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Gallardo-Bustos C, Tapia N, Vargas IT. Synthetic greywater treatment using a scalable granular activated carbon bioelectrochemical reactor. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 159:108741. [PMID: 38810323 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108741] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Greywater reuse has emerged as a promising solution for addressing water shortages. However, greywater needs treatment before reuse to meet the required water quality standards. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are unsuitable for recreating highly decentralized domestic greywater. This study evaluated bioelectrochemical reactors (BERs) with granular activated carbon (GAC) as a sustainable alternative for developing decentralized and low-cost biological treatment systems. BERs using GAC as the anode material and conventional GAC biofilters (BFs) for synthetic greywater treatment were operated in batch mode for 110 days in two stages: (i) with polarized anodes at -150 mV vs. Ag/AgCl and (ii) as a microbial fuel cell with an external resistance of 1 kΩ. Anode polarization produced an electrosorption effect, increasing the ion removal of the BERs. Power production during the operation and cyclic voltammetry tests of the extracted granules revealed electrochemically active biofilm development on the BERs. Although low power density (0.193 ± 0.052 µW m-3) was observed in BERs, they showed a similar performance in sCOD removal (BER = 91.6-89.6 %; BF = 96.2-93.2 %) and turbidity removal (BER = 81-82 %; BF = 30-62 %) to BFs that used 50 % aeration. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy of sampled granules showed higher biomass formation in BER granules than in BF granules, suggesting a higher contribution of sessile (vs. planktonic) cells to the treatment. Thus, the results highlight the synergistic removal effect of the GAC-based BER. The scalable design presented in this study represents a proof-of-concept for developing BERs to use in decentralized greywater treatment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gallardo-Bustos
- Departamento de Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), Chile; Consorcio Tecnológico del Agua (COTH(2)O), Chile
| | - Natalia Tapia
- Departamento de Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), Chile; Consorcio Tecnológico del Agua (COTH(2)O), Chile
| | - Ignacio T Vargas
- Departamento de Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), Chile; Consorcio Tecnológico del Agua (COTH(2)O), Chile.
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2
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Bian B, Yu N, Akbari A, Shi L, Zhou X, Xie C, Saikaly PE, Logan BE. Using a non-precious metal catalyst for long-term enhancement of methane production in a zero-gap microbial electrosynthesis cell. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121815. [PMID: 38820732 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121815] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells exploit the ability of microbes to convert CO2 into valuable chemical products such as methane and acetate, but high rates of chemical production may need to be mediated by hydrogen and thus require a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). To avoid the usage of precious metal catalysts and examine the impact of the catalyst on the rate of methane generation by microbes on the electrode, we used a carbon felt cathode coated with NiMo/C and compared performance to a bare carbon felt or a Pt/C-deposited cathode. A zero-gap configuration containing a cation exchange membrane was developed to produce a low internal resistance, limit pH changes, and enhance direct transport of H2 to microorganisms on the biocathode. At a fixed cathode potential of -1 V vs Ag/AgCl, the NiMo/C biocathode enabled a current density of 23 ± 4 A/m2 and a high methane production rate of 4.7 ± 1.0 L/L-d. This performance was comparable to that using a precious metal catalyst (Pt/C, 23 ± 6 A/m2, 5.4 ± 2.8 L/L-d), and 3-5 times higher than plain carbon cathodes (8 ± 3 A/m2, 1.0 ± 0.4 L/L-d). The NiMo/C biocathode was operated for over 120 days without observable decay or severe cathode catalyst leaching, reaching an average columbic efficiency of 53 ± 9 % based on methane production under steady state conditions. Analysis of microbial community on the biocathode revealed the dominance of the hydrogenotrophic genus Methanobacterium (∼40 %), with no significant difference found for biocathodes with different materials. These results demonstrated that HER catalysts improved rates of methane generation through facilitating hydrogen gas evolution to an attached biofilm, and that the long-term enhancement of methane production in MES was feasible using a non-precious metal catalyst and a zero-gap cell design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Bian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Najiaowa Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Amir Akbari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Le Shi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Xuechen Zhou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Chenghan Xie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Environmental Science and Engineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Nwanebu E, Jezernik M, Lawson C, Bruant G, Tartakovsky B. Impact of cathodic pH and bioaugmentation on acetate and CH 4 production in a microbial electrosynthesis cell. RSC Adv 2024; 14:22962-22973. [PMID: 39086992 PMCID: PMC11290334 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03906h] [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: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This study compares carbon dioxide conversion in carbonate-fed microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells operated at low (5.3), neutral (7) and high (8) pH levels and inoculated either with wild-type or bioaugmented mixed microbial populations. Two 100 mL (cathode volume) MES cells inoculated with anaerobic digester sludge were operated with a continuous supply of carbonate solution (5 g L-1 as CO3 2-). Acetate production was highest at low pH, however CH4 production still persisted, possibly due to pH gradients within the cathodic biofilm, resulting in acetate and CH4 volumetric (per cathode compartment volume) production rates of 1.0 ± 0.1 g (Lc d)-1 and 0.84 ± 0.05 L (Lc d)-1, respectively. To enhance production of carboxylic acids, four strains of acetogenic bacteria (Clostridium carboxidivorans, Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium autoethanogenum, and Eubacterium limosum) were added to both MES cells. In the bioaugmented MES cells, acetate production increased to 2.0 g (Lc d)-1. However, production of other carboxylic acids such as butyrate and caproate was insignificant. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of cathodic biofilm and suspended biomass suggested a low density of introduced acetogenic bacteria implying that selective pressure rather than bioaugmentation led to improved acetate production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Nwanebu
- Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, National Research Council Canada 6100 Royalmount Avenue Montreal Quebec H4P 2R2 Canada
| | - Mara Jezernik
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto Toronto Canada
| | - Christopher Lawson
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto Toronto Canada
| | - Guillaume Bruant
- Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, National Research Council Canada 6100 Royalmount Avenue Montreal Quebec H4P 2R2 Canada
| | - Boris Tartakovsky
- Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, National Research Council Canada 6100 Royalmount Avenue Montreal Quebec H4P 2R2 Canada
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Bian Y, Leininger A, May HD, Ren ZJ. H 2 mediated mixed culture microbial electrosynthesis for high titer acetate production from CO 2. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:100324. [PMID: 37961049 PMCID: PMC10637882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) converts CO2 into value-added products such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs) with minimal energy use, but low production titer has limited scale-up and commercialization. Mediated electron transfer via H2 on the MES cathode has shown a higher conversion rate than the direct biofilm-based approach, as it is tunable via cathode potential control and accelerates electrosynthesis from CO2. Here we report high acetate titers can be achieved via improved in situ H2 supply by nickel foam decorated carbon felt cathode in mixed community MES systems. Acetate concentration of 12.5 g L-1 was observed in 14 days with nickel-carbon cathode at a poised potential of -0.89 V (vs. standard hydrogen electrode, SHE), which was much higher than cathodes using stainless steel (5.2 g L-1) or carbon felt alone (1.7 g L-1) with the same projected surface area. A higher acetate concentration of 16.0 g L-1 in the cathode was achieved over long-term operation for 32 days, but crossover was observed in batch operation, as additional acetate (5.8 g L-1) was also found in the abiotic anode chamber. We observed the low Faradaic efficiencies in acetate production, attributed to partial H2 utilization for electrosynthesis. The selective acetate production with high titer demonstrated in this study shows the H2-mediated electron transfer with common cathode materials carries good promise in MES development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Bian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, 86 Olden St, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, 86 Olden St., Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States
| | - Aaron Leininger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, 86 Olden St, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, 86 Olden St., Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States
| | - Harold D. May
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, 86 Olden St., Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States
| | - Zhiyong Jason Ren
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, 86 Olden St, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, 86 Olden St., Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States
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5
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Chen G, Wang R, Sun M, Chen J, Iyobosa E, Zhao J. Carbon dioxide reduction to high-value chemicals in microbial electrosynthesis system: Biological conversion and regulation strategies. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 344:140251. [PMID: 37769909 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Large emissions of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) are causing climatic and environmental problems. It is crucial to capture and utilize the excess CO2 through diverse methods, among which the microbial electrosynthesis (MES) system has become an attractive and promising technology to mitigate greenhouse effects while reducing CO2 to high-value chemicals. However, the biological conversion and metabolic pathways through microbial catalysis have not been clearly elucidated. This review first introduces the main acetogenic bacteria for CO2 reduction and extracellular electron transfer mechanisms in MES. It then intensively analyzes the CO2 bioconversion pathways and carbon chain elongation processes in MES, together with energy supply and utilization. The factors affecting MES performance, including physical, chemical, and biological aspects, are summarized, and the strategies to promote and regulate bioconversion in MES are explored. Finally, challenges and perspectives concerning microbial electrochemical carbon sequestration are proposed, and suggestions for future research are also provided. This review provides theoretical foundation and technical support for further development and industrial application of MES for CO2 reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Rongchang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Maoxin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Eheneden Iyobosa
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jianfu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze Aquatic Environment (MOE), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, Shanghai, PR China
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Kumar S, Tripathi A, Chakraborty I, Ghangrekar MM. Engineered nanomaterials for carbon capture and bioenergy production in microbial electrochemical technologies: A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 389:129809. [PMID: 37797801 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129809] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The mounting threat of global warming, fuelled by industrialization and anthropogenic activities, is undeniable. In 2017, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary greenhouse gas, exceeded 410 ppm for the first time. Shockingly, on April 28, 2023, this figure surged even higher, reaching an alarming 425 ppm. Even though extensive research has been conducted on developing efficient carbon capture and storage technologies, most suffer from high costs, short lifespans, and significant environmental impacts. Recently, the use of engineered nanomaterials (ENM), particularly in microbial electrochemical technologies (METs), has gained momentum owing to their appropriate physicochemical properties and catalytic activity. By implementing ENM, the MET variants like microbial electrosynthesis (MES) and photosynthetic microbial fuel cells (pMFC) can enhance carbon capture efficiency with simultaneous bioenergy production and wastewater treatment. This review provides an overview of ENMs' role in carbon capture within MES and pMFC, highlighting advancements and charting future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar
- P. K. Sinha Centre for Bioenergy and Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Akash Tripathi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Indrajit Chakraborty
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Makarand M Ghangrekar
- P. K. Sinha Centre for Bioenergy and Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India; Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
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7
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Priyadarshini M, Ahmad A, Das I, Ghangrekar MM, Dutta BK. Efficacious degradation of ethylene glycol by ultraviolet activated persulphate: reaction kinetics, transformation mechanisms, energy demand, and toxicity assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:85071-85086. [PMID: 37227630 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27596-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Ethylene glycol or 1,2-ethanediol (EG) is a persistent and toxic substance in the environment and extensively applied in petrochemical, surfactants, antifreeze, asphalt emulsion paints, cosmetics, plastics, and polyester fiber industries. Degradation of EG by using ultraviolet (UV) activated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and persulfate (PS) or persulfate anion (S2O82-) based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) were explored. The result obtained demonstrate that UV/PS (85.7 ± 2.5%) has exhibited improved degradation efficiency of EG as compared to UV/H2O2 (40.4 ± 3.2%) at optimal operating conditions of 24 mM of EG concentration, 5 mM of H2O2, 5 mM of PS, 1.02 mW cm-2 of UV fluence, and pH of 7.0. Impacts of operating factors, including initial EG concentration, oxidant dosage, reaction duration, and the impact of different water quality parameters, were also explored in this present investigation. The degradation of EG in Milli-Q® water followed pseudo - first order reaction kinetics in both methods having a rate constant of about 0.070 min-1 and 0.243 min-1 for UV/H2O2 and UV/PS, respectively, at optimum operating conditions. Additionally, an economic assessment was also conducted under optimal experimental conditions, and the electrical energy per order and total operational cost for treating per m3 of EG-laden wastewater was observed to be about 0.042 kWh m-3 order-1 and 0.221 $ m-3 order-1, respectively, for UV/PS, which was slightly lower than UV/H2O2 (0.146 kWh m-3 order-1; 0.233 $ m-3 order-1). The potential degradation mechanisms were proposed based on intermediate by-products detected by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Moreover, real petrochemical effluent containing EG was also treated by UV/PS, demonstrating 74.7 ± 3.8% of EG and 40.7 ± 2.6% of total organic carbon removal at 5 mM of PS and 1.02 mW cm-2 of UV fluence. A toxicity tests on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Vigna radiata (green gram) confirmed non-toxic nature of UV/PS treated water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monali Priyadarshini
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Azhan Ahmad
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Indrasis Das
- Environmental Engineering Department, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600020, India
| | - Makarand Madhao Ghangrekar
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
| | - Binay K Dutta
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
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Ibrahim I, Salehmin MNI, Balachandran K, Hil Me MF, Loh KS, Abu Bakar MH, Jong BC, Lim SS. Role of microbial electrosynthesis system in CO 2 capture and conversion: a recent advancement toward cathode development. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1192187. [PMID: 37520357 PMCID: PMC10379653 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1192187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is an emerging electrochemical technology currently being researched as a CO2 sequestration method to address climate change. MES can convert CO2 from pollution or waste materials into various carbon compounds with low energy requirements using electrogenic microbes as biocatalysts. However, the critical component in this technology, the cathode, still needs to perform more effectively than other conventional CO2 reduction methods because of poor selectivity, complex metabolism pathways of microbes, and high material cost. These characteristics lead to the weak interactions of microbes and cathode electrocatalytic activities. These approaches range from cathode modification using conventional engineering approaches to new fabrication methods. Aside from cathode development, the operating procedure also plays a critical function and strategy to optimize electrosynthesis production in reducing operating costs, such as hybridization and integration of MES. If this technology could be realized, it would offer a new way to utilize excess CO2 from industries and generate profitable commodities in the future to replace fossil fuel-derived products. In recent years, several potential approaches have been tested and studied to boost the capabilities of CO2-reducing bio-cathodes regarding surface morphology, current density, and biocompatibility, which would be further elaborated. This compilation aims to showcase that the achievements of MES have significantly improved and the future direction this is going with some recommendations. Highlights - MES approach in carbon sequestration using the biotic component.- The role of microbes as biocatalysts in MES and their metabolic pathways are discussed.- Methods and materials used to modify biocathode for enhancing CO2 reduction are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irwan Ibrahim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nur Ikhmal Salehmin
- Institute of Sustainable Energy (ISE), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Putrajaya Campus, Kajang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Kee Shyuan Loh
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | | | - Bor Chyan Jong
- Agrotechnology and Bioscience Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Swee Su Lim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
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Wang S, Wu X, Xu S, Leng Q, Jin D, Wang P, Dong F, Wu D. Energetic evaluation of phenol wastewater treatment by reverse electrodialysis reactor using different anodes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 329:117089. [PMID: 36565499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117089] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Efficient electrode materials are essential to convert salinity gradient energy into oxidative degradation energy and electrical energy by reverse electrodialysis reactor (REDR). In this context, comparative experiments of REDR using different anodes (Ti/IrO2-RuO2, Ti/PbO2 and Ti/Ti4O7) were conducted. The effects of output current and electrode rinse solution (ERS) flowrate on mineralization efficiency and energy output were discussed. Results demonstrated that the COD removal rate(ηCOD) rose almost linearly with output current and ERS flowrate when using Ti/Ti4O7 anode, but excessive operating conditions caused a slow increase or even decrease of ηCOD when using Ti/IrO2-RuO2 or Ti/PbO2 anodes. The order of electrode system potential loss (Eele) for the three anodes was Ti/Ti4O7> Ti/PbO2> Ti/IrO2-RuO2. High Eele was beneficial to ηCOD but had a negative effect on the net output power (Pnet) of REDR. Regardless of the applied anodes, increasing the current and decreasing the ERS flowrate was detrimental to Pnet due to higher Eele. Based on these findings, four energy efficiency parameters were defined to evaluate energy recovery from multiple perspectives by linking energy output with mineralization capacity. They were electrode efficiency (ηele), energy efficiency (EE), general current efficiency (GCE) and energy consumption (EC), respectively. Results showed that REDR with Ti/Ti4O7 anodes and suitable operating conditions achieved the optimal energy indicators and mineralization efficiency, which provided an efficient and economical option for wastewater treatment and energy recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Shiming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China.
| | - Qiang Leng
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Dongxu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Fujiang Dong
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Debing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
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10
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Advanced biological and non-biological technologies for carbon sequestration, wastewater treatment, and concurrent valuable recovery: A review. J CO2 UTIL 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.102372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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11
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Baek G, Rossi R, Saikaly PE, Logan BE. High-rate microbial electrosynthesis using a zero-gap flow cell and vapor-fed anode design. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118597. [PMID: 35609490 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells use renewable energy to convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemical products such as methane and acetate, but chemical production rates are low and pH changes can adversely impact biocathodes. To overcome these limitations, an MES reactor was designed with a zero-gap electrode configuration with a cation exchange membrane (CEM) to achieve a low internal resistance, and a vapor-fed electrode to minimize pH changes. Liquid catholyte was pumped through a carbon felt cathode inoculated with anaerobic digester sludge, with humidified N2 gas flowing over the abiotic anode (Ti or C with a Pt catalyst) to drive water splitting. The ohmic resistance was 2.4 ± 0.5 mΩ m2, substantially lower than previous bioelectrochemical systems (20-25 mΩ m2), and the catholyte pH remained near-neutral (6.6-7.2). The MES produced a high methane production rate of 2.9 ± 1.2 L/L-d (748 mmol/m2-d, 17.4 A/m2; Ti/Pt anode) at a relatively low applied voltage of 3.1 V. In addition, acetate was produced at a rate of 940 ± 250 mmol/m2-d with 180 ± 30 mmol/m2-d for propionate. The biocathode microbial community was dominated by the methanogens of the genus Methanobrevibacter, and the acetogen of the genus Clostridium sensu stricto 1. These results demonstrate the utility of this zero-gap cell and vapor-fed anode design for increasing rates of methane and chemical production in MES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gahyun Baek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Environmental Research Group, Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST), 67 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Ruggero Rossi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Environmental Science and Engineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States.
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Bajracharya S, Krige A, Matsakas L, Rova U, Christakopoulos P. Advances in cathode designs and reactor configurations of microbial electrosynthesis systems to facilitate gas electro-fermentation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 354:127178. [PMID: 35436538 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In gas fermentation, a range of chemolithoautotrophs fix single-carbon (C1) gases (CO2 and CO) when H2 or other reductants are available. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) enables CO2 reduction by generating H2 or reducing equivalents with the sole input of renewable electricity. A combined approach as gas electro-fermentation is attractive for the sustainable production of biofuels and biochemicals utilizing C1 gases. Various platform compounds such as acetate, butyrate, caproate, ethanol, butanol and bioplastics can be produced. However, technological challenges pertaining to the microbe-material interactions such as poor gas-liquid mass transfer, low biomass and biofilm coverage on cathode, low productivities still exist. We are presenting a review on latest developments in MES focusing on the configuration and design of cathodes that can address the challenges and support the gas electro-fermentation. Overall, the opportunities for advancing CO and CO2-based biochemicals and biofuels production in MES with suitable cathode/reactor design are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Bajracharya
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Adolf Krige
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Leonidas Matsakas
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Rova
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Paul Christakopoulos
- Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971-87 Luleå, Sweden
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Vassilev I, Dessì P, Puig S, Kokko M. Cathodic biofilms - A prerequisite for microbial electrosynthesis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 348:126788. [PMID: 35104648 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cathodic biofilms have an important role in CO2 bio-reduction to carboxylic acids and biofuels in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells. However, robust and resilient electroactive biofilms for an efficient CO2 conversion are difficult to achieve. In this review, the fundamentals of cathodic biofilm formation, including energy conservation, electron transfer and development of catalytic biofilms, are presented. In addition, strategies for improving cathodic biofilm formation, such as the selection of electrode and carrier materials, cell design and operational conditions, are described. The knowledge gaps are individuated, and possible solutions are proposed to achieve stable and productive biofilms in MES cathodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Vassilev
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 8, 33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Paolo Dessì
- School of Chemistry and Energy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUIA. Institute of Environment. University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Marika Kokko
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 8, 33720, Tampere, Finland.
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Zhang S, Jiang J, Wang H, Li F, Hua T, Wang W. A review of microbial electrosynthesis applied to carbon dioxide capture and conversion: The basic principles, electrode materials, and bioproducts. J CO2 UTIL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2021.101640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Electrodeposited Hybrid Biocathode-Based CO 2 Reduction via Microbial Electro-Catalysis to Biofuels. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11030223. [PMID: 33810075 PMCID: PMC8004817 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11030223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis is a new approach to converting C1 carbon (CO2) to more complex carbon-based products. In the present study, CO2, a potential greenhouse gas, was used as a sole carbon source and reduced to value-added chemicals (acetate, ethanol) with the help of bioelectrochemical reduction in microbial electrosynthesis systems (MES). The performance of MES was studied with varying electrode materials (carbon felt, stainless steel, and cobalt electrodeposited carbon felt). The MES performance was assessed in terms of acetic acid and ethanol production with the help of gas chromatography (GC). The electrochemical characterization of the system was analyzed with chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry. The study revealed that the MES operated with hybrid cobalt electrodeposited carbon felt electrode yielded the highest acetic acid (4.4 g/L) concentration followed by carbon felt/stainless steel (3.7 g/L), plain carbon felt (2.2 g/L), and stainless steel (1.87 g/L). The alcohol concentration was also observed to be highest for the hybrid electrode (carbon felt/stainless steel/cobalt oxide is 0.352 g/L) as compared to the bare electrodes (carbon felt is 0.22 g/L) tested, which was found to be in correspondence with the pH changes in the system. Electrochemical analysis revealed improved electrotrophy in the hybrid electrode, as confirmed by the increased redox current for the hybrid electrode as compared to plain electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry analysis also confirmed the role of the biocatalyst developed on the electrode in CO2 sequestration.
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Das S, Ghangrekar MM. Performance comparison between batch and continuous mode of operation of microbial electrosynthesis for the production of organic chemicals. J APPL ELECTROCHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10800-020-01524-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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