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Ceballos-Escalera A, Pous N, Balaguer MD, Puig S. Nitrate electro-bioremediation and water disinfection for rural areas. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141370. [PMID: 38316275 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141370] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate-contaminated groundwater is a pressing issue in rural areas, where up to 40 % of the population lacks access to safely managed drinking water services. The high costs and complexity of centralised treatment in these regions exacerbate this problem. To address this challenge, the present study proposes electro-bioremediation as a more accessible decentralised alternative. Specifically, the main focus of this study is developing and evaluating a compact reactor designed to accomplish simultaneous nitrate removal and groundwater disinfection. Significantly, this study has established a new benchmark for nitrate reduction rate within bioelectrochemical reactors, achieving the maximum reported rate of 5.0 ± 0.3 kg NO3- m-3NCC d-1 at an HRTcat of 0.7 h. Furthermore, thein-situ generation of free chlorine was effective for water disinfection, resulting in a residual concentration of up to 4.4 ± 1.1 mg Cl2 L-1 in the effluent at the same HRTcat of 0.7 h. These achievements enabled the treated water to meet the drinking water standards for nitrogen compounds (nitrate, nitrite, and nitrous oxide) as well as pathogens content (T. coliforms, E. coli, and Enterococcus). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of the electro-bioremediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater as a decentralised water treatment system in rural areas with a competitive operational cost of 1.05 ± 0.16 € m-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ceballos-Escalera
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Narcís Pous
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain.
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2
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Thapa BS, Pandit S, Gurung A, Ashun E, Ko SY, Oh SE. Granular activated carbon assisted biocathode for effective electrotrophic denitrification in microbial fuel cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141341. [PMID: 38307327 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141341] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Granular activated carbon (GAC) has been widely used at the anode of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) to enhance anode performance due to its outstanding capacitance property. To the best of our knowledge, there haven't been any studies on GAC in the cathode for biofilm development and nitrate reduction in MFC. In this study, by adding GAC to biocathode, we investigated the impact of different GAC amounts and stirring speeds on power generation and nitrate reduction rate in MFC. The denitrification rate was found to be nearly two-times higher in MFCs with GAC (0.046 ± 0.0016 kg m-3 d-1) compared to that deprived of GAC (0.024 ± 0.0012 kg m-3 d-1). The electrotrophic denitrification has produced a maximum power density of 37.6 ± 4.8 mW m-2, which was further increased to 79.2 ± 7.4 mW m-2 with the amount of GAC in the biocathode. A comparative study performed with chemical catalyst (Pt carbon with air sparging) cathode and GAC biocathode showed that power densities produced with GAC biocathode were close to that with Pt cathode. Cyclic voltammetry analysis conducted at 10 mV s-1 between -0.9 V and +0.3 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) showed consistent reduction peaks at -0.6V (Ag/AgCl) confirming the reduction reaction in the biocathode. This demonstrates that the GAC biocathode used in this research is effective at producing power density and denitrification in MFC. Our belief that the nitrate reduction was caused by the GAC biocathode in MFC was further strengthened when SEM analysis showing bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation on the surface of GAC. The GAC biocathode system described in this research may be an excellent substitute for MFC's dual functions of current generation and nitrate reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhim Sen Thapa
- Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, 192-1 Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon-Si, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Science, WEHR Life Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA.
| | - Soumya Pandit
- Department of Life Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India.
| | - Anup Gurung
- Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, 192-1 Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon-Si, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ebenezer Ashun
- Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, 192-1 Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon-Si, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seoung-Yun Ko
- Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, 192-1 Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon-Si, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Eun Oh
- Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, 192-1 Hyoja-dong, Chuncheon-Si, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Jin C, Tang Q, Xu H, Sheng Y. Effects of anode materials on nitrate reduction and microbial community in a three-dimensional electrode biofilm reactor with sulfate. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139909. [PMID: 37611758 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Graphite rod corrosion and peeling are serious problems in three-dimensional electrode biofilm reactors (3D-BERs). In this study, titanium rods, titanium suboxide-coated titanium rods and graphite rods were used as anodes to investigate the effect of anodic materials on the electrochemical and bioelectrochemical reduction of nitrate and sulfate. The results showed that the reactor with the titanium suboxide-coated titanium rod anode (3D-ER-T) exhibited a stable NO3--N removal efficiency (46%-95%) with a current range of 160-320 mA in the electrochemical reduction process. In the bioelectrochemical reduction, the removal efficiencies of NO3--N and SO42- and nitrogen selectivity in the 3D-BER with titanium suboxide-coated titanium rod anode (3D-BER-T) were higher than those in the 3D-BER with titanium suboxide-coated graphite rod anode (3D-BER-G). The removal efficiencies of NO3--N and SO42- and nitrogen selectivity were 92%, 43% and 86%, respectively, in 3D-BER-T under 320 mA and HRT 12 h. Anode materials affected the microbial community. Hydrogenophaga and Dethiobacter were the dominant bacteria in 3D-BER-T, while OPB41 and Sulfurospirillum were dominant in 3D-BER-G. Nitrate and sulfate were effectively removed in 3D-BER-T by the synergistic work of electrochemical reduction, bioelectrochemical reduction and indirect electrochemical reduction. The resupply/reserve mode of the electron donor promoted the load of shock resistance of 3D-BER-T via the sulfur cycle. Titanium suboxide coating could significantly enhance the anti-corrosion ability of matrix anodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Qi Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hengduo Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yanqing Sheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China.
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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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5
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Gu M, Wang Y, Wan D, Shi Y, He Q. Electrodialysis ion-exchange membrane bioreactor (EDIMB) to remove nitrate from water: Optimization of operating conditions and kinetics analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156046. [PMID: 35597341 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156046] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution has become a worldwide problem. In this study, we remove nitrate from water by electrodialysis ion-exchange membrane bioreactor (EDIMB) and enabling simultaneous nitrate enrichment and denitrification. In this reactor, nitrate migrated from the water chamber to the biological chamber via electrodialysis and was degraded by microorganisms. The effects of voltage and biomass concentration on the reactor performance were examined, and the kinetics data of the water chamber and biological chamber were fitted. The experimental results showed that the migration of nitrate in the water chamber conformed to the first-order model, and the constructed zero-Michaelis-Menten model described changes in nitrate concentration in the biological chamber. Furthermore, when the inflow nitrate concentration was 40 mg N/L, 5 V was the best voltage, and 3.00 g VSS/L was the best biomass concentration. The nitrate removal rate in the water chamber was 98.94%, and there was no accumulation of nitrate or nitrite in the biological chamber. Compared with traditional ED processes, the nitrate removal efficiency was 8.86% higher, and the current efficiency was 22.14% higher. The total organic carbon (TOC) of the water chamber was only 1.43 mg C/L, which proves that the structure of the EDIMB confined the denitrifying bacteria and organic carbon donors in the biological chamber and avoided secondary pollution in the water chamber. Microbial community analysis showed that Thauera (66.06%) was the dominant bacterium in the EDIMB system, and Azoarcus (9.81%) was a minor denitrifying genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Gu
- College of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- College of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Dongjin Wan
- College of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Yahui Shi
- College of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Qiaochong He
- College of Environmental Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Environmental Pollution, Remediation and Grain Quality Security, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
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6
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Cheng J, Tang D, Tang Z, Guo J. A novel sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification coupled with bio-cathode system for bioelectricity generation and groundwater remediation. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 86:979-991. [PMID: 36358041 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2022.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the feasibility of treating wastewater using sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification (SAD) coupled with the bio-cathode of microbial fuel cell (MFC), focusing on simultaneous bioelectricity generation, denitrification, and desulphurization. A maximum output voltage of 360 mV was obtained with a power generation cycle of 25 h when simulated wastewater with 100.0 mg/L of each NO3--N and S2--S was employed as the influent in the SAD-BMFC. Compared with solo SAD or MFC, SAD-BMFC obtained a higher NO3--N removal rate (E12 h = 87.7%, E24 h = 100%), and less NO2--N accumulation. S2--S of the influent was almost completely removed, oxidized to S0-S (88.6-90.2 mg/L) and SO42--S (9.8-11.4 mg/L). The reaction system achieved self-balance of acidity-alkalinity (pH 7.05-7.35). The SAD process was the main pathway for NO3--N removal (80.2%) and a smaller proportion of electrons came from the bio-cathode. This study effectively combined SAD with a bio-cathode system for simultaneous energy harvest and bio-enhanced remediation of groundwater contaminated by both NO3--N and S2--S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Cheng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui Province 230009, China E-mail:
| | - Dai Tang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui Province 230009, China E-mail:
| | - Zhiguo Tang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui Province 230009, China E-mail:
| | - Jin Guo
- School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Anhui Vocational and Technical College, Hefei, Anhui Province 230011, China
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7
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Xu L, Su J, Ali A, Chang Q, Shi J, Yang Y. Denitrification performance of nitrate-dependent ferrous (Fe 2+) oxidizing Aquabacterium sp. XL4: Adsorption mechanisms of bio-precipitation of phenol and estradiol. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 427:127918. [PMID: 34863560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a nitrate-dependent ferrous (Fe2+) oxidizing strain under anaerobic conditions was selected and identified as XL4, which belongs to Aquabacterium. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the growth conditions of strain XL4, and the nitrate removal efficiency of strain XL4 (with 10% inoculation dosage, v/v) could reach 91.41% under the conditions of 30.34 ℃, pH of 6.91, and Fe2+ concentration of 19.69 mg L-1. The results of Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectra (EEM) revealed that the intensity of soluble microbial products (SMP), aromatic proteins and the fulvic-like materials were obvious difference under different Fe2+ concentration, pH, and temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data confirmed that the main components of bio-precipitation were Fe3O4 and FeO(OH), which were believed to be responsible for the adsorption of phenol and estradiol. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity of bio-precipitation for phenol and estradiol under the optimal conditions were 192.6 and 65.4 mg g-1, respectively. On the other hand, the adsorption process of phenol and estradiol by bio-precipitation confirmed to the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir model, which shows that the adsorption process is chemical adsorption and occurs on the uniform surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Junfeng Su
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
| | - Amjad Ali
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Qiao Chang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Jun Shi
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Yuzhu Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
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8
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Su D, Chen Y. Advanced bioelectrochemical system for nitrogen removal in wastewater. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 292:133206. [PMID: 34922956 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) pollution in water has become a serious issue that cannot be ignored due to the harm posed by excessive nitrogen to environmental safety and human health; as such, N concentrations in water are strictly limited. The bioelectrochemical system (BES) is a new method to remove excessive N from water, and has attracted considerable attention. Compared with other methods, it is highly efficient and has low energy consumption. However, the BES has not been applied for N removal in practice due to lack of in-depth research on the mechanism and construction of high-performance electrodes, separators, and reactor configurations; this highlights a need to review and examine the efforts in this field. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the current BES research for N removal focusing on the reaction principles, reactor configurations, electrodes and separators, and treatment of actual wastewater; the corresponding performances in these realms are also discussed. Finally, the prospects for N removal in water using the BES are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexin Su
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Yupeng Chen
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, PR China.
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9
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Xu H, Ma Y, Chen J, Zhang WX, Yang J. Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate - a step towards a sustainable nitrogen cycle. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:2710-2758. [PMID: 35274646 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00857a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate enrichment, which is mainly caused by the over-utilization of fertilisers and industrial sewage discharge, is a major global engineering challenge because of its negative influence on the environment and human health. To solve this serious problem, many technologies, such as the activated sludge method, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, adsorption, and electrodialysis, have been developed to reduce the nitrate levels in water bodies. However, the applications of these traditional techniques are limited by several drawbacks, such as a long sludge retention time, slow kinetics, and undesirable by-products. From an environmental perspective, the most promising nitrate reduction technology is enabled to convert nitrate into benign N2, and features low cost, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Recently, electrocatalytic nitrate reduction has been proven by satisfactory research achievements to be one of the most promising methods among these technologies. This review provides a comprehensive account of nitrate reduction using electrocatalysis methods. The fundamentals of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction, including the reaction mechanisms, reactor design principles, product detection methods, and performance evaluation methods, have been systematically summarised. A detailed introduction to electrocatalytic nitrate reduction on transition metals, especially noble metals and alloys, Cu-based electrocatalysts, and Fe-based electrocatalysts is provided, as they are essential for the accurate reporting of experimental results. The current challenges and potential opportunities in this field, including the innovation of material design systems, value-added product yields, and challenges for products beyond N2 and large-scale sewage treatment, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute of Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Wei-Xian Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jianping Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
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10
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Mainardis M, Cecconet D, Moretti A, Callegari A, Goi D, Freguia S, Capodaglio AG. Wastewater fertigation in agriculture: Issues and opportunities for improved water management and circular economy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 296:118755. [PMID: 34971741 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Water shortages are an issue of growing worldwide concern. Irrigated agriculture accounts for about 70% of total freshwater withdrawals globally, therefore alternatives to use of conventional sources need to be investigated. This paper critically reviews the application of treated wastewater for agricultural fertigation (i.e., water and nutrient recovery) considering different perspectives: legislation, agronomic characteristics, social acceptability, sustainability of treatment technologies. Critical issues that still need further investigation for a wider application of fertigation practices include accumulation of emerging contaminants in soils, microbiological and public health implications, and stakeholders' acceptance. A techno-economic methodological approach for assessing the sustainability of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture is subsequently proposed herein, which considers different possible local conditions (cultivated crops and effluent characteristics). The results showed that tailoring effluent characteristics to the desired nutrient composition could enhance the process economic sustainability; however, water savings have a major economic impact than fertilizers' savings, partly due to limited P reuse efficiency. The developed methodology is based on a practical approach and may be generalized to most agricultural conditions, to evaluate and encourage safe and efficient agricultural wastewater reuse practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matia Mainardis
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine, Via Del Cotonificio 108, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Daniele Cecconet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretti
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine, Via Del Cotonificio 108, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Arianna Callegari
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Goi
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine, Via Del Cotonificio 108, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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11
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Wang X, Prévoteau A, Rabaey K. Impact of Periodic Polarization on Groundwater Denitrification in Bioelectrochemical Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15371-15379. [PMID: 34727498 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate contamination is a common problem in groundwater around the world. Nitrate can be cathodically reduced in bioelectrochemical systems using autotrophic denitrifiers with low energy investment and without chemical addition. Successful denitrification was demonstrated in previous studies in both microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) with continuous current flow, whereas the impact of intermittent current supply (e.g., in a fluidized-bed system) on denitrification and particularly the electron-storing capacity of the denitrifying electroactive biofilms (EABs) on the cathodes have not been studied in depth. In this study, two continuously fed MECs were operated in parallel under continuous and periodic polarization modes over 280 days, respectively. Under continuous polarization, the maximum denitrification rate reached 233 g NO3--N/m3/d with 98% nitrate removal (0.6 mg NO3--N/L in the effluent) with negligible intermediate production, while under a 30 s open-circuit/30 s polarization mode, 86% of nitrate was removed at a maximum rate of 205 g NO3--N/m3/d (4.5 mg NO3--N/L in the effluent) with higher N2O production (6.6-9.3 mg N/L in the effluent). Conversely, periodic polarization could be an interesting approach in other bioelectrochemical processes if the generation of chemical intermediates (partially reduced or oxidized) should be favored. Similar microbial communities dominated byGallionellaceaewere found in both MECs; however, swapping the polarization modes and the electrochemical analyses suggested that the periodically polarized EABs probably developed a higher ability for electron storage and transfer, which supported the direct electron transfer pathway in discontinuous operation or fluidized biocathodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Wang
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Frieda Saeysstraat 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antonin Prévoteau
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Frieda Saeysstraat 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Frieda Saeysstraat 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Xia J, Chen D, Hou C, Li Y, Jiang X, Shen J. Reductive potential from cathode electrode as an option for the achievement of short-cut nitrification in bioelectrochemical systems. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 338:125553. [PMID: 34280852 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen removal based on short-cut nitrification (SCN) have attract more attentions, in which stable nitrite accumulation is prerequisite. In this study, different reductive potential was applied to inhibit nitrite oxidizing bacteria for achievement of SCN in aerobic cathode chamber of bioelectrochemical systems with dissolved oxygen concentration of 3.5 mg/L. The results demonstrated that the applied potential facilitated nitrite accumulation with high ammonia oxidation rates. The maximum nitrate accumulation rate of 87.61% was obtained at -800 mV. The abundance of Nitrosomonas and Thauera increased while Nitrospira abundance declined with more negative reductive potentials. The activity of nitric oxide reductase was also evidently inhibited. The above-mentioned three genera were the keystone taxa in co-occurrence network with high degree and closeness centrality. Interestingly, total nitrogen (TN) removal was enhanced simultaneously in the absence of external organic carbon. Reductive potential would be a promising approach for achieving SCN and simultaneously TN removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaohui Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210094, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210094, China
| | - Cheng Hou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210094, China
| | - Yan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210094, China.
| | - Xinbai Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210094, China
| | - Jinyou Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210094, China
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13
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Bryszewski KŁ, Rodziewicz J, Mielcarek A, Janczukowicz W, Jóźwiakowski K. Investigation on the improved electrochemical and bio-electrochemical treatment processes of soilless cultivation drainage (SCD). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:146846. [PMID: 33872897 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The soilless crop cultivation under cover generates wastewater called soilless cultivation drainage (SCD), being a nutrient-rich overflow. The average concentration of phosphorus- and nitrogen-based pollutants from soilless tomato cultivation usually ranges from 35.4 to 104.0 mg P/L and from 270.0 to 614.9 mg N/L, respectively. In bio-electrochemical reactors, nitrogen and phosphorus are removed via biological denitrification, electrochemical nitrate reduction, bio-electrochemical reduction, and electrocoagulation. The novelty of this study is due to the use of alternating current (AC), which can both mitigate the corrosion on the anode and solve the issue of insoluble oxide build-up on the cathode. Additionally, and crucially, it promotes bacterial growth and activity. The aim of the present study was to determine (1) the effectiveness of soilless cultivation drainage treatment methods that employ biological and electrochemical processes, with consideration given to (2) the quantity and quality of the produced sludge as a potential nutrient-rich product. The bio-electrochemical reactor proved more effective than the electrochemical one and ensured a high TP and TN removal efficiency exceeding 97% and 66%, respectively. The resulting sludge was rich in such elements as calcium, potassium, carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen, and as such may serve as a viable alternative to conventional mineral fertilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Łukasz Bryszewski
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Department of Environment Engineering, Warszawska St. 117a, Olsztyn 10-719, Poland
| | - Joanna Rodziewicz
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Department of Environment Engineering, Warszawska St. 117a, Olsztyn 10-719, Poland.
| | - Artur Mielcarek
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Department of Environment Engineering, Warszawska St. 117a, Olsztyn 10-719, Poland
| | - Wojciech Janczukowicz
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Department of Environment Engineering, Warszawska St. 117a, Olsztyn 10-719, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Jóźwiakowski
- University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Department of Environmental Engineering and Geodesy, Leszczyńskiego St. 7, Lublin 20-069, Poland
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14
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Sustainable, Decentralized Sanitation and Reuse with Hybrid Nature-Based Systems. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13111583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nature (ecosystem) based processes for wastewater treatment include constructed wetlands (CWs), waste stabilization ponds, vegetated drainage ditches, buffer zones, instream or bankside river techniques, and mixotrophic systems, where light and CO2 are utilized, in addition to organic carbon compounds, by algal cultures. Algae-based systems can simultaneously remove organic matter, N, and P and may offer substantial energetic advantages compared to traditional biological treatment systems, require small spatial footprint, and contribute to biofuels production and CO2 emissions mitigation. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) present characteristics compatible with the use in isolated realities for water and wastewater treatment with contextual energy recovery and may be combined with other nature-based process technologies to achieve good treatment and energy efficiencies. Despite that their application in real-scale plants has not been assessed yet, the most probable outcome will be the in situ/on site treatment (or pretreatment) of wastes for small “in house” plants not connected to the sewerage network. This paper focuses on the current practices and perspectives of hybrid nature-based systems, such as constructed wetlands and microalgae integrated phytoremediation plants, and their possible integration with microbial electrochemical technologies to increase recovery possibilities from wastes and positively contribute to a green economy approach.
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15
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Bolognesi S, Cecconet D, Callegari A, Capodaglio AG. Bioelectrochemical treatment of municipal solid waste landfill mature leachate and dairy wastewater as co-substrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:24639-24649. [PMID: 32696411 PMCID: PMC8144121 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10167-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite solid wastes' landfill disposal limitation due to recent European legislation, landfill leachate disposal remains a significant problem and will be for many years in the future, since its production may persist for years after a site's closure. Among process technologies proposed for its treatment, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can be effective, achieving both contaminant removal and simultaneous energy recovery. Start-up and operation of two dual-chamber MFCs with different electrodes' structure, fed with mature municipal solid waste landfill leachate, are reported in this study. Influent (a mix of dairy wastewater and mature landfill leachate at varying proportions) was fed to the anodic chambers of the units, under different conditions. The maximum COD removal efficiency achieved was 84.9% at low leachate/dairy mix, and 66.3% with 7.6% coulombic efficiency (CE) at a leachate/dairy ratio of 20%. Operational issues and effects of cells' architecture and electrode materials on systems' performance are analyzed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bolognesi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, Universitat de Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Daniele Cecconet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arianna Callegari
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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16
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Lin Z, Cheng S, Yu Z, Yang J, Huang H, Sun Y. Enhancing bio-cathodic nitrate removal through anode-cathode polarity inversion together with regulating the anode electroactivity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 764:142809. [PMID: 33097251 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bio-cathodic nitrate removal uses autotrophic nitrate-reducing bacteria as catalysts to realize the nitrate removal process and has been considered as a cost-effective way to remove nitrate contamination. However, the present bio-cathodic nitrate removal process has problems with long start-up time and low performance, which are urgently required to improve for its application. In this study, we investigated an anode-cathode polarity inversion method for rapidly cultivating high-performance nitrate-reducing bio-cathode by regulating bio-anodic bio-oxidation electroactivities under different external resistances and explored at the first time the correlation between the oxidation performance and the reduction performance of one mixed-bacteria bioelectrode. A high bio-electrochemical nitrate removal rate of 2.74 ± 0.03 gNO3--N m-2 d-1 was obtained at the bioelectrode with high bio-anodic bio-oxidation electroactivity, which was 4.0 times that of 0.69 ± 0.03 gNO3--N m-2 d-1 at the bioelectrode with low bio-oxidation electroactivity, and which was 1.3-7.9 times that of reported (0.35-2.04 gNO3--N m-2 d-1). 16S rRNA gene sequences and bacterial biomass analysis showed higher bio-cathodic nitrate removal came from higher bacterial biomass of electrogenic bacteria and nitrate-reducing bacteria. A good linear correlation between the bio-cathodic nitrate removal performance and the reversed bio-anodic bio-oxidation electroactivity was presented and likely implied that electrogenic biofilm had either action as autotrophic nitrate reduction or promotion to the development of autotrophic nitrate removal system. This study provided a novel strategy not only to rapidly cultivate high-performance bio-cathode but also to possibly develop the bio-cathode with specific functions for substance synthesis and pollutant detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhufan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China
| | - Shaoan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China.
| | - Zhen Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China
| | - Jiawei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China
| | - Haobin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy, Department of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, PR China
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17
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Zhu M, Fan J, Zhang M, Li Z, Yang J, Liu X, Wang X. Current intensities altered the performance and microbial community structure of a bio-electrochemical system. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 265:129069. [PMID: 33257046 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A novel integrated bio-electrochemical system with sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) and electrocoagulation (BESAD-EC) system was established to remove nitrate (NO3--N) and phosphorus from contaminated groundwater. The impacts of a current intensity gradient on the system's performance and microbial community were investigated. The results showed that NO3--N and total phosphorus (TP) could be effectively removed with maximum NO3--N reduction and TP removal efficiencies of 94.2% and 75.8% at current intensities of 200 and 400 mA, respectively. Lower current intensities could improve the removal efficiencies of NO3--N (≤200 mA) and phosphorus (≤400 mA), while higher current intensity (600 mA) caused the inhibition of nutrients removal in the system. MiSeq sequencing analysis revealed that low electrical stimulation improved the diversity and richness of microbial community, while high electrical stimulation reduced their diversity and richness. The relative abundance of some genus involved in denitrification and phosphorus removal processes such as Rhizobium, Hydrogenophaga, Denitratisoma and Gemmobacter, significantly (P < 0.05) reduced under high current conditions. This could be one of the main reasons for the deterioration of denitrification and phosphorus removal performance. The results of this study could be helpful to enhance the nutrient removal performance of bio-electrochemical systems in groundwater treatment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghan Zhu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jingkai Fan
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Minglu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Zhenyang Li
- Airport New City in Xixian New Area Management Commission of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, 712034, China
| | - Jingdan Yang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaotong Liu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Environmental Material for Water Purification, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
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18
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Lin S, Hao T, Li X, Xiao Y, Chen G. Pin-point denitrification for groundwater purification without direct chemical dosing: Demonstration of a two-chamber sulfide-driven denitrifying microbial electrochemical system. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 182:115918. [PMID: 32531495 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115918] [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: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The nitrate concentration in groundwater has been increasing over time due to the intensive use of nitrogen fertilizer. Current nitrate removal technologies are restricted by the high operational cost or the inevitable secondary contaminations. This study proposed a two-chamber sulfide-driven denitrifying microbial electrochemical system to denitrify nitrate in its cathode chamber. Instead of conventional organic substrates, sulfide is oxidized in the anode chamber to generate electrons for cathodic denitrification. Long-term performance of this novel system was evaluated over 200 days (100 cycles) of batch-fed operation. With the assistance of anodic microorganisms, sulfide can be directly oxidized to sulfate thus avoiding passivating the anode. Catalyzed by the cathodic microorganisms, complete denitrification was realized with neither nitrite nor nitrous oxide accumulation. Benefiting from the electroautotrophic behavior of the functional microorganisms, high electron utilization efficiencies were achieved, 80% and 85% for the anode (sulfide oxidation) and the cathode (denitrification) respectively. Both observed electrode potentials and microbial analyses revealed that cytochrome c is the crucial electron transfer mediator in the cathodic electron transfer for denitrification. Based on the analysis of planktonic and biofilm microbial samples, anodic and cathodic extracellular electron transfer bioprocesses are proposed, both the direct and mediated electron transfers involved, as were revealed by immobilized and planktonic functional microorganisms, respectively. This study demonstrates the feasibility of purifying nitrate-contaminated groundwater without sacrificing its water quality in a separate mode of treatment. This concept can be extended to a broader field, in which the water requires bio-polishing without introducing unwanted secondary pollution like the post-denitrification of wastewater effluents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tianwei Hao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau.
| | - Xiling Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yihang Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Guanghao Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution (Hong Kong Branch) and Water Technology Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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19
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Peng S, Kong Q, Deng S, Xie B, Yang X, Li D, Hu Z, Sun S. Application potential of simultaneous nitrification/Fe 0-supported autotrophic denitrification (SNAD) based on iron-scraps and micro-electrolysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:135087. [PMID: 32000338 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen has not been purposely introduced to the autotrophic denitrification systems and simultaneous nitrification/autotrophic denitrification (SNAD) has not been proposed. In this study, oxygen was introduced into a micro-electrolysis-enhanced Fe0-supported autotrophic denitrification (mFe0AD) system. The nitrogen removal performance was investigated and the application potential of iron-scraps-supported simultaneous nitrification/mFe0AD was evaluated. The results showed that Fe0AD was surprisingly enhanced by oxygen together with nitrification at average dissolved oxygen (DO) of 0.08-1.56 mg/L. The ammonia oxidizing bacterial, nitrite oxidizing bacteria, facultative autotrophic denitrificans, and iron compounds transformation bacteria were markedly enriched. Average denitrification rate shifted from 0.116 to 0.340 kg N/(m3·d) with increase of average total nitrogen removal efficiency from 31.4% to 90.5%. Oxygen could enhance the biological conversion and storage of iron compounds, which was capable of reducing the coating of Fe0 surface.The accelerating of oxygen on Fe0 passivation appeared when increasing the average DO from 1.56 to 2.17 mg/L. Therefore, the SNAD was recommended to be operated at the DO range of 0.08-1.56 mg/L. ME significantly enhanced Fe0AD, and the utilization of iron-scraps reduced its cost. The denitrification rate is comparable with methanol supported heterotrophic denitrification with 58.9% reduction on the cost. The iron-scraps supported SNAD is competitive in both denitrification rate and costs in the ammonia contaminated low-carbon water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Peng
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Qiang Kong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore; College of Geography and Environment, Collaborative Innovation Center of Human-Nature and Green Development in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Shihai Deng
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, PR China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore.
| | - Binghan Xie
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore; School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai 264209, PR China
| | - Xue Yang
- Process & Engineering Center, National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon Energy, Beijing 102211, PR China
| | - Desheng Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Zhifeng Hu
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Shaobin Sun
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, PR China
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20
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Su S, Zhang Y, Hu W, Zhang X, Ju D, Jia C, Liu J. Efficient and synergistic decolourization and nitrate removal using a single-chamber with a coupled biocathode-photoanode system. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 132:107439. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.107439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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21
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Cecconet D, Sabba F, Devecseri M, Callegari A, Capodaglio AG. In situ groundwater remediation with bioelectrochemical systems: A critical review and future perspectives. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105550. [PMID: 32086076 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater contamination is an ever-growing environmental issue that has attracted much and undiminished attention for the past half century. Groundwater contamination may originate from both anthropogenic (e.g., hydrocarbons) and natural compounds (e.g., nitrate and arsenic); to tackle the removal of these contaminants, different technologies have been developed and implemented. Recently, bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have emerged as a potential treatment for groundwater contamination, with reported in situ applications that showed promising results. Nitrate and hydrocarbons (toluene, phenanthrene, benzene, BTEX and light PAHs) have been successfully removed, due to the interaction of microbial metabolism with poised electrodes, in addition to physical migration due to the electric field generated in a BES. The selection of proper BESs relies on several factors and problems, such as the complexity of groundwater and subsoil environment, scale-up issues, and energy requirements that need to be accounted for. Modeling efforts could help predict case scenarios and select a proper design and approach, while BES-based biosensing could help monitoring remediation processes. In this review, we critically analyze in situ BES applications for groundwater remediation, focusing in particular on different proposed setups, and we identify and discuss the existing research gaps in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cecconet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Sabba
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Matyas Devecseri
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arianna Callegari
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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22
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Wang X, Aulenta F, Puig S, Esteve-Núñez A, He Y, Mu Y, Rabaey K. Microbial electrochemistry for bioremediation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 1:100013. [PMID: 36160374 PMCID: PMC9488016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2020.100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Lack of suitable electron donors or acceptors is in many cases the key reason for pollutants to persist in the environment. Externally supplementation of electron donors or acceptors is often difficult to control and/or involves chemical additions with limited lifespan, residue formation or other adverse side effects. Microbial electrochemistry has evolved very fast in the past years - this field relates to the study of electrochemical interactions between microorganisms and solid-state electron donors or acceptors. Current can be supplied in such so-called bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) at low voltage to provide or extract electrons in a very precise manner. A plethora of metabolisms can be linked to electrical current now, from metals reductions to denitrification and dechlorination. In this perspective, we provide an overview of the emerging applications of BES and derived technologies towards the bioremediation field and outline how this approach can be game changing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Wang
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Federico Aulenta
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Via Salaria Km 29,300, 00015, Monterotondo, RM, Italy
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA. Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi. C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Abraham Esteve-Núñez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona Km 33.600, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Yujie He
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse (SKL-PCRR), School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Xianlin Avenue 163, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yang Mu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Ghent University, Belgium
- Corresponding author. Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. http://www.capture-resources.be
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23
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Wang Y, Chang M, Pan Y, Zhang K, Lyu L, Wang M, Zhu T. Performance analysis and optimization of ammonium removal in a new biological folded non-aerated filter reactor. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 688:505-512. [PMID: 31254816 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A new type of biological folded non-aerated filter (BFNAF) was found to be superior and feasible for the treatment of NH4+-N wastewater. It was constructed with the folded structure suitable for the nylon biomass carrier. The advantages of the BFNAF included low energy consumption, long reaction path, large biofilm surface area and non-clogging compared to the traditional biological aerated filter. In this study, the effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT), and the influent NH4+-N concentration on the performance of BFNAF were investigated and optimized by the response surface methodology. Under the optimal operating condition (HRT, 10 h; NH4+-N concentration, 52 mg/L), the removal efficiency and removal rate were 94.62 ± 0.63% and 0.106 kg-NH4+ m-3 day-1, respectively. The results showed that the BFNAF reactor could remove NH4+-N from wastewater and realized the nitrification process effectively under natural ventilation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youzhao Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, 3-11, Wenhua Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Mingdong Chang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, 3-11, Wenhua Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Yuan Pan
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, 3-11, Wenhua Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Kuo Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, 3-11, Wenhua Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Liting Lyu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, 3-11, Wenhua Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Min Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, 3-11, Wenhua Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, 3-11, Wenhua Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110819, China.
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Kondaveeti S, Kang E, Liu H, Min B. Continuous autotrophic denitrification process for treating ammonium-rich leachate wastewater in bioelectrochemical denitrification system (BEDS). Bioelectrochemistry 2019; 130:107340. [PMID: 31450170 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.107340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The reduction of nitrogen compounds in aqueous solution is extremely important for sustainable management of ecosystem and human health. An autotrophic bioelectrochemical denitrification (BED) process was evaluated at various conditions for enhanced treatment of synthetic wastewater (SW) and ammonium-rich leachate. With SW, a decrease in hydraulic retention time (HRT: 41.6 to 8.3 h) resulted in a 370% increase in denitrification rate from 0.026 to 0.096 kg NO3-N/m3. D. An increase in applied voltage (0.7 to 2 V) enhanced nitrate removal (81 to 97% removal), but coulombic efficiency decreased from 74% to 19%. With doubled cathode electrodes, the nitrate removal rate was doubled from 0.056 to 0.114 kg NO3-N/m3. D. Moreover, leachate wastewater was successfully denitrified with the maximum removal rate of 0.121 kg NO3-N/m3. D. These results point towards the practical potential for the combination of nitrification systems with BEDS for reduction of nitrogen for discharge purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanath Kondaveeti
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Seocheon-dong, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunha Kang
- Environmental Science, Urban and Environmental Research Division, Suwon Research Institute 126 Suin-ro, Kwonseon-gu, Suwon, Kyonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Booki Min
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Seocheon-dong, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Republic of Korea.
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Cecconet D, Bolognesi S, Callegari A, Capodaglio AG. Simulation tests of in situ groundwater denitrification with aquifer-buried biocathodes. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02117. [PMID: 31388574 PMCID: PMC6667668 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) application was proposed for a variety of specific uses, due to these systems’ characteristics: electrodes can act as virtually inexhaustible electron acceptors/donors, offering a growth-support surface for microorganisms, and stimulating naturally-occurring microbial degradation activities. In situ, groundwater denitrification therefore seems to be a potential candidate for their use. In this study, buried biocathodes were operated in laboratory settings for the simulation of in situ groundwater denitrification. Two alternative configurations were tested: biocathode buried in sand, and biocathode buried in gravel. A control test with a biocathode in absence of sand/gravel was also performed. In all the cases, biocathodes were driven by power supply or potentiostat to guarantee a steady electron flux to the cathode. The presence of sand and gravel strongly influenced the denitrification process: in both configurations, accumulation of intermediate N-forms was detected, suggesting that the denitrification process was only partially achieved. In addition, a significant decrease (in the 20–36% range) in nitrate removal rates was measured in sand and gravel setups compared to the control reactor; this issue could be attributed to lack of recirculation that limited contact between substrate and electrode-adherent biofilm. Biocathodes buried in gravel obtained better results than those buried in sand due to the lower packing of the medium. The results of this study suggest that, in order to achieve successful in situ treatment, special design of submerged-biocathodic BESs is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cecconet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Bolognesi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy.,LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, Carrer Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Arianna Callegari
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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26
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Bioelectrochemical Systems for Groundwater Remediation: The Development Trend and Research Front Revealed by Bibliometric Analysis. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11081532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
: Due to the deficiency of fresh water resources and the deterioration of groundwater quality worldwide, groundwater remedial technologies are especially crucial for preventing groundwater pollution and protecting the precious groundwater resource. Among the remedial alternatives, bioelectrochemical systems have unique advantages on both economic and technological aspects. However, it is rare to see a deep study focused on the information mining and visualization of the publications in this field, and research that can reveal and visualize the development trajectory and trends is scarce. Therefore, this study summarizes the published information in this field from the Web of Science Core Collection of the last two decades (1999–2018) and uses Citespace to quantitatively visualize the relationship of authors, published countries, organizations, funding sources, and journals and detect the research front by analyzing keywords and burst terms. The results indicate that the studies focused on bioelectrochemical systems for groundwater remediation have had a significant increase during the last two decades, especially in China, Germany and Italy. The national research institutes and universities of the USA and the countries mentioned above dominate the research. Environmental Science & Technology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, and Water Research are the most published journals in this field. The network maps of the keywords and burst terms suggest that reductive microbial diversity, electron transfer, microbial fuel cell, etc., are the research hotspots in recent years, and studies focused on microbial enrichment culture, energy supply/recovery, combined pollution remediation, etc., should be enhanced in future.
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Operation of a 2-Stage Bioelectrochemical System for Groundwater Denitrification. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11050959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nitrate groundwater contamination is an issue of global concern that has not been satisfactorily and efficiently addressed, yet. In this study, a 2-stage, sequential bioelectrochemical system (BES) was run to perform autotrophic denitrification of synthetic groundwater. The system was run at a 75.6 mgNO3−-N L−1NCC d−1 nitrate loading rate, achieving almost complete removal of nitrate (>93%) and Total Nitrogen (TN) (>93%). After treatment in the first stage reactor values of effluent nitrate compatible with the EU and USA limits for drinking water (<11.3 and 10 mgNO3−-N L−1, respectively) were achieved. Nitrite and nitrous oxide were observed in the first stage’s effluent, and were then successfully removed in the second stage. The observed nitrate removal rate was 73.4 ± 1.3 gNO3−-N m−3NCC d−1, while the total nitrogen removal rate was 73.1 ± 1.2 gN m−3NCC d−1. Specific energy consumptions of the system were 0.80 ± 0.00 kWh m−3, 18.80 ± 0.94 kWh kgNO3−-N−1 and 18.88 ± 0.95 kWh kgN−1. Combination of two denitrifying BES in series herein described proved to be effective.
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Cecconet D, Bolognesi S, Callegari A, Capodaglio AG. Controlled sequential biocathodic denitrification for contaminated groundwater bioremediation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:3107-3116. [PMID: 30463161 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate groundwater contamination is a worldwide concern. In this study, a novel 2-stage, sequential biocathodic denitrification system was tested to perform autotrophic denitrification of synthetic groundwater. The system was operated at different nitrate loading rates (66-301 gNO3--N m-3NCC d-1) at constant NO3--N concentration (40 mgNO3--N L-1), by varying hydraulic retention time (HRT) during different trials from about 14 to 3 h. The system was able to achieve almost complete removal of nitrate (>95%) and Total Nitrogen (TN) (>92%) at NO3- loading rates between 66 and 200 gNO3--N m-3NCC d-1. The first stage reactor achieved lower values of effluent nitrate and nitrite than WHO guidelines for drinking water quality (<11.3 mg NO3--N L-1, and 0.9 mgNO2--N L-1, respectively) up to a nitrate loading rate of 167 gNO3--N m-3NCC d-1; in these conditions the second stage acted mainly as polishing step. From a loading rate of 200 gNO3--N m-3NCC d-1 on, N2O accumulation was observed in the first stage reactor, afterwards successfully removed in the second stage. Maximum nitrate removal rate of the 2-step process was 259.83 gNO3--N m-3NCC at HRT of 3.19 h. The specific energy consumption of the system (SEC) decreased with decreasing HRT, both in terms of mass of nitrate removed (SECN) and volume treated (SECV). The described combination of two bioelectrochemical systems system hence proved to be effective for groundwater denitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cecconet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Bolognesi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Arianna Callegari
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Wang G, Wen Z. Self-supported bimetallic Ni-Co compound electrodes for urea- and neutralization energy-assisted electrolytic hydrogen production. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:21087-21095. [PMID: 30427012 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr06740f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen represents one of the most promising renewable energy sources for next generation energy systems, however, its large scale production is high cost and high energy. A proof-of-concept alkaline-acid electrolyzer is reported here that can significantly reduce the amount of electrical energy consumed in electrolytic hydrogen production, implemented by the development of self-supported bimetallic Ni-Co compound electrodes used as the anode and cathode, respectively, where a urea oxidation reaction (UOR) occurs at the alkaline Ni0.67Co0.33(OH)2 nanosheet anode, coupled to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the acidic Ni0.67Co0.33S2 cathode. The asymmetric-electrolyte electrolyzer can efficiently harvest two kinds of energies, i.e. electrochemical neutralization energy (ENE) and electrochemical urea oxidation energy, to assist electrolytic hydrogen production using waste urea, acid, and base. The as-designed electrolyzer can deliver a current density of 10 mA cm-2 for electrolytic H2 generation with a rather low applied voltage of 0.54 V, with the potential to use up waste urea, acid and base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genxiang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China.
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Bioelectrochemical Systems for Removal of Selected Metals and Perchlorate from Groundwater: A Review. ENERGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/en11102643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater contamination is a major issue for human health, due to its largely diffused exploitation for water supply. Several pollutants have been detected in groundwater; amongst them arsenic, cadmium, chromium, vanadium, and perchlorate. Various technologies have been applied for groundwater remediation, involving physical, chemical, and biological processes. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have emerged over the last 15 years as an alternative to conventional treatments for a wide variety of wastewater, and have been proposed as a feasible option for groundwater remediation due to the nature of the technology: the presence of two different redox environments, the use of electrodes as virtually inexhaustible electron acceptor/donor (anode and cathode, respectively), and the possibility of microbial catalysis enhance their possibility to achieve complete remediation of contaminants, even in combination. Arsenic and organic matter can be oxidized at the bioanode, while vanadium, perchlorate, chromium, and cadmium can be reduced at the cathode, which can be biotic or abiotic. Additionally, BES has been shown to produce bioenergy while performing organic contaminants removal, lowering the overall energy balance. This review examines the application of BES for groundwater remediation of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, vanadium, and perchlorate, focusing also on the perspectives of the technology in the groundwater treatment field.
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