1
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Yan X, Liu D, de Smit SM, Komin V, Buisman CJN, Ter Heijne A. Oxygen-to-ammonium-nitrogen ratio as an indicator for oxygen supply management in microoxic bioanodic ammonium oxidation. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 261:121993. [PMID: 38968732 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121993] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) have been proven effective for oxidizing ammonium (NH4+), where the anode acts as an electron acceptor, reducing the energy input by substituting oxygen (O2). However, O2 has been proved to be essential for achieving high removal rates MECs. Thus, precise control of oxygen supply is crucial for optimizing treatment performance and minimizing energy consumption. Unlike previous studies focusing on dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, this study introduces the O2/NH4+-N ratio as a novel control parameter for balancing oxidation rates and the selectivity of NH4+ oxidation towards dinitrogen gas (N2) under limited oxygen condition. Our results demonstrated that the O2/NH4+-N ratio is a more relevant oxygen supply indicator compared to DO level. Oxygen served as a more favorable electron acceptor than the electrode, increasing NH4+ oxidation rates but also resulting in more oxidized products such as nitrate (NO3-). Additionally, nitrous oxide (N2O) and N2 production were higher with the electrode as the electron acceptor compared to oxygen alone. An O2/NH4+-N ratio of 0.5 was found to be optimal, achieving a balance between product selectivity for N2 (51.4 % ± 4.5 %) and oxidation rates (344.6 ± 14.7 mg-N/L*d), with the columbic efficiency of 30.7 % ± 2.0 %. Microbial community analysis revealed that nitrifiers and denitrifiers were the primary bacteria involved, with oxygen promoting the growth of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, thus facilitating complete NH4+ oxidation to NO3-. Our study provides new insights and guidelines on the appropriate oxygen dosage, offering strategies into optimizing operational conditions for NH4+ removal using MECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Yan
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dandan Liu
- Paqell B.V., Reactorweg 301, 3542 CE Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne M de Smit
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Vera Komin
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cees J N Buisman
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Annemiek Ter Heijne
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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2
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Wu X, Du J, Gao Y, Wang H, Zhang C, Zhang R, He H, Lu GM, Wu Z. Progress and challenges in nitrous oxide decomposition and valorization. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:8379-8423. [PMID: 39007174 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00919j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O) decomposition is increasingly acknowledged as a viable strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing ozone depletion, aligning significantly with the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality objectives. To enhance efficiency in treatment and explore potential valorization, recent developments have introduced novel N2O reduction catalysts and pathways. Despite these advancements, a comprehensive and comparative review is absent. In this review, we undertake a thorough evaluation of N2O treatment technologies from a holistic perspective. First, we summarize and update the recent progress in thermal decomposition, direct catalytic decomposition (deN2O), and selective catalytic reduction of N2O. The scope extends to the catalytic activity of emerging catalysts, including nanostructured materials and single-atom catalysts. Furthermore, we present a detailed account of the mechanisms and applications of room-temperature techniques characterized by low energy consumption and sustainable merits, including photocatalytic and electrocatalytic N2O reduction. This article also underscores the extensive and effective utilization of N2O resources in chemical synthesis scenarios, providing potential avenues for future resource reuse. This review provides an accessible theoretical foundation and a panoramic vision for practical N2O emission controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanhao Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, China Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Jiaxin Du
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, China Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yanxia Gao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, China Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Haiqiang Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, China Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Changbin Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Runduo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Hong He
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | | | - Zhongbiao Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, China Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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3
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Yan X, Liu D, Klok JBM, de Smit SM, Buisman CJN, ter Heijne A. Enhancement of Ammonium Oxidation at Microoxic Bioanodes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11561-11571. [PMID: 37498945 PMCID: PMC10413939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are considered to be energy-efficient to convert ammonium, which is present in wastewater. The application of BESs as a technology to treat wastewater on an industrial scale is hindered by the slow removal rate and lack of understanding of the underlying ammonium conversion pathways. This study shows ammonium oxidation rates up to 228 ± 0.4 g-N m-3 d-1 under microoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen at 0.02-0.2 mg-O2/L), which is a significant improvement compared to anoxic conditions (120 ± 21 g-N m-3 d-1). We found that this enhancement was related to the formation of hydroxylamine (NH2OH), which is rate limiting in ammonium oxidation by ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms. NH2OH was intermediate in both the absence and presence of oxygen. The dominant end-product of ammonium oxidation was dinitrogen gas, with about 75% conversion efficiency in the presence of a microoxic level of dissolved oxygen and 100% conversion efficiency in the absence of oxygen. This work elucidates the dominant pathways under microoxic and anoxic conditions which is a step toward the application of BESs for ammonium removal in wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Yan
- Environmental
Technology, Wageningen University &
Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dandan Liu
- Paqell
B.V., Reactorweg 301, 3542 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes B. M. Klok
- Wetsus,
European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne M. de Smit
- Environmental
Technology, Wageningen University &
Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cees J. N. Buisman
- Environmental
Technology, Wageningen University &
Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Wetsus,
European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek ter Heijne
- Environmental
Technology, Wageningen University &
Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
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4
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Puggioni G, Milia S, Unali V, Ardu R, Tamburini E, Balaguer MD, Pous N, Carucci A, Puig S. Effect of hydraulic retention time on the electro-bioremediation of nitrate in saline groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 845:157236. [PMID: 35810909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have proven their capability to treat nitrate-contaminated saline groundwater and simultaneously recover value-added chemicals (such as disinfection products) within a circular economy-based approach. In this study, the effect of the hydraulic retention time (HRT) on nitrate and salinity removal, as well as on free chlorine production, was investigated in a 3-compartment BES working in galvanostatic mode with the perspective of process intensification and future scale-up. Reducing the HRT from 30.1 ± 2.3 to 2.4 ± 0.2 h led to a corresponding increase in nitrate removal rates (from 17 ± 1 up to 131 ± 1 mgNO3--N L-1d-1), although a progressive decrease in desalination efficiency (from 77 ± 13 to 12 ± 2 %) was observed. Nitrate concentration and salinity close to threshold limits indicated by the World Health Organization for drinking water, as well as significant chlorine production were achieved with an HRT of 4.9 ± 0.4 h. At such HRT, specific energy consumption was low (6.8·10-2 ± 0.3·10-2 kWh g-1NO3--Nremoved), considering that the supplied energy supports three processes simultaneously. A logarithmic equation correlated well with nitrate removal rates at the applied HRTs and may be used to predict BES behaviour with different HRTs. The bacterial community of the bio-cathode under galvanostatic mode was dominated by a few populations, including the genera Rhizobium, Bosea, Fontibacter and Gordonia. The results provide useful information for the scale-up of BES treating multi-contaminated groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puggioni
- University of Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy; Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Stefano Milia
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Valentina Unali
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ardu
- University of Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy; DiSB, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Elena Tamburini
- DiSB, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Narcís Pous
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Alessandra Carucci
- University of Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2-09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sebastià Puig
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
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5
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Ling L, Yang C, Li Z, Luo H, Feng S, Zhao Y, Lu L. Plant endophytic bacteria: A potential resource pool of electroactive micro-organisms. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:2054-2066. [PMID: 34796592 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Electroactive micro-organisms play a significant role in microbial fuel cells. It is necessary to discover potential resources in plant endophytes. In this study, plant tissues were selected to isolate endophytic bacteria, and the electrochemical activity potential was evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is used to evaluate the electricity-producing activity of endophytic bacteria in plant tissues, and the species distribution of micro-organisms in the anode of the MFC after inoculation of plant tissues is determined by high-throughput sequencing. Twenty-six strains of bacteria were isolated from plant tissues belonging to Angelica and Sweet Potato, of which 17 strains from six genera had electrochemical activity, including Bacillus sp., Pleomorphomonas sp., Rahnella sp., Shinella sp., Paenibacillus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. Moreover, the electricity-producing micro-organisms in the plant tissue are enriched. Pseudomonas and Clostridioides are the dominant genera of MFC anode inoculated with angelica tissue. Staphylococcus and Lachnoclostridium are the dominant genera in MFC anode inoculated with sweet potato tissue. And the most representative Gram-positive strain Staphylococcus succinus subsp. succinus H6 and plant tissue were further analysed for electrochemical activity. And a strain numbered H6 and plant tissue had a good electrogenerating activity. CONCLUSION This study is of great significance for expanding the resource pool of electricity-producing micro-organisms and tapping the potential of plant endophytes for electricity-producing. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY This is the first study to apply plant endophytes to MFC to explore the characteristics of electricity production. It is of great significance for exploring the diversity of plant endophytes and the relationship between electricity producing bacteria and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Ling
- College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyun Yang
- College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zibin Li
- College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Luo
- College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenglai Feng
- College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunhua Zhao
- College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Lu
- College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
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6
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Puggioni G, Milia S, Dessì E, Unali V, Pous N, Balaguer MD, Puig S, Carucci A. Combining electro-bioremediation of nitrate in saline groundwater with concomitant chlorine production. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 206:117736. [PMID: 34656821 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater pollution and salinization have increased steadily over the years. As the balance between water demand and availability has reached a critical level in many world regions, a sustainable approach for the management (including recovery) of saline water resources has become essential. A 3-compartment cell configuration was tested for a new application based on the simultaneous denitrification and desalination of nitrate-contaminated saline groundwater and the recovery of value-added chemicals. The cells were initially operated in potentiostatic mode to promote autotrophic denitrification at the bio-cathode, and then switched to galvanostatic mode to improve the desalination of groundwater in the central compartment. The average nitrate removal rate achieved was 39±1 mgNO3--N L-1 d-1, and no intermediates (i.e., nitrite and nitrous oxide) were observed in the effluent. Groundwater salinity was considerably reduced (average chloride removal was 63±5%). Within a circular economy approach, part of the removed chloride was recovered in the anodic compartment and converted into chlorine, which reached a concentration of 26.8±3.4 mgCl2 L-1. The accumulated chlorine represents a value-added product, which could also be dosed for disinfection in water treatment plants. With this cell configuration, WHO and European legislation threshold limits for nitrate (11.3 mgNO3--N L-1) and salinity (2.5 mS cm-1) in drinking water were met, with low specific power consumptions (0.13±0.01 kWh g-1NO3--Nremoved). These results are promising and pave the ground for successfully developing a sustainable technology to tackle an urgent environmental issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puggioni
- University of Cagliari - Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy; Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Stefano Milia
- National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Emma Dessì
- University of Cagliari - Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Unali
- National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Narcís Pous
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany, 69, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Alessandra Carucci
- University of Cagliari - Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (CNR-IGAG), Via Marengo 2 - 09123, Cagliari, Italy
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7
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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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8
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Perazzoli S, de Santana Neto JP, Soares HM. Anoxic-biocathode microbial desalination cell as a new approach for wastewater remediation and clean water production. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2020; 81:550-563. [PMID: 32385209 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2020.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems are emerging as a promising and friendly alternative to convert the energy stored in wastewater directly into electricity by microorganisms and utilize it in situ to drive desalination. To better understand such processes, we propose the development of an anoxic biocathode microbial desalination Cell for the conversion of carbon- and nitrogen-rich wastewaters into bioenergy and to perform salt removal. Our results demonstrate a power output of 0.425 W m-3 with desalination, organic matter removal and nitrate conversion efficiencies of 43.69, 99.85 and 92.11% respectively. Microbiological analysis revealed Proteobacteria as the dominant phylum in the anode (88.45%) and biocathode (97.13%). While a relatively higher bacterial abundance was developed in the anode chamber, the biocathode showed a greater variety of microorganisms, with a predominance of Paracoccus (73.2%), which are related to the denitrification process. These findings are promising and provide new opportunities for the development and application of this technology in the field of wastewater treatment to produce cleaner water and conserve natural resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Perazzoli
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88034-001 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil E-mail:
| | - José Pedro de Santana Neto
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88034-001 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Hugo M Soares
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88034-001 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil E-mail:
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9
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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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10
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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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11
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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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12
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Kinetic competition between microbial anode respiration and nitrate respiration in a bioelectrochemical system. Bioelectrochemistry 2018; 123:241-247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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13
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A state-of-the-art review on nitrous oxide control from waste treatment and industrial sources. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1025-1037. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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14
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Sander EM, Virdis B, Freguia S. Bioelectrochemical nitrogen removal as a polishing mechanism for domestic wastewater treated effluents. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2017; 76:3150-3159. [PMID: 29210701 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2017.462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Addition of an external carbon source is usually necessary to guarantee a sufficiently high C/N ratio and enable denitrification in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Alternatively, denitrification processes using autotrophic microorganisms have been proposed i.e., with the use of H2 as electron donor or with the use of cathodic denitrification in bioelectrochemical systems (BES), in which electrons are transferred directly to a denitrifying biofilm. The aim of this work was to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of applying an easy-to-operate BES as a polishing mechanism for treated secondary clarified effluent from a municipal WWTP, containing low levels of organic matter, buffer capacity and low concentrations of remaining nitrate. In the proposed system, nitrogen removal rates (0.018-0.121 Kg N m-3 d-1) increased with the nitrogen loading rates, suggesting that biofilm kinetics were not rate limiting. The lowest energy consumption for denitrification was 12.7 kWh Kg N-1, equivalent to 0.021 kWh m-3 and could be further reduced by 14% by adding recirculation circuits within both the anode and cathode.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Sander
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Level 4, Gehrmann Laboratories Building (60), Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia E-mail:
| | - B Virdis
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Level 4, Gehrmann Laboratories Building (60), Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia E-mail:
| | - S Freguia
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Level 4, Gehrmann Laboratories Building (60), Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia E-mail:
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15
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Gildemyn S, Rozendal RA, Rabaey K. A Gibbs Free Energy-Based Assessment of Microbial Electrocatalysis. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 35:393-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Ucar D, Zhang Y, Angelidaki I. An Overview of Electron Acceptors in Microbial Fuel Cells. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:643. [PMID: 28469607 PMCID: PMC5395574 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) have recently received increasing attention due to their promising potential in sustainable wastewater treatment and contaminant removal. In general, contaminants can be removed either as an electron donor via microbial catalyzed oxidization at the anode or removed at the cathode as electron acceptors through reduction. Some contaminants can also function as electron mediators at the anode or cathode. While previous studies have done a thorough assessment of electron donors, cathodic electron acceptors and mediators have not been as well described. Oxygen is widely used as an electron acceptor due to its high oxidation potential and ready availability. Recent studies, however, have begun to assess the use of different electron acceptors because of the (1) diversity of redox potential, (2) needs of alternative and more efficient cathode reaction, and (3) expanding of MFC based technologies in different areas. The aim of this review was to evaluate the performance and applicability of various electron acceptors and mediators used in MFCs. This review also evaluated the corresponding performance, advantages and disadvantages, and future potential applications of select electron acceptors (e.g., nitrate, iron, copper, perchlorate) and mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Ucar
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Harran UniversitySanliurfa, Turkey.,GAP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Center, Harran UniversitySanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of DenmarkLyngby, Denmark
| | - Irini Angelidaki
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of DenmarkLyngby, Denmark
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17
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Zhang Y, Xu W, Xiang Y, Xie B, Liu H, Wu L, Liang D. Kinetics and gene diversity of denitrifying biocathode in biological electrochemical systems. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra04070a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biocathodic nitrogen degradation kinetics match Monod model and Pseudomonas play an important role on denitrification biocathodes with different nitrogen substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjia Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Energy Materials and Devices
- School of Space & Environment
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100191
- PR China
| | - Weiwei Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Energy Materials and Devices
- School of Space & Environment
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100191
- PR China
| | - Yan Xiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Energy Materials and Devices
- School of Space & Environment
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100191
- PR China
| | - Beizhen Xie
- Institution of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100191
- PR China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institution of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100191
- PR China
| | - Lina Wu
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering
- Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
- Beijing 100044
- PR China
| | - Dawei Liang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Energy Materials and Devices
- School of Space & Environment
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100191
- PR China
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18
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Wang H, Liu J, He W, Qu Y, Li D, Jiang Q, Feng Y. Enhanced Power Generation of Oxygen-Reducing Biocathode with an Alternating Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Surface. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:31995-32003. [PMID: 27797478 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b10876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Most oxygen-reducing biocathodes for microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) require energy-intensive aeration of the catholyte, which negates the energy-saving benefits of MESs. To avoid aeration and enhance oxygen-utilization efficiency, columnar activated carbon with half of its surface coated by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE-coated CAC) was fabricated as biocathode material, and its performance was investigated using a tide-type biocathode MES (TBMES). The TBMES with PTFE-coated biocathode achieved a maximum power density of 8.2 ± 0.8 W m-3, which was 39% higher than that of the untreated control (CAC biocathode). The PTFE-coated biocathode was able to store a cumulative total charge (Qm) of (10.8 ± 0.2) × 104 C m-3 during one charge-discharge cycle, whereas the Qm of CAC biocathode was only (6.9 ± 0.1) × 104 C m-3, demonstrating that the oxygen entrapment capability of PTFE-coated biocathode was 54 ± 3.8% higher than that of the control. Internal resistance analysis under both oxygen sufficient and reoxygenation conditions suggested the oxygen entrapped by this surface-hydrophobic biocathode was basically sufficient for cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. The slight difference in cathodic microbial communities of the two biocathodes further indicated that the higher accessibility of oxygen due to the hydrophobic surface was the primary cause for the better performance of the PTFE-coated biocathode, while the higher biocatalytic activity of the cathodic biofilm was a minor factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiman Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology , No 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology , No 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Weihua He
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology , No 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Youpeng Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology , No 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology , No. 2 Yikuang Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Da Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology , No 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology , No 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yujie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology , No 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
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19
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Zhao H, Zhao J, Li F, Li X. Performance of Denitrifying Microbial Fuel Cell with Biocathode over Nitrite. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:344. [PMID: 27047462 PMCID: PMC4801849 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) with nitrite as an electron acceptor in cathode provided a new technology for nitrogen removal and electricity production simultaneously. The influences of influent nitrite concentration and external resistance on the performance of denitrifying MFC were investigated. The optimal effectiveness were obtained with the maximum total nitrogen (TN) removal rate of 54.80 ± 0.01 g m(-3) d(-1). It would be rather desirable for the TN removal than electricity generation at lower external resistance. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis suggested that Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum, accounting for 35.72%. Thiobacillus and Afipia might benefit to nitrite removal. The presence of nitrifying Devosia indicated that nitrite was oxidized to nitrate via a biochemical mechanism in the cathode. Ignavibacterium and Anaerolineaceae was found in the cathode as a heterotrophic bacterium with sodium acetate as substrate, which illustrated that sodium acetate in anode was likely permeated through proton exchange membrane to the cathode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang'an UniversityXi'an, China; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Heze UniversityHeze, China
| | - Jianqiang Zhao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang'an University Xi'an, China
| | - Fenghai Li
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Heze University Heze, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang'an University Xi'an, China
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20
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Choi O, Sang BI. Extracellular electron transfer from cathode to microbes: application for biofuel production. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2016; 9:11. [PMID: 27034716 PMCID: PMC4717640 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-016-0426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular electron transfer in microorganisms has been applied for bioelectrochemical synthesis utilizing microbes to catalyze anodic and/or cathodic biochemical reactions. Anodic reactions (electron transfer from microbe to anode) are used for current production and cathodic reactions (electron transfer from cathode to microbe) have recently been applied for current consumption for valuable biochemical production. The extensively studied exoelectrogenic bacteria Shewanella and Geobacter showed that both directions for electron transfer would be possible. It was proposed that gram-positive bacteria, in the absence of cytochrome C, would accept electrons using a cascade of membrane-bound complexes such as membrane-bound Fe-S proteins, oxidoreductase, and periplasmic enzymes. Modification of the cathode with the addition of positive charged species such as chitosan or with an increase of the interfacial area using a porous three-dimensional scaffold electrode led to increased current consumption. The extracellular electron transfer from the cathode to the microbe could catalyze various bioelectrochemical reductions. Electrofermentation used electrons from the cathode as reducing power to produce more reduced compounds such as alcohols than acids, shifting the metabolic pathway. Electrofuel could be generated through artificial photosynthesis using electrical energy instead of solar energy in the process of carbon fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okkyoung Choi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangshimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763 South Korea
| | - Byoung-In Sang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangshimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763 South Korea
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21
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Watanabe T, Kubota K. ELECTROCHEMISTRY 2016; 84:99-103. [DOI: 10.5796/electrochemistry.84.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] Open
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22
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Larsen TA. CO₂-neutral wastewater treatment plants or robust, climate-friendly wastewater management? A systems perspective. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 87:513-521. [PMID: 26260540 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
CO2-neutral wastewater treatment plants can be obtained by improving the recovery of internal wastewater energy resources (COD, nutrients, energy) and reducing energy demand as well as direct emissions of the greenhouse gases N2O and CH4. Climate-friendly wastewater management also includes the management of the heat resource, which is most efficiently recovered at the household level, and robust wastewater management must be able to cope with a possible resulting temperature decrease. At the treatment plant there is a substantial energy optimization potential, both from improving electromechanical devices and sludge treatment as well as through the implementation of more energy-efficient processes like the mainstream anammox process or nutrient recovery from urine. Whether CO2 neutrality can be achieved depends not only on the actual net electricity production, but also on the type of electricity replaced: the cleaner the marginal electricity the more difficult to compensate for the direct emissions, which can be substantial, depending on the stability of the biological processes. It is possible to combine heat recovery at the household scale and nutrient recovery from urine, which both have a large potential to improve the climate friendliness of wastewater management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove A Larsen
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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23
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He CS, Mu ZX, Yang HY, Wang YZ, Mu Y, Yu HQ. Electron acceptors for energy generation in microbial fuel cells fed with wastewaters: A mini-review. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 140:12-17. [PMID: 25907762 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have gained tremendous global interest over the last decades as a device that uses bacteria to oxidize organic and inorganic matters in the anode with bioelectricity generation and even for purpose of bioremediation. However, this prospective technology has not yet been carried out in field in particular because of its low power yields and target compounds removal which can be largely influenced by electron acceptors contributing to overcome the potential losses existing on the cathode. This mini review summarizes various electron acceptors used in recent years in the categories of inorganic and organic compounds, identifies their merits and drawbacks, and compares their influences on performance of MFCs, as well as briefly discusses possible future research directions particularly from cathode aspect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Shu He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhe-Xuan Mu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hou-Yun Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Zhou Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Mu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Han-Qing Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China
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24
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Kim BH, Lim SS, Daud WRW, Gadd GM, Chang IS. The biocathode of microbial electrochemical systems and microbially-influenced corrosion. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015; 190:395-401. [PMID: 25976915 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.04.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The cathode reaction is one of the most important limiting factors in bioelectrochemical systems even with precious metal catalysts. Since aerobic bacteria have a much higher affinity for oxygen than any known abiotic cathode catalysts, the performance of a microbial fuel cell can be improved through the use of electrochemically-active oxygen-reducing bacteria acting as the cathode catalyst. These consume electrons available from the electrode to reduce the electron acceptors present, probably conserving energy for growth. Anaerobic bacteria reduce protons to hydrogen in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). These aerobic and anaerobic bacterial activities resemble those catalyzing microbially-influenced corrosion (MIC). Sulfate-reducing bacteria and homoacetogens have been identified in MEC biocathodes. For sustainable operation, microbes in a biocathode should conserve energy during such electron-consuming reactions probably by similar mechanisms as those occurring in MIC. A novel hypothesis is proposed here which explains how energy can be conserved by microbes in MEC biocathodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Hong Kim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia; School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China; Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seongbuk-ku, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Swee Su Lim
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia; School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Merz Court, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - Wan Ramli Wan Daud
- Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia; Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Geoffrey Michael Gadd
- Geomicrobiology Group, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK; Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - In Seop Chang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 261 Cheomdan-gwagiro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea
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25
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Chabert N, Amin Ali O, Achouak W. All ecosystems potentially host electrogenic bacteria. Bioelectrochemistry 2015; 106:88-96. [PMID: 26298511 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Instead of requiring metal catalysts, MFCs utilize bacteria that oxidize organic matter and either transfer electrons to the anode or take electrons from the cathode. These devices are thus based on a wide microbial diversity that can convert a large array of organic matter components into sustainable and renewable energy. A wide variety of explored environments were found to host electrogenic bacteria, including extreme environments. In the present review, we describe how different ecosystems host electrogenic bacteria, as well as the physicochemical, electrochemical and biological parameters that control the currents from MFCs. We also report how using new molecular techniques allowed characterization of electrochemical biofilms and identification of potentially new electrogenic species. Finally we discuss these findings in the context of future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Chabert
- CEA, DSV, IBEB, Lab of Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere & Extreme Environment (LEMiRE), 13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France; CNRS, BVME UMR 7265, ECCOREV FR 3098, 13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France; Aix Marseille Université, 13284 Marseille Cedex 07, France
| | - Oulfat Amin Ali
- CEA, DSV, IBEB, Lab of Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere & Extreme Environment (LEMiRE), 13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France; CNRS, BVME UMR 7265, ECCOREV FR 3098, 13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France; Aix Marseille Université, 13284 Marseille Cedex 07, France
| | - Wafa Achouak
- CEA, DSV, IBEB, Lab of Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere & Extreme Environment (LEMiRE), 13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France; CNRS, BVME UMR 7265, ECCOREV FR 3098, 13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France; Aix Marseille Université, 13284 Marseille Cedex 07, France.
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26
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Rowe AR, Chellamuthu P, Lam B, Okamoto A, Nealson KH. Marine sediments microbes capable of electrode oxidation as a surrogate for lithotrophic insoluble substrate metabolism. Front Microbiol 2015; 5:784. [PMID: 25642220 PMCID: PMC4294203 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the importance and/or mechanisms of biological mineral oxidation in sediments, partially due to the difficulties associated with culturing mineral-oxidizing microbes. We demonstrate that electrochemical enrichment is a feasible approach for isolation of microbes capable of gaining electrons from insoluble minerals. To this end we constructed sediment microcosms and incubated electrodes at various controlled redox potentials. Negative current production was observed in incubations and increased as redox potential decreased (tested −50 to −400 mV vs. Ag/AgCl). Electrode-associated biomass responded to the addition of nitrate and ferric iron as terminal electron acceptors in secondary sediment-free enrichments. Elemental sulfur, elemental iron and amorphous iron sulfide enrichments derived from electrode biomass demonstrated products indicative of sulfur or iron oxidation. The microbes isolated from these enrichments belong to the genera Halomonas, Idiomarina, Marinobacter, and Pseudomonas of the Gammaproteobacteria, and Thalassospira and Thioclava from the Alphaproteobacteria. Chronoamperometry data demonstrates sustained electrode oxidation from these isolates in the absence of alternate electron sources. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated the variability in dominant electron transfer modes or interactions with electrodes (i.e., biofilm, planktonic or mediator facilitated) and the wide range of midpoint potentials observed for each microbe (from 8 to −295 mV vs. Ag/AgCl). The diversity of extracellular electron transfer mechanisms observed in one sediment and one redox condition, illustrates the potential importance and abundance of these interactions. This approach has promise for increasing our understanding the extent and diversity of microbe mineral interactions, as well as increasing the repository of microbes available for electrochemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette R Rowe
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Prithiviraj Chellamuthu
- Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bonita Lam
- Department Marine and Environmental Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Akihiro Okamoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenneth H Nealson
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA ; Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA ; Department Marine and Environmental Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Cao R, Ying D, Li C, Wang Y, Jia J. Effective denitrification process by a low voltage in a multi-cathode bio-electrode film reactor. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra15792c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An outstanding nitrate removal rate of 16.8 NO3−–N mg L−1 h−1 was achieved by applying voltage of 0.25 V in a multi-cathode bio-electrode film reactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqiong Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Diwen Ying
- School of Material Science and Engineering
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Chenjun Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Yalin Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Jinping Jia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
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28
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Sander EM, Virdis B, Freguia S. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium as an electron sink during cathodic denitrification. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra19241b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrate reduction to ammonium is shown as a competitive pathway during cathodic denitrification at low potential, and is dependent on biofilm age and electron uptake capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M. Sander
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland, Level 4
- Brisbane
- Australia
| | - Bernardino Virdis
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland, Level 4
- Brisbane
- Australia
- Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Advanced Water Management Centre
- The University of Queensland, Level 4
- Brisbane
- Australia
- Centre for Microbial Electrochemical Systems
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29
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In situ groundwater and sediment bioremediation: barriers and perspectives at European contaminated sites. N Biotechnol 2015; 32:133-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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30
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Wang Z, Deng H, Chen L, Xiao Y, Zhao F. In situ measurements of dissolved oxygen, pH and redox potential of biocathode microenvironments using microelectrodes. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 132:387-390. [PMID: 23228452 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are the core component of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). To understand the polarization effects on biocathode performance of BES, dissolved oxygen concentrations, pHs and oxidation-reduction potentials of biofilm microenvironments were determined in situ. The results showed that lower polarization potentials resulted in the generation of larger currents and higher pH values, as well as the consumption of more oxygen. Oxidation-reduction potentials of biofilms were mainly affected by polarization potentials of the electrode rather than the concentration of dissolved oxygen or pH value, and its changes in the potentials corresponded to the electric field distribution of the electrode surface. The results demonstrated that a sufficient supply of dissolved oxygen and pH control of the biocathode are necessary to obtain optimal performance of BESs; a lower polarization potential endowed microorganisms with a higher electrochemical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen, Fujian Province 361021, China
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31
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Biotechnologies for greenhouse gases (CH4, N2O, and CO2) abatement: state of the art and challenges. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2013; 97:2277-303. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-013-4734-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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32
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Zhang Y, Angelidaki I. Bioelectrode-based approach for enhancing nitrate and nitrite removal and electricity generation from eutrophic lakes. WATER RESEARCH 2012; 46:6445-6453. [PMID: 23034447 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate and nitrite contamination of surface waters (e.g. lakes) has become a severe environmental and health problem, especially in developing countries. The recent demonstration of nitrate reduction at the cathode of microbial fuel cell (MFC) provides an opportunity to develop a new technology for nitrogen removal from surface waters. In this study, a sediment-type MFC based on two pieces of bioelectrodes was employed as a novel in situ applicable approach for nitrogen removal, as well as electricity production from eutrophic lakes. Maximum power density of 42 and 36 mW/m(2) was produced respectively from nitrate- and nitrite-rich synthetic lake waters at initial concentration of 10 mg-N/L. Along with the electricity production a total nitrogen removal of 62% and 77% was accomplished, for nitrate and nitrite, respectively. The nitrogen removal was almost 4 times higher under close-circuit condition with biocathode, compared to either the open-circuit operation or with abiotic cathode. The mass balance on nitrogen indicates that most of the removed nitrate and nitrite (84.7 ± 0.1% and 81.8 ± 0.1%, respectively) was reduced to nitrogen gas. The nitrogen removal and power generation was limited by the dissolved oxygen (DO) level in the water and acetate level injected to the sediment. Excessive oxygen resulted in dramatically decrease of nitrogen removal efficiency and only 7.8% removal was obtained at DO level of 7.8 mg/l. The power generation and nitrogen removal increased with acetate level and was nearly saturated at 0.84 mg/g-sediment. This bioelectrode-based in situ approach is attractive not only due to the electricity production, but also due to no need of extra reactor construction, which may broaden the application possibilities of sediment MFC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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33
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Puig S, Coma M, Desloover J, Boon N, Colprim J, Balaguer MD. Autotrophic denitrification in microbial fuel cells treating low ionic strength waters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:2309-15. [PMID: 22257136 DOI: 10.1021/es2030609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The presence of elevated concentrations of nitrates in drinking water has become a serious concern worldwide. The use of autotrophic denitrification in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for waters with low ionic strengths (i.e., 1000 μS·cm(-1)) has not been considered previously. This study evaluated the feasibility of MFC technology for water denitification and also identified and quantified potential energy losses that result from their usage. The low conductivity (<1600 μS·cm(-1)) of water limited the nitrogen removal efficiency and power production of MFCs and led to the incomplete reduction of nitrate and the nitrous oxide (N(2)O) production (between 4 and 20% of nitrogen removed). Cathodic overpotential was identified as the main energy loss factors (83-90% of total losses). That high overpotential was influenced by denitrification intermediates (NO(2)(-) and N(2)O) and the potential used by microorganisms for growth, activation, and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastià Puig
- Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (LEQUiA), Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi s/n, Facultat de Ciències, E-17071 Girona, Spain.
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34
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Desloover J, Vlaeminck SE, Clauwaert P, Verstraete W, Boon N. Strategies to mitigate N2O emissions from biological nitrogen removal systems. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2012; 23:474-82. [PMID: 22244791 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2011.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
N2O emissions from the biological treatment of sewage, manure, landfill leachates and industrial effluents have gained considerable interest among policy makers and environmental scientists. Estimated global emission rates from these sources can contribute up to 10% of the anthropogenic N2O emissions. Particularly at the level of a treatment plant, the N2O impact can be very significant and reach up to 80% of the operational CO2 footprint. Imperfect nitritation by an imbalance in the two-step nitritation metabolism of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria is considered as the main contributor to N2O production with hydroxylamine and particularly nitrite as key precursors. Monitoring of these compounds is warranted to understand and abate N2O emissions. Mitigation strategies should also comprise optimizations of the process parameters as well as bio-augmentative approaches empowered to restore the functional capacity and to deal with unwanted accumulation of intermediates. These strategies require validation for their effectiveness and costs at full-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Desloover
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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