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - Prathap Parameswaran
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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Fathima A, Ilankoon IMSK, Zhang Y, Chong MN. Scaling up of dual-chamber microbial electrochemical systems - An appraisal using systems design approach. Sci Total Environ 2024; 912:169186. [PMID: 38086487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Impetus to minimise the energy and carbon footprints of evolving wastewater resource recovery facilities has promoted the development of microbial electrochemical systems (MES) as an emerging energy-neutral and sustainable platform technology. Using separators in dual-chamber MES to isolate anodic and cathodic environments creates endless opportunities for its myriad applications. Nevertheless, the high internal resistance and the complex interdependencies among various system factors have challenged its scale-up. This critical review employed a systems approach to examine the complex interdependencies and practical issues surrounding the implementation and scalability of dual-chamber MES, where the anodic and cathodic reactions are mutually appraised to improve the overall system efficiency. The robustness and stability of anodic biofilms in large-volume MES is dependent on its inoculum source, antecedent history and enrichment strategies. The composition and anode-respiring activity of these biofilms are modulated by the anolyte composition, while their performance demands a delicate balance between the electrode size, macrostructure and the availability of substrates, buffers and nutrients when using real wastewater as anolyte. Additionally, the catholyte governed the reduction environment and associated energy consumption of MES with scalable electrocatalysts needed to enhance the sluggish reaction kinetics for energy-efficient resource recovery. A comprehensive assessment of the dual-chamber reactor configuration revealed that the tubular, spiral-wound, or plug-in modular MES configurations are suitable for pilot-scale, where it could be designed more effectively using efficient electrode macrostructure, suitable membranes and bespoke strategies for continuous operation to maximise their performance. It is anticipated that the critical and analytical understanding gained through this review will support the continuous development and scaling-up of dual-chamber MES for prospective energy-neutral treatment of wastewater and simultaneous circular management of highly relevant environmental resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshia Fathima
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - I M S K Ilankoon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Meng Nan Chong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Zeppilli M, Yaqoubi H, Dell’Armi E, Lai A, Belfaquir M, Lorini L, Papini MP. Tetrachloroethane (TeCA) removal through sequential graphite-mixed metal oxide electrodes in a bioelectrochemical reactor. Environ Sci Ecotechnol 2024; 17:100309. [PMID: 37560753 PMCID: PMC10406622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Electro-bioremediation offers a promising approach for eliminating persistent pollutants from groundwater since allows the stimulation of biological dechlorinating activity, utilizing renewable electricity for process operation and avoiding the injection of chemicals into aquifers. In this study, a two-chamber microbial electrolysis cell has been utilized to achieve both reductive and oxidative degradation of tetrachloroethane (TeCA). By polarizing the graphite granules cathodic chamber at -650 mV vs the standard hydrogen electrode and employing a mixed metal oxide (MMO) counter electrode for oxygen production, the reductive and oxidative environment necessary for TeCA removal has been established. Continuous experiments were conducted using two feeding solutions: an optimized mineral medium for dechlorinating microorganisms, and synthetic groundwater containing sulphate and nitrate anions to investigate potential side reactions. The bioelectrochemical process efficiently reduced TeCA to a mixture of trans-dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and ethylene, which were subsequently oxidized in the anodic chamber with removal efficiencies of 37 ± 2%, 100 ± 4%, and 100 ± 5%, respectively. The introduction of synthetic groundwater with nitrate and sulphate stimulated reductions in these ions in the cathodic chamber, leading to a 17% decrease in the reductive dechlorination rate and the appearance of other chlorinated by-products, including cis-dichloroethylene and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), in the cathode effluent. Notably, despite the lower reductive dechlorination rate during synthetic groundwater operation, aerobic dechlorinating microorganisms within the anodic chamber completely removed VC and 1,2-DCA. This study represents the first demonstration of a sequential reductive and oxidative bioelectrochemical process for TeCA mineralization in a synthetic solution simulating contaminated groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zeppilli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Hafsa Yaqoubi
- Department of Chemistry, Ibn Tofail University, Laboratory of Advanced Material and Process Engineering, Campus Universitaire, BP. 242, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Edoardo Dell’Armi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Agnese Lai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Mustapha Belfaquir
- Department of Chemistry, Ibn Tofail University, Laboratory of Advanced Material and Process Engineering, Campus Universitaire, BP. 242, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Laura Lorini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Marco Petrangeli Papini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
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Deng S, Wang C, Ngo HH, Guo W, You N, Tang H, Yu H, Tang L, Han J. Comparative review on microbial electrochemical technologies for resource recovery from wastewater towards circular economy and carbon neutrality. Bioresour Technol 2023; 376:128906. [PMID: 36933575 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Newly arising concepts such as the circular economy and carbon neutrality motivate resource recovery from wastewater. This paper reviews and discusses state-of-the-art microbial electrochemical technologies (METs), specifically microbial fuel cells (MFCs), microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) and microbial recycling cells (MRCs), which enable energy generation and nutrient recovery from wastewater. Mechanisms, key factors, applications, and limitations are compared and discussed. METs are effective in energy conversion, demonstrating advantages, drawbacks and future potential as specific scenarios. MECs and MRCs exhibited greater potential for simultaneous nutrient recovery, and MRCs offer the best scaling-up potential and efficient mineral recovery. Research on METs should be more concerned with lifespan of materials, secondary pollutants reduction and scaled-up benchmark systems. More up-scaled application cases are expected for cost structures comparison and life cycle assessment of METs. This review could direct the follow-up research, development and successful implementation of METs for resource recovery from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihai Deng
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Chaoqi Wang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Wenshan Guo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Na You
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Hao Tang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Hongbin Yu
- Southern Branch of China National Gold Engineering Corporation, Guangzhou 440112, PR China
| | - Long Tang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Jie Han
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
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7
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Magdalena JA, Pérez-Bernal MF, Bernet N, Trably E. Sequential dark fermentation and microbial electrolysis cells for hydrogen production: Volatile fatty acids influence and energy considerations. Bioresour Technol 2023; 374:128803. [PMID: 36858124 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen production from food waste by coupling dark fermentation (DF) and microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) was studied. Metabolic patterns in DF, their effects on MECs efficiency, and the energy output of the coupling were investigated. Mesophilic temperature and acidic pH 5.5 resulted in 72 ± 20 mL H2/g CODin and a butyrate-enriched profile (C2/C4, 0.5-0.6) contrasting with an acetate-enriched profile (C2/C4, 1.8-1.9) and 36 ± 10 mL H2/g CODin at pH 7. Assessment in series of the DF effluents in MECs resulted in a higher hydrogen yield (566-733 mL H2/g CODin) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) removal (84-95%) obtained from pH 7 effluents compared to pH 5.5 effluents (173-186 mL H2/g CODin and 29-59%). Finally, the output energy was lower in DF at pH 7, however, these effluents retrieved the highest energy in the MEC, showing the importance of process pH and VFAs profile to balance the coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Antonio Magdalena
- LBE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, 102 avenue des Étangs, 11100 Narbonne, France; Vicerrectorado de Investigación y Transferencia de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Nicolas Bernet
- LBE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, 102 avenue des Étangs, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - Eric Trably
- LBE, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, 102 avenue des Étangs, 11100 Narbonne, France
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Park SG, Rhee C, Jadhav DA, Eisa T, Al-Mayyahi RB, Shin SG, Abdelkareem MA, Chae KJ. Tailoring a highly conductive and super-hydrophilic electrode for biocatalytic performance of microbial electrolysis cells. Sci Total Environ 2023; 856:159105. [PMID: 36181811 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical hydrogen production via microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) has attracted attention as the next generation of technology for the hydrogen economy. MECs work by electrochemically active bacteria reducing organic compounds at the anode. However, the hydrophobic nature of carbon-based anodes suppresses the release of the produced gas and water penetration, which significantly reduces the possibility of microbial attachment. Consequently, a limited surface area of the anode is used, which decreases hydrogen production efficiency. In this study, the bifunctional material poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) was applied to the surface of a three-dimensional carbon felt anode to enhance the hydrogen production efficiency of an MEC owing to the high conductivity of PEDOT and super-hydrophilicity of PSS. In experiments, the PEDOT:PSS-modified anode almost doubled the hydrogen production efficiency of the MEC compared with the control anode owing to the increased capacitance current (239.3 %) and biofilm formation (220.7 %). The modified anode reduced the time required for the MEC to reach a steady state of hydrogen production by 14 days compared to the control anode. Microbial community profiles demonstrated that the modified anode had a greater abundance of electrochemically active bacteria than the control anode. This simple method could be widely applied to various bioelectrochemical systems (e.g., microbial fuel cells and solar cells) and to scaling up MECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Gwan Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaeyoung Rhee
- Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Dipak A Jadhav
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Tasnim Eisa
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Riyam B Al-Mayyahi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Gu Shin
- Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; Center of Advanced Materials Research, Research Institute of Science and Engineering, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Sharjah, PO Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Kyu-Jung Chae
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea.
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An J, Yun S, Wang W, Wang K, Ke T, Liu J, Liu L, Gao Y, Zhang X. Enhanced methane production in anaerobic co-digestion systems with modified black phosphorus. Bioresour Technol 2023; 368:128311. [PMID: 36370940 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Black phosphorus (BP) and BP modified by hydrogen peroxide (MBP) were used as accelerants to enhance CH4 production and CO2 reduction in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) coupled with anaerobic co-digestion systems (MEC-AcoD). The MEC-AcoD group with a voltage of 0.6 V and 0.03 wt.% of MBP accelerant (MEC0.6MBP0.03) had the largest CH4 yield (242.1 mL/g VS) and the smallest carbon dioxide yield (97.6 mL/g VS) compared with the control group (141.2 mL/g VS, 146.9 mL/g VS). The digestates that used MEC0.6MBP0.03 exhibited superior thermal stability (46.2 %) and total nutrient contents (44.5 g/kg). These improvements may be attributed to the superior electron exchange capacity and physicochemical properties of MBP. Herein, we propose a strategy to understand enhanced CH4 production and CO2 reduction in anaerobic co-digestion and MEC-AcoD systems using MBP accelerants. Notably, combining MBP and MEC could effectively promote anaerobic co-digestion performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhang An
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Sining Yun
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China; Qinghai Building and Materials Research Academy Co., Ltd, The Key Lab of Plateau Building and Eco-community in Qinghai, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Metallurgy Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Kaijun Wang
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Teng Ke
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Lijianan Liu
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Yangyang Gao
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
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Lee HS, Xin W, Katakojwala R, Venkata Mohan S, Tabish NMD. Microbial electrolysis cells for the production of biohydrogen in dark fermentation - A review. Bioresour Technol 2022; 363:127934. [PMID: 36100184 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To assess biohydrogen for future green energy, this review revisited dark fermentation and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Hydrogen evolution rate in mesophilic dark fermentation is as high as 192 m3 H2/m3-d, however hydrogen yield is limited. MECs are ideal for improving hydrogen yield from carboxylate accumulated from dark fermentation, whereas hydrogen production rate is too slow in MECs. Hence, improving anode kinetic is very important for realizing MEC biohydrogen. Intracellular electron transfer (IET) and extracellular electron transfer (EET) can limit current density in MECs, which is proportional to hydrogen evolution rate. EET does not limit current density once electrically conductive biofilms are formed on anodes, potentially producing 300 A/m2. Hence, IET kinetics mainly govern current density in MECs. Among parameters associated with IET kinetic, population of anode-respiring bacteria in anode biofilms, biofilm density of active microorganisms, biofilm thickness, and alkalinity are critical for current density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Sool Lee
- KENTECH Institute for Environmental and Climate Technology, Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH) 200 Hyeoksin-ro, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Wang Xin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ranaprathap Katakojwala
- Bioengineering and Environmental Engineering Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Engineering Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Noori M D Tabish
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcala, Alcala De Henares, Madrid 28801, Spain
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11
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Guo ZB, Sun WL, Zuo XJ, Song HL, Ling H, Zhang S. Increase of antibiotic resistance genes via horizontal transfer in single- and two-chamber microbial electrolysis cells. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:36216-36224. [PMID: 35061176 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18676-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) have been applied for antibiotic degradation but simultaneously induced antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), thus representing a risk to disseminate antibiotic resistance. However, few studies were on the potential and risk of ARGs transmission in the MECs. This work assessed conjugative transfer of ARGs under three tested conditions (voltages, cell concentration, and donor/recipient ratio) in both single- and two-chamber MECs. The results indicated that voltages (> 0.9 V) facilitated the horizontal frequency of ARGs in the single-chamber MECs and anode chamber of two-chamber MECs. The donor cell number (donor/recipient ratio was 2:1) increased the transfer frequency of ARGs. Furthermore, voltages ranged from 0.9 to 2.5 V increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell membrane permeability in MECs. These findings offer new insights into the roles of ARG transfer under different applied voltages in the MECs, which should not be ignored for horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Bing Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Wen-Long Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Zuo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Hai-Liang Song
- School of Environment, Jiangsu Engineering Lab of Water and Soil Eco-Remediation, Nanjing Normal University, Wenyuan Road 1, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hao Ling
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
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12
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Ruiz-Urigüen M, Shuai W, Huang S, Jaffé PR. Biodegradation of PFOA in microbial electrolysis cells by Acidimicrobiaceae sp. strain A6. Chemosphere 2022; 292:133506. [PMID: 34995627 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Acidimicrobiaceae sp. strain A6 (A6), is an anaerobic autotrophic bacterium capable of oxidizing ammonium (NH4+) while reducing ferric iron and is also able to defluorinate PFAS under these growth conditions. A6 is exoelectrogenic and can grow in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) by using the anode as the electron acceptor in lieu of ferric iron. Therefore, cultures of A6 amended with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were incubated in MECs to investigate its ability to defluorinate PFAS in such reactors. Results show a significant decrease in PFOA concentration after 18 days of operation, while producing current and removing NH4+. The buildup of fluoride and shorter chain perfluorinated products was detected only in MECs with applied potential, active A6, and amended with PFOA, confirming the biodegradation of PFOA in these systems. This work sets the stage for further studies on the application of A6-based per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) bioremediation in microbial electrochemical systems for water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melany Ruiz-Urigüen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, New Jersey, Princeton, USA; School of Sciences and Engineering, Environmental Engineering. Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Weitao Shuai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, New Jersey, Princeton, USA
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, New Jersey, Princeton, USA
| | - Peter R Jaffé
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, New Jersey, Princeton, USA.
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13
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Zhang S, Sun WL, Song HL, Zhang T, Yin M, Wang Q, Zuo X. Effects of voltage on the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes in microbial electrolysis cells: From mutation to horizontal gene transfer. Chemosphere 2022; 291:132703. [PMID: 34718024 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are widely considered as promising alternatives for degrading antibiotics. As one of the major operating parameters in MECs, voltage might affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) given it can affect the physiological characteristics of bacteria. However, little is known about the impacts of voltage on the acceleration of bacterial mutation and the promotion of ARG dissemination via horizontal transfer in MECs. In this study, two voltages (0.9 V and 1.5 V) were applied to identify if electrical stimulation could increase bacterial mutation frequency. Three voltages (0.9 V, 1.5 V, and 2.5 V) were used to evaluate the conjugative transfer frequency of plasmid-encoded the ARGs from the donor (E. coli K-12) to the recipient (E. coli HB101) in MECs. After repeating subculture in MECs for 10 days, the mutation frequency of E. coli K-12 was promoted, consequently, the generated mutants became more resistant against tetracycline. When the voltage was higher than 0.9 V, conjugative ARG transfer frequency was significantly increased in the anode chamber (p < 0.05). The over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (voltage >0.9 V) and cell membrane permeability (voltage >1.5 V) were significantly enhanced under electrical stimulations (p < 0.05). Genome-wide RNA sequencing indicated that the expressions of genes related to oxidative stress and cell membrane were upregulated with exposure to electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulations induced oxidative reactions, which triggered ROS over-production, SOS response, and enhancement of cell membrane permeability for both donor and recipient in the MECs. These findings provide insights into the potential role of voltage in the generation and spread of ARGs in MECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science &Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Wen-Long Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science &Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Hai-Liang Song
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Engineering Lab of Water and Soil Eco-remediation, Wenyuan Road 1, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science &Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Minghao Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science &Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Qilin Wang
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - XiaoJun Zuo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CIC-AEET), Nanjing University of Information Science &Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
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14
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Cheng D, Ngo HH, Guo W, Chang SW, Nguyen DD, Zhang S, Deng S, An D, Hoang NB. Impact factors and novel strategies for improving biohydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cells. Bioresour Technol 2022; 346:126588. [PMID: 34929329 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) system is an environmentally friendly method for clean biohydrogen production from a wide range of biowastes owing to low greenhouse gas emissions. This approach has relatively higher yields and lower energy costs for biohydrogen production compared to conventional biological technologies and direct water electrolysis, respectively. However, biohydrogen production efficiency and operating costs of MEC still need further optimization to realize its large-scale application.This paper provides a unique review of impact factors influencing biohydrogen production in MECs, such as microorganisms and electrodes. Novel strategies, including inhibition of methanogens, development of novel cathode catalyst, advanced reactor design and integrated systems, to enhance low-cost biohydrogen production, are discussed based on recent publications in terms of their opportunities, bottlenecks and future directions. In addition, the current challenges, and effective future perspectives towards the practical application of MECs are described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongle Cheng
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Wenshan Guo
- Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Soon Woong Chang
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Kyonggi University, 442-760, Republic of Korea
| | - Dinh Duc Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Kyonggi University, 442-760, Republic of Korea
| | - Shicheng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shihai Deng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Ding An
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Nangang District, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Ngoc Bich Hoang
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
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15
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Li L, Cai C, Chen Y, Liu H, Liu R, Yang D, Dong B, Dai X. Secondary acidogenic fermentation of waste activated sludge via voltage supplementation: Insights from sludge structure and enzymes activity. Sci Total Environ 2021; 797:149161. [PMID: 34303972 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrolysis cells were integrated with the anaerobic digestion at different fermentation stage (0th day and 30th day) to explore the bio-electrochemical enhancement of acidogenic fermentation from waste activated sludge. Results showed that significant increases in volatile fatty acid production can be achieved by electrically-assisted acidogenic fermentation (0th day to 12th day). In comparison, volatile fatty acid production during secondary acidogenic fermentation (30th day to 42nd day) via voltage supplementation was also investigated. The concentrations of soluble total organic carbon, soluble protein, soluble polysaccharide via voltage supplementation during the secondary acidogenic fermentation process were improved from 69.9, 50.3, and 18.8 mg/L to 260.6, 135.6, and 43.8 mg/L, respectively. Meanwhile, fractal dimension (Df) value was decreased via voltage supplementation along with the significantly improving of protease and α-glucosidase activities. These results suggest that the presence of voltage brought a secondary solubilization and hydrolysis of sludge via loosening sludge structure and promoting corresponding enzymes activities, thus improved the secondary acidogenic fermentation performance of sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Chen Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Yongdong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Haoyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Donghai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Bin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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16
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Chaurasia AK, Shankar R, Mondal P. Effects of nickle, nickle-cobalt and nickle-cobalt-phosphorus nanocatalysts for enhancing biohydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cells using paper industry wastewater. J Environ Manage 2021; 298:113542. [PMID: 34426219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Paper industries are water-intensive industries that produce large amount of wastewater containing dyes, toxicity and high nutrient content. These industries require sustainable technology for their waste disposal and MEC could be one of them. However, effective MEC operation at neutral pH and ambient temperature requires economical and efficient cathodes that are capable to treat indusial wastewater along with recovery of energy/biohydrogen. Co-deposits of Nickel, Nickel-Cobalt and Nickel-Cobalt-Phosphorous on the surface of SS and Cu base metals distinctly were used as cathodes in MEC for the concurrent treatment of real paper industry wastewater and biohydrogen production. MECs were utilized in batch mode at neutral pH, applied voltage of 0.6 V and 30 ± 2 °C temperature with paper industry wastewater and activated sludge as microbial sources. The fabricated Nickel-Cobalt-Phosphorous gives the higher hydrogen production rate of 0.16 ± 0.002 m3(H2) m-3d-1 and 0.14 ± 0.002 m3(H2) m -3d -1 respectively, with ~33-42 % treatment efficiency for a 500 ml wastewater in 7-day batch cycle in both the cases; while it is lowest in the case of the control cathodes (SS1 (0.07 ± 0.002 m3(H2) m-3d-1) & Cu1 (0.06 ± 0.004 m3(H2) m-3d-1)). It was also found that fabricated cathodes have the capability to treat industrial wastewater at ambient conditions efficiently with higher energy recovery. Prepared cathodes show enhanced hydrogen production and treatment efficiency as well as are competitive to some reported literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Chaurasia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ravi Shankar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, 273010, UP, India
| | - Prasenjit Mondal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
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17
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Chung TH, Dhar BR. Paper-based platforms for microbial electrochemical cell-based biosensors: A review. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 192:113485. [PMID: 34274625 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of low-cost analytical devices for on-site water quality monitoring is a critical need, especially for developing countries and remote communities in developed countries with limited resources. Microbial electrochemical cell-based (MXC) biosensors have been quite promising for quantitative and semi-quantitative (often qualitative) measurements of various water quality parameters due to their low cost and simplicity compared to traditional analytical methods. However, conventional MXC biosensors often encounter challenges, such as the slow establishment of biofilms, low sensitivity, and poor recoverability, making them unable to be applied for practical cases. In response, MXC biosensors assembled with paper-based materials demonstrated tremendous potentials to enhance sensitivity and field applicability. Furthermore, the paper-based platforms offer many prominent features, including autonomous liquid transport, rapid bacterial adhesion, lowered resistance, low fabrication cost (<$1 in USD), and eco-friendliness. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current trend and applications of paper-based MXC biosensors, along with critical discussions on their field applicability. Moreover, future advancements of paper-based MXC biosensors, such as developing a novel paper-based biobatteries, increasing the system performance using an unique biocatalyst, such as yeast, and integrating the biosensor system with other advanced tools, such as machine learning and 3D printing, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hyun Chung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada.
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18
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Singh L, Miller AG, Wang L, Liu H. Scaling-up up-flow microbial electrolysis cells with a compact electrode configuration for continuous hydrogen production. Bioresour Technol 2021; 331:125030. [PMID: 33823486 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining high current densities is a key challenge in scaling-up microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) reactors. In this study, a novel 10 L MEC reactor with a total electrode surface area greater than 1 m2 was designed and evaluated to maximize the current density and H2 recovery. Performances of the reactor suggest that the longitudinal structure with parallel vertical orientation of the electrodes encouraged high fluid mixing and the sheet metal electrode frames provided distributed electrical connection. Results also demonstrated that the electrode pairs located next to reactor walls decreased current density, as did separating the electrodes with separators. High volumetric H2 production rate of 5.9 L/L/d was achieved at a volumetric current density of 970 A/m3 (34 A/m2). Moreover, the observed current densities of the large reactor were accurately predicted based on the internal resistance analysis of small scale MECs (0.15 L), demonstrating the scalability of the single chamber MEC design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakhveer Singh
- Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA; Department of Environmental Science, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 522502, India
| | - Andrew G Miller
- Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Luguang Wang
- Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA.
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19
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Hartl M, García-Galán MJ, Matamoros V, Fernández-Gatell M, Rousseau DPL, Du Laing G, Garfí M, Puigagut J. Constructed wetlands operated as bioelectrochemical systems for the removal of organic micropollutants. Chemosphere 2021; 271:129593. [PMID: 33460890 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) has been investigated in constructed wetlands (CWs) operated as bioelectrochemical systems (BES). The operation of CWs as BES (CW-BES), either in the form of microbial fuel cells (MFC) or microbial electrolysis cells (MEC), has only been investigated in recent years. The presented experiment used CW meso-scale systems applying a realistic horizontal flow regime and continuous feeding of real urban wastewater spiked with four OMPs (pharmaceuticals), namely carbamazepine (CBZ), diclofenac (DCF), ibuprofen (IBU) and naproxen (NPX). The study evaluated the removal efficiency of conventional CW systems (CW-control) as well as CW systems operated as closed-circuit MFCs (CW-MFCs) and MECs (CW-MECs). Although a few positive trends were identified for the CW-BES compared to the CW-control (higher average CBZ, DCF and NPX removal by 10-17% in CW-MEC and 5% in CW-MFC), these proved to be not statistically significantly different. Mesoscale experiments with real wastewater could thus not confirm earlier positive effects of CW-BES found under strictly controlled laboratory conditions with synthetic wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Hartl
- GEMMA - Environmental Engineering and Microbiology Research Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, c/ Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - María Jesús García-Galán
- GEMMA - Environmental Engineering and Microbiology Research Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, c/ Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Matamoros
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, c/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Fernández-Gatell
- GEMMA - Environmental Engineering and Microbiology Research Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, c/ Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diederik P L Rousseau
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Gijs Du Laing
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Marianna Garfí
- GEMMA - Environmental Engineering and Microbiology Research Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, c/ Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Puigagut
- GEMMA - Environmental Engineering and Microbiology Research Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech, c/ Jordi Girona 1-3, Building D1, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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20
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Cui H, Yang Y, Wang J, Lou Y, Fang A, Liu B, Xie G, Xing D. Effect of gas atmosphere on hydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cells. Sci Total Environ 2021; 756:144154. [PMID: 33310211 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Inert gas is often used in the deoxygenation of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) to maintain growth and viability of anaerobes. However, the effects of the gas atmosphere on hydrogen production and microbial community of MECs are often neglected. Here, the performances and biofilm microbiomes of MECs pre-sparged with different gases were compared. MECs pre-sparged with argon gas (Ar) yielded more hydrogen (3.73 ± 0.13 mol-H2/mol-acetate) and a higher hydrogen production rate (2.99 ± 0.17 L-H2/L-reactor-day) than MECs pre-sparged with N2 (3.41 ± 0.13 mol-H2/mol-acetate and 2.27 ± 0.28 L-H2/L-reactor-day, respectively). Microbiome analysis indicated that the relative abundance of Geobacter increased from 59.25% to 77.79% when the gas atmosphere in MECs shifted from N2 to Ar. Hydrogen production may have been catalyzed by nitrogenase from Geobacter and photosynthetic bacteria in MECs pre-sparged with Ar. These findings suggested that the gas atmosphere substantially influences the microbiome of anode biofilms and Ar sparging is most effective for enhancing hydrogen production in MECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yu Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Anran Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Bingfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Guojun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Defeng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
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21
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Zakaria BS, Ranjan Dhar B. An intermittent power supply scheme to minimize electrical energy input in a microbial electrolysis cell assisted anaerobic digester. Bioresour Technol 2021; 319:124109. [PMID: 33035866 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
From the perspective of energy saving in the operation of microbial electrolysis cell assisted anaerobic digester (MEC-AD), this study focused on developing an intermittent power supply scheme. The applied potential was switched off for 12 and 6 hours/day during the operation of a laboratory-scale MEC-AD system fed with glucose. The results from the operation under continuous applied potential served as the control. The overall biomethane generation and net energy income from the process were unaffected when the applied potential turned off for 6 hours/day. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses of microbial communities suggested that a balanced microbiome could be maintained under short-term switching-off the applied potential. However, performance substantially deteriorated when the applied potential turned off for 12 hours/day. Overall, the results of this study suggest that MEC-AD operation does not need a continuous power supply, and higher energy efficiency can be effectively achieved by intermittently powering the reactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
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22
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Zhang X, Li R. Variation and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and their potential hosts in microbial electrolysis cells treating sewage sludge. Bioresour Technol 2020; 315:123838. [PMID: 32693346 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) system is an emerging pollution control technology. However, information on the variation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in MECs treating sewage sludge is still very limited. In this study, the fate of ARGs and their correlation with microbes in MECs under different applied voltages (0-1.5 V) were studied. Most target ARGs were effectively removed, but tetB, tetM and tetQ were enriched up to 2.05 log units in suspended sludge. Most ARGs were mainly distributed on electrodes, except tetQ and tetM enriched in suspended sludge. The selective pressure of residual antibiotics in the sewage sludge was negligible. Horizontal gene transfer was validated for the spread of sul1, sul2, tetA and tetC in MECs. Network analysis revealed that the potential hosts of ARGs mainly belonged to Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Some genera related to electron transfer were newly found to be the potential ARGs hosts in MECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Ruying Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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23
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Pang Y, Gu T, Zhang G, Yu Z, Zhou Y, Zhu DZ, Zhang Y, Zhang T. Experimental study on volatile sulfur compound inhibition using a single-chamber membrane-free microbial electrolysis cell. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:30571-30582. [PMID: 32468370 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09325-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Odor emissions from sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants have attracted much attention due to the potential negative effects on human health. A single-chamber membrane-free microbial electrolysis cell was proposed for the removal of sulfides in a sewer system. The feasibility of the use of volatile sulfur compounds and their removal efficiency in liquid and headspace gas phases were investigated using synthetic wastewater with real sewer sediment and Ru/Ir-coated titanium electrodes. The results indicate that hydrogen sulfide and volatile organic sulfur compounds were effectively inhibited in the liquid phase upon electrochemical treatment at current densities of 1.55, 2.06, and 2.58 mA/cm2, and their removal rates reached up to 86.2-100%, except for dimethyl trisulfide, the amount of which increased greatly at 1.55 mA/cm2. In addition, the amount of volatile sulfur compounds in the headspace decreased greatly; however, the total theoretical odor concentration was still high, and methanethiol and ethanethiol greatly contributed to the total strength of the odor concentration due to their low odor threshold concentrations. The major pathway for sulfide removal in the single-chamber membrane-free microbial electrolysis cell is biotic oxidation, the removal rate of which was 0.4-0.5 mg/min, 4-5 times that of indirect electrochemical oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Pang
- The Institute of Municipal Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tianfeng Gu
- The Institute of Municipal Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Guijiao Zhang
- The Institute of Municipal Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2W2, Canada
| | - Zhiguang Yu
- The Institute of Municipal Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yongchao Zhou
- The Institute of Municipal Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - David Z Zhu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2W2, Canada
| | - Yiping Zhang
- The Institute of Municipal Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tuqiao Zhang
- The Institute of Municipal Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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24
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Chiranjeevi P, Patil SA. Strategies for improving the electroactivity and specific metabolic functionality of microorganisms for various microbial electrochemical technologies. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 39:107468. [PMID: 31707076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Electroactive microorganisms, which possess extracellular electron transfer (EET) capabilities, are the basis of microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) such as microbial fuel and electrolysis cells. These are considered for several applications ranging from the energy-efficient treatment of waste streams to the production of value-added chemicals and fuels, bioremediation, and biosensing. Various aspects related to the microorganisms, electrodes, separators, reactor design, and operational or process parameters influence the overall functioning of METs. The most fundamental and critical performance-determining factor is, however, the microorganism-electrode interactions. Modification of the electrode surfaces and microorganisms for optimizing their interactions has therefore been the major MET research focus area over the last decade. In the case of microorganisms, primarily their EET mechanisms and efficiencies along with the biofilm formation capabilities, collectively considered as microbial electroactivity, affect their interactions with the electrodes. In addition to electroactivity, the specific metabolic or biochemical functionality of microorganisms is equally crucial to the target MET application. In this article, we present the major strategies that are used to enhance the electroactivity and specific functionality of microorganisms pertaining to both anodic and cathodic processes of METs. These include simple physical methods based on the use of heat and magnetic field along with chemical, electrochemical, and growth media amendment approaches to the complex procedure-based microbial bioaugmentation, co-culture, and cell immobilization or entrapment, and advanced toolkit-based biofilm engineering, genetic modifications, and synthetic biology strategies. We further discuss the applicability and limitations of these strategies and possible future research directions for advancing the highly promising microbial electrochemistry-driven biotechnology.
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25
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Zakaria BS, Dhar BR. Progress towards catalyzing electro-methanogenesis in anaerobic digestion process: Fundamentals, process optimization, design and scale-up considerations. Bioresour Technol 2019; 289:121738. [PMID: 31300305 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electro-methanogenesis represents an emerging bio-methane production pathway that can be achieved through integrating microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) with conventional anaerobic digester (AD). Since 2009, a significant number of publications have reported superior methane productivity and kinetics from MEC-AD integrated systems. The overall objective of this review is to communicate the recent advances towards promoting electro-methanogenesis in the anaerobic digestion process. Firstly, the electro-methanogenesis pathways and functional roles of key microbial members are summarized. Secondly, various extrinsic process parameters, such as applied voltage/potential, pH, and temperature are discussed with emphasis on process optimization. Moreover, available methods for the inoculation and start-up of MEC-AD process are critically reviewed. Finally, system design and scale-up considerations, such as the selection of electrode materials, surface area and surface chemistry of electrode materials, and electrode spacing are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basem S Zakaria
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
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26
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Yin C, Shen Y, Yuan R, Zhu N, Yuan H, Lou Z. Sludge-based biochar-assisted thermophilic anaerobic digestion of waste-activated sludge in microbial electrolysis cell for methane production. Bioresour Technol 2019; 284:315-324. [PMID: 30952059 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.03.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The development of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) for methane production from waste activated sludge (WAS) is arrested due to the limited methane yield and fragile system stability. This study proposed a strategy to accelerate and stabilize MEC via 1.0 g/g DM (dry matter) sludge-based biochar (BC). The results showed that BC clearly accelerated methane production by 24.7% and enhanced VS removal efficiency by 17.9%, compared to control group. Variations of SCOD, proteins, carbohydrates and VFAs indicated biochar promoted hydrolysis and acidogenesis process. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves and coulombic efficiency (CE) suggested organic matters degradation and electron generation on anode were enhanced with supplement of biochar. Microbial community analyses revealed that biochar addition could both promote DIET through substituting exoelectrogen (e.g., Thermincola) on anode and enrich hydrogenotrophic methanogens (e.g., Methanothermobacter) on cathode, which is beneficial to development of MEC as to methane recovery from organic matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changkai Yin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Yanwen Shen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Rongxue Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Nanwen Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Haiping Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Ziyang Lou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
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27
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Zhang Z, Song Y, Zheng S, Zhen G, Lu X, Kobayashi T, Xu K, Bakonyi P. Electro-conversion of carbon dioxide (CO 2) to low-carbon methane by bioelectromethanogenesis process in microbial electrolysis cells: The current status and future perspective. Bioresour Technol 2019; 279:339-349. [PMID: 30737066 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.01.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Given the aggravated greenhouse effect caused by CO2 and the current energy shortage, CO2 capture and reuse has been gaining ever-increasing concerns. Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs) has been considered to be a promising alternative to recycle CO2 bioelectrochemically to low-carbon electrofuels such as CH4 by combining electroactive microorganisms with electrochemical stimulation, enabling both CO2 fixation and energy recovery. In spite of the numerous efforts dedicated in this field in recent years, there are still many problems that hinder CO2 bioelectroconversion technique from the scaling-up and potential industrialization. This review comprehensively summarized the working principles, extracellular electron transfers behaviors, and the critical factors limiting the wide-spread utilization of CO2 electromethanogenesis. Various characterization and electrochemical testing methods for helping to uncover the underlying mechanisms in CO2 electromethanogenesis have been introduced. In addition, future research needs for pushing forward the development of MECs technology in real-world CO2 fixation and recycling were elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyi Zhang
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Ying Song
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-06 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Shaojuan Zheng
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Guangyin Zhen
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1515 North Zhongshan Rd. (No. 2), Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Xueqin Lu
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China; Institute of Eco-Chongming (IEC), 3663 N. Zhongshan Rd., Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Takuro Kobayashi
- Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Kaiqin Xu
- Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Péter Bakonyi
- Research Institute on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, University of Pannonia, Egyetem ut 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
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28
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Guo H, Kim Y. Stacked multi-electrode design of microbial electrolysis cells for rapid and low-sludge treatment of municipal wastewater. Biotechnol Biofuels 2019; 12:23. [PMID: 30774711 PMCID: PMC6367776 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1368-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) can be used for energy recovery and sludge reduction in wastewater treatment. Electric current density, which represents the rate of wastewater treatment and H2 production, is not sufficiently high for practical applications of MECs with real wastewater. Here, a sandwiched electrode-stack design was proposed and examined in a continuous-flow MEC system for more than 100 days to demonstrate enhanced electric current generation with a large number of electrode pairs. RESULTS The current density was boosted up to 190 A/m3 or 1.4 A/m2 with 10 electrode pairs stacked in an MEC fed with primary clarifier effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. High organic loading rate (OLR) resulted in high electric current density. The current density increased from 40 to 190 A/m3 when the OLR increased from 0.5-2 kg-COD/m3/day to 8-16 kg-COD/m3/day. In continuous-flow operation with two stacked MECs in series, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal was 90 ± 2% and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was 75 ± 9%. In addition, the sludge production was 0.06 g-volatile suspended solids (VSS)/g-COD removed at a hydraulic retention time of only 0.63 h. The electric energy consumption was low at 0.40 kWh/kg-COD removed (0.058 kWh/m3-wastewater treated). CONCLUSIONS The MECs with the stacked electrode design successfully enhanced the electric current generation. The high OLR is important to maintain the high electric current. The organics were removed rapidly and the total suspended solids (TSS) and VSS were reduced substantially in the continuous-flow MEC system. Therefore, the MECs with the stacked electrode design can be used for the rapid and low-sludge treatment of domestic wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Guo
- Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., JHE 301, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 Canada
| | - Younggy Kim
- Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., JHE 301, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 Canada
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Sim J, Reid R, Hussain A, An J, Lee HS. Hydrogen peroxide production in a pilot-scale microbial electrolysis cell. Biotechnol Rep (Amst) 2018; 19:e00276. [PMID: 30197872 PMCID: PMC6127372 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2018.e00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A pilot-scale dual-chamber microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) equipped with a carbon gas-diffusion cathode was evaluated for H2O2 production using acetate medium as the electron donor. To assess the effect of cathodic pH on H2O2 yield, the MEC was tested with an anion exchange membrane (AEM) and a cation exchange membrane (CEM), respectively. The maximum current density reached 0.94-0.96 A/m2 in the MEC at applied voltage of 0.35-1.9 V, regardless of membranes. The highest H2O2 conversion efficiency was only 7.2 ± 0.09% for the CEM-MEC. This low conversion would be due to further H2O2 reduction to H2O on the cathode or H2O2 decomposition in bulk liquid. This low H2O2 conversion indicates that large-scale MECs are not ideal for production of concentrated H2O2 but could be useful for a sustainable in-situ oxidation process in wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyoung Sim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robertson Reid
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abid Hussain
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Junyeong An
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hyung-Sool Lee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada
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30
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Huang L, Li M, Pan Y, Quan X, Yang J, Puma GL. Deposition and separation of W and Mo from aqueous solutions with simultaneous hydrogen production in stacked bioelectrochemical systems (BESs): Impact of heavy metals W(VI)/Mo(VI) molar ratio, initial pH and electrode material. J Hazard Mater 2018; 353:348-359. [PMID: 29684887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The deposition and separation of W and Mo from aqueous solutions with simultaneous hydrogen production was investigated in stacked bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) composed of microbial electrolysis cell (1#) serially connected with parallel connected microbial fuel cell (2#). The impact of W/Mo molar ratio (in the range 0.01 mM : 1 mM and vice-versa), initial pH (1.5 to 4.0) and cathode material (stainless steel mesh (SSM), carbon rod (CR) and titanium sheet (TS)) on the BES performance was systematically investigated. The concentration of Mo(VI) was more influential than W(VI) in determining the rate of deposition of both metals and the rate of hydrogen production. Complete metal recovery was achieved at equimolar W/Mo ratio of 0.05 mM : 0.05 mM. The rates of metal deposition and hydrogen production increased at acidic pH, with the fastest rates at pH 1.5. The morphology of the metal deposits and the valence of the Mo were correlated with W/Mo ratio and pH. CR cathodes (2#) coupled with SSM cathodes (1#) achieved a significant rate of hydrogen production (0.82 ± 0.04 m3/m3/d) with W and Mo deposition (0.049 ± 0.003 mmol/L/h and 0.140 ± 0.004 mmol/L/h (1#); 0.025 ± 0.001 mmol/L/h and 0.090 ± 0.006 mmol/L/h (2#)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yuzhen Pan
- College of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xie Quan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jinhui Yang
- College of Chemistry, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Gianluca Li Puma
- Environmental Nanocatalysis & Photoreaction Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom.
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31
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Ying X, Guo K, Chen W, Gu Y, Shen D, Zhou Y, Liang Y, Wang Y, Wang M, Feng H. The impact of electron donors and anode potentials on the anode-respiring bacteria community. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 101:7997-8005. [PMID: 28944402 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8518-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Both anode potentials and substrates can affect the process of biofilm formation in bioelectrochemical systems, but it is unclear who primarily determine the anode-respiring bacteria (ARB) community structure and composition. To address this issue, we divided microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) into groups, feeding them with different substrates and culturing them at various potentials. Non-turnover cyclic voltammetry indicated that the extracellular electron transfer components were uniform when feeding acetate, because the same oxidation peaks occurred at - 0.36 ± 0.01 and - 0.17 ± 0.01 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that the dominating ARB was Geobacter, which did not change with different potentials. When the MECs were cultured with sucrose and mixed substrates, oxidation peak P3 (- 0.29 ± 0.015 V) occurred at potentials of - 0.29 and 0.01 V. This may be because of the appearance of Unclassified_AKYG597. In addition, oxidation peak P4 (- 0.99 ± 0.01 V) occurred at high and low potentials (0.61 and - 0.45 V, respectively), and the maximum current densities were far below those of the middle potentials. Illumina MiSeq sequencing showed that fermentation microorganisms (Lactococcus and Sphaerochaeta) dominated the biofilms. Consequently, substrate primarily determined the dominating ARB, and Geobacter invariably dominated the acetate-fed biofilms with potentials changed. Conversely, different potentials mainly affected fermentable substrate-fed biofilms, with dominating ARB turning into Unclassified_AKYG59.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbin Ying
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Yuan Gu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Dongsheng Shen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Yuyang Zhou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Yuxiang Liang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Meizhen Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Huajun Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China. .,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
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32
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Gao Y, Sun D, Dang Y, Lei Y, Ji J, Lv T, Bian R, Xiao Z, Yan L, Holmes DE. Enhancing biomethanogenic treatment of fresh incineration leachate using single chambered microbial electrolysis cells. Bioresour Technol 2017; 231:129-137. [PMID: 28228327 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Methanogenic treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration leachate can be hindered by high concentrations of refractory organic matter and humification of compounds in the leachate. In an attempt to overcome some of these impediments, microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) were incorporated into anaerobic digesters (ADMECs). COD removal efficiencies and methane production were 8.7% and 44.3% higher in ADMECs than in controls, and ADMEC reactors recovered more readily from souring caused by high organic loading rates. The degradation rate of large macromolecules was substantially higher (96% vs 81%) in ADMEC than control effluent, suggesting that MECs stimulated degradation of refractory organic matter and reduced humification. Exoelectrogenic bacteria and microorganisms known to form syntrophic partnerships were enriched in ADMECs. These results show that ADMECs were more effective at treatment of MSW incineration leachate, and should be taken into consideration when designing future treatment facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dezhi Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yan Dang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yuqing Lei
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jiayang Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tingwei Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Rui Bian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhihui Xiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Liangming Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dawn E Holmes
- Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Western New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield, MA 01119, United States
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Luo L, Xu S, Selvam A, Wong JWC. Assistant role of bioelectrode on methanogenic reactor under ammonia stress. Bioresour Technol 2016; 217:72-81. [PMID: 26947446 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.02.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
To assess the role of abiotic/biotic electrode and electric field for enhancing methanogenesis under ammonia stress, three sets were conducted, i.e. R1 (titanium electrode+closed circuit), R2 (graphite felt+closed circuit), R3 (graphite felt+open circuit). Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) degradation and methane generation were gradually inhibited in all reactors when elevating NH4(+)-N to 4g/L; nevertheless, butyrate and propionate degradation rates in R2 and R3 were enhanced by 10-70% as compared to R1. Under the extremely high stress of NH4(+)-N (6g/L), insignificant difference was found among three tests and the methanogenesis were seriously hampered. Under ammonium stress, abundance of Methanobacterium significantly increased without electricity stimulation, however, acetoclastic Methanosaeta was found to survive and even increase in R2. Furthermore, Methanosaeta was enriched on graphite felt biofilm as compared to the suspended sludge, indicating the assistant role of bioelectrode for the methanogenesis under ammonium stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Luo
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Suyun Xu
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China.
| | - Ammaiyappan Selvam
- Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jonathan W C Wong
- Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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34
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Wilson EL, Kim Y. The yield and decay coefficients of exoelectrogenic bacteria in bioelectrochemical systems. Water Res 2016; 94:233-239. [PMID: 26963605 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In conventional wastewater treatment, waste sludge management and disposal contribute the major cost for wastewater treatment. Bioelectrochemical systems, as a potential alternative for future wastewater treatment and resources recovery, are expected to produce small amounts of waste sludge because exoelectrogenic bacteria grow on anaerobic respiration and form highly populated biofilms on bioanode surfaces. While waste sludge production is governed by the yield and decay coefficient, none of previous studies have quantified these kinetic constants for exoelectrogenic bacteria. For yield coefficient estimation, we modified McCarty's free energy-based model by using the bioanode potential for the free energy of the electron acceptor reaction. The estimated true yield coefficient ranged 0.1 to 0.3 g-VSS (volatile suspended solids) g-COD(-1) (chemical oxygen demand), which is similar to that of most anaerobic microorganisms. The yield coefficient was sensitively affected by the bioanode potential and pH while the substrate and bicarbonate concentrations had relatively minor effects on the yield coefficient. In lab-scale experiments using microbial electrolysis cells, the observed yield coefficient (including the effect of cell decay) was found to be 0.020 ± 0.008 g-VSS g-COD(-1), which is an order of magnitude smaller than the theoretical estimation. Based on the difference between the theoretical and experimental results, the decay coefficient was approximated to be 0.013 ± 0.002 d(-1). These findings indicate that bioelectrochemical systems have potential for future wastewater treatment with reduced waste sludge as well as for resources recovery. Also, the found kinetic information will allow accurate estimation of wastewater treatment performance in bioelectrochemical systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Wilson
- Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., JHE 301, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Younggy Kim
- Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., JHE 301, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7, Canada.
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Zhao Y, Cao W, Wang Z, Zhang B, Chen K, Ouyang P. Enhanced succinic acid production from corncob hydrolysate by microbial electrolysis cells. Bioresour Technol 2016; 202:152-157. [PMID: 26708482 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Actinobacillus succinogenes NJ113 microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) were used to enhance the reducing power responsible for succinic acid production from corncob hydrolysate. During corncob hydrolysate fermentation, electric MECs resulted in a 1.31-fold increase in succinic acid production and a 1.33-fold increase in the reducing power compared with those in non-electric MECs. When the hydrolysate was detoxified by combining Ca(OH)2, NaOH, and activated carbon, succinic acid production increased from 3.47 to 6.95 g/l. Using a constant potential of -1.8 V further increased succinic acid production to 7.18 g/l. A total of 18.09 g/l of succinic acid and a yield of 0.60 g/g total sugar were obtained after a 60-h fermentation when NaOH was used as a pH regulator. The improved succinic acid yield from corncob hydrolysate fermentation using A. succinogenes NJ113 in electric MECs demonstrates the great potential of using biomass as a feedstock to cost-effectively produce succinate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijia Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
| | - Kequan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China.
| | - Pingkai Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, People's Republic of China
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Zhao Z, Zhang Y, Quan X, Zhao H. Evaluation on direct interspecies electron transfer in anaerobic sludge digestion of microbial electrolysis cell. Bioresour Technol 2016; 200:235-44. [PMID: 26492177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Increase of methanogenesis in methane-producing microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) is frequently believed as a result of cathodic reduction of CO2. Recent studies indicated that this electromethanogenesis only accounted for a little part of methane production during anaerobic sludge digestion. Instead, direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) possibly plays an important role in methane production. In this study, anaerobic digestion of sludge were investigated in a single-chamber MEC reactor, a carbon-felt supplemented reactor and a common anaerobic reactor to evaluate the effects of DIET on the sludge digestion. The results showed that adding carbon felt into the reactor increased 12.9% of methane production and 17.2% of sludge reduction. Imposing a voltage on the carbon felt further improved the digestion. Current calculation showed that the cathodic reduction only contributed to 27.5% of increased methane production. Microbial analysis indicated that DIET played an important role in the anaerobic sludge digestion in the MEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zisheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yaobin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Xie Quan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
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37
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Qin M, Molitor H, Brazil B, Novak JT, He Z. Recovery of nitrogen and water from landfill leachate by a microbial electrolysis cell-forward osmosis system. Bioresour Technol 2016; 200:485-92. [PMID: 26519701 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.10.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A microbial electrolysis cell (MEC)-forward osmosis (FO) system was previously reported for recovering ammonium and water from synthetic solutions, and here it has been advanced with treating landfill leachate. In the MEC, 65.7±9.1% of ammonium could be recovered in the presence of cathode aeration. Without aeration, the MEC could remove 54.1±10.9% of ammonium from the leachate, but little ammonia was recovered. With 2M NH4HCO3 as the draw solution, the FO process achieved 51% water recovery from the MEC anode effluent in 3.5-h operation, higher than that from the raw leachate. The recovered ammonia was used as a draw solute in the FO for successful water recovery from the treated leachate. Despite the challenges with treating returning solution from the FO, this MEC-FO system has demonstrated the potential for resource recovery from wastes, and provide a new solution for sustainable leachate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Qin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Hannah Molitor
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI 53818, United States
| | - Brian Brazil
- Waste Management, Gaithersburg, MD 20882, United States
| | - John T Novak
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Zhen He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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Kim BH, Lim SS, Daud WRW, Gadd GM, Chang IS. The biocathode of microbial electrochemical systems and microbially-influenced corrosion. Bioresour Technol 2015; 190:395-401. [PMID: 25976915 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.04.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The cathode reaction is one of the most important limiting factors in bioelectrochemical systems even with precious metal catalysts. Since aerobic bacteria have a much higher affinity for oxygen than any known abiotic cathode catalysts, the performance of a microbial fuel cell can be improved through the use of electrochemically-active oxygen-reducing bacteria acting as the cathode catalyst. These consume electrons available from the electrode to reduce the electron acceptors present, probably conserving energy for growth. Anaerobic bacteria reduce protons to hydrogen in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). These aerobic and anaerobic bacterial activities resemble those catalyzing microbially-influenced corrosion (MIC). Sulfate-reducing bacteria and homoacetogens have been identified in MEC biocathodes. For sustainable operation, microbes in a biocathode should conserve energy during such electron-consuming reactions probably by similar mechanisms as those occurring in MIC. A novel hypothesis is proposed here which explains how energy can be conserved by microbes in MEC biocathodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Hong Kim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia; School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China; Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-ku, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Swee Su Lim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia; School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Merz Court, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - Wan Ramli Wan Daud
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia; Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Geoffrey Michael Gadd
- Geomicrobiology Group, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK; Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - In Seop Chang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 261 Cheomdan-gwagiro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea
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39
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Zhen G, Kobayashi T, Lu X, Xu K. Understanding methane bioelectrosynthesis from carbon dioxide in a two-chamber microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) containing a carbon biocathode. Bioresour Technol 2015; 186:141-148. [PMID: 25812818 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the underlying mechanisms for methane bioelectrosynthesis, a two-chamber MECs containing a carbon biocathode was developed and studied. Methane production substantially increased with increasing cathode potential. Considerable methane yield was achieved at a poised potential of -0.9 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), reaching 2.30±0.34 mL after 5 h of operation with a faradaic efficiency of 24.2±4.7%. Confirmatory tests done at 0.9 V by switching the type of flushed substrates (CO2/N2) or the electrical exposure modes (ON/OFF) demonstrated that cathode serving as an electron donor was the vital driving force for methanogenesis occurring at microbe-electrode surface. Fluorescence in situ hybridization reveled Methanobacteriaceae (particularly Methanobacterium) was the predominant methanogens, supporting the mechanisms of direct electron transfer between cell-electrode. Additionally, the analysis of scanning electron microscope confirmed that the multiple pathways of electron transfer, including direct cathode-to-cell, interspecies exchange and semi-conductive conduits all together ensured the successful electromethanogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyin Zhen
- Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Takuro Kobayashi
- Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Xueqin Lu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Kaiqin Xu
- Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
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40
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Ullery ML, Logan BE. Comparison of complex effluent treatability in different bench scale microbial electrolysis cells. Bioresour Technol 2014; 170:530-537. [PMID: 25164346 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A range of wastewaters and substrates were examined using mini microbial electrolysis cells (mini MECs) to see if they could be used to predict the performance of larger-scale cube MECs. COD removals and coulombic efficiencies corresponded well between the two reactor designs for individual samples, with 66-92% of COD removed for all samples. Current generation was consistent between the reactor types for acetate (AC) and fermentation effluent (FE) samples, but less consistent with industrial (IW) and domestic wastewaters (DW). Hydrogen was recovered from all samples in cube MECs, but gas composition and volume varied significantly between samples. Evidence for direct conversion of substrate to methane was observed with two of the industrial wastewater samples (IW-1 and IW-3). Overall, mini MECs provided organic treatment data that corresponded well with larger scale reactor results, and therefore it was concluded that they can be a useful platform for screening wastewater sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Ullery
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 212 Sackett Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 212 Sackett Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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41
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Zhang Y, Angelidaki I. Microbial electrolysis cells turning to be versatile technology: recent advances and future challenges. Water Res 2014; 56:11-25. [PMID: 24631941 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are an electricity-mediated microbial bioelectrochemical technology, which is originally developed for high-efficiency biological hydrogen production from waste streams. Compared to traditional biological technologies, MECs can overcome thermodynamic limitations and achieve high-yield hydrogen production from wide range of organic matters at relatively mild conditions. This approach greatly reduces the electric energy cost for hydrogen production in contrast to direct water electrolysis. In addition to hydrogen production, MECs may also support several energetically unfavorable biological/chemical reactions. This unique advantage of MECs has led to several alternative applications such as chemicals synthesis, recalcitrant pollutants removal, resources recovery, bioelectrochemical research platform and biosensors, which have greatly broaden the application scopes of MECs. MECs are becoming a versatile platform technology and offer a new solution for emerging environmental issues related to waste streams treatment and energy and resource recovery. Different from previous reviews that mainly focus on hydrogen production, this paper provides an up-to-date review of all the new applications of MECs and their resulting performance, current challenges and prospects of future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Irini Angelidaki
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
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42
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Cheng KY, Kaksonen AH, Cord-Ruwisch R. Ammonia recycling enables sustainable operation of bioelectrochemical systems. Bioresour Technol 2013; 143:25-31. [PMID: 23774293 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.05.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Ammonium (NH4(+)) migration across a cation exchange membrane is commonly observed during the operation of bioelectrochemical systems (BES). This often leads to anolyte acidification (pH <5.5) and complete inactivation of biofilm electroactivity. Without using conventional pH controls (dosage of alkali or pH buffers), the present study revealed that anodic biofilm activity (current) could be sustained if recycling of ammonia (NH3) was implemented. A simple gas-exchange apparatus was designed to enable continuous recycling of NH3 (released from the catholyte at pH >10) from the cathodic headspace to the acidified anolyte. Results indicated that current (110 mA or 688 Am(-3) net anodic chamber volume) was sustained as long as the NH3 recycling path was enabled, facilitating continuous anolyte neutralization with the recycled NH3. Since the microbial current enabled NH4(+) migration against a strong concentration gradient (~10-fold), a novel way of ammonia recovery from wastewaters could be envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Yu Cheng
- CSIRO Land and Water, Floreat, WA 6014, Australia.
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