1
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Qiao S, Guo M, Zhang L, Liu G, Zhou J. Biological Self-Assembled Transmembrane Electron Conduits for High-Efficiency Ammonia Production in Microbial Electrosynthesis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7457-7468. [PMID: 38642050 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Usually, CymA is irreplaceable as the electron transport hub in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 bidirectional electron transfer. In this work, biologically self-assembled FeS nanoparticles construct an artificial electron transfer route and implement electron transfer from extracellular into periplasmic space without CymA involvement, which present similar properties to type IV pili. Bacteria are wired up into a network, and more electron transfer conduits are activated by self-assembled transmembrane FeS nanoparticles (electron conduits), thereby substantially enhancing the ammonia production. In this study, we achieved an average NH4+-N production rate of 391.8 μg·h-1·L reactor-1 with the selectivity of 98.0% and cathode efficiency of 65.4%. Additionally, the amide group in the protein-like substances located in the outer membrane was first found to be able to transfer electrons from extracellular into intracellular with c-type cytochromes. Our work provides a new viewpoint that contributes to a better understanding of the interconnections between semiconductor materials and bacteria and inspires the exploration of new electron transfer chain components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian116024, P.R. China
| | - Sen Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian116024, P.R. China
| | - Meiwei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian116024, P.R. China
| | - Liying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian116024, P.R. China
| | - Guangfei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian116024, P.R. China
| | - Jiti Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian116024, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen L, Zheng X, Zhang K, Wu B, Pei X, Chen W, Wei X, Luo Z, Li Y, Zhang Z. Sustained-release nitrate combined with microbial fuel cell: A novel strategy for PAHs and odor removal from sediment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131610. [PMID: 37201276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate addition is a biostimulation technique that can improve both the oxidation of acid volatile sulfide (AVS) through autotrophic denitrification and the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) via heterotrophic denitrification. However, during the remediation, parts of the dissolved nitrate in the sediment migrates from the sediment to the overlying water, leading to the loss of effective electron acceptor. To overcome this limitation, a combined approached was proposed, which involved nitrocellulose addition and a microbial fuel cell (MFC). Results indicated the nitrate could be slowly released and maintained at a higher concentration over long term. In the combined system, the removal efficiencies of PAHs and AVS were 71.56% and 89.76%, respectively. Furthermore, the voltage attained for the MFC-nitrocellulose treatment was maintained at 146.1 mV on Day 70, which was 5.37 times higher than that of the MFC-calcium nitrate treatment. Sediments with nitrocellulose resulted in lower levels of nitrate and ammonium in the overlying water. Metagenomic results revealed that the combined technology improved the expression of nitrogen-cycling genes. The introduction of MFC inhibited sulfide regeneration during incubation by suppressing the enzyme activity like EC4.4.1.2. The enhanced biostimulation provided potential for in-situ bioremediation utilizing MFC coupled with slow-released nitrate (i.e., nitrocellulose) treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiangjian Zheng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Baile Wu
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Xu Pei
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weisong Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zifeng Luo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chu N, Jiang Y, Liang Q, Liu P, Wang D, Chen X, Li D, Liang P, Zeng RJ, Zhang Y. Electricity-Driven Microbial Metabolism of Carbon and Nitrogen: A Waste-to-Resource Solution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4379-4395. [PMID: 36877891 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Electricity-driven microbial metabolism relies on the extracellular electron transfer (EET) process between microbes and electrodes and provides promise for resource recovery from wastewater and industrial discharges. Over the past decades, tremendous efforts have been dedicated to designing electrocatalysts and microbes, as well as hybrid systems to push this approach toward industrial adoption. This paper summarizes these advances in order to facilitate a better understanding of electricity-driven microbial metabolism as a sustainable waste-to-resource solution. Quantitative comparisons of microbial electrosynthesis and abiotic electrosynthesis are made, and the strategy of electrocatalyst-assisted microbial electrosynthesis is critically discussed. Nitrogen recovery processes including microbial electrochemical N2 fixation, electrocatalytic N2 reduction, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), and abiotic electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia (Abio-NRA) are systematically reviewed. Furthermore, the synchronous metabolism of carbon and nitrogen using hybrid inorganic-biological systems is discussed, including advanced physicochemical, microbial, and electrochemical characterizations involved in this field. Finally, perspectives for future trends are presented. The paper provides valuable insights on the potential contribution of electricity-driven microbial valorization of waste carbon and nitrogen toward a green and sustainable society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Chu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qinjun Liang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Panpan Liu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Donglin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xueming Chen
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Rural Waste Recycling Technology, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Daping Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Raymond Jianxiong Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guo X, Lai CY, Hartmann EM, Zhao HP. Heterotrophic denitrification: An overlooked factor that contributes to nitrogen removal in n-DAMO mixed culture. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114802. [PMID: 36375502 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114802] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate/nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) has been recognized as a sustainable process for simultaneous removal of nitrogen and methane. The metabolisms of denitrifying anaerobic methanotrophs, including Candidatus Methanoperedens and Candidatus Methylomirabilis, have been well studied. However, potential roles of heterotrophs co-existing with these anaerobic methanotrophs are generally overlooked. In this study, we pulse-fed methane and nitrate into an anaerobic laboratory sequencing batch bioreactor and enriched a mixed culture with stable nitrate removal rate (NRR) of ∼28 mg NO3--N L-1 d-1. Microbial community analysis indicates abundant heterotrophs, e.g., Arenimonas (5.3%-18.9%) and Fimbriimonadales ATM1 (6.4%), were enriched together with denitrifying anaerobic methanotrophs Ca. Methanoperedens (10.8%-13.2%) and Ca. Methylomirabilis (27.4%-34.3%). The results of metagenomics and batch tests suggested that the denitrifying anaerobic methanotrophs were capable of generating methane-derived intermediates (i.e., formate and acetate), which were employed by non-methanotrophic heterotrophs for denitrification and biomass growth. These findings offer new insights into the roles of heterotrophs in n-DAMO mixed culture, which may help to optimize n-DAMO process for nitrogen removal from wastewater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Guo
- MOE Key Lab of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chun-Yu Lai
- MOE Key Lab of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Erica M Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, IL, 60208, USA
| | - He-Ping Zhao
- MOE Key Lab of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lin C, Huang FY, Zhou SYD, Li H, Zhang X, Su JQ. HiLi-chip: A high-throughput library construction chip for comprehensive profiling of environmental microbial communities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113650. [PMID: 35690091 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Investigating the contribution and associations of environmental microbes to ecological health and human well-being is in great demand with the goal of One Health proposed. To achieve the goal, there is an urgent need for accurate approaches to obtaining a large amount of high-resolution molecular information from various microbes. In this study, we developed a high-throughput library construction chip (HiLi-Chip) for profiling environmental microbial communities and evaluated its performance. The HiLi-Chip showed high conformity with the conventional Pacbio method in terms of α-diversity, community composition of abundant bacteria (>83%), as well as rare taxa (>84%) and human pathogens detection (>67%), indicating its advantages of accuracy, high-throughput, cost-efficiency, and broad practicability. It is suggested that the optimal strategy of the HiLi-Chip was a 2.4 μL PCR mixture per sample (∼2.4 ng DNA) with a 216-sample × 24-replicate format. We have successfully applied the HiLi-Chip to the Jiulongjiang River and identified 51 potential human bacterial pathogens with a total relative abundance of 0.22%. Additionally, under limited nutrients and similar upstream environments, bacteria tended to impose competitive pressures, resulting in a more connected network at the downstream river confluence (RC). Whereas narrow niche breadth of bacteria and upstream environmental heterogeneity probably promoted niche complementary and environment selection leading to fewer links at RC in the midsection of the river. Core bacteria might represent the entire bacterial community and enhance network stability through synergistic interactions with other core bacteria. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the HiLi-Chip is a robust tool for rapid comprehensive profiling of microbial communities in environmental samples and has significant implications for a profound understanding of environmental microbial interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenshuo Lin
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fu-Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Shu-Yi-Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xingke Road 723, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510650, China
| | - Hu Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Barbato M, Palma E, Marzocchi U, Cruz Viggi C, Rossetti S, Aulenta F, Scoma A. Snorkels enhance alkanes respiration at ambient and increased hydrostatic pressure (10 MPa) by either supporting the TCA cycle or limiting alternative routes for acetyl-CoA metabolism. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 316:115244. [PMID: 35598451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The impact of piezosensitive microorganisms is generally underestimated in the ecology of underwater environments exposed to increasing hydrostatic pressure (HP), including the biodegradation of crude oil components. Yet, no isolated pressure-loving (piezophile) microorganism grows optimally on hydrocarbons, and no isolated piezophile at all has a HP optimum <10 MPa (e.g. 1000 m below sea water level). Piezosensitive heterotrophs are thus largely accountable for oil clean up < 10 MPa, however, they are affected by such a mild HP increase in ways which are not completely clear. In a first study, the application of a bioelectrochemical system (called "oil-spill snorkel") enhanced the alkane oxidation capacity in sediments collected at surface water but tested up to 10 MPa. Here, the fingerprint left on transcript abundance was studied to explore which metabolic routes are 1) supported by snorkels application and 2) negatively impacted by HP increase. Transcript abundance was comparable for beta-oxidation across all treatments (also at a taxonomical level), while the metabolism of acetyl-CoA was highly impacted: at either 0.1 or 10 MPa, snorkels supported acetyl-CoA oxidation within the TCA cycle, while in negative controls using non-conductive rods several alternative routes for acetyl-CoA were stimulated (including those leading to internal carbon reserves e.g. 2,3 butanediol and dihydroxyacetone). In general, increased HP had opposite effects as compared to snorkels, thus indicating that snorkels could enhance hydrocarbons oxidation by alleviating in part the stressing effects imposed by increased HP on the anaerobic, respiratory electron transport chain. 16S rRNA gene analysis of sediments and biofilms on snorkels suggest a crosstalk between oil-degrading, sulfate-reducing microorganisms and sulfur oxidizers. In fact, no sulfur was deposited on snorkels, however, iron, aluminum and phosphorous were found to preferentially deposit on snorkels at 10 MPa. This data indicates that a passive BES such as the oil-spill snorkel can mitigate the stress imposed by increased HP on piezosensitive microorganisms (up to 10 MPa) without being subjected to passivation. An improved setup applying these principles can further support this deep-sea bioremediation strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barbato
- Engineered Microbial Systems (EMS) Lab, Industrial Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Enza Palma
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Ugo Marzocchi
- Center for Electromicrobiology, Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Center for Water Technology WATEC, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Carolina Cruz Viggi
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Federico Aulenta
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy.
| | - Alberto Scoma
- Engineered Microbial Systems (EMS) Lab, Industrial Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sun J, Luo H, Yu Q, Kou B, Jiang Y, Weng L, Xiao C. Optimal NPK Fertilizer Combination Increases Panax ginseng Yield and Quality and Affects Diversity and Structure of Rhizosphere Fungal Communities. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:919434. [PMID: 35801112 PMCID: PMC9255912 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.919434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil microorganisms affect crop rhizospheres via the transformation and transport of nutrients, which has important influences on soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and plant yield and health in agroecosystems. There are few reports on the effects of fertilizer application on the growth of Panax ginseng (C. A. Mey.) or the structure of its rhizosphere microbial communities. In this study, an orthogonal experimental design was used to explore the effects of nine different combinations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers with different amounts and proportions on ginseng growth and accumulation of ginsenosides and the structure of rhizosphere soil fungal communities. Soil without fertilization was the control. With the combined application of NPK, ginseng growth and development increased. The fertilization scheme N3P1K3, with N fertilizer at 50 g·m−2, P fertilizer at 15 g·m−2, and K fertilizer at 60 g·m−2, had the most comprehensive benefit and significantly increased ginseng rhizome biomass and ginsenoside contents (Rg1, Re, Rf, Rg2, Rb1, Ro, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, and Rd). Amplicon sequencing showed that NPK application increased the diversity of fungal communities in ginseng rhizospheres, whereas richness was bidirectionally regulated by proportions and amounts of NPK. Ascomycota was the dominant fungal phylum in ginseng rhizosphere soil, and relative abundances decreased with combined NPK application. Combined NPK application increased the relative abundance of potential beneficial fungi, such as Mortierella, but decreased that of potentially pathogenic fungi, such as Fusarium. Correlation analysis showed that potential beneficial fungi were significantly positively correlated with ginseng rhizome yield and ginsenoside contents, whereas the opposite relation was observed with potential pathogenic fungi. Thus, in addition to directly increasing crop growth, precise NPK application can also increase crop adaptability to the environment by shaping specific microbial communities. The results of this study suggest that the combined effects of biotic and abiotic processes on agricultural production determine crop yield and quality.
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu X, Sun R, Hu S, Zhong Y, Wu Y. Aromatic compounds releases aroused by sediment resuspension alter nitrate transformation rates and pathways during aerobic-anoxic transition. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127365. [PMID: 34879562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aromatic compounds (ACs) releases aroused by sediment resuspension would certainly change the concentrations of suspended sediment (SPS) and organic carbon, which may alter nitrate-N transformation during aerobic-anoxic transition. To prove this, three typical ACs (aniline, nitrobenzene, and methylbenzene) with different octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow) were selected to investigate the effects of ACs releases aroused by sediment resuspension on nitrate-N transformation during aerobic-anoxic transition. ACs releases aroused by sediment resuspension accelerated nitrate-N transformation and enhanced the potential for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), compared to that without sediment resuspension. With sediment resuspension, methylbenzene releases affected nitrate-N transformation rates and pathways more significantly than aniline and nitrobenzene releases. Microbial analysis indicated that sediment resuspension created complicated microbial co-occurrence networks and changed the associations among bacteria; dominant bacteria abundance varied with different ACs releases. Further analysis revealed that ACs distributed in SPS, which increased with logKow, indirectly affected nitrate-N transformation rates and pathways via altering dominant bacteria abundance and electron transport system activity (ETSA). Especially, ETSA, which was positively associated with ACs distributed in SPS, affected nitrate-N transformation most directly. Overall, ACs release fate played important roles in nitrate-N transformation, causing ammonia-N retention and alterations in nitrogen cycle during aerobic-anoxic transition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liu
- School of chemistry and chemical engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710129, China
| | - Ran Sun
- School of chemistry and chemical engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710129, China
| | - Sihai Hu
- School of chemistry and chemical engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710129, China
| | - Yangquanwei Zhong
- School of chemistry and chemical engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710129, China
| | - Yaoguo Wu
- School of chemistry and chemical engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710129, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Harnessing electrical-to-biochemical conversion for microbial synthesis. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102687. [PMID: 35104718 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Electrical-to-biochemical conversion (E2BC) drives cell metabolism for biosynthesis and has become a promising way to realize green biomanufacturing. This review discusses the following aspects: 1. the natural E2BC processes and their underlying E2BC mechanism; 2. development of artificial E2BC for tunable microbial electrosynthesis; 3. design of electrobiochemical systems using self-powered, light-assisted, and nano-biohybrid approaches; 4. synthetic biology methods for efficient microbial electrosynthesis. This review also compares E2BC with electrocatalysis-biochemical conversion (EC2BC), as both strategies may lead to future carbon negative green biomanufacturing.
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu Y, Wang H, Peng Z, Li D, Chen W, Jiao S, Wei G. Regulation of root secondary metabolites by partial root-associated microbiotas under the shaping of licorice ecotypic differentiation in northwest China. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 63:2093-2109. [PMID: 34655272 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13179] [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] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between plant hosts and their microbiotas are becoming increasingly evident, while the effects of plant communities on microbial communities in different geographic environments are poorly understood. Here, the differentiation of licorice plant ecotypes and the distribution of root-associated microbiotas were investigated across five sampling sites in northwest China. The interactions between the environment, plant and microbial communities, and their effects on licorice root secondary metabolites, were elucidated. The plant community was clearly differentiated into distinct ecotypes based on genotyping-by-sequencing and was primarily driven by geographic distance and available soil nitrogen. The bulk soil and root-associated microbiotas (rhizosphere soil and root endosphere) partially correlated with plant community, but all were significantly discriminated by plant clade. Moreover, these microbiotas were explained to different extents by distinct combinations of environment, geography, and plant community. Similarly, three structural equation models showed that licorice root secondary metabolites were complicatedly modulated by multiple abiotic and biotic factors, and were mostly explained by these factors in the rhizosphere model. Collectively, the results provide novel insights into the role of environment-plant-microbiota interactions in regulating root secondary metabolites. That should be accounted for when selecting appropriate licorice planting sites and management measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Ziheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Da Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Weimin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Shuo Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Gehong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ye J, Hu A, Ren G, Chen M, Zhou S, He Z. Biophotoelectrochemistry for renewable energy and environmental applications. iScience 2021; 24:102828. [PMID: 34368649 PMCID: PMC8326206 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Biophotoelectrochemistry (BPEC) is an interdisciplinary research field and combines bioelectrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry through the utilization of the catalytic abilities of biomachineries and light harvesters to accomplish the production of energy or chemicals driven by solar energy. The BPEC process may act as a new approach for sustainable green chemistry and waste minimization. This review provides the state-of-the-art introduction of BPEC basics and systems, with a focus on light harvesters and biocatalysts, configurations, photoelectron transfer mechanisms, and the potential applications in energy and environment. Several examples of BPEC applications are discussed including H2 production, CO2 reduction, chemical synthesis, pollution control, and biogeochemical cycle of elements. The challenges about BPEC systems are identified and potential solutions are proposed. The review aims to encourage further research of BPEC toward development of practical BPEC systems for energy and environmental applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ye
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Andong Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Guoping Ren
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Man Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shungui Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhen He
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| |
Collapse
|