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Kumari S, Rajput VD, Sushkova S, Minkina T. Microbial electrochemical system: an emerging technology for remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from soil and sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:9451-9467. [PMID: 35962926 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01356-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide industrialization and other human activities have led to a frightening stage of release of hazardous, highly persistent, toxic, insoluble, strongly adsorbed to the soil and high molecular weight ubiquitous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils and sediments. The various conventional remediation methods are being used to remediate PAHs with certain drawbacks. Time taking process, high expenditure, excessive quantities of sludge generation, and various chemical requirements do not only make these methods outdated but produce yet much resistant and toxic intermediate metabolites. These disadvantages may be overcome by using a microbial electrochemical system (MES), a booming technology in the field of bioremediation. MES is a green remediation approach that is regulated by electrochemically active microorganisms at the electrode in the system. The key advantage of the system over the conventional methods is it does not involve any additional chemicals, takes less time, and generates minimal sludge or waste during the remediation of PAHs in soils. However, a comprehensive review of the MES towards bioremediation of PAHs adsorbed in soil and sediment is still lacking. Therefore, the present review intended to summarize the recent information on PAHs bioremediation, application, risks, benefits, and challenges based on sediment microbial fuel cell and microbial fuel cell to remediate mount-up industrial sludge, soil, and sediment rich in PAHs. Additionally, bio-electrochemically active microbes, mechanisms, and future perspectives of MES have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Kumari
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India.
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Ramanaiah SV, Chandrasekhar K, Cordas CM, Potoroko I. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) for agro-food waste and wastewater treatment, and sustainable bioenergy-A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 325:121432. [PMID: 36907238 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Producing food by farming and subsequent food manufacturing are central to the world's food supply, accounting for more than half of all production. Production is, however, closely related to the creation of large amounts of organic wastes or byproducts (agro-food waste or wastewater) that negatively impact the environment and the climate. Global climate change mitigation is an urgent need that necessitates sustainable development. For that purpose, proper agro-food waste and wastewater management are essential, not only for waste reduction but also for resource optimization. To achieve sustainability in food production, biotechnology is considered as key factor since its continuous development and broad implementation will potentially benefit ecosystems by turning polluting waste into biodegradable materials; this will become more feasible and common as environmentally friendly industrial processes improve. Bioelectrochemical systems are a revitalized, promising biotechnology integrating microorganisms (or enzymes) with multifaceted applications. The technology can efficiently reduce waste and wastewater while recovering energy and chemicals, taking advantage of their biological elements' specific redox processes. In this review, a consolidated description of agro-food waste and wastewater and its remediation possibilities, using different bioelectrochemical-based systems is presented and discussed together with a critical view of the current and future potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Ramanaiah
- Food and Biotechnology Research Lab, South Ural State University (National Research University), 454080, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation.
| | - K Chandrasekhar
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Cristina M Cordas
- Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde | Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Irina Potoroko
- Food and Biotechnology Research Lab, South Ural State University (National Research University), 454080, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
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3
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Zafar H, Peleato N, Roberts D. A comparison of reactor configuration using a fruit waste fed two-stage anaerobic up-flow leachate reactor microbial fuel cell and a single-stage microbial fuel cell. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 374:128778. [PMID: 36841397 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Food waste generation and its consequent environmental impacts are increasing due to rapid urbanization, the global population, and associated food demand. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a sustainable technology through which this food waste can be treated and used to produce bioelectricity. This study used two MFC configurations, a two-stage anaerobic up-flow leachate reactor MFC and a single-stage MFC, comparing the potential to treat solid fruit waste and fruit waste leachate. The two-stage MFC showed a higher potential to remove substrate at a shorter time compared to single-stage MFC. In 30 days, the two-stage anaerobic up-flow leachate reactor had a power density of 221 mW/m2. It was able to remove more total solids (by 95 %), volatile solids (by 70 %), total chemical oxygen demand (by 83 %), soluble chemical oxygen demand (by 87 %), and carbohydrates (by 33 %) compared to the single-stage MFC. However, the single-stage MFC showed higher coulombic efficiency (by 86.7 %) compared to the two-stage MFC. The efficiency of single-stage MFC improved by adding buffer and maintaining a neutral pH level of the substrate. The results of this study emphasize the importance of reactor design and demonstrate that MFC can be a viable technology to generate bioenergy from food waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirra Zafar
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada
| | - Nicolas Peleato
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada.
| | - Deborah Roberts
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, British Columbia V2N 4Z9 Canada
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Parvin Y, Monem KM, Biria D. Application of a membrane-less air cathode microbial fuel cell to treat municipal waste composting leachate. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 325:116538. [PMID: 36274304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The adverse effects of high strength wastewaters on the microbial activities have created a challenge to biological treatments. Microbial fuel cell has been considered as a promising process because the electrical potential generation can stimulate microorganisms and overcome the inhibitory effect. However, several issues (e.g., scalability, high costs and maintenance) have prevented the process from the industrial applications. Elimination of the proton exchange membrane has been suggested as a remedy to the mentioned problems. In this work, a membrane-less microbial fuel cell was modified by putting the cathode within a thin sand layer (instead of the proton exchange membrane) to treat a high strength wastewater sample. The influences of the feed organic load and time of treatment in the modified system were studied in batch and continuous operations. It was revealed that the batch operation efficiency was higher for the lower feed loadings as a 5-day batch treatment removed 66 ± 4% of the 15,000 ± 500 mg/L initial chemical oxygen demand while the continuous process efficiency with 9-day hydraulic residence time was slightly more than 50%. However, the efficiency of the continuous operation for treatment of higher initial loading values was better than the batch mode with the removal efficiency of 41 ± 2% versus 12 ± 2% for a more concentrated leachate feed (45,000 ± 1000 mg/L). Finally, it was disclosed that the modified membrane-less MFC employed in this work can be effective in treatment of high strength wastewaters in larger scales with lower costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Parvin
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technologies, University of Isfahan, Iran
| | - K Moshtaghi Monem
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technologies, University of Isfahan, Iran
| | - D Biria
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technologies, University of Isfahan, Iran.
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5
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Vidhyeswari D, Surendhar A, Bhuvaneshwari S. General aspects and novel PEMss in microbial fuel cell technology: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136454. [PMID: 36167209 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The current scenario of energy production is mostly shifted towards sustainable renewable energy sources. Other than the energy production from natural resources such as sun, wind and water, microbial fuel cell system (MFC) has earned attraction in recent times. These microbial fuel cell systems are bioelectrochemical cell that possesses a unique ability to generate power as well as treats wastewater simultaneously. In this paper, an overview of the microbial fuel cell system and the effect of significant components on the performance of microbial fuel cell systems are reviewed. Firstly, the importance of the MFC system in power generation, its components, the working principle and various configurations of the MFC were briefly introduced. Biofilm plays a major role in the MFC system. Thus the importance of bio film, bio film formation and characterization techniques are summarised. Further, the review mainly addresses the mechanism of conventional and novel membrane materials on the performance of the MFC system. In addition, special emphasis on ceramic-based materials in the MFC system is presented. Finally, recent applications of the MFC systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Vidhyeswari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, 673601, India.
| | - A Surendhar
- Department of Food Technology, TKM Institute of Technology, Kollam, India.
| | - S Bhuvaneshwari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, 673601, India.
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6
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An Overview of Emerging Cyanide Bioremediation Methods. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10091724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanide compounds are hazardous compounds which are extremely toxic to living organisms, especially free cyanide in the form of hydrogen cyanide gas (HCN) and cyanide ion (CN−). These cyanide compounds are metabolic inhibitors since they can tightly bind to the metals of metalloenzymes. Anthropogenic sources contribute significantly to CN− contamination in the environment, more specifically to surface and underground waters. The treatment processes, such as chemical and physical treatment processes, have been implemented. However, these processes have drawbacks since they generate additional contaminants which further exacerbates the environmental pollution. The biological treatment techniques are mostly overlooked as an alternative to the conventional physical and chemical methods. However, the recent research has focused substantially on this method, with different reactor configurations that were proposed. However, minimal attention was given to the emerging technologies that sought to accelerate the treatment with a subsequent resource recovery from the process. Hence, this review focuses on the recent emerging tools that can be used to accelerate cyanide biodegradation. These tools include, amongst others, electro-bioremediation, anaerobic biodegradation and the use of microbial fuel cell technology. These processes were demonstrated to have the possibility of producing value-added products, such as biogas, co-factors of neurotransmitters and electricity from the treatment process.
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7
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Dwivedi KA, Huang SJ, Wang CT, Kumar S. Fundamental understanding of microbial fuel cell technology: Recent development and challenges. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132446. [PMID: 34653488 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The research on microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is rising tremendously but its commercialization is restricted by several microbiological, material, and economic constraints. Hence, a systematic assessment of the research articles published previously focusing on potential upcoming directions in this field is necessary. A detailed multi-perspective analysis of various techniques for enhancing the efficiency of MFC in terms of electric power production is presented in this paper. A brief discussion on the central aspects of different issues are preceded by an extensive analysis of the strategies that can be introduced to optimize power generation and reduce energy losses. Various applications of MFCs in a broad spectrum ranging from biomedical to underwater monitoring rather than electricity production and wastewater treatment are also presented followed by relevant possible case studies. Mathematical modeling is used to understand the concepts that cannot be understood experimentally. These methods relate electrode geometries to microbiological reactions occurring inside the MFC chamber, which explains the system's behavior and can be improved. Finally, directions for future research in the field of MFCs have been suggested. This article can be beneficial for engineers and researchers concerned about the challenges faced in the application of MFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavya Arun Dwivedi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, 10607, Taiwan
| | - Song-Jeng Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, 10607, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Tsan Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Electromechanical Engineering, National I Lan University, I Lan, 26047, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India.
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, India.
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Ye Y, Ngo HH, Guo W, Chang SW, Nguyen DD, Varjani S, Liu Q, Bui XT, Hoang NB. Bio-membrane integrated systems for nitrogen recovery from wastewater in circular bioeconomy. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 289:133175. [PMID: 34875297 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater contains a significant amount of recoverable nitrogen. Hence, the recovery of nitrogen from wastewater can provide an option for generating some revenue by applying the captured nitrogen to producing bio-products, in order to minimize dangerous or environmental pollution consequences. The circular bio-economy can achieve greater environmental and economic sustainability through game-changing technological developments that will improve municipal wastewater management, where simultaneous nitrogen and energy recovery are required. Over the last decade, substantial efforts were undertaken concerning the recovery of nitrogen from wastewater. For example, bio-membrane integrated system (BMIS) which integrates biological process and membrane technology, has attracted considerable attention for recovering nitrogen from wastewater. In this review, current research on nitrogen recovery using the BMIS are compiled whilst the technologies are compared regarding their energy requirement, efficiencies, advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, the bio-products achieved in the nitrogen recovery system processes are summarized in this paper, and the directions for future research are suggested. Future research should consider the quality of recovered nitrogenous products, long-term performance of BMIS and economic feasibility of large-scale reactors. Nitrogen recovery should be addressed under the framework of a circular bio-economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyao Ye
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, 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; NTT Institute of Hi-Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Wenshan Guo
- Centre 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
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 010, India
| | - Qiang Liu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, No. 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, PR China.
| | - Xuan Thanh Bui
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology & Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Bich Hoang
- NTT Institute of Hi-Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
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9
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Algae-Assisted Microbial Desalination Cell: Analysis of Cathode Performance and Desalination Efficiency Assessment. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9112011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Algae-assisted microbial desalination cells represent a sustainable technology for low-energy fresh water production in which microalgae culture is integrated into the system to enhance oxygen reduction reaction in the cathode chamber. However, the water production (desalination rate) is low compared to conventional technologies (i.e., reverse osmosis and/or electrodialysis), as biocathodes provide low current generation to sustain the desalination process. In this sense, more research efforts on this topic are necessary to address this bottleneck. Thus, this study provides analysis, from the electrochemical point of view, on the cathode performance of an algae-assisted microbial desalination cell (MDC) using Chlorella vulgaris. Firstly, the system was run with a pure culture of Chlorella vulgaris suspension in the cathode under conditions of an abiotic anode to assess the cathodic behavior (i.e., cathode polarization curves in light-dark conditions and oxygen depletion). Secondly, Geobacter sulfurreducens was inoculated in the anode compartment of the MDC, and the desalination cycle was carried out. The results showed that microalgae could generate an average of 9–11.5 mg/L of dissolved oxygen during the light phase, providing enough dissolved oxygen to drive the migration of ions (i.e., desalination) in the MDC system. Moreover, during the dark phase, a residual concentration of oxygen (ca. 5.5–8 mg/L) was measured, indicating that oxygen was not wholly depleted under our experimental conditions. Interestingly, the oxygen concentration was restored (after complete depletion of dissolved oxygen by flushing with N2) as soon as microalgae were exposed to the light phase again. After a 31 h desalination cycle, the cell generated a current density of 0.12 mA/cm2 at an efficiency of 60.15%, 77.37% salt was removed at a nominal desalination rate of 0.63 L/m2/h, coulombic efficiency was 9%, and 0.11 kWh/m3 of electric power was generated. The microalgae-assisted biocathode has an advantage over the air diffusion and bubbling as it can self-sustain a steady and higher concentration of oxygen, cost-effectively regenerate or recover from loss and sustainably retain the system’s performance under naturally occurring conditions. Thus, our study provides insights into implementing the algae-assisted cathode for sustainable desalination using MDC technology and subsequent optimization.
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Recent Developments in Microbial Electrolysis Cell-Based Biohydrogen Production Utilizing Wastewater as a Feedstock. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13168796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Carbon constraints, as well as the growing hazard of greenhouse gas emissions, have accelerated research into all possible renewable energy and fuel sources. Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), a novel technology able to convert soluble organic matter into energy such as hydrogen gas, represent the most recent breakthrough. While research into energy recovery from wastewater using microbial electrolysis cells is fascinating and a carbon-neutral technology that is still mostly limited to lab-scale applications, much more work on improving the function of microbial electrolysis cells would be required to expand their use in many of these applications. The present limiting issues for effective scaling up of the manufacturing process include the high manufacturing costs of microbial electrolysis cells, their high internal resistance and methanogenesis, and membrane/cathode biofouling. This paper examines the evolution of microbial electrolysis cell technology in terms of hydrogen yield, operational aspects that impact total hydrogen output in optimization studies, and important information on the efficiency of the processes. Moreover, life-cycle assessment of MEC technology in comparison to other technologies has been discussed. According to the results, MEC is at technology readiness level (TRL) 5, which means that it is ready for industrial development, and, according to the techno-economics, it may be commercialized soon due to its carbon-neutral qualities.
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11
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Microbial Electrolysis Cells for Decentralised Wastewater Treatment: The Next Steps. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13040445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Traditional wastewater treatment methods have become aged and inefficient, meaning alternative methods are essential to protect the environment and ensure water and energy security worldwide. The use of microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) for wastewater treatment provides an innovative alternative, working towards circular wastewater treatment for energy production. This study evaluates the factors hindering industrial adoption of this technology and proposes the next steps for further research and development. Existing pilot-scale investigations are studied to critically assess the main limitations, focusing on the electrode material, feedstock, system design and inoculation and what steps need to be taken for industrial adoption of the technology. It was found that high strength influents lead to an increase in energy production, improving economic viability; however, large variations in waste streams indicated that a homogenous solution to wastewater treatment is unlikely with changes to the MEC system specific to different waste streams. The current capital cost of implementing MECs is high and reducing the cost of the electrodes should be a priority. Previous pilot-scale studies have predominantly used carbon-based materials. Significant reductions in relative performance are observed when electrodes increase in size. Inoculation time was found to be a significant barrier to quick operational performance. Economic analysis of the technology indicated that MECs offer an attractive option for wastewater treatment, namely greater energy production and improved treatment efficiency. However, a significant reduction in capital cost is necessary to make this economically viable. MEC based systems should offer improvements in system reliability, reduced downtime, improved treatment rates and improved energy return. Discussion of the merits of H2 or CH4 production indicates that an initial focus on methane production could provide a stepping-stone in the adoption of this technology while the hydrogen market matures.
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12
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Munoz-Cupa C, Hu Y, Xu C, Bassi A. An overview of microbial fuel cell usage in wastewater treatment, resource recovery and energy production. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142429. [PMID: 33254845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment is a high-cost and energy-intensive process not only due to large amounts of pollutants but also for the large volumes of water to be treated, which are mainly generated by human activities and different industries. In this regard, biological wastewater treatments have become substitutes to the current technologies, owing to the improved treatment efficiency and added value. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as one of the promising biological treatments have arisen as a viable solution for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and electricity generation simultaneously. Therefore, in this article, the effects of various operating conditions on the COD removal and power production from MFCs are thoroughly discussed. In addition, the advantages and weaknesses of current MFCs technologies used for different types of wastewater are summarized. Finally, the technical barriers facing by MFCs operation and the economic feasibility of using MFCs for wastewater treatment are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Munoz-Cupa
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, London, ON N6A 0A7, Canada
| | - Yulin Hu
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, London, ON N6A 0A7, Canada.
| | - Chunbao Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, London, ON N6A 0A7, Canada
| | - Amarjeet Bassi
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, London, ON N6A 0A7, Canada.
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13
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Wang AJ, Wang HC, Cheng HY, Liang B, Liu WZ, Han JL, Zhang B, Wang SS. Electrochemistry-stimulated environmental bioremediation: Development of applicable modular electrode and system scale-up. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 3:100050. [PMID: 36159603 PMCID: PMC9488061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2020.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) have been studied extensively during the past decades owing primarily to their versatility and potential in addressing the water-energy-resource nexus. In stark contrast to the significant advancements that have been made in developing innovative processes for pollution control and bioresource/bioenergy recovery, minimal progress has been achieved in demonstrating the feasibility of BESs in scaled-up applications. This lack of scaled-up demonstration could be ascribed to the absence of suitable electrode modules (EMs) engineered for large-scale application. In this study, we report a scalable composite-engineered EM (total volume of 1 m3), fabricated using graphite-coated stainless steel and carbon felt, that allows integrating BESs into mainstream wastewater treatment technologies. The cost-effectiveness and easy scalability of this EM provides a viable and clear path to facilitate the transition between the success of the lab studies and applications of BESs to solve multiple pressing environmental issues at full-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Jie Wang
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China
- Corresponding author. School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, PR China..
| | - Hong-Cheng Wang
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Hao-Yi Cheng
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Bin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China
| | - Wen-Zong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China
| | - Jing-Long Han
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China
| | - Shu-Sen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China
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14
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Cai W, Zhao X, Wang H, Jia F, Yao H. A wireless charger powered the extracellular electron transfer for hydrogen recovery from organics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109524. [PMID: 32353787 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Herein, a simple wireless charger which provided an alternative to conventional connection for delivering the electricity was employed to power the microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) for hydrogen recovery from organics. The coulombic efficiency of the wireless power transmission (WPT) was 75.37%, which was nearly similar to the average value of the conventional wired power transmission (CWPT) at the same experimental conditions (78.23%). The energy efficiency was 130.58%, it was clearly that the wireless charging (141.57%) slightly resulted in energy losing compared with conductive wire connection. The saving cost of WPT-driven MEC was a promising compensation to the energy loss according to the economic analysis of WPT, i.e., the WPT can be cost-beneficial once the distance between charger and reactor beyond a limited value. Overall, the feasibility of WPT suggests a straightforward way to construct large-scale MES with low cost and comparable performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Cai
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xingcheng Zhao
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Fangxu Jia
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Hong Yao
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China.
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Massaglia G, Frascella F, Chiadò A, Sacco A, Marasso SL, Cocuzza M, Pirri CF, Quaglio M. Electrospun Nanofibers: from Food to Energy by Engineered Electrodes in Microbial Fuel Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E523. [PMID: 32183252 PMCID: PMC7153249 DOI: 10.3390/nano10030523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical devices able to directly transduce chemical energy, entrapped in an organic mass named fuel, into electrical energy through the metabolic activity of specific bacteria. During the last years, the employment of bio-electrochemical devices to study the wastewater derived from the food industry has attracted great interest from the scientific community. In the present work, we demonstrate the capability of exoelectrogenic bacteria used in MFCs to catalyze the oxidation reaction of honey, employed as a fuel. With the main aim to increase the proliferation of microorganisms onto the anode, engineered electrodes are proposed. Polymeric nanofibers, based on polyethylene oxide (PEO-NFs), were directly electrospun onto carbon-based material (carbon paper, CP) to obtain an optimized composite anode. The crucial role played by the CP/PEO-NFs anodes was confirmed by the increased proliferation of microorganisms compared to that reached on bare CP anodes, used as a reference material. A parameter named recovered energy (Erec) was introduced to determine the capability of bacteria to oxidize honey and was compared with the Erec obtained when sodium acetate was used as a fuel. CP/PEO-NFs anodes allowed achieving an Erec three times higher than the one reached with a bare carbon-based anode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Massaglia
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT)@Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Environment Park, Building B2 Via Livorno 60, 10144 Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Frascella
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Chiadò
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Adriano Sacco
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT)@Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Environment Park, Building B2 Via Livorno 60, 10144 Torino, Italy
| | - Simone Luigi Marasso
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
- IMEM-CNR, Parco Area delle Scienze 37, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Cocuzza
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
- IMEM-CNR, Parco Area delle Scienze 37, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Candido F Pirri
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies (CSFT)@Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Environment Park, Building B2 Via Livorno 60, 10144 Torino, Italy
| | - Marzia Quaglio
- Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
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Jung S, Lee J, Park YK, Kwon EE. Bioelectrochemical systems for a circular bioeconomy. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 300:122748. [PMID: 31937485 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.122748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) have received a considerable attention as a way of transforming wastewater directly to electricity and chemicals. Since BESs are capable of energy and chemical production by removing wastewater, these systems are considered promising sustainable waste-to-energy/chemical platforms and parts of circular bioeconomy. For the estimation of practical applicability of BESs in the circular bioeconomy, economic assessment of these systems is reviewed in this work. This estimation is necessary to decide whether BESs can be further developed for commercialization or there is any limiting factor for making the systems commercially viable in circular bioeconomy. This review also presents current developments of BESs, providing a critical review of the current status and challenges of techno-economic analysis for BESs. The results highlight the key factors to suggest the future research directions to make BESs economically available as a part of promising circular bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungyup Jung
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Jechan Lee
- Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kwon Park
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Eilhann E Kwon
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Kondaveeti S, Abu-Reesh IM, Mohanakrishna G, Pant D, He Z. Utilization of residual organics of Labaneh whey for renewable energy generation through bioelectrochemical processes: Strategies for enhanced substrate conversion and energy generation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 286:121409. [PMID: 31078076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Labaneh whey (LW) that is rich in residual organics was evaluated for bioelectricity generation using microbial fuel cell (MFC) in two different configurations namely single chamber (MFC-SC) and dual chamber (MFC-DC) MFCs. The whole study was executed in three stages: The first stage evidenced promising amount of bioelectricity generation (DC, 643 mV; SC, 545 mV) along with chemical oxygen demand removal (CODr: DC, 60.63%; SC, CODr: 55.25%). In the second phase, activity of anodic electrogenic microbes was improved with short time poising at potentials of 400, 600 and 800 mV, among which 800 mV evidenced 2.24 (DC) and 1.60 (SC) fold enhancement in power generation along with significant improvement in substrate degradation. The third phase was solely focused on bioelectrochemical treatment of LW through applied potentials for extended period. This phase achieved 89 and 94% chemical oxygen demand (COD) degradation using SC and DC configurations, respectively at 800 mV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanath Kondaveeti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim M Abu-Reesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Gunda Mohanakrishna
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Deepak Pant
- Separation & Conversion Technologies, VITO - Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Zhen He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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18
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Tang J, Zhang C, Shi X, Sun J, Cunningham JA. Municipal wastewater treatment plants coupled with electrochemical, biological and bio-electrochemical technologies: Opportunities and challenge toward energy self-sufficiency. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 234:396-403. [PMID: 30639863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.12.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) will face challenges in the coming decades including reducing energy consumption and decreasing carbon emissions. These challenges can be addressed by combining electrochemical, biological, and bio-electrochemical technologies within existing WWTPs. The results from this review indicate that electrochemical technology is an effective advanced treatment method for WWTPs. However, electrochemical technology is not yet economically suitable as a stand-alone unit for treating wastewater because it consumes energy in the operation process. Electricity generation from biological and bio-electrochemical technologies can provide the power supply needed for WWTP electrochemical processes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. WWTPs coupled with electrochemical, biological, and bio-electrochemical technologies can increase electricity recovery in WWTPs, impart energy self-sufficiency to the WWTPs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Tang
- School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chunhui Zhang
- School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Xuelu Shi
- School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jiajun Sun
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Process Pollution Control, Division of Environment Technology and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jeffrey A Cunningham
- Dept. Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
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Guzman JJL, Sousa DZ, Angenent LT. Development of a Bioelectrochemical System as a Tool to Enrich H 2-Producing Syntrophic Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:110. [PMID: 30804906 PMCID: PMC6370660 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Syntrophic microbial partnerships are found in many environments and play critical roles in wastewater treatment, global nutrient cycles, and gut systems. An important type of syntrophy for the anaerobic conversion of carboxylic acids is H2 syntrophy. In this type of microbial partnership, dissolved H2 is produced by a bacterium and rapidly consumed by an archeon (methanogen), resulting in methane gas. This is referred to as interspecies H2 transfer, and some conversions rely on this mechanism to become thermodynamically feasible. For this reason, syntrophic partners are often not possible to separate in the lab, which hampers the full understanding of their physiology. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) may show promise to ultimately separate and study the behavior of the syntrophic bacterium by employing an abiotic H2 oxidation reaction at the anode, actively removing dissolved H2. Here, we performed a proof-of-concept study to ascertain whether an H2-removing anode can: (1) provide a growth advantage for the syntrophic bacterium; and (2) compete with the methanogenic partner. A mathematical model was developed to design a BES to perform competition experiments. Indeed, the operated BES demonstrated the ability to provide a growth advantage to the syntrophic bacterium Syntrophus aciditrophicus compared to its methanogenic partner Methanospirillum hungatei when grown in co-culture. Further, the BES provided the never-before isolated Syntrophomonas zehnderi with a growth advantage compared to Methanobacterium formicicum. Our results demonstrate a potential to use this BES to enrich H2-sensitive syntrophic bacteria, and gives prospects for the development of an effective method for the separation of obligate syntrophs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J L Guzman
- Biological and Environmental Engineering Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Diana Z Sousa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Largus T Angenent
- Centrum for Applied Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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20
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Rossi R, Jones D, Myung J, Zikmund E, Yang W, Gallego YA, Pant D, Evans PJ, Page MA, Cropek DM, Logan BE. Evaluating a multi-panel air cathode through electrochemical and biotic tests. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 148:51-59. [PMID: 30343198 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To scale up microbial fuel cells (MFCs), larger cathodes need to be developed that can use air directly, rather than dissolved oxygen, and have good electrochemical performance. A new type of cathode design was examined here that uses a "window-pane" approach with fifteen smaller cathodes welded to a single conductive metal sheet to maintain good electrical conductivity across the cathode with an increase in total area. Abiotic electrochemical tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of the cathode size (exposed areas of 7 cm2, 33 cm2, and 6200 cm2) on performance for all cathodes having the same active catalyst material. Increasing the size of the exposed area of the electrodes to the electrolyte from 7 cm2 to 33 cm2 (a single cathode panel) decreased the cathode potential by 5%, and a further increase in size to 6200 cm2 using the multi-panel cathode reduced the electrode potential by 55% (at 0.6 A m-2), in a 50 mM phosphate buffer solution (PBS). In 85 L MFC tests with the largest cathode using wastewater as a fuel, the maximum power density based on polarization data was 0.083 ± 0.006 W m-2 using 22 brush anodes to fully cover the cathode, and 0.061 ± 0.003 W m-2 with 8 brush anodes (40% of cathode projected area) compared to 0.304 ± 0.009 W m-2 obtained in the 28 mL MFC. Recovering power from large MFCs will therefore be challenging, but several approaches identified in this study can be pursued to maintain performance when increasing the size of the electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruggero Rossi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - David Jones
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jaewook Myung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, 75205, USA
| | - Emily Zikmund
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Wulin Yang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Yolanda Alvarez Gallego
- Separation & Conversion Technology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
| | - Deepak Pant
- Separation & Conversion Technology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
| | | | - Martin A Page
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Champaign, IL, 61822, USA
| | - Donald M Cropek
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Champaign, IL, 61822, USA
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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21
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Zhang M, Wang Y, Liang P, Zhao X, Liang M, Zhou B. Combined photoelectrocatalytic microbial fuel cell (PEC-MFC) degradation of refractory organic pollutants and in-situ electricity utilization. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 214:669-678. [PMID: 30292049 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.09.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A new photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) and microbial fuel cell (MFC) process was developed and applied to simultaneously remove refractory organic pollutants (i.e., phenol and aniline) from wastewater while recovering energy for in-situ utilization. The current generated by the MFC process was applied to drive the PEC reaction. Compared with single PEC or MFC processes, the PEC-MFC combined process showed higher pollutant and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal capacities and electricity production. Over 95% of the phenol or aniline was removed by these process, even at high initial concentrations. The COD removal efficiencies for phenol and aniline were ca. 96% (from 700 to 29 mg L-1) and 70% (from 165 to 49 mg L-1), respectively. Although the PEC process showed a limited contribution to phenol and aniline removals (16.5% and 43%, respectively), the utilization of PEC-treated phenol or aniline streams resulted in a MFC with higher voltage output, higher coulombic efficiency, maximal volumetric power density, and lower internal resistance as compared to untreated water. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry measurements revealed quinones/hydroquinones and low molecular weight organic acids to be produced as intermediates after the PEC process, which could improve the production of electricity in the MFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China; Zhengzhou Institute of Emerging Industrial Technology, Zhengzhou 450000, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China.
| | - Peng Liang
- Environment Simulation and Pollution Control State Key Joint Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Xu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
| | - Mingxing Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Bin Zhou
- The Administrative Center for China's Agenda 21, Beijing 100038, PR China
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22
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Applications of Emerging Bioelectrochemical Technologies in Agricultural Systems: A Current Review. ENERGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/en11112951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Background: Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are emerging energy-effective and environment-friendly technologies. Different applications of BESs are able to effectively minimize wastes and treat wastewater while simultaneously recovering electricity, biohydrogen and other value-added chemicals via specific redox reactions. Although there are many studies that have greatly advanced the performance of BESs over the last decade, research and reviews on agriculture-relevant applications of BESs are very limited. Considering the increasing demand for food, energy and water due to human population expansion, novel technologies are urgently needed to promote productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: This review study is based on an extensive literature search regarding agriculture-related BES studies mainly in the last decades (i.e., 2009–2018). The databases used in this review study include Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science. The current and future applications of bioelectrochemical technologies in agriculture have been discussed. Findings/Conclusions: BESs have the potential to recover considerable amounts of electric power and energy chemicals from agricultural wastes and wastewater. The recovered energy can be used to reduce the energy input into agricultural systems. Other resources and value-added chemicals such as biofuels, plant nutrients and irrigation water can also be produced in BESs. In addition, BESs may replace unsustainable batteries to power remote sensors or be designed as biosensors for agricultural monitoring. The possible applications to produce food without sunlight and remediate contaminated soils using BESs have also been discussed. At the same time, agricultural wastes can also be processed into construction materials or biochar electrodes/electrocatalysts for reducing the high costs of current BESs. Future studies should evaluate the long-term performance and stability of on-farm BES applications.
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23
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Improvement of Wastewater Treatment Performance and Power Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells by Enhancing Hydrolysis and Acidogenesis, and by Reducing Internal Losses. ENERGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/en11092309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, biodegradation performance and power generation in MFCs were improved. Domestic wastewater was biodegraded in a dual-chamber MFC system equipped with a DupontTM Nafion® 117 proton exchange membrane, graphite electrodes (8.0 cm × 2.5 cm × 0.2 cm) in both chambers and an external electric circuit with a 100 Ω resistor. Experiments were conducted using an anaerobic inoculum that was prepared onsite by acclimating mixed liquor from municipal wastewater. Aqueous hydrochloric acid (0.1 M HCl, pH 1.82) was used as the electrolyte in the cathode chamber. Free-oxygen conditions were promoted in both chambers by means of a vacuum (77.3 kPa). Low pH (< 5) and mixing conditions were maintained in the anode chamber and all the tests were carried out at 25 ± 1 °C. These conditions enhanced the hydrolysis and acidogenesis, inhibited the methanogenesis and reduced the internal losses. All of them together contributed to improve the treatment performance and power generation of the MFCs. Results of batch tests show COD reductions of up to 95%, voltages peaks of 0.954 V, maximum power densities on the order of 2.1 W·m−2 and 36.9 W·m−3, and energy generation peaks of 99.4 J·mg−1 COD removed. These values are greater than those reported in the MFCs’ literature for municipal wastewater (26 mW·m−2–146 mW·m−2), industrial wastewater (419 mW·m−2) and culture medium solutions (1.17 W·m−2), and similar to those of glucose (3.6 W·m−2). Thus, these results can contribute to further enhancing the energy generated in MFCs and moving forward to make the MFCs more ready for practical applications of bioenergy production.
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Champigneux P, Delia ML, Bergel A. Impact of electrode micro- and nano-scale topography on the formation and performance of microbial electrodes. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 118:231-246. [PMID: 30098490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.06.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
From a fundamental standpoint, microbial electrochemistry is unravelling a thrilling link between life and materials. Technically, it may be the source of a large number of new processes such as microbial fuel cells for powering remote sensors, autonomous sensors, microbial electrolysers and equipment for effluent treatment. Microbial electron transfers are also involved in many natural processes such as biocorrosion. In these contexts, a huge number of studies have dealt with the impact of electrode materials, coatings and surface functionalizations but very few have focused on the effect of the surface topography, although it has often been pointed out as a key parameter impacting the performance of electroactive biofilms. The first part of the review gives an overview of the influence of electrode topography on abiotic electrochemical reactions. The second part recalls some basics of the effect of surface topography on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, in a broad domain reaching beyond the context of electroactivity. On these well-established bases, the effect of surface topography is reviewed and analysed in the field of electroactive biofilms. General trends are extracted and fundamental questions are pointed out, which should be addressed to boost future research endeavours. The objective is to provide basic guidelines useful to the widest possible range of research communities so that they can exploit surface topography as a powerful lever to improve, or to mitigate in the case of biocorrosion for instance, the performance of electrode/biofilm interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Champigneux
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, CNRS, Université de Toulouse (INPT), 4 allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Line Delia
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, CNRS, Université de Toulouse (INPT), 4 allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Alain Bergel
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, CNRS, Université de Toulouse (INPT), 4 allée Emile Monso, 31432 Toulouse, France.
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Pei H, Yang Z, Nie C, Hou Q, Zhang L, Wang Y, Zhang S. Using a tubular photosynthetic microbial fuel cell to treat anaerobically digested effluent from kitchen waste: Mechanisms of organics and ammonium removal. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 256:11-16. [PMID: 29427862 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.01.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobically digested effluent from kitchen waste (ADE-KW) was used herein as the substrate of a tubular photosynthetic microbial fuel cell (PMFC) for power production, and also, after being diluted, as a medium for cultivation of algae in the cathodic chamber. Adding 3 mg/L phosphorus to the catholyte could efficiently enhance the algal growth and the PMFC performance. About 0.94 g/L algal biomass and 0.57 kWh/m3-ADE-KW bioelectricity were obtained from the PMFC. Soluble microbial byproduct-like material and aromatic proteins were the dominant organics in the ADE-KW, which were readily degradable in the system. About 79% of the 1550 mg/L ammonium in the anolyte transferred to the catholyte through the cation exchange membrane. The ammonium was removed mainly as electron acceptors at the cathode after being oxidized by oxygen, whereas algal assimilation only account for about 14.6% of the overall nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Pei
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, No. 27 Shanda Nan Road, Jinan 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Centre on Environmental Science and Technology, No. 17923 Jingshi Road, Jinan 250061, China.
| | - Zhigang Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, No. 27 Shanda Nan Road, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Changliang Nie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, No. 27 Shanda Nan Road, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Qingjie Hou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, No. 27 Shanda Nan Road, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Lijie Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, No. 27 Shanda Nan Road, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, No. 27 Shanda Nan Road, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, No. 27 Shanda Nan Road, Jinan 250100, China
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26
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Effect of vitamins and cell constructions on the activity of microbial fuel cell battery. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2018; 16:369-373. [PMID: 30733748 PMCID: PMC6353719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Construction of efficient performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) requires certain practical considerations. In the single chamber microbial fuel cell, there is no border between the anode and the cathode, thus the diffusion of the dissolved oxygen has a contrary effect on the anodic respiration and this leads to the inhibition of the direct electron transfer from the biofilm to the anodic surface. Here, a fed-batch single chambered microbial fuel cells are constructed with different distances 3 and 6 cm (anode- cathode spacing), while keeping the working volume is constant. The performance of each MFC is individually evaluated under the effects of vitamins & minerals with acetate as a fed load. The maximum open circuit potential during testing the 3 and 6 cm microbial fuel cells is about 946 and 791 mV respectively. By decreasing the distance between the anode and the cathode from 6 to 3 cm, the power density is decreased from 108.3 mW m−2 to 24.5 mW m−2. Thus, the short distance in membrane-less MFC weakened the cathode and inhibited the anodic respiration which affects the overall performance of the MFC efficiency. The system is displayed a maximum potential of 564 and 791 mV in absence & presence of vitamins respectively. Eventually, the overall functions of the acetate single chamber microbial fuel cell can be improved by the addition of vitamins & minerals and increasing the distance between the cathode and the anode.
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28
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Dowdy FR, Kawakita R, Lange M, Simmons CW. Meta-analysis of Microbial Fuel Cells Using Waste Substrates. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017; 185:221-232. [PMID: 29124654 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-017-2652-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell experimentation using waste streams is an increasingly popular field of study. One obstacle to comparing studies has been the lack of consistent conventions for reporting results such that meta-analysis can be used for large groups of experiments. Here, 134 unique microbial fuel cell experiments using waste substrates were compiled for analysis. Findings include that coulombic efficiency correlates positively with volumetric power density (p < 0.001), negatively with working volume (p < 0.05), and positively with percentage removal of chemical oxygen demand (p < 0.005). Power density in mW/m2 correlates positively with chemical oxygen demand loading (p < 0.005), and positively with maximum open-circuit voltage (p < 0.05). Finally, single-chamber versus double-chamber reactor configurations differ significantly in maximum open-circuit voltage (p < 0.005). Multiple linear regression to predict either power density or maximum open-circuit voltage produced no significant models due to the amount of multicollinearity between predictor variables. Results indicate that statistically relevant conclusions can be drawn from large microbial fuel cell datasets. Recommendations for future consistency in reporting results following a MIAMFCE convention (Minimum Information About a Microbial Fuel Cell Experiment) are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ryan Dowdy
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Ryan Kawakita
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Matthew Lange
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Christopher W Simmons
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Exploring the Bioelectrochemical Characteristics of Activated Sludge Using Cyclic Voltammetry. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017. [PMID: 28624996 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-017-2528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Due to the potential interest, bioelectrochemical responses of activated sludge using the three-electrode system are tested. From the cyclic voltammograms, the oxidation current output is increasing due to incubation time increase, whereas 5, 25 and 39.33 μA are obtained after 3, 72 and 96 h, respectively. Changing the working electrode from glassy carbon to carbon paste led to the increase in the electrochemical signal from 0.3 to be 3.72 μA. On the other hand, the use of the lipophilic redox mediator (2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP)) amplified the oxidation current to reach 19.9 μA instead of 2.1 μA. Based on these findings, the mixed microbial community of the activated sludge is exploited as a catalyst for the bio-oxidation of the degradable organic substrates, while DCIP is used as a mobile electron carrier from the intracellular matrix of the metabolically active cells to the carbon paste electrode which served as the final electron acceptor. Therefore, the extracellular electron transfer from the formed active biofilm at the electrode surface is assisted by the existence of DCIP.
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30
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Khater DZ, El-Khatib K, Hassan HM. Microbial diversity structure in acetate single chamber microbial fuel cell for electricity generation. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2017; 15:127-137. [PMID: 30647649 PMCID: PMC6296648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the performance of acetate feed membrane less single chamber microbial fuel cell and physical characterization of the bio film present on the anode surface using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and 16S rRNA analyzer. The performance has been investigated using Teflon treated carbon paper with 0.3 mg/cm2 Pt/C loaded as a cathode and carbon paper as an anode. The maximum open circuit potential is noticed as 791 mV, the system successfully revealed a maximum power density of 86.1 mW m-2 at stable current density of 354 mA m-2 with high coulombic efficiency of 65% at maximum degradation rate of 96%. SEM showed the dense adherence of microorganisms on the anode. 16S rRNA sequencing results indicates phylogenetic mixture in the communities of anodic biofilm and there is no single dominant bacterial species. The dominant phyla are Firmicutes, Gamma Proteobacteria, Alpha Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, with ten dominant microbial strains: Bacillus firmus, Shewanella profunda, Bacillus isronensis, Brevundimonas bullata, Pseudomonas putida, Planococcus citreus, Micrococcus endophyticus, Acinetobacter tandoii, Bacillus safensis and Shewanella xiamenensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Z. Khater
- Chemical Engineering & Pilot Plant Department, Engineering Division, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - K.M. El-Khatib
- Chemical Engineering & Pilot Plant Department, Engineering Division, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Helmy M. Hassan
- Microbial Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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31
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Kumar G, Saratale RG, Kadier A, Sivagurunathan P, Zhen G, Kim SH, Saratale GD. A review on bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) for the syngas and value added biochemicals production. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 177:84-92. [PMID: 28284119 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.02.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) are the microbial systems which are employed to produce electricity directly from organic wastes along with some valuable chemicals production such as medium chain fatty acids; acetate, butyrate and alcohols. In this review, recent updates about value-added chemicals production concomitantly with the production of gaseous fuels like hydrogen and methane which are considered as cleaner for the environment have been addressed. Additionally, the bottlenecks associated with the conversion rates, lower yields and other aspects have been mentioned. In spite of its infant stage development, this would be the future trend of energy, biochemicals and electricity production in greener and cleaner pathway with the win-win situation of organic waste remediation. Henceforth, this review intends to summarise and foster the progress made in the BESs and discusses its challenges and outlook on future research advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- Sustainable Environmental Process Research Institute, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Engineering, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Rijuta Ganesh Saratale
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Abudukeremu Kadier
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, National University of Malaysia (UKM), 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Periyasamy Sivagurunathan
- Center for Materials Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Guangyin Zhen
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Rd. 500, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Sang-Hyoun Kim
- Sustainable Environmental Process Research Institute, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Engineering, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Ganesh Dattatraya Saratale
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea.
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32
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Holder SL, Lee CH, Popuri SR. Simultaneous wastewater treatment and bioelectricity production in microbial fuel cells using cross-linked chitosan-graphene oxide mixed-matrix membranes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:13782-13796. [PMID: 28401395 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8839-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are emerging technology for wastewater treatment by chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction and simultaneous bioelectricity production. Fabrication of an effective proton exchange membrane (PEM) is a vital component for MFC performance. In this work, green chitosan-based (CS) PEMs were fabricated with graphene oxide (GO) as filler material (CS-GO) and cross-linked with phosphoric acid (CS-GO-P(24)) or sulfuric acid (CS-GO-S(24)) to determine their effect on PEM properties. Interrogation of the physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the cross-linked CS-GO PEMs demonstrated that ionic cross-linking based on the incorporation of PO43- groups in the CS-GO mixed-matrix composites, when compared with sulfuric acid cross-linking commonly used in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) studies, generated additional density of ionic cluster domains, rendered enhanced sorption properties, and augmented the thermal and mechanical stability of the composite structure. Consequently, bioelectricity performance analysis in MFC application showed that CS-GO-P(24) membrane produced 135% higher power density than the CS-GO-S(24) MFC system. Simultaneously, 89.52% COD removal of primary clarifier municipal wastewater was achieved in the MFC operated with the CS-GO-P(24) membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima L Holder
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, 51591, Taiwan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ching-Hwa Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, 51591, Taiwan, People's Republic of China
| | - Srinivasa R Popuri
- The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, 11000, Barbados.
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Motoyama A, Ichihashi O, Hirooka K. Measurement of pH distribution near the air-cathode of a single-chamber microbial fuel cell using location sensor-equipped microelectrodes. Electrochem commun 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Strain- and Substrate-Dependent Redox Mediator and Electricity Production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:5026-38. [PMID: 27287325 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01342-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important, thriving member of microbial communities of microbial bioelectrochemical systems (BES) through the production of versatile phenazine redox mediators. Pure culture experiments with a model strain revealed synergistic interactions of P. aeruginosa with fermenting microorganisms whereby the synergism was mediated through the shared fermentation product 2,3-butanediol. Our work here shows that the behavior and efficiency of P. aeruginosa in mediated current production is strongly dependent on the strain of P. aeruginosa We compared levels of phenazine production by the previously investigated model strain P. aeruginosa PA14, the alternative model strain P. aeruginosa PAO1, and the BES isolate Pseudomonas sp. strain KRP1 with glucose and the fermentation products 2,3-butanediol and ethanol as carbon substrates. We found significant differences in substrate-dependent phenazine production and resulting anodic current generation for the three strains, with the BES isolate KRP1 being overall the best current producer and showing the highest electrochemical activity with glucose as a substrate (19 μA cm(-2) with ∼150 μg ml(-1) phenazine carboxylic acid as a redox mediator). Surprisingly, P. aeruginosa PAO1 showed very low phenazine production and electrochemical activity under all tested conditions. IMPORTANCE Microbial fuel cells and other microbial bioelectrochemical systems hold great promise for environmental technologies such as wastewater treatment and bioremediation. While there is much emphasis on the development of materials and devices to realize such systems, the investigation and a deeper understanding of the underlying microbiology and ecology are lagging behind. Physiological investigations focus on microorganisms exhibiting direct electron transfer in pure culture systems. Meanwhile, mediated electron transfer with natural redox compounds produced by, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa might enable an entire microbial community to access a solid electrode as an alternative electron acceptor. To better understand the ecological relationships between mediator producers and mediator utilizers, we here present a comparison of the phenazine-dependent electroactivities of three Pseudomonas strains. This work forms the foundation for more complex coculture investigations of mediated electron transfer in microbial fuel cells.
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Ghadge AN, Ghangrekar MM, Scott K. Maximum anode chamber volume and minimum anode area for supporting electrogenesis in microbial fuel cells treating wastewater. JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4961587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anil N. Ghadge
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Makarand M. Ghangrekar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Keith Scott
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
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Pérez-Rodríguez P, Ovando-Medina VM, Martínez-Amador SY, Rodríguez-de la Garza JA. Bioanode of polyurethane/graphite/polypyrrole composite in microbial fuel cells. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-015-0628-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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37
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Hubenova Y, Bakalska R, Hubenova E, Mitov M. Mechanisms of electron transfer between a styrylquinolinium dye and yeast in biofuel cell. Bioelectrochemistry 2016; 112:158-65. [PMID: 26924617 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the influence of the recently synthesized styrylquinolinium dye 4-{(E)-2-[4-(dimethylamino)naphthalen-1-yl]ethenyl}-1-methylquinolinium iodide (DANSQI) on the intracellular processes as well as the electrical outputs of Candida melibiosica 2491 yeast-based biofuel cell was investigated. The addition of nanomolar quantities of DANSQI to the yeast suspension results in an increase of the current outputs right after the startup of the biofuel cells, associated with an electrooxidation of the dye on the anode. After that, the formed cation radical of the dye penetrates the yeast cells, provoking a set of intracellular changes. Studies of the subcellular anolyte fractions show that 1μM dye increased the peroxisomal catalase activity 30-times (1.15±0.06Unit/mg protein) and over twice the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity (92±5Unit/mg protein). The results obtained by electrochemical and spectrophotometric analyses let to the supposition that the dye acts as subcellular shuttle, on account of its specific intramolecular charge transfer properties. The transition between its benzoid, quinolyl radical and ion forms and their putative role for the extracellular and intracellular charge transfer mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolina Hubenova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Rumyana Bakalska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Mario Mitov
- Innovative Center of Eco Energy Technologies, South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Bulgaria
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38
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Friedman ES, McPhillips LE, Werner JJ, Poole AC, Ley RE, Walter MT, Angenent LT. Methane Emission in a Specific Riparian-Zone Sediment Decreased with Bioelectrochemical Manipulation and Corresponded to the Microbial Community Dynamics. Front Microbiol 2016; 6:1523. [PMID: 26793170 PMCID: PMC4707442 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria are widespread in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in anaerobic soils and sediments. Thermodynamically, dissimilatory metal reduction is more favorable than sulfate reduction and methanogenesis but less favorable than denitrification and aerobic respiration. It is critical to understand the complex relationships, including the absence or presence of terminal electron acceptors, that govern microbial competition and coexistence in anaerobic soils and sediments, because subsurface microbial processes can effect greenhouse gas emissions from soils, possibly resulting in impacts at the global scale. Here, we elucidated the effect of an inexhaustible, ferrous-iron and humic-substance mimicking terminal electron acceptor by deploying potentiostatically poised electrodes in the sediment of a very specific stream riparian zone in Upstate New York state. At two sites within the same stream riparian zone during the course of 6 weeks in the spring of 2013, we measured CH4 and N2/N2O emissions from soil chambers containing either poised or unpoised electrodes, and we harvested biofilms from the electrodes to quantify microbial community dynamics. At the upstream site, which had a lower vegetation cover and highest soil temperatures, the poised electrodes inhibited CH4 emissions by ∼45% (when normalized to remove temporal effects). CH4 emissions were not significantly impacted at the downstream site. N2/N2O emissions were generally low at both sites and were not impacted by poised electrodes. We did not find a direct link between bioelectrochemical treatment and microbial community membership; however, we did find a correspondence between environment/function and microbial community dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot S Friedman
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA
| | - Lauren E McPhillips
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Werner
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, IthacaNY, USA; Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College at CortlandCortland, NY, USA
| | - Angela C Poole
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA
| | - Ruth E Ley
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA
| | - M Todd Walter
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA
| | - Largus T Angenent
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA
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Kumar V, Kumar P, Nandy A, Kundu PP. Fabrication of laminated and coated Nafion 117 membranes for reduced mass transfer in microbial fuel cells. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra02234k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfonation of polyvinylidinefluoride (PVdF) with chlorosulfonic acid for 2 hours revealed a respective 33% degree of sulfonation (DS) in a SPVdF membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Kumar
- Advanced Polymer Laboratory
- Department of Polymer Science & Technology
- University of Calcutta
- Kolkata – 700009
- India
| | - Piyush Kumar
- Advanced Polymer Laboratory
- Department of Polymer Science & Technology
- University of Calcutta
- Kolkata – 700009
- India
| | - Arpita Nandy
- Advanced Polymer Laboratory
- Department of Polymer Science & Technology
- University of Calcutta
- Kolkata – 700009
- India
| | - Patit P. Kundu
- Advanced Polymer Laboratory
- Department of Polymer Science & Technology
- University of Calcutta
- Kolkata – 700009
- India
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40
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Lin H, Wu X, Nelson C, Miller C, Zhu J. Electricity generation and nutrients removal from high-strength liquid manure by air-cathode microbial fuel cells. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2015; 51:240-250. [PMID: 26654000 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2015.1094342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are widely tested to recover electrical energy from waste streams containing organic matter. When high-strength wastewater, such as liquid animal manure, is used as a medium, inhibition on anode and cathode catalysts potentially impairs the effectiveness of MFC performance in power generation and pollutant removal. This study evaluated possible inhibitive effects of liquid swine manure components on MFC power generation, improved liquid manure-fed MFCs performance by pretreatment (dilution and selective adsorption), and modeled the kinetics of organic matter and nutrients removal kinetics. Parameters monitored included pH, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN), nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate concentrations. The removals of VFA and TAN were efficient, indicated by the short half-life times of 4.99 and 7.84 d, respectively. The mechanism for phosphate decrease was principally the salt precipitation on cathode, but the removal was incomplete after 42-d operation. MFC with an external resistor of 2.2 kΩ and fed with swine wastewater generated relatively small power (28.2 μW), energy efficiency (0.37%) and Coulombic efficiency (1.5%). Dilution of swine wastewater dramatically improved the power generation as the inhibitory effect was decreased. Zeolite and granular activated carbon were effective in the selective adsorption of ammonia or organic matter in swine wastewater, and so substantially improved the power generation, energy efficiency, and Coulombic efficiency. A smaller external resistor in the circuit was also observed to promote the organic matter degradation and thus to shorten the treatment time. Overall, air-cathode MFCs are promising for generating electrical power from livestock wastewater and meanwhile reducing the level of organic matter and nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjian Lin
- a Department of Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering , University of Minnesota , St. Paul , Minnesota , USA
| | - Xiao Wu
- b Southern Research & Outreach Center, University of Minnesota , Waseca , Minnesota , USA
| | - Chad Nelson
- a Department of Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering , University of Minnesota , St. Paul , Minnesota , USA
| | - Curtis Miller
- b Southern Research & Outreach Center, University of Minnesota , Waseca , Minnesota , USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- a Department of Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering , University of Minnesota , St. Paul , Minnesota , USA
- b Southern Research & Outreach Center, University of Minnesota , Waseca , Minnesota , USA
- c Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering , University of Arkansas , Fayetteville , Arkansas , USA
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41
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Thung WE, Ong SA, Ho LN, Wong YS, Ridwan F, Oon YL, Oon YS, Lehl HK. A highly efficient single chambered up-flow membrane-less microbial fuel cell for treatment of azo dye Acid Orange 7-containing wastewater. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015; 197:284-288. [PMID: 26342340 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.08.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Revised: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Single chambered up-flow membrane-less microbial fuel cell (UFML MFC) was developed to study the feasibility of the bioreactor for decolorization of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) and electricity generation simultaneously. The performance of UFML MFC was evaluated in terms of voltage output, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal efficiency by varying the concentration of AO7 in synthetic wastewater. The results shown the voltage generation and COD removal efficiency decreased as the initial AO7 concentration increased; this indicates there is electron competition between anode and azo dye. Furthermore, there was a phenomenon of further decolorization at cathode region which indicates the oxygen and azo dye are both compete as electron acceptor. Based on the UV-visible spectra analysis, the breakdown of the azo bond and naphthalene compound in AO7 were confirmed. These findings show the capability of integrated UFML MFC in azo dye wastewater treatment and simultaneous electricity generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Eng Thung
- Water Research Group (WAREG), School of Environmental Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Soon-An Ong
- Water Research Group (WAREG), School of Environmental Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Li-Ngee Ho
- School of Materials Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Yee-Shian Wong
- Water Research Group (WAREG), School of Environmental Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Fahmi Ridwan
- Water Research Group (WAREG), School of Environmental Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Yoong-Ling Oon
- Water Research Group (WAREG), School of Environmental Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Yoong-Sin Oon
- Water Research Group (WAREG), School of Environmental Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Harvinder Kaur Lehl
- Water Research Group (WAREG), School of Environmental Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
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Guerrini E, Grattieri M, Faggianelli A, Cristiani P, Trasatti S. PTFE effect on the electrocatalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction in membraneless microbial fuel cells. Bioelectrochemistry 2015; 106:240-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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43
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Hubenova Y, Mitov M. Extracellular electron transfer in yeast-based biofuel cells: A review. Bioelectrochemistry 2015; 106:177-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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44
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Katz E, Minko S. Enzyme-based logic systems interfaced with signal-responsive materials and electrodes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:3493-500. [PMID: 25578785 DOI: 10.1039/c4cc09851j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme-based biocomputing systems were interfaced with signal-responsive membranes and electrodes resulting in bioelectronic devices switchable by logically processed biomolecular signals. "Smart" membranes, electrodes, biofuel cells, memristors and substance-releasing systems were activated by various combinations of biomolecular signals in the pre-programmed way implemented in biocatalytic cascades mimicking logic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Katz
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA.
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45
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Hu Y, Yang Y, Katz E, Song H. Programming the quorum sensing-based AND gate in Shewanella oneidensis for logic gated-microbial fuel cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:4184-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cc00026b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A modularly structured, flexible, and reprogrammable AND logic gate gene circuit-controlled microbial fuel cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education)
- SynBio Research Platform
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin)
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
| | - Yun Yang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
- Nanyang Technological University
- 637457 Singapore
- Singapore
| | - Evgeny Katz
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science
- Clarkson University
- Potsdam
- USA
| | - Hao Song
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education)
- SynBio Research Platform
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin)
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
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Gamella M, Guz N, Mailloux S, Pingarrón JM, Katz E. Antibacterial Drug Release Electrochemically Stimulated by the Presence of Bacterial Cells - Theranostic Approach. ELECTROANAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.201400473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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47
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Sharma M, Bajracharya S, Gildemyn S, Patil SA, Alvarez-Gallego Y, Pant D, Rabaey K, Dominguez-Benetton X. A critical revisit of the key parameters used to describe microbial electrochemical systems. Electrochim Acta 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2014.02.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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48
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Ketep SF, Bergel A, Bertrand M, Barakat M, Achouak W, Fourest E. Forming microbial anodes with acetate addition decreases their capability to treat raw paper mill effluent. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2014; 164:285-291. [PMID: 24862005 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.04.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Microbial anodes were formed under polarization at -0.3 V/SCE on graphite plates in effluents from a pulp and paper mill. The bioanodes formed with the addition of acetate led to the highest current densities (up to 6A/m(2)) but were then unable to oxidize the raw effluent efficiently (0.5A/m(2)). In contrast, the bioanodes formed without acetate addition were fully able to oxidize the organic matter contained in the effluent, giving up to 4.5A/m(2) in continuous mode. Bacterial communities showed less bacterial diversity for the acetate-fed bioanodes compared to those formed in raw effluents. Deltaproteobacteria were the most abundant taxonomic group, with a high diversity for bioanodes formed without acetate addition but with almost 100% Desulfuromonas for the acetate-fed bioanodes. The addition of acetate to form the microbial anodes induced microbial selection, which was detrimental to the treatment of the raw effluent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie F Ketep
- Centre Technique du Papier, BP 251, 38044 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, CNRS-Université de Toulouse, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Alain Bergel
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, CNRS-Université de Toulouse, 31432 Toulouse, France.
| | - Marie Bertrand
- CEA, DSV, IBEB, SBVME, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne de la Rhizosphère et d'Environnements Extrêmes (LEMiRE), Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France; CNRS, UMR 7265, FR CNRS 3098 ECCOREV, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France; Aix-Marseille Université, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Mohamed Barakat
- CEA, DSV, IBEB, SBVME, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne de la Rhizosphère et d'Environnements Extrêmes (LEMiRE), Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France; CNRS, UMR 7265, FR CNRS 3098 ECCOREV, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France; Aix-Marseille Université, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Wafa Achouak
- CEA, DSV, IBEB, SBVME, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne de la Rhizosphère et d'Environnements Extrêmes (LEMiRE), Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France; CNRS, UMR 7265, FR CNRS 3098 ECCOREV, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France; Aix-Marseille Université, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Eric Fourest
- Centre Technique du Papier, BP 251, 38044 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
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49
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Power densities and microbial communities of brewery wastewater-fed microbial fuel cells according to the initial substrates. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2014; 38:85-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s00449-014-1246-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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50
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Qian F, Wang H, Ling Y, Wang G, Thelen MP, Li Y. Photoenhanced electrochemical interaction between Shewanella and a hematite nanowire photoanode. NANO LETTERS 2014; 14:3688-93. [PMID: 24875432 DOI: 10.1021/nl501664n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Here we report the investigation of interplay between light, a hematite nanowire-arrayed photoelectrode, and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in a solar-assisted microbial photoelectrochemical system (solar MPS). Whole cell electrochemistry and microbial fuel cell (MFC) characterization of Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1 showed that these cells cultured under (semi)anaerobic conditions expressed substantial c-type cytochrome outer membrane proteins, exhibited well-defined redox peaks, and generated bioelectricity in a MFC device. Cyclic voltammogram studies of hematite nanowire electrodes revealed active electron transfer at the hematite/cell interface. Notably, under a positive bias and light illumination, the hematite electrode immersed in a live cell culture was able to produce 150% more photocurrent than that in the abiotic control of medium or dead culture, suggesting a photoenhanced electrochemical interaction between hematite and Shewanella. The enhanced photocurrent was attributed to the additional redox species associated with MR-1 cells that are more thermodynamically favorable to be oxidized than water. Long-term operation of the hematite solar MPS with light on/off cycles showed stable current generation up to 2 weeks. Fluorescent optical microscope and scanning electron microscope imaging revealed that the top of the hematite nanowire arrays were covered by a biofilm, and iron determination colorimetric assay revealed 11% iron loss after a 10-day operation. To our knowledge, this is the first report on interfacing a photoanode directly with electricigens in a MFC system. Such a system could open up new possibilities in solar-microbial device that can harvest solar energy and recycle biomass simultaneously to treat wastewater, produce electricity, and chemical fuels in a self-sustained manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Qian
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories , Livermore, California 94550, United States
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