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Ho QN, Mitsuoka K, Yoshida N. Microbial fuel cell in long-term operation and providing electricity for intermittent aeration to remove contaminants from sewage. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 259:119503. [PMID: 38972342 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) show promise in sewage treatment because they can directly convert organic matter (OM) into electricity. This study aimed to demonstrate MFCs stability over 750 days of operation and efficient removal of OM and nitrogenous compounds from sewage. To enhance contaminant removal, oxygen was provided into the anode chamber via a mini air pump. This pump was powered by the MFCs' output voltage, which was boosted using a DC-DC converter. The experimental system consisted of 12 sets of cylindrical MFCs within a 246L-scale reactor. The boosted voltage reached 4.7 V. This voltage was first collected in capacitors every 5 min and then dispensed intermittently to the air pump for the MFCs reactor in 4 s. This corresponds to receiving average DO concentration reaching 0.34 ± 0.44 mg/L at 10 cm above the air-stone. Consequently, the degradation rate constants (k) for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) in the presence of oxygen were 0.048 and 0.069, respectively, which surpassed those without oxygen by 0.039 and 0.044, respectively. Aeration also marginally improved the removal of ammonia because of its potential to create a favorable environment for the growth of anammox and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria such as Candidatus brocadia and Nitrospira. The findings of this study offer in-depth insight into the benefits of boosted voltage in MFCs, highlighting its potential to enhance contaminant degradation. This serves as a foundation for future research focused on improving MFCs performance, particularly for the removal of contaminants from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Que Nguyen Ho
- Department of Civil Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya 466-8555, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Mitsuoka
- Department of Civil Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya 466-8555, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naoko Yoshida
- Department of Civil Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya 466-8555, Aichi, Japan.
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Tong KTX, Tan IS, Foo HCY, Show PL, Lam MK, Wong MK. Sustainable circular biorefinery approach for novel building blocks and bioenergy production from algae using microbial fuel cell. Bioengineered 2023; 14:246-289. [PMID: 37482680 PMCID: PMC10367576 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2236842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The imminent need for transition to a circular biorefinery using microbial fuel cells (MFC), based on the valorization of renewable resources, will ameliorate the carbon footprint induced by industrialization. MFC catalyzed by bioelectrochemical process drew significant attention initially for its exceptional potential for integrated production of biochemicals and bioenergy. Nonetheless, the associated costly bioproduct production and slow microbial kinetics have constrained its commercialization. This review encompasses the potential and development of macroalgal biomass as a substrate in the MFC system for L-lactic acid (L-LA) and bioelectricity generation. Besides, an insight into the state-of-the-art technological advancement in the MFC system is also deliberated in detail. Investigations in recent years have shown that MFC developed with different anolyte enhances power density from several µW/m2 up to 8160 mW/m2. Further, this review provides a plausible picture of macroalgal-based L-LA and bioelectricity circular biorefinery in the MFC system for future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tian Xiang Tong
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Inn Shi Tan
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Henry Chee Yew Foo
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
- Department of Sustainable Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - Man Kee Lam
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
- HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Mee Kee Wong
- PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Wang Z, Li D, Shi Y, Sun Y, Okeke SI, Yang L, Zhang W, Zhang Z, Shi Y, Xiao L. Recent Implementations of Hydrogel-Based Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs) in Sensing Applications. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:641. [PMID: 36679438 PMCID: PMC9866333 DOI: 10.3390/s23020641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel materials have been used extensively in microbial electrochemical technology (MET) and sensor development due to their high biocompatibility and low toxicity. With an increasing demand for sensors across different sectors, it is crucial to understand the current state within the sectors of hydrogel METs and sensors. Surprisingly, a systematic review examining the application of hydrogel-based METs to sensor technologies has not yet been conducted. This review aimed to identify the current research progress surrounding the incorporation of hydrogels within METs and sensors development, with a specific focus on microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). The manufacturing process/cost, operational performance, analysis accuracy and stability of typical hydrogel materials in METs and sensors were summarised and analysed. The current challenges facing the technology as well as potential direction for future research were also discussed. This review will substantially promote the understanding of hydrogel materials used in METs and benefit the development of electrochemical biosensors using hydrogel-based METs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeena Wang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dunzhu Li
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yunhong Shi
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yifan Sun
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Saviour I. Okeke
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luming Yang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yanqi Shi
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liwen Xiao
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- TrinityHaus, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
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James A. Ceramic-microbial fuel cell (C-MFC) for waste water treatment: A mini review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 210:112963. [PMID: 35217013 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical system that utilizes the activity of electrogenic bacteria to generate electricity. When wastewater is used as feed in MFC, its organic constituents are hydrolyzed and oxidized by the bacteria. Hence, this technology is a source of clean electricity while simultaneously treating wastewater. Over the years much research has been done to improve its efficiency as well as to reduce the cost of implementation and functioning. However, scalability and commercialization of this technology still faces several challenges. This mini review discusses the use of ceramics in MFCs using wastewater feed as a method of overcoming the current technological challenges. Ceramics can be used as separators, chassis or electrode, conferring facile chemical and structural stability. The material is low-cost, environment-friendly and easily available. Studies reporting stacked configurations have been mentioned, and those that have reported field studies and technology oriented practical applications. Critical analysis of the scalability of the use of ceramics for the dual purpose of electricity generation as well as wastewater treatment has been done in this review. Future research directives towards potential sustainable commercialization have also been mentioned. C-MFC is a promising technology and the primary aim of this review is to help enhance the knowledge base for the optimization of use of ceramics in MFC to achieve large-scale clean electricity generation and sewage treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anina James
- Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Dwarka Sector 3, Delhi, 110078, India.
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Pivato A, Raga R, Marzorati S, Cerminara G, Lavagnolo MC, Schievano A. Mitigating long-term emissions of landfill aftercare: Preliminary results from experiments combining microbial electrochemical technologies and in situ aeration. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2022; 40:596-606. [PMID: 33407038 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x20983895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Landfills still represent the main option for waste disposal in many parts of the world. Anyway, they often pose a significant pollution risk and contribute to potential environmental and human health impacts via gaseous and liquid (leachate) emission pathways if not properly managed. Some innovative technologies can help to reduce these emissions, such as in situ aeration and the application of microbial electrochemical technologies (METs). METs are an emerging field that open the possibility to control microbial reactions, enhancing electron flows from electron donors towards electron acceptors. To this end, several materials with different electrochemically-active properties are used, such as electrical conductivity, capacitance, surface electroactivity and charge. The present project named LA-LA-LAND (Landfill electron-Lapping for a LANDscape requalification) was aimed to apply METs to treat leachate-saturated zones in old landfills. A MET prototype was constructed using a granular anode (graphite) and a cylindrical air-cathode (electroactive biochar). The METs were integrated to three identical laboratory-scale landfill bioreactors coupled with the in situ aeration technique, while three control reactors run without MET. The maximum values of current and power density obtained were 0.015 A·m-2 and 0.00035 W·m-2. The influence of the MET system on the organic matter removal was evident in two reactors, where this technology was applied, with respect to the control ones: total organic carbon decreased on average 13%, while it reduced less than 5% in the control reactors. This preliminary experiment pointed out some critical aspects of MET configuration, such as the weakness of the cathode architecture, which was prone to be flooded by leachate, blocking the aeration flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pivato
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, ICEA, Padova, Italy
| | - R Raga
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, ICEA, Padova, Italy
| | - S Marzorati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policies, eBioCenter, Milano, Italy
| | - G Cerminara
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, ICEA, Padova, Italy
| | - M C Lavagnolo
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, ICEA, Padova, Italy
| | - A Schievano
- Department of Environmental Science and Policies, eBioCenter, Milano, Italy
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Greenman J, Mendis A, You J, Gajda I, Horsfield I, Ieropoulos I. Microbial Fuel Cell Based Thermosensor for Robotic Applications. Front Robot AI 2021; 8:558953. [PMID: 34722640 PMCID: PMC8555662 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.558953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On the roadmap to building completely autonomous artificial bio-robots, all major aspects of robotic functions, namely, energy generation, processing, sensing, and actuation, need to be self-sustainable and function in the biological realm. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) provide a platform technology for achieving this goal. In a series of experiments, we demonstrate that MFCs can be used as living, autonomous sensors in robotics. In this work, we focus on thermal sensing that is akin to thermoreceptors in mammalian entities. We therefore designed and tested an MFC-based thermosensor system for utilization within artificial bio-robots such as EcoBots. In open-loop sensor characterization, with a controlled load resistance and feed rate, the MFC thermoreceptor was able to detect stimuli of 1 min directed from a distance of 10 cm causing a temperature rise of ∼1°C at the thermoreceptor. The thermoreceptor responded to continuous stimuli with a minimum interval of 384 s. In a practical demonstration, a mobile robot was fitted with two artificial thermosensors, as environmental thermal detectors for thermotactic application, mimicking thermotaxis in biology. In closed-loop applications, continuous thermal stimuli were detected at a minimum time interval of 160 s, without the need for complete thermoreceptor recovery. This enabled the robot to detect thermal stimuli and steer away from a warmer thermal source within the rise of 1°C. We envision that the thermosensor can be used for future applications in robotics, including as a potential sensor mechanism for maintaining thermal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Arjuna Mendis
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jiseon You
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Iwona Gajda
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Horsfield
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Li Y, Yang W, Liu X, Guan W, Zhang E, Shi X, Zhang X, Wang X, Mao X. Diffusion-layer-free air cathode based on ionic conductive hydrogel for microbial fuel cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 743:140836. [PMID: 32758853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
High hydraulic pressure in air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can lead to severe cathodic water leakage and power reduction, thereby hindering the practical applications of MFCs. In this study, an alternative air cathode without a diffusion layer was developed using a cross-linked hydrogel, oxidized konjac glucomannan/2-hydroxypropytrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (OKH), for ion bridging. The cathode was placed horizontally to avoid hydraulic pressure on its surface. Ion transportation was sustained with a minimal OKH hydrogel loading of 10 mg/cm2. A maximum power density of 1.0 ± 0.04 W/m2 was achieved, which was only slightly lower than the 1.28 ± 0.02 W/m2 of common air cathodes. Moreover, the cost of the OKH hydrogel is only $0.12/m2, which can reduce ~85% of the cathode cost without using the advanced polyvinylidene fluoride diffusion layer. Therefore, the development of this new diffusion-layer-free air cathode using conductive ionic hydrogel provides a low-cost strategy for stable MFC operation, thereby demonstrating great potential for practical applications of MFC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Wulin Yang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Xue Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Weikai Guan
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Enren Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City 225002, PR China
| | - Xiaowen Shi
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Xinquan Zhang
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
| | - Xuhui Mao
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
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