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Sheikh M, Harami HR, Rezakazemi M, Cortina JL, Aminabhavi TM, Valderrama C. Towards a sustainable transformation of municipal wastewater treatment plants into biofactories using advanced NH 3-N recovery technologies: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166077. [PMID: 37544447 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3), as a prevalent pollutant in municipal wastewater discharges, can impair aquatic life and have a negatively impact on the environment. Proper wastewater treatment and management practices are essential to protect ecosystems and keep human populations healthy. Therefore, using highly effective NH3-N recovery technologies at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is widely acknowledged as a necessity. In order to improve the overall efficiency of NH3 removal/recovery processes, innovative technologies have been generally applied to reduce its concentration when discharged into natural water bodies. This study reviews the current status of the main issues affecting NH3 recovery from municipal/domestic wastewater discharges. The current study investigated the ability to recover valuable resources, e.g., nutrients, regenerated water, and energy in the form of biogas through advanced and innovative methods in tertiary treatment to achieve higher efficiency towards sustainable wastewater and resource recovery facilities (W&RRFs). In addition, the concept of paradigm shifts from WWTP to a large/full scale W&RRF has been studied with several examples of conversion to innovative bio-factories producing materials. On the other hand, the carbon footprint and the high-energy consumption of the WWTPs were also considered to assess the sustainability of these facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Sheikh
- Chemical Engineering Department, Escola d'Enginyeria de Barcelona Est (EEBE), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)-BarcelonaTECH, C/ Eduard Maristany 10-14, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hossein Riasat Harami
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, AL, USA
| | - Mashallah Rezakazemi
- Faculty of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
| | - Jose Luis Cortina
- Chemical Engineering Department, Escola d'Enginyeria de Barcelona Est (EEBE), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)-BarcelonaTECH, C/ Eduard Maristany 10-14, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain; Water Technology Center (CETaqua), Carretera d'Esplugues, 75, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Tejraj M Aminabhavi
- Center for Energy and Environment, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Hubballi, Karnataka 580 031, India; School of Engineering, UPES, Bidholi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248 007, India
| | - Cesar Valderrama
- Chemical Engineering Department, Escola d'Enginyeria de Barcelona Est (EEBE), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)-BarcelonaTECH, C/ Eduard Maristany 10-14, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain.
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Liu H, Qin S, Li A, Wen J, Lichtfouse E, Zhao H, Zhang X. Bioelectrochemical systems for enhanced nitrogen removal with minimal greenhouse gas emission from carbon-deficient wastewater: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160183. [PMID: 36384176 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen pollution and the rising amount of wastewater generation are calling for advanced wastewater treatments, which is particularly necessary for carbon-deficient wastewater that contains multi-species inorganic nitrogen, since conventional heterotrophic denitrification processes cannot remove nitrogen completely when carbon sources are insufficient. For that, bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have been recently developed because they can simultaneously produce electricity and remove resistant nitrogen from the carbon-deficient wastewater. However, the simultaneous removal of multi-species inorganic nitrogen cannot be achieved by electroautotrophic denitrification using BES alone. Moreover, the efficiency of nitrogen removal and power generation has been thwarted by the low energy output, high internal resistance of the device, and electron competition in non-denitrification pathways. This review article discusses the latest developments for nitrogen removal through BES-enhanced denitrification and elucidates multiple coupled BES-based denitrification pathways to remove multi-species inorganic nitrogen simultaneously. Focus points of the research area include coupling BES technologies with emerged methods, electron transfer enhancement, and avoiding electron competition that improves performance with less cost. The prospect of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases is also critically reviewed, in the hope of reducing potential intermediate products of denitrification, such as nitrous oxide (a potent greenhouse gas), through multi-factor regulation. We imply that BES is a good choice for future scale-up applications of MFC coupled with MEC to treat carbon-deficient wastewater. Overall, this review will provide useful information for the development of advanced technologies to treat carbon-deficient wastewater with less emission of greenhouse gases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Liu
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, 200093 Shanghai, China.
| | - Song Qin
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, 200093 Shanghai, China
| | - Anze Li
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, 200093 Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wen
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, 200093 Shanghai, China
| | - Eric Lichtfouse
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INRA, Coll France, CEREGE, 13100 Aix en Provence, France.
| | - Heping Zhao
- College of Environmental and Resources Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhang Tang Road, 310058 Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- Shanghai Urban Construction Design & Research Institute [Group] Co., Ltd., 3447 Dongfang Road, 200125 Shanghai, China
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Häuser L, Erben J, Pillot G, Kerzenmacher S, Dreher W, Küstermann E. In vivo characterization of electroactive biofilms inside porous electrodes with MR Imaging. RSC Adv 2022; 12:17784-17793. [PMID: 35765339 PMCID: PMC9199086 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra01162j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the limiting processes of electroactive biofilms is key to improve the performance of bioelectrochemical systems (BES). For modelling and developing BES, spatial information of transport phenomena and biofilm distribution are required and can be determined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in vivo, in situ and in operando even inside opaque porous electrodes. A custom bioelectrochemical cell was designed that allows MRI measurements with a spatial resolution of 50 μm inside a 500 μm thick porous carbon electrode. The MRI data showed that only a fraction of the electrode pore space is colonized by the Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 biofilm. The maximum biofilm density was observed inside the porous electrode close to the electrode-medium interface. Inside the biofilm, mass transport by diffusion is lowered down to 45% compared to the bulk growth medium. The presented data and the methods can be used for detailed models of bioelectrochemical systems and for the design of improved electrode structures. The use of magnetic resonance imaging can contribute to a better understanding of limiting processes occurring in electroactive biofilms especially inside opaque porous electrodes.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Häuser
- Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen 28359 Bremen Germany
| | | | - Guillaume Pillot
- Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen 28359 Bremen Germany
| | - Sven Kerzenmacher
- Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen 28359 Bremen Germany
| | - Wolfgang Dreher
- In-vivo-MR Group, Faculty 02 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen 28359 Bremen Germany
| | - Ekkehard Küstermann
- In-vivo-MR Group, Faculty 02 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen 28359 Bremen Germany
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Li W, Jiafang Z, Menggen L, Aixin Z, Ning H. Simulation of cathode for synthesizing organic acids by MES reduction of CO 2. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 143:107984. [PMID: 34735913 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microbial electrochemical system (MES) is a favorable tool for CO2 emission reduction. Microbial cathode is one of the core components of the system, and its surface energy transfer characteristics can greatly affect the yield of organic matter from MES. In order to solve the problem that the energy transfer characteristics of microbial cathode are not clear, the mathematical model of MES was constructed on the basis of the preliminary experiment with an electrode made of copper foam modified with the reduced graphene oxide, analyzing the current and substrate concentration in the biofilm with conductivity, cathode potential and porosity of the biofilm. The results show that when the cathode potential is higher than -0.8 V (VS SHE), the substrate concentration and current density in the biofilm are related to the cathode potential. However, when the cathode potential decreased to -0.8 V (vs SHE), the ability of biofilm to reduce CO2 basically reached saturation. Low conductivity (<10-3S/m) will lead to the formation of significant potential difference in the biofilm, which will reduce the substrate utilization rate and seriously affect the performance of microbial cathode. The current density is highest, when the porosity of the biofilm is about 0.35.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
| | - Zhang Jiafang
- College of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Liao Menggen
- College of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Zhang Aixin
- College of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Hu Ning
- College of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
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Kubannek F, Block J, Munirathinam B, Krull R. Reaction kinetics of anodic biofilms under changing substrate concentrations: Uncovering shifts in Nernst‐Monod curves via substrate pulses. Eng Life Sci 2022; 22:152-164. [PMID: 35382544 PMCID: PMC8961052 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202100088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, it is shown that the concentration dependency of undefined mixed culture anodic biofilms does not follow a single kinetic curve, such as the Nernst‐Monod curve. The biofilms adapt to concentration changes, which inevitably have to be applied to record kinetic curves, resulting in strong shifts of the kinetic parameters. The substrate concentration in a continuously operated bioelectrochemical system was changed rapidly via acetate pulses to record Nernst‐Monod curves which are not influenced by biofilm adaptation processes. The values of the maximum current density jmax and apparent half‐saturation rate constant Ks increased from 0.5 to 1 mA cm−2 and from 0.5 to 1.6 mmol L−1, respectively, within approximately 5 h. Double pulse experiments with a starvation phase between the two acetate pulses showed that jmax and Ks decrease reversibly through an adaptation process when no acetate is available. Pseudo‐capacitive charge values estimated from non‐turnover cyclic voltammograms (CV) led to the hypothesis that biofilm adaptation and the observed shift of the Nernst‐Monod curves occurred due to changes in the concentration of active redox proteins in the biofilm. It is argued that concentration‐related parameters of kinetic models for electroactive biofilms are only valid for the operating points where they have been determined and should always be reported with those conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kubannek
- Institute of Energy and Process Systems Engineering Technische Universität Braunschweig Braunschweig Germany
| | - Jonathan Block
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering Technische Universität Braunschweig Braunschweig Germany
| | - Balakrishnan Munirathinam
- Institute of Energy and Process Systems Engineering Technische Universität Braunschweig Braunschweig Germany
| | - Rainer Krull
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering Technische Universität Braunschweig Braunschweig Germany
- Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ) Technische Universität Braunschweig Braunschweig Germany
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6
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Yang G, Mai Q, Zhuang Z, Zhuang L. Buffer capacity regulates the stratification of anode-respiring biofilm during brewery wastewater treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111572. [PMID: 34186084 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Improving the buffer capacity of the electrolyte can enhance the anode performance in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). To elucidate the mechanism underlying the facilitated BESs performance, this study used three different anode biofilms cultured with different concentrations of phosphate buffer (5, 50 and 100 mM) to investigate the biofilm response, in terms of the spatial structure of metabolic activity and microbial community, to different buffer capacities. Results showed that the electrochemical activities of the anode biofilms positively correlated with the buffer concentration. The spatial stratification of metabolic activity and microbial community of the anode biofilms were regulated by the buffer capacity, and the spatial microbial heterogeneity of the anode biofilm decreased as the buffer concentration increased. With increasing buffer capacity, Geobacter spp. were enriched in both the inner and outer layers of the biofilm, and the inhibition of methanogens growth improved the COD removal attributed to anode respiration. Additionally, the stimulation of EPS production in biofilms played a role in increasing the electrochemical performance of biofilms by buffer improvement. This study first revealed the regulation of buffer capacity on the stratification of anode biofilm during brewery wastewater treatment, which provided a deep insight into the relation of biofilm structure to its electrochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiqin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qijun Mai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zheng Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Li Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Erben J, Pinder ZA, Lüdtke MS, Kerzenmacher S. Local Acidification Limits the Current Production and Biofilm Formation of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 With Electrospun Anodes. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:660474. [PMID: 34194407 PMCID: PMC8236948 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.660474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The anodic current production of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is typically lower compared to other electroactive bacteria. The main reason for the low current densities is the poor biofilm growth on most anode materials. We demonstrate that the high current production of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 with electrospun anodes exhibits a similar threshold current density as dense Geobacter spp biofilms. The threshold current density is a result of local acidification in the biofilm. Increasing buffer concentration from 10 to 40 mM results in a 1.8-fold increase of the current density [(590 ± 25) μA cm−2] while biofilm growth stimulation by riboflavin has little effect on the current production. The current production of a reference material below the threshold did not respond to the increased buffer concentration but could be enhanced by supplemented riboflavin that stimulated the biofilm growth. Our results suggest that the current production with S. oneidensis is limited (1) by the biofilm growth on the anode that can be enhanced by the choice of the electrode material, and (2) by the proton transport through the biofilm and the associated local acidification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Erben
- Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Malte S Lüdtke
- Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sven Kerzenmacher
- Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Yan Y, Wang X, Askari A, Lee HS. A modelling study of the spatially heterogeneous mutualism between electroactive biofilm and planktonic bacteria. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143537. [PMID: 33272602 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microbial cooperation widely exists in anaerobic reactors degrading complex pollutants, conventionally studied separately inside the biofilm or the planktonic community. Recent experiments discovered the mutualism between the planktonic bacteria and electroactive biofilm treating propionate, an end-product usually accumulated in anaerobic digesters. Here, a one-dimensional multispecies model found the preference on acetate-based pathway over the hydrogen-based in such community, evidenced by the fact that acetate-originated current takes 66% of the total value and acetate-consuming anode-respiring bacteria takes over 80% of the biofilm. Acetate-based anodic respiration most apparently influences biofilm function while propionate fermentation is the dominant planktonic bio-reaction. Additionally, initial planktonic propionate level shows the ability of coordinating the balance between these two extracellular electron transfer pathways. Increasing the propionate concentration from 2 to 50 mM would increase the steady hydrogen-originated current by 210% but decrease the acetate-originated by 26%, suggesting a vital influence of the planktonic microbial process to the metabolic balance in biofilm. Best strategy to promote the biofilm activity is to increase the biomass density and biofilm conductivity simultaneously, which would increase the current density by 875% without thickening the biofilm thickness or prolonging the growth apparently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Anis Askari
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering/Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Hyung-Sool Lee
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering/Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Long X, Wang H, Wang C, Li X. The synergistic effect of biophoto anode for the enhancement of current generation and degradation. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2020; 41:3420-3430. [PMID: 31025900 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2019.1611936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The demand for removal of refractory organic pollutants limits the application of microbial fuel cells. In this study, the synergistic effects of bioelectrochemical and photocatalysis methods were captured by constructing a biophoto anode from a combination of WO3/TiO2 and carbon felt. This biophoto electrode was able to decrease the aniline concentration from 63.3 ± 6.2 to 9.3 ± 5.5 mg/L. The structure of the benzene ring was broken through strong oxidation by photocatalysis. Electrochemical analysis showed that photocatalysis also enhanced the extracellular electron transfer of microorganisms and reduced the resistance of the anode from 136.9 Ω to 69.9 Ω. In addition, the maximum current output increased by 28.5% under the composite biophoto electrode. Further analysis of the microbial community indicated that the biophoto electrode promoted the enrichment of Geobacter in the anode. This biophoto electrode provided a method for overcoming the disadvantages of anaerobic degradation of refractory organics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xizi Long
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuqiao Wang
- School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianning Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Lusk BG. Thermophiles; or, the Modern Prometheus: The Importance of Extreme Microorganisms for Understanding and Applying Extracellular Electron Transfer. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:818. [PMID: 31080440 PMCID: PMC6497744 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately four billion years ago, the first microorganisms to thrive on earth were anaerobic chemoautotrophic thermophiles, a specific group of extremophiles that survive and operate at temperatures ∼50 - 125°C and do not use molecular oxygen (O2) for respiration. Instead, these microorganisms performed respiration via dissimilatory metal reduction by transferring their electrons extracellularly to insoluble electron acceptors. Genetic evidence suggests that Gram-positive thermophilic bacteria capable of extracellular electron transfer (EET) are positioned close to the root of the Bacteria kingdom on the tree of life. On the contrary, EET in Gram-negative mesophilic bacteria is a relatively new phenomenon that is evolutionarily distinct from Gram-positive bacteria. This suggests that EET evolved separately in Gram-positive thermophiles and Gram-negative mesophiles, and that EET in these bacterial types is a result of a convergent evolutionary process leading to homoplasy. Thus, the study of dissimilatory metal reducing thermophiles provides a glimpse into some of Earth's earliest forms of respiration. This will provide new insights for understanding biogeochemistry and the development of early Earth in addition to providing unique avenues for exploration and discovery in astrobiology. Lastly, the physiological composition of Gram-positive thermophiles, coupled with the kinetic and thermodynamic consequences of surviving at elevated temperatures, makes them ideal candidates for developing new mathematical models and designing innovative next-generation biotechnologies. KEY CONCEPTS Anaerobe: organism that does not require oxygen for growth. Chemoautotroph: organism that obtains energy by oxidizing inorganic electron donors. Convergent Evolution: process in which organisms which are not closely related independently evolve similar traits due to adapting to similar ecological niches and/or environments. Dissimilatory Metal Reduction: reduction of a metal or metalloid that uses electrons from oxidized organic or inorganic electron donors. Exoelectrogen: microorganism that performs dissimilatory metal reduction via extracellular electron transfer. Extremophiles: organisms that thrive in physical or geochemical conditions that are considered detrimental to most life on Earth. Homoplasy: a character shared by a set of species that is not shared by a common ancestor Non-synonymous Substitutions (K a ): a substitution of a nucleotide that changes a codon sequence resulting in a change in the amino acid sequence of a protein. Synonymous Substitutions (K s ): a substitution of a nucleotide that may change a codon sequence, but results in no change in the amino acid sequence of a protein. Thermophiles: a specific group of extremophiles that survive and operate at temperatures ∼50-125°C.
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Champigneux P, Renault-Sentenac C, Bourrier D, Rossi C, Delia ML, Bergel A. Effect of surface nano/micro-structuring on the early formation of microbial anodes with Geobacter sulfurreducens: Experimental and theoretical approaches. Bioelectrochemistry 2018; 121:191-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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12
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Lusk BG, Peraza I, Albal G, Marcus AK, Popat SC, Torres CI. pH Dependency in Anode Biofilms of Thermincola ferriacetica Suggests a Proton-Dependent Electrochemical Response. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:5527-5534. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b01734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley G. Lusk
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- ScienceTheEarth, Mesa, Arizona 85201, United States
| | - Isaias Peraza
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Gaurav Albal
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Andrew K. Marcus
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Sudeep C. Popat
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, South Carolina 29625, United States
| | - Cesar I. Torres
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, 501 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
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13
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Rittmann BE. Biofilms, active substrata, and me. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 132:135-145. [PMID: 29324293 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Having worked with biofilms since the 1970s, I know that they are ubiquitous in nature, of great value in water technology, and scientifically fascinating. Biofilms are naturally able to remove BOD, transform N, generate methane, and biodegrade micropollutants. What I also discovered is that biofilms can do a lot more for us in terms of providing environmental services if we give them a bit of help. Here, I explore how we can use active substrata to enable our biofilm partners to provide particularly challenging environmental services. In particular, I delve into three examples in which an active substratum makes it possible for a biofilm to accomplish a task that otherwise seems impossible. The first example is the delivery of hydrogen gas (H2) as an electron donor to drive the reduction and detoxification of the rising number of oxidized contaminant: e.g., perchlorate, selenate, chromate, chlorinated solvents, and more. The active substratum is a gas-transfer membrane that delivers H2 directly to the biofilm in a membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR), which makes it possible to deliver a low-solubility gaseous substrate with 100% efficiency. The second example is the biofilm anode of a microbial electrochemical cell (MxC). Here, the anode is the electron acceptor for anode-respiring bacteria, which "liberate" electrons from organic compounds and send them ultimately to a cathode, where we can harvest valuable products or services. The anode's potential is a sensitive tool for managing the microbial ecology and reaction kinetics of the biofilm anode. The third example is intimately coupled photobiocatalysis (ICPB), in which we use photocatalysis to enable the biodegradation of intrinsically recalcitrant organic pollutants. Photocatalysis transforms the recalcitrant organics just enough so that the products are rapidly biodegradable substrates for bacteria in a nearby biofilm. The macroporous substratum, which houses the photocatalyst on its exterior, actively provides donor substrate and protects the biofilm from UV light and free radicals in its interior. These three well-developed topics illustrate how and why an active substratum expands the scope of what biofilms can do to enhance water sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce E Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA.
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ElMekawy A, Hegab H, Pant D, Saint C. Bio-analytical applications of microbial fuel cell-based biosensors for onsite water quality monitoring. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 124:302-313. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.13631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. ElMekawy
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute; University of Sadat City (USC); Sadat City Egypt
- School of Chemical Engineering; University of Adelaide; Adelaide SA Australia
| | - H.M. Hegab
- Natural & Built Environments Research Centre; University of South Australia; Adelaide SA Australia
- Institute of Advanced Technology and New Materials; City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications; Borg Elarab Alexandria Egypt
| | - D. Pant
- Separation & Conversion Technology; Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO); Mol Belgium
| | - C.P. Saint
- Natural & Built Environments Research Centre; University of South Australia; Adelaide SA Australia
- Future Industries Institute; University of South Australia; Adelaide SA Australia
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15
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Dhar BR, Sim J, Ryu H, Ren H, Santo Domingo JW, Chae J, Lee HS. Microbial activity influences electrical conductivity of biofilm anode. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 127:230-238. [PMID: 29055828 PMCID: PMC7321815 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the conductivity of a Geobacter-enriched biofilm anode in a microbial electrochemical cell (MxC) equipped with two gold anodes (25 mM acetate medium), as different proton gradients were built throughout the biofilm. There was no pH gradient across the biofilm anode at 100 mM phosphate buffer (current density 2.38 A/m2) and biofilm conductivity (Kbio) was as high as 0.87 mS/cm. In comparison, an inner biofilm became acidic at 2.5 mM phosphate buffer in which dead cells were accumulated at ∼80 μm of the inner biofilm anode. At this low phosphate buffer, Kbio significantly decreased by 0.27 mS/cm, together with declined current density of 0.64 A/m2. This work demonstrates that biofilm conductivity depends on the composition of live and dead cells in the conductive biofilm anode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, West Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G, Canada.
| | - Junyoung Sim
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, West Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G, Canada.
| | - Hodon Ryu
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA.
| | - Hao Ren
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
| | - Jorge W Santo Domingo
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA.
| | - Junseok Chae
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
| | - Hyung-Sool Lee
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, West Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G, Canada.
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16
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Long X, Pan Q, Wang C, Wang H, Li H, Li X. Microbial fuel cell-photoelectrocatalytic cell combined system for the removal of azo dye wastewater. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 244:182-191. [PMID: 28779670 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.07.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a novel parallel circuit microbial fuel cell-photoelectrocatalytic cell (MFC-PEC) combined system was established to enhance azo dye removal. Results showed that this system had synergistic effects compared with the MFC alone. In the MFC part, a 56% decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 85% decolorization were achieved, and further reduced by 25% and 12% in the PEC part where titania nanotube functioned as the photoelectrode. For one thing, the PEC raised the maximum current of the MFC by 14.2%, which facilitated COD removal and decolorization in the MFC and promoted adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level of anode microorganisms, for another, this system significantly increased the dye removal in the PEC. Besides, cyclic voltammograms illustrated intermediate products degradation in this system. Hence, the system achieved marked deep decolorization and rapid toxic intermediate products degradation of high concentration azo dyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xizi Long
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Qinrong Pan
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chuqiao Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hua Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xianning Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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17
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Hou J, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Chen W, Li Y, Sang L. An experimental study of pH distributions within an electricity-producing biofilm by using pH microelectrode. Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.08.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Lusk BG, Colin A, Parameswaran P, Rittmann BE, Torres CI. Simultaneous fermentation of cellulose and current production with an enriched mixed culture of thermophilic bacteria in a microbial electrolysis cell. Microb Biotechnol 2017; 11:63-73. [PMID: 28557303 PMCID: PMC5743814 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An enriched mixed culture of thermophilic (60°C) bacteria was assembled for the purpose of using cellulose to produce current in thermophilic microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Cellulose was fermented into sugars and acids before being consumed by anode‐respiring bacteria (ARB) for current production. Current densities (j) were sustained at 6.5 ± 0.2 A m−2 in duplicate reactors with a coulombic efficiency (CE) of 84 ± 0.3%, a coulombic recovery (CR) of 54 ± 11% and without production of CH4. Low‐scan rate cyclic voltammetry (LSCV) revealed a mid‐point potential (Eka) of −0.17 V versus SHE. Pyrosequencing analysis of the V4 hypervariable region of 16S rDNA and scanning electron microscopy present an enriched thermophilic microbial community consisting mainly of the phylum Firmicutes with the Thermoanaerobacter (46 ± 13%) and Thermincola (28 ± 14%) genera occupying the biofilm anode in high relative abundance and Tepidmicrobium (38 ± 6%) and Moorella (11 ± 8%) genera present in high relative abundance in the bulk medium. The Thermoanaerobacter (15 ± 16%) and Brevibacillus (21 ± 30%) genera were also present in the bulk medium; however, their relative abundance varied by reactor. This study indicates that thermophilic consortia can obtain high CE and CR, while sustaining high current densities from cellulose in MECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley G Lusk
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA.,#ScienceTheEarth, Mesa, AZ, 85201, USA
| | - Alexandra Colin
- Ecole Normale Superieure, 45, rue d'Ulm, 75230, Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Prathap Parameswaran
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kansas State University, 2123 Fiedler Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66502, USA
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA.,School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Cesar I Torres
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA.,School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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19
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Oyetunde T, Sarma PM, Ahmad F, Rodríguez J. A Multiple Reaction Modelling Framework for Microbial Electrochemical Technologies. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E86. [PMID: 28054959 PMCID: PMC5297720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A mathematical model for the theoretical evaluation of microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) is presented that incorporates a detailed physico-chemical framework, includes multiple reactions (both at the electrodes and in the bulk phase) and involves a variety of microbial functional groups. The model is applied to two theoretical case studies: (i) A microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) for continuous anodic volatile fatty acids (VFA) oxidation and cathodic VFA reduction to alcohols, for which the theoretical system response to changes in applied voltage and VFA feed ratio (anode-to-cathode) as well as membrane type are investigated. This case involves multiple parallel electrode reactions in both anode and cathode compartments; (ii) A microbial fuel cell (MFC) for cathodic perchlorate reduction, in which the theoretical impact of feed flow rates and concentrations on the overall system performance are investigated. This case involves multiple electrode reactions in series in the cathode compartment. The model structure captures interactions between important system variables based on first principles and provides a platform for the dynamic description of METs involving electrode reactions both in parallel and in series and in both MFC and MEC configurations. Such a theoretical modelling approach, largely based on first principles, appears promising in the development and testing of MET control and optimization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolutola Oyetunde
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, P.O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Priyangshu M Sarma
- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi 110 003, India.
| | - Farrukh Ahmad
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, P.O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Jorge Rodríguez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, P.O. Box 54224, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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20
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Lee HS, Dhar BR, An J, Rittmann BE, Ryu H, Santo Domingo JW, Ren H, Chae J. The Roles of Biofilm Conductivity and Donor Substrate Kinetics in a Mixed-Culture Biofilm Anode. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:12799-12807. [PMID: 27797183 PMCID: PMC7388032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We experimentally assessed the kinetics and thermodynamics of electron transfer (ET) from the donor substrate (acetate) to the anode for a mixed-culture biofilm anode. We interpreted the results with a modified biofilm-conduction model consisting of three ET steps in series: (1) intracellular ET, (2) non-Ohmic extracellular ET (EET) from an outer membrane protein to an extracellular cofactor (EC), and (3) ET from the EC to the anode by Ohmic-conduction in the biofilm matrix. The steady-state current density was 0.82 ± 0.03 A/m2 in a miniature microbial electrochemical cell operated at fixed anode potential of -0.15 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode. Illumina 16S-rDNA and -rRNA sequences showed that the Geobacter genus was less than 30% of the community of the biofilm anode. Biofilm conductivity was high at 2.44 ± 0.42 mS/cm, indicating that the maximum current density could be as high as 270 A/m2 if only Ohmic-conduction EET was limiting. Due to the high biofilm conductivity, the maximum energy loss for Ohmic-conduction EET was negligible, 0.085 mV. The energy loss in the second ET step also was small, only 20 mV, and the potential for the EC involved in the second ET was -0.15 V, a value documenting that >99% of the EC was in the oxidized state. Monod kinetics for utilization of acetate were relatively slow, and at least 87% of the energy loss was in the intracellular step. Thus, intracellular ET was the main kinetic and thermodynamic bottleneck to ET from donor substrate to the anode for a highly conductive biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Sool Lee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Junyeong An
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Bruce E. Rittmann
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
| | - Hodon Ryu
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Jorge W. Santo Domingo
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Hao Ren
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Junseok Chae
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
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21
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Lusk BG, Parameswaran P, Popat SC, Rittmann BE, Torres CI. The effect of pH and buffer concentration on anode biofilms of Thermincola ferriacetica. Bioelectrochemistry 2016; 112:47-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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22
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Popat SC, Torres CI. Critical transport rates that limit the performance of microbial electrochemistry technologies. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 215:265-273. [PMID: 27211921 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.04.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrochemistry technologies (METs) take advantage of the connection of microorganisms with electrodes. In the classic case of a microbial anode, the maximization of current density produced is often the goal. But, current production is dependent on many transport processes occurring, which can be rate-limiting. These include the fluxes of electron donor and acceptor, the ionic flux, the acidity and alkalinity fluxes at anode and cathode respectively, the electron transport flux at the biofilm, and the reactant/product crossover flux. Associated with these fluxes are inherent concentration gradients that can affect performance. This critical review provides an analysis on how these transport processes have hindered the development of METs, and how MET designs have evolved as more knowledge of these transport limitations is gained. Finally, suggestions are provided on how to design MET systems taking into consideration critical transport processes that are intimately linked to the current produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeep C Popat
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - César I Torres
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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23
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Nancharaiah YV, Venkata Mohan S, Lens PNL. Recent advances in nutrient removal and recovery in biological and bioelectrochemical systems. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 215:173-185. [PMID: 27053446 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.03.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen and phosphorous are key pollutants in wastewater to be removed and recovered for sustainable development. Traditionally, nitrogen removal is practiced through energy intensive biological nitrification and denitrification entailing a major cost in wastewater treatment. Recent innovations in nitrogen removal aim at reducing energy requirements and recovering ammonium nitrogen. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are promising for recovering ammonium nitrogen from nitrogen rich waste streams (urine, digester liquor, swine liquor, and landfill leachate) profitably. Phosphorus is removed from the wastewater in the form of polyphosphate granules by polyphosphate accumulating organisms. Alternatively, phosphorous is removed/recovered as Fe-P or struvite through chemical precipitation (iron or magnesium dosing). In this article, recent advances in nutrients removal from wastewater coupled to recovery are presented by applying a waste biorefinery concept. Potential capabilities of BES in recovering nitrogen and phosphorous are reviewed to spur future investigations towards development of nutrient recovery biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y V Nancharaiah
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes, WSCD, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences (BEES), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - P N L Lens
- UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, The Netherlands; Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, Finland
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24
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Lusk BG, Khan QF, Parameswaran P, Hameed A, Ali N, Rittmann BE, Torres CI. Characterization of Electrical Current-Generation Capabilities from Thermophilic Bacterium Thermoanaerobacter pseudethanolicus Using Xylose, Glucose, Cellobiose, or Acetate with Fixed Anode Potentials. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:14725-14731. [PMID: 26569143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b04036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Thermoanaerobacter pseudethanolicus 39E (ATCC 33223), a thermophilic, Fe(III)-reducing, and fermentative bacterium, was evaluated for its ability to produce current from four electron donors-xylose, glucose, cellobiose, and acetate-with a fixed anode potential (+ 0.042 V vs SHE) in a microbial electrochemical cell (MXC). Under thermophilic conditions (60 °C), T. pseudethanolicus produced high current densities from xylose (5.8 ± 2.4 A m(-2)), glucose (4.3 ± 1.9 A m(-2)), and cellobiose (5.2 ± 1.6 A m(-2)). It produced insignificant current when grown with acetate, but consumed the acetate produced from sugar fermentation to produce electrical current. Low-scan cyclic voltammetry (LSCV) revealed a sigmoidal response with a midpoint potential of -0.17 V vs SHE. Coulombic efficiency (CE) varied by electron donor, with xylose at 34.8% ± 0.7%, glucose at 65.3% ± 1.0%, and cellobiose at 27.7% ± 1.5%. Anode respiration was sustained over a pH range of 5.4-8.3, with higher current densities observed at higher pH values. Scanning electron microscopy showed a well-developed biofilm of T. pseudethanolicus on the anode, and confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated a maximum biofilm thickness (Lf) greater than ~150 μm for the glucose-fed biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley G Lusk
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University , P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
| | - Qaiser Farid Khan
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University , P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-I-Azam University , Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Prathap Parameswaran
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University , P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
| | - Abdul Hameed
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-I-Azam University , Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Naeem Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-I-Azam University , Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University , P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
| | - Cesar I Torres
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University , P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University , 501 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
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25
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Sun D, Cheng S, Wang A, Li F, Logan BE, Cen K. Temporal-spatial changes in viabilities and electrochemical properties of anode biofilms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:5227-5235. [PMID: 25810405 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Sustained current generation by anodic biofilms is a key element for the longevity and success of bioelectrochemical systems. Over time, however, inactive or dead cells can accumulate within the anode biofilm, which can be particularly detrimental to current generation. Mixed and pure culture (Geobacter anodireducens) biofilms were examined here relative to changes in electrochemical properties over time. An analysis of the three-dimensional metabolic structure of the biofilms over time showed that both types of biofilms developed a live outer-layer that covered a dead inner-core. This two-layer structure appeared to be mostly a result of relatively low anodic current densities compared to other studies. During biofilm development, the live layer reached a constant thickness, whereas dead cells continued to accumulate near the electrode surface. This result indicated that only the live outer-layer of biofilm was responsible for current generation and suggested that the dead inner-layer continued to function as an electrically conductive matrix. Analysis of the electrochemical properties and biofilm thickness revealed that the diffusion resistance measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy might not be due to acetate or proton diffusion limitations to the live layer, but rather electron-mediator diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Sun
- †State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P.R. China
| | - Shaoan Cheng
- †State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P.R. China
| | - Aijie Wang
- ‡Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, China Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fujian Li
- †State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P.R. China
| | - Bruce E Logan
- §Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Kefa Cen
- †State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P.R. China
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26
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Nikhil GN, Venkata Mohan S, Swamy YV. Applied potentials regulate recovery of residual hydrogen from acid-rich effluents: Influence of biocathodic buffer capacity over process performance. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015; 188:65-72. [PMID: 25736904 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
An absolute biological microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) was operated for a prolonged period under different applied potentials (Eapp, -0.2V to -1.0V) and hydrogen (H2) production was observed using acid-rich effluent. Among these potentials, an optimal voltage of -0.6 V influenced the biocathode by which maximum H2 production of 120 ± 9 ml was noticed. This finding was corroborated with dehydrogenase activity (1.8 ± 0.1 μg/ml) which is the key enzyme for H2 production. The in situ biocathode regulated buffer overpotentials which was remarkably observed by the change in peak heights of dissociation value (pKa) from the titration curve. Substrate degradation analysis gave an estimate of coulombic efficiency of about 72 ± 5% when operated at optimal voltage. Evidently, the electron transfer from solid carbon electrode to biocathode was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and its derivatives showed the involvement of redox mediators. Despite, the MEC endures certain activation overpotentials which were estimated from the Tafel slope analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Nikhil
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India; Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences (BEES), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences (BEES), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Y V Swamy
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India; Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences (BEES), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500 007, India.
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27
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Jayasinghe N, Franks A, Nevin KP, Mahadevan R. Metabolic modeling of spatial heterogeneity of biofilms in microbial fuel cells reveals substrate limitations in electrical current generation. Biotechnol J 2014; 9:1350-61. [PMID: 25113946 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201400068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been proposed as an alternative energy resource for the conversion of organic compounds to electricity. In an MFC, microorganisms such as Geobacter sulfurreducens form an anode-associated biofilm that can completely oxidize organic matter (electron donor) to carbon dioxide with direct electron transfer to the anode (electron acceptor). Mathematical models are useful in analyzing biofilm processes; however, existing models rely on Nernst-Monod type expressions, and evaluate extracellular processes separated from the intracellular metabolism of the microorganism. Thus, models that combine both extracellular and intracellular components, while addressing spatial heterogeneity, are essential for improved representation of biofilm processes. The goal of this work is to develop a model that integrates genome-scale metabolic models with the model of biofilm environment. This integrated model shows the variations of electrical current production and biofilm thickness under the presence/absence of NH4 in the bulk solution, and under varying maintenance energy demands. Further, sensitivity analysis suggested that conductivity is not limiting electrical current generation and that increasing cell density can lead to enhanced current generation. In addition, the modeling results also highlight instances such as the transformation into respiring cells, where the mechanism of electrical current generation during biofilm development is not yet clearly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeera Jayasinghe
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dykstra JE, Biesheuvel PM, Bruning H, Ter Heijne A. Theory of ion transport with fast acid-base equilibrations in bioelectrochemical systems. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2014; 90:013302. [PMID: 25122405 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.90.013302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems recover valuable components and energy in the form of hydrogen or electricity from aqueous organic streams. We derive a one-dimensional steady-state model for ion transport in a bioelectrochemical system, with the ions subject to diffusional and electrical forces. Since most of the ionic species can undergo acid-base reactions, ion transport is combined in our model with infinitely fast ion acid-base equilibrations. The model describes the current-induced ammonia evaporation and recovery at the cathode side of a bioelectrochemical system that runs on an organic stream containing ammonium ions. We identify that the rate of ammonia evaporation depends not only on the current but also on the flow rate of gas in the cathode chamber, the diffusion of ammonia from the cathode back into the anode chamber, through the ion exchange membrane placed in between, and the membrane charge density.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Dykstra
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands and Wetsus, centre of excellence for sustainable water technology, Oostergoweg 7, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - P M Biesheuvel
- Wetsus, centre of excellence for sustainable water technology, Oostergoweg 7, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands and Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science, Wageningen University, Dreijenplein 6, 6703 HB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - H Bruning
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - A Ter Heijne
- Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
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29
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Merkey BV, Chopp DL. Modeling the Impact of Interspecies Competition on Performance of a Microbial Fuel Cell. Bull Math Biol 2014; 76:1429-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s11538-014-9968-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Zhang L, Deshusses M. Application of the finite difference method to model pH and substrate concentration in a double-chamber microbial fuel cell. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2014; 35:1064-1076. [PMID: 24701902 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2013.861021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a mathematical model that can describe glucose degradation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) with the use of finite difference approach. The dynamic model can describe both substrate and pH changes in the anode chamber of a double-chamber MFC. It was developed using finite differences and incorporates basic mass transfer concepts. Model simulation results could fit the experimental data for substrate consumption well, while there was a moderate discrepancy (maximum 0.11 pH unit) between the simulated pH and the experimental data. A parametric sensitivity analysis showed that increases in acetate and propionate consumption rates can cause great decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the anode chamber, while an increase in glucose consumption rate does not result in significant changes of COD reduction. Therefore, the rate limitation steps of glucose degradation are the oxidations of secondary degradation products of glucose (acetate and propionate). Due to the buffering effect of the nutrient solution, the increases in glucose, acetate and propionate consumption rates did not result in much change on pH of the anode chamber.
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31
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Torres CI. On the importance of identifying, characterizing, and predicting fundamental phenomena towards microbial electrochemistry applications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2014; 27:107-14. [PMID: 24441074 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The development of microbial electrochemistry research toward technological applications has increased significantly in the past years, leading to many process configurations. This short review focuses on the need to identify and characterize the fundamental phenomena that control the performance of microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs). Specifically, it discusses the importance of recent efforts to discover and characterize novel microorganisms for MXC applications, as well as recent developments to understand transport limitations in MXCs. As we increase our understanding of how MXCs operate, it is imperative to continue modeling efforts in order to effectively predict their performance, design efficient MXC technologies, and implement them commercially. Thus, the success of MXC technologies largely depends on the path of identifying, understanding, and predicting fundamental phenomena that determine MXC performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Iván Torres
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA; School for Engineering of Matter Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, 501 E. Tyler Mall ECG 301, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
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32
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Renslow R, Babauta J, Kuprat A, Schenk J, Ivory C, Fredrickson J, Beyenal H. Modeling biofilms with dual extracellular electron transfer mechanisms. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013; 15:19262-83. [PMID: 24113651 PMCID: PMC3868370 DOI: 10.1039/c3cp53759e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemically active biofilms have a unique form of respiration in which they utilize solid external materials as terminal electron acceptors for their metabolism. Currently, two primary mechanisms have been identified for long-range extracellular electron transfer (EET): a diffusion- and a conduction-based mechanism. Evidence in the literature suggests that some biofilms, particularly Shewanella oneidensis, produce the requisite components for both mechanisms. In this study, a generic model is presented that incorporates the diffusion- and the conduction-based mechanisms and allows electrochemically active biofilms to utilize both simultaneously. The model was applied to S. oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms using experimentally generated data found in the literature. Our simulation results show that (1) biofilms having both mechanisms available, especially if they can interact, may have a metabolic advantage over biofilms that can use only a single mechanism; (2) the thickness of G. sulfurreducens biofilms is likely not limited by conductivity; (3) accurate intrabiofilm diffusion coefficient values are critical for current generation predictions; and (4) the local biofilm potential and redox potential are two distinct parameters and cannot be assumed to have identical values. Finally, we determined that simulated cyclic and squarewave voltammetry based on our model are currently not capable of determining the specific percentages of extracellular electron transfer mechanisms in a biofilm. The developed model will be a critical tool for designing experiments to explain EET mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Renslow
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, 118 Dana Hall Spokane St., P.O. Box 642710, Pullman, WA 99164-2710, USA.
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33
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Cheng KY, Kaksonen AH, Cord-Ruwisch R. Ammonia recycling enables sustainable operation of bioelectrochemical systems. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 143:25-31. [PMID: 23774293 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.05.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Ammonium (NH4(+)) migration across a cation exchange membrane is commonly observed during the operation of bioelectrochemical systems (BES). This often leads to anolyte acidification (pH <5.5) and complete inactivation of biofilm electroactivity. Without using conventional pH controls (dosage of alkali or pH buffers), the present study revealed that anodic biofilm activity (current) could be sustained if recycling of ammonia (NH3) was implemented. A simple gas-exchange apparatus was designed to enable continuous recycling of NH3 (released from the catholyte at pH >10) from the cathodic headspace to the acidified anolyte. Results indicated that current (110 mA or 688 Am(-3) net anodic chamber volume) was sustained as long as the NH3 recycling path was enabled, facilitating continuous anolyte neutralization with the recycled NH3. Since the microbial current enabled NH4(+) migration against a strong concentration gradient (~10-fold), a novel way of ammonia recovery from wastewaters could be envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Yu Cheng
- CSIRO Land and Water, Floreat, WA 6014, Australia.
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34
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Dhar BR, Lee HS. Membranes for bioelectrochemical systems: challenges and research advances. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2013; 34:1751-1764. [PMID: 24350432 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2013.822007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Increasing energy demand has been a big challenge for current society, as the fossil fuel sources are gradually decreasing. Hence, development of renewable and sustainable energy sources for the future is considered one of the top priorities in national strategic plans. Bioenergy can meet future energy requirements - renewability, sustainability, and even carbon-neutrality. Bioenergy production from wastes and wastewaters is especially attractive because of dual benefits of energy generation and contaminant stabilization. There are several bioenergy technologies using wastes and wastewaters as electron donor, which include anaerobic digestion, dark biohydrogen fermentation, biohydrogen production using photosynthetic microorganisms, and bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Among them BES seems to be very promising as we can produce a variety of value-added products from wastes and wastewaters, such as electric power, hydrogen gas, hydrogen peroxide, acetate, ethanol etc. Most ofthe traditional BES uses a membrane to separate the anode and cathode chamber, which is essential for improving microbial metabolism on the anode and the recovery of value-added products on the cathode. Performance of BES lacking a membrane can be seriously deteriorated, due to oxygen diffusion or substantial loss of synthesized products. For this reason, usage of a membrane seems essential to facilitate BES performance. However, a membrane can bring several technical challenges to BES application compared to membrane-less BES. These challenges include poor proton permeability, substrate loss, oxygen back diffusion, pH gradient, internal resistance, biofouling, etc. This paper aims to review the major technical barriers associated with membranes and future research directions for their application in BESs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON Canada N2L 3G1.
| | - Hyung-Sool Lee
- Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON Canada N2L 3G1
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35
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Renslow RS, Babauta JT, Dohnalkova A, Boyanov MI, Kemner KM, Majors PD, Fredrickson JK, Beyenal H. METABOLIC SPATIAL VARIABILITY IN ELECTRODE-RESPIRING GEOBACTER SULFURREDUCENS BIOFILMS. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2013; 6:1827-1836. [PMID: 23930138 PMCID: PMC3733395 DOI: 10.1039/c3ee40203g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we quantified electron transfer rates, depth profiles of electron donor, and biofilm structure of Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms using an electrochemical-nuclear magnetic resonance microimaging biofilm reactor. Our goal was to determine whether electron donor limitations existed in electron transfer processes of electrode-respiring G. sulfurreducens biofilms. Cells near the top of the biofilms consumed acetate and were metabolically active; however, acetate concentration decreased to below detection within the top 100 microns of the biofilms. Additionally, porosity in the biofilms fell below 10% near the electrode surface, exacerbating exclusion of acetate from the lower regions. The dense biofilm matrix in the acetate-depleted zone acted as an electrical conduit passing electrons generated at the top of the biofilm to the electrode. To verify the distribution of cell metabolic activity, we used uranium as a redox-active probe for localizing electron transfer activity and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the uranium oxidation state. Cells near the top reduced UVI more actively than the cells near the base. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images showed intact, healthy cells near the top and plasmolyzed cells near the base. Contrary to models proposed in the literature, which hypothesize that cells nearest the electrode surface are the most metabolically active because of a lower electron transfer resistance, our results suggest that electrical resistance through the biofilm does not restrict long-range electron transfer. Cells far from the electrode can respire across metabolically inactive cells, taking advantage of their extracellular infrastructure produced during the initial biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- RS Renslow
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | - JT Babauta
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | - A Dohnalkova
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
| | - MI Boyanov
- Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois 60439, USA
| | - KM Kemner
- Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois 60439, USA
| | - PD Majors
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
| | - JK Fredrickson
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
| | - H Beyenal
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
- Corresponding author. Mailing address: The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, 118 Dana Hall Spokane St., P.O. Box 642710, Pullman, WA 99164-2710. Phone: (509) 335-6607, Fax: (509) 335-4806.
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36
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Parameswaran P, Bry T, Popat SC, Lusk BG, Rittmann BE, Torres CI. Kinetic, electrochemical, and microscopic characterization of the thermophilic, anode-respiring bacterium Thermincola ferriacetica. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:4934-4940. [PMID: 23544360 DOI: 10.1021/es400321c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Thermincola ferriacetica is a recently isolated thermophilic, dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing, Gram-positive bacterium with capability to generate electrical current via anode respiration. Our goals were to determine the maximum rates of anode respiration by T. ferriacetica and to perform a detailed microscopic and electrochemical characterization of the biofilm anode. T. ferriacetica DSM 14005 was grown at 60 °C on graphite-rod anodes poised at -0.06 V (vs) SHE in duplicate microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). The cultures grew rapidly until they achieved a sustained current density of 7-8 A m(-2) with only 10 mM bicarbonate buffer and an average Coulombic Efficiency (CE) of 93%. Cyclic voltammetry performed at maximum current density revealed a Nernst-Monod response with a half saturation potential (EKA) of -0.127 V (vs) SHE. Confocal microscopy images revealed a thick layer of actively respiring cells of T. ferriacetica (~38 μm), which is the first documentation for a gram positive anode respiring bacterium (ARB). Scanning electron microscopy showed a well-developed biofilm with a very dense network of extracellular appendages similar to Geobacter biofilms. The high current densities, a thick biofilm (~38 μm) with multiple layers of active cells, and Nernst-Monod behavior support extracellular electron transfer (EET) through a solid conductive matrix - the first such observation for Gram-positive bacteria. Operating with a controlled anode potential enabled us to grow T. ferriacetica that can use a solid conductive matrix resulting in high current densities that are promising for MXC applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prathap Parameswaran
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA.
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37
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Feng Y, Kayode O, Harper WF. Using microbial fuel cell output metrics and nonlinear modeling techniques for smart biosensing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 449:223-228. [PMID: 23428752 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising tools for water quality monitoring but the response peaks have not been characterized and the data processing methods require improvement. In this study MFC-based biosensing was integrated with two nonlinear programming methods, artificial neural networks (ANN) and time series analysis (TSA). During laboratory testing, the MFCs generated well-organized normally-distributed peaks when the influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) was 150 mg/L or less, and multi-peak signals when the influent COD was 200 mg/L. The area under the response peak correlated well with the influent COD concentration. During field testing, we observed normally-distributed and multi-peak profiles at low COD concentrations. The ANN predicted the COD concentration without error with just one layer of hidden neurons, and the TSA model predicted the temporal trends present in properly functioning MFCs and in a device that was gradually failing. This report is the first to integrate ANN and TSA with MFC-based biosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Feng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering, 3700 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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38
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Mook WT, Aroua MKT, Chakrabarti MH, Noor IM, Irfan MF, Low CTJ. A review on the effect of bio-electrodes on denitrification and organic matter removal processes in bio-electrochemical systems. J IND ENG CHEM 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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39
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An J, Lee HS. Implication of endogenous decay current and quantification of soluble microbial products (SMP) in microbial electrolysis cells. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra41116h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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40
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Renslow R, Babauta J, Majors P, Beyenal H. DIFFUSION IN BIOFILMS RESPIRING ON ELECTRODES. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2013; 6:595-607. [PMID: 23420623 PMCID: PMC3571104 DOI: 10.1039/c2ee23394k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to measure spatially and temporally resolved effective diffusion coefficients (D(e)) in biofilms respiring on electrodes. Two model electrochemically active biofilms, Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, were investigated. A novel nuclear magnetic resonance microimaging perfusion probe capable of simultaneous electrochemical and pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR) techniques was used. PFG-NMR allowed noninvasive, nondestructive, high spatial resolution in situ D(e) measurements in living biofilms respiring on electrodes. The electrodes were polarized so that they would act as the sole terminal electron acceptor for microbial metabolism. We present our results as both two-dimensional D(e) heat maps and surface-averaged relative effective diffusion coefficient (D(rs)) depth profiles. We found that 1) D(rs) decreases with depth in G. sulfurreducens biofilms, following a sigmoid shape; 2) D(rs) at a given location decreases with G. sulfurreducens biofilm age; 3) average D(e) and D(rs) profiles in G. sulfurreducens biofilms are lower than those in S. oneidensis biofilms-the G. sulfurreducens biofilms studied here were on average 10 times denser than the S. oneidensis biofilms; and 4) halting the respiration of a G. sulfurreducens biofilm decreases the D(e) values. Density, reflected by D(e), plays a major role in the extracellular electron transfer strategies of electrochemically active biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rs Renslow
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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41
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Miceli JF, Parameswaran P, Kang DW, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Torres CI. Enrichment and analysis of anode-respiring bacteria from diverse anaerobic inocula. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:10349-10355. [PMID: 22909141 DOI: 10.1021/es301902h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
One of the limitations currently faced by microbial electrochemical cell (MXC) technologies lies in the shortage of different organisms capable of forming a biofilm and channeling electrons from substrates to the anode at high current densities. Using a poised anode (-0.30 V vs Ag/AgCl) and acetate as the electron donor in a MXC, we demonstrated the presence of highly efficient anode-respiring bacteria (ARB) able to produce high current densities (>1.5 A/m(2) anode) in seven out of thirteen environmental samples. These included marshes, lake sediments, saline microbial mats, and anaerobic soils obtained from geographically diverse locations. Our microbial ecology analysis, using pyrosequencing, shows that bacteria related to the genus Geobacter, a known and commonly found ARB, dominate only two of the biofilm communities producing high current; other biofilm communities contained different known and/or novel ARB. The presence of ARB in geographically diverse locations indicates that ARB thrive in a wide range of ecosystems. Studying ARB from different environmental conditions will allow us to better understand the ubiquity of anode respiration, compare the capabilities of different ARB consortia, and find ARB with useful metabolic capacities for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Miceli
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
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42
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Chen X, Liang P, Wei Z, Zhang X, Huang X. Sustainable water desalination and electricity generation in a separator coupled stacked microbial desalination cell with buffer free electrolyte circulation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2012; 119:88-93. [PMID: 22728187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.05.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A separator coupled circulation stacked microbial desalination cell (c-SMDC-S) was constructed to stabilize the pH imbalances in MDCs without buffer solution and achieved the stable desalination. The long-term operation of c-SMDC-S, regular stacked MDC (SMDC) and no separator coupled circulation SMDC (c-SMDC) were tested. The SMDC and c-SMDC could only stably operate for 1 week and 1 month owing to dramatic anolyte pH decrease and serious biofilm growth on the air cathode, respectively. The c-SMDC-S gained in anolyte alkalinity and operated stably for about 60 days without the thick biofilm growth on cathode. Besides, the chemical oxygen demand removal and coulombic efficiency were 64 ± 6% and 30 ± 2%, higher than that of SMDC and c-SMDC, respectively. It was concluded that the circulation of alkalinity could remove pH imbalance while the separator could expand the operation period and promote the conversion of organic matter to electricity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
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43
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Abstract
Electromicrobiology deals with the interactions between microorganisms and electronic devices and with the novel electrical properties of microorganisms. A diversity of microorganisms can donate electrons to, or accept electrons from, electrodes without the addition of artificial electron shuttles. However, the mechanisms for microbe-electrode electron exchange have been seriously studied in only a few microorganisms. Shewanella oneidensis interacts with electrodes primarily via flavins that function as soluble electron shuttles. Geobacter sulfurreducens makes direct electrical contacts with electrodes via outer-surface, c-type cytochromes. G. sulfurreducens is also capable of long-range electron transport along pili, known as microbial nanowires, that have metallic-like conductivity similar to that previously described in synthetic conducting polymers. Pili networks confer conductivity to G. sulfurreducens biofilms, which function as a conducting polymer, with supercapacitor and transistor functionalities. Conductive microorganisms and/or their nanowires have a number of potential practical applications, but additional basic research will be necessary for rational optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek R Lovley
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 01003, USA.
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44
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Bond DR, Strycharz-Glaven SM, Tender LM, Torres CI. On electron transport through Geobacter biofilms. CHEMSUSCHEM 2012; 5:1099-1105. [PMID: 22615023 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201100748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Geobacter spp. can form a biofilm that is more than 20 μm thick on an anode surface by utilizing the anode as a terminal respiratory electron acceptor. Just how microbes transport electrons through a thick biofilm and across the biofilm/anode interface, and what determines the upper limit to biofilm thickness and catalytic activity (i.e., current, the rate at which electrons are transferred to the anode), are fundamental questions attracting substantial attention. A significant body of experimental evidence suggests that electrons are transferred from individual cells through a network of cytochromes associated with cell outer membranes, within extracellular polymeric substances, and along pili. Here, we describe what is known about this extracellular electron transfer process, referred to as electron superexchange, and its proposed role in biofilm anode respiration. Superexchange is able to account for many different types of experimental results, as well as for the upper limit to biofilm thickness and catalytic activity that Geobacter biofilm anodes can achieve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Bond
- BioTechnology Institute and Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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45
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Luo H, Xu P, Roane TM, Jenkins PE, Ren Z. Microbial desalination cells for improved performance in wastewater treatment, electricity production, and desalination. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2012; 105:60-66. [PMID: 22178493 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.11.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The low conductivity and alkalinity in municipal wastewater significantly limit power production from microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This study integrated desalination with wastewater treatment and electricity production in a microbial desalination cell (MDC) by utilizing the mutual benefits among the above functions. When using wastewater as the sole substrate, the power output from the MDC (8.01 W/m(3)) was four times higher than a control MFC without desalination function. In addition, the MDC removed 66% of the salts and improved COD removal by 52% and Coulombic efficiency by 131%. Desalination in MDCs improved wastewater characteristics by increasing the conductivity by 2.5 times and stabilizing anolyte pH, which therefore reduced system resistance and maintained microbial activity. Microbial community analysis revealed a more diverse anode microbial structure in the MDC than in the MFC. The results demonstrated that MDC can serve as a viable option for integrated wastewater treatment, energy production, and desalination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiping Luo
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80004, USA
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46
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Pant D, Singh A, Van Bogaert G, Irving Olsen S, Singh Nigam P, Diels L, Vanbroekhoven K. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) for sustainable energy production and product recovery from organic wastes and industrial wastewaters. RSC Adv 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c1ra00839k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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Babauta J, Renslow R, Lewandowski Z, Beyenal H. Electrochemically active biofilms: facts and fiction. A review. BIOFOULING 2012; 28:789-812. [PMID: 22856464 PMCID: PMC4242416 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2012.710324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This review examines the electrochemical techniques used to study extracellular electron transfer in the electrochemically active biofilms that are used in microbial fuel cells and other bioelectrochemical systems. Electrochemically active biofilms are defined as biofilms that exchange electrons with conductive surfaces: electrodes. Following the electrochemical conventions, and recognizing that electrodes can be considered reactants in these bioelectrochemical processes, biofilms that deliver electrons to the biofilm electrode are called anodic, ie electrode-reducing, biofilms, while biofilms that accept electrons from the biofilm electrode are called cathodic, ie electrode-oxidizing, biofilms. How to grow these electrochemically active biofilms in bioelectrochemical systems is discussed and also the critical choices made in the experimental setup that affect the experimental results. The reactor configurations used in bioelectrochemical systems research are also described and the authors demonstrate how to use selected voltammetric techniques to study extracellular electron transfer in bioelectrochemical systems. Finally, some critical concerns with the proposed electron transfer mechanisms in bioelectrochemical systems are addressed together with the prospects of bioelectrochemical systems as energy-converting and energy-harvesting devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Babauta
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Ryan Renslow
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | - Haluk Beyenal
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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The Performance of a Microbial Fuel Cell Depends Strongly on Anode Geometry: A Multidimensional Modeling Study. Bull Math Biol 2011; 74:834-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s11538-011-9690-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Mohan SV, Chandrasekhar K. Solid phase microbial fuel cell (SMFC) for harnessing bioelectricity from composite food waste fermentation: influence of electrode assembly and buffering capacity. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2011; 102:7077-7085. [PMID: 21570830 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Solid phase microbial fuel cells (SMFC; graphite electrodes; open-air cathode) were designed to evaluate the potential of bioelectricity production by stabilizing composite canteen based food waste. The performance was evaluated with three variable electrode-membrane assemblies. Experimental data depicted feasibility of bioelectricity generation from solid state fermentation of food waste. Distance between the electrodes and presence of proton exchange membrane (PEM) showed significant influence on the power yields. SMFC-B (anode placed 5 cm from cathode-PEM) depicted good power output (463 mV; 170.81 mW/m(2)) followed by SMFC-C (anode placed 5 cm from cathode; without PEM; 398 mV; 53.41 mW/m(2)). SMFC-A (PEM sandwiched between electrodes) recorded lowest performance (258 mV; 41.8 mW/m(2)). Sodium carbonate amendment documented marked improvement in power yields due to improvement in the system buffering capacity. SMFCs operation also documented good substrate degradation (COD, 76%) along with bio-ethanol production. The operation of SMFC mimicked solid-sate fermentation which might lead to sustainable solid waste management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Centre, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500 607, India.
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Pinto RP, Srinivasan B, Escapa A, Tartakovsky B. Multi-population model of a microbial electrolysis cell. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:5039-46. [PMID: 21534584 DOI: 10.1021/es104268g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a multi-population dynamic model of a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). The model describes the growth and metabolic activity of fermentative, electricigenic, methanogenic acetoclastic, and methanogenic hydrogenophilic microorganisms and is capable of simulating hydrogen production in a MEC fed with complex organic matter, such as wastewater. The model parameters were estimated with the experimental results obtained in continuous flow MECs fed with acetate or synthetic wastewater. Following successful model validation with an independent data set, the model was used to analyze and discuss the influence of applied voltage and organic load on hydrogen production and COD removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Pinto
- Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, Canada
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