1
|
Ceballos-Escalera A, Pous N, Balaguer MD, Puig S. Nitrate electro-bioremediation and water disinfection for rural areas. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141370. [PMID: 38316275 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate-contaminated groundwater is a pressing issue in rural areas, where up to 40 % of the population lacks access to safely managed drinking water services. The high costs and complexity of centralised treatment in these regions exacerbate this problem. To address this challenge, the present study proposes electro-bioremediation as a more accessible decentralised alternative. Specifically, the main focus of this study is developing and evaluating a compact reactor designed to accomplish simultaneous nitrate removal and groundwater disinfection. Significantly, this study has established a new benchmark for nitrate reduction rate within bioelectrochemical reactors, achieving the maximum reported rate of 5.0 ± 0.3 kg NO3- m-3NCC d-1 at an HRTcat of 0.7 h. Furthermore, thein-situ generation of free chlorine was effective for water disinfection, resulting in a residual concentration of up to 4.4 ± 1.1 mg Cl2 L-1 in the effluent at the same HRTcat of 0.7 h. These achievements enabled the treated water to meet the drinking water standards for nitrogen compounds (nitrate, nitrite, and nitrous oxide) as well as pathogens content (T. coliforms, E. coli, and Enterococcus). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of the electro-bioremediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater as a decentralised water treatment system in rural areas with a competitive operational cost of 1.05 ± 0.16 € m-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ceballos-Escalera
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Narcís Pous
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ceballos-Escalera A, Pous N, Korth B, Harnisch F, Balaguer MD, Puig S. Ex-situ electrochemical characterisation of fixed-bed denitrification biocathodes: A promising strategy to improve bioelectrochemical denitrification. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 347:140699. [PMID: 37977534 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide issue of nitrate-contaminated groundwater requires practical solutions, and electro-bioremediation offers a promising and sustainable treatment. While it has shown potential benefits, there is room for improvement in treatment rates, which is crucial for its further and effective implementation. In this field, electrochemical characterisation is a valuable tool for providing the foundation for optimising bioelectrochemical reactors, but applying it in fixed-bed reactors is challenging due to its high intrinsic electrical resistance. To overcome these challenges, this study employed the easy and swift eClamp methodology to screen different process parameters and their influence on the performance of fixed-bed denitrifying biocathodes composed of granular graphite. Granules were extracted and studied ex-situ under controlled conditions while varying key operational parameters (such as pH, temperature, and nitrate concentration). In the studied biocathode, the extracellular electron transfer associated with denitrification was identified as the primary limiting step with a formal potential of -0.225 ± 0.007 V vs. Ag/AgCl sat. KCl at pH 7 and 25 °C. By varying the nitrate concentration, it was revealed that the biocathode exhibits a strong affinity for nitrate (KMapp of 0.7 ± 0.2 mg N-NO3- L-1). The maximum denitrification rate was observed at a pH of 6 and a temperature of 35 °C. Furthermore, the findings highlight a 2e-/1H+ transfer, which holds considerable implications for the energy metabolism of bioelectrochemical denitrifiers. These compiled results provide valuable insights into the understanding of denitrifying biocathodes and enable the improvement and prediction of their performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ceballos-Escalera
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Narcís Pous
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Benjamin Korth
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, E-17003, Girona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Carucci A, Erby G, Puggioni G, Spiga D, Frugoni F, Milia S. Ammonium recovery from agro-industrial digestate using bioelectrochemical systems. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 85:2432-2441. [PMID: 35486466 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2022.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Growing food and biomass production at the global scale has determined a corresponding increase in the demand for and use of nutrients. In this study, the possibility of recovering nitrogen from agro-industrial digestate using bioelectrochemical systems was investigated: two microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) were fed with synthetic and real digestate (2.5 gNH4+-N L-1). Carbon felt and granular graphite were used as anodes in MEC-1 and MEC-2, respectively. As to synthetic wastewater, the optimal nitrogen load (NL) for MEC-1 and -2 was 1.25 and 0.75 gNH4+-N d-1, respectively. MEC-1 showed better performance in terms of NH4+-N removal efficiency (39 ± 2.5%) and recovery rate (up to 70 gNH4+-N m-2d-1), compared to MEC-2 (33 ± 4.7% and up to 30 gN m-2d-1, respectively). At the optimal hydraulic retention time, lower NH4+-N removal efficiencies and recovery rates were observed when real digestate was fed to MEC-1 (29 ± 6.6% and 60 ± 13 gNH4+-N m-2d-1, respectively) and MEC-2 (21 ± 7.9% and 10 ± 3.6 gNH4+-N m-2d-1, respectively), likely due to the higher complexity of the influent. The average energy requirements were 3.6-3.7 kWh kgNremoved-1, comparable with values previously reported in the literature and lower than conventional ammonia recovery processes. Results are promising and may reduce the need for costly and polluting processes for nitrogen synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Carucci
- Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy E-mail: ; National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG), Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Erby
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG), Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Puggioni
- Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy E-mail:
| | - D Spiga
- Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture (DICAAR), University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy E-mail:
| | - F Frugoni
- Agrofortis srl, via Monte Suello 18, 25128, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Milia
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG), Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Virdis B, Hoelzle R, Marchetti A, Boto ST, Rosenbaum MA, Blasco-Gómez R, Puig S, Freguia S, Villano M. Electro-fermentation: Sustainable bioproductions steered by electricity. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107950. [PMID: 35364226 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The market of biobased products obtainable via fermentation processes is steadily increasing over the past few years, driven by the need to create a decarbonized economy. To date, industrial fermentation (IF) employs either pure or mixed microbial cultures (MMC) whereby the type of the microbial catalysts and the used feedstock affect metabolic pathways and, in turn, the type of product(s) generated. In many cases, especially when dealing with MMC, the economic viability of IF is hindered by factors such as the low attained product titer and selectivity, which ultimately challenge the downstream recovery and purification steps. In this context, electro-fermentation (EF) represents an innovative approach, based on the use of a polarized electrode interface to trigger changes in the rate, yield, titer or product distribution deriving from traditional fermentation processes. In principle, the electrode in EF can act as an electron acceptor (i.e., anodic electro-fermentation, AEF) or donor (i.e., cathodic electro-fermentation, CEF), or simply as a mean to control the oxidation-reduction potential of the fermentation broth. However, the molecular and biochemical basis underlying the EF process are still largely unknown. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent literature studies including both AEF and CEF examples with either pure or mixed microbial cultures. A critical analysis of biochemical, microbiological, and engineering aspects which presently hamper the transition of the EF technology from the laboratory to the market is also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernardino Virdis
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robert Hoelzle
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Angela Marchetti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Santiago T Boto
- Bio Pilot Plant, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University (FSU), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Miriam A Rosenbaum
- Bio Pilot Plant, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University (FSU), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ramiro Blasco-Gómez
- LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUIA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marianna Villano
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xiao N, Wang B, Huang JJ. Hydrodynamic optimization for design and operating parameters of an innovative continuous-flow miniaturized MFC biosensor. Chem Eng Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.116505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
7
|
Bolognesi S, Cecconet D, Callegari A, Capodaglio AG. Bioelectrochemical treatment of municipal solid waste landfill mature leachate and dairy wastewater as co-substrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:24639-24649. [PMID: 32696411 PMCID: PMC8144121 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10167-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite solid wastes' landfill disposal limitation due to recent European legislation, landfill leachate disposal remains a significant problem and will be for many years in the future, since its production may persist for years after a site's closure. Among process technologies proposed for its treatment, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can be effective, achieving both contaminant removal and simultaneous energy recovery. Start-up and operation of two dual-chamber MFCs with different electrodes' structure, fed with mature municipal solid waste landfill leachate, are reported in this study. Influent (a mix of dairy wastewater and mature landfill leachate at varying proportions) was fed to the anodic chambers of the units, under different conditions. The maximum COD removal efficiency achieved was 84.9% at low leachate/dairy mix, and 66.3% with 7.6% coulombic efficiency (CE) at a leachate/dairy ratio of 20%. Operational issues and effects of cells' architecture and electrode materials on systems' performance are analyzed and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bolognesi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, Universitat de Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Daniele Cecconet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arianna Callegari
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fujii K, Yoshida N, Miyazaki K. Michaelis-Menten equation considering flow velocity reveals how microbial fuel cell fluid design affects electricity recovery from sewage wastewater. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107821. [PMID: 33915342 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Hydrodynamics has received considerable attention for application in improving microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. In this study, a method is proposed to calculate the effect of fluid flow on MFC current production from sewage wastewater. First, the effect of flow velocity in an up-flow channel was evaluated, where an air-core MFC was polarized with external resistance (Rext). When tested at a flow velocity ranging from 0 to 20 cm s-1, the MFC with the higher flow velocity produced more current. In sewage wastewater with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 76 mg L-1, the MFC polarized with 3 Ω of Rext, and a flow velocity of 20 cm s-1 had 5.4 times more current than the MFC operating in a no-flow environment. This magnitude decreased with higher Rext and COD values. The Michaelis-Menten equation, modified herein by integrating COD and flow velocity, demonstrated the production of current by MFC operating under different conditions of flow. Calculation of current by MFC in a virtual fluid suggested that the flow surrounding the MFC varied with the configuration and affected the current production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Fujii
- Department of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Industrial Management Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoko Yoshida
- Department of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Industrial Management Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Kohei Miyazaki
- Department of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Industrial Management Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu Y, He G, Chen S, Wang Z. Three-dimensional carbon-based anodes promoted the accumulation of exoelectrogens in bioelectrochemical systems. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2020; 92:997-1005. [PMID: 31891435 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1293] [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: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To achieve deep understandings on the effects of structure and surface properties of anode material on the performance of bioelectrochemical systems, the present research investigated the bacterial community structures of biofilms attached to different three-dimensional anodes including carbon felt and materials derived from pomelo peel, kenaf stem, and cardboard with 454 pyrosequencing analysis based on the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that bacterial community structures, especially the relative abundance of exoelectrogens, were significantly related to the types of adopted three-dimensional anode materials. Proteobacteria was the shared predominant phylum, accounting for 55.4%, 52.1%, 66.7%, and 56.1% for carbon felt, cardboard, pomelo peel, and kenaf stem carbon, respectively. The most abundant OTU was phylogenetically related to the well-known exoelectrogen of Geobacter, with a relative abundance of 16.3%, 19.0%, 36.3%, and 28.6% in carbon felt, cardboard, pomelo peel, and kenaf stem, respectively. Moreover, another exoelectrogen of Pseudomonas sp. accounted for 4.9% in kenaf stem and 3.9% in carbonboard, respectively. The results implied the macrostructure and properties of different anode materials might result in different niches such as hydrodynamics and substrate transport dynamics, leading to different bacterial structure, especially different relative abundance of exoelectrogens, which consequently affected the performance of bioelectrochemical systems. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) represent a novel biotechnology platform to simultaneously treat wastewaters and produce electrical power. Three-dimensional materials derived from nature plant as anode to promote electricity output from BESs and reduce the construct cost of BESs. Macrostructure of the three-dimensional anode material affected phylotype richness and phylogenetic diversity of microorganisms in anodic biofilm of BESs. Geobacter as well-known exoelectrogen was the most abundant in biofilm attached to three-dimensional anode.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Wu
- Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Rural Sewage Treatment and Water Safety, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Guanghua He
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shuiliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zejie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yi Y, Xie B, Zhao T, Qian Z, Liu H. The effect of anode hydrodynamics on the sensitivity of microbial fuel cell based biosensors and the biological mechanism. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 132:107351. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.107351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
11
|
Pu KB, Bai JR, Chen QY, Wang YH. Modified Stainless Steel as Anode Materials in Bioelectrochemical Systems. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2020-1342.ch008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Bo Pu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Ji-Rui Bai
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Qing-Yun Chen
- State Key Lab of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yun-Hai Wang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xu H, Zhang M, Ma Z, Zhao N, Zhang K, Song H, Li X. Improving electron transport efficiency and power density by continuous carbon fibers as anode in the microbial fuel cell. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2019.113743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
13
|
Vilajeliu-Pons A, Koch C, Balaguer MD, Colprim J, Harnisch F, Puig S. Microbial electricity driven anoxic ammonium removal. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 130:168-175. [PMID: 29220717 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Removal of nitrogen, mainly in form of ammonium (NH4+), in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a highly energy demanding process, mainly due to aeration. It causes costs of about half a million Euros per year in an average European WWTP. Alternative, more economical technologies for the removal of nitrogen compounds from wastewater are required. This study proves the complete anoxic conversion of ammonium (NH4+) to dinitrogen gas (N2) in continuously operated bioelectrochemical systems at the litre-scale. The removal rate is comparable to conventional WWTPs with 35 ± 10 g N m-3 d-1 with low accumulation of NO2-, NO3-, N2O. In contrast to classical aerobic nitrification, the energy consumption is considerable lower (1.16 ± 0.21 kWh kg-1 N, being more than 35 times less than for the conventional wastewater treatment). Biotic and abiotic control experiments confirmed that the anoxic nitrification was an electrochemical biological process mainly performed by Nitrosomonas with hydroxylamine as the main substrate (mid-point potential, Eox = +0.67 ± 0.08 V vs. SHE). This article proves the technical feasibility and reduction of costs for ammonium removal from wastewater, investigates the underlying mechanisms and discusses future engineering needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christin Koch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Maria D Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jesús Colprim
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
An Integrated Mathematical Model of Microbial Fuel Cell Processes: Bioelectrochemical and Microbiologic Aspects. Processes (Basel) 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/pr5040073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
15
|
Hassan M, Pous N, Xie B, Colprim J, Balaguer MD, Puig S. Employing Microbial Electrochemical Technology-driven electro-Fenton oxidation for the removal of recalcitrant organics from sanitary landfill leachate. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 243:949-956. [PMID: 28738550 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The feasibility of employing Microbial Electrochemical Technology (MET)-driven electro-Fenton oxidation was evaluated as a post-treatment of an anammox system treating sanitary landfill leachate. Two different MET configuration systems were operated using effluent from partial nitrification-anammox reactor treating mature leachate. In spite of the low organic matter biodegradability of the anammox's effluent (2401±562mgCODL-1; 237±57mgBOD5L-1), the technology was capable to reach COD removal rates of 1077-1244mgL-1d-1 with concomitant renewable electricity production (43.5±2.1Am-3NCC). The operation in continuous mode versus batch mode reinforced the removal capacity of the technology. The recirculation of acidic catholyte into anode chamber hindered the anodic efficiency due to pH stress on anodic electricigens. The obtained results demonstrated that the integrated system is a potentially applicable process to deal with bio-recalcitrant compounds present in mature landfill leachate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hassan
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurelia Company, 69, Facultat de Ciencies, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecology & Environmental Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Narcis Pous
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurelia Company, 69, Facultat de Ciencies, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Bing Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecology & Environmental Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jesús Colprim
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurelia Company, 69, Facultat de Ciencies, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - M Dolors Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurelia Company, 69, Facultat de Ciencies, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sebastia Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurelia Company, 69, Facultat de Ciencies, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vilajeliu-Pons A, Bañeras L, Puig S, Molognoni D, Vilà-Rovira A, Hernández-del Amo E, Balaguer MD, Colprim J. External Resistances Applied to MFC Affect Core Microbiome and Swine Manure Treatment Efficiencies. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164044. [PMID: 27701451 PMCID: PMC5049776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can be designed to combine water treatment with concomitant electricity production. Animal manure treatment has been poorly explored using MFCs, and its implementation at full-scale primarily relies on the bacterial distribution and activity within the treatment cell. This study reports the bacterial community changes at four positions within the anode of two almost identically operated MFCs fed swine manure. Changes in the microbiome structure are described according to the MFC fluid dynamics and the application of a maximum power point tracking system (MPPT) compared to a fixed resistance system (Ref-MFC). Both external resistance and cell hydrodynamics are thought to heavily influence MFC performance. The microbiome was characterised both quantitatively (qPCR) and qualitatively (454-pyrosequencing) by targeting bacterial 16S rRNA genes. The diversity of the microbial community in the MFC biofilm was reduced and differed from the influent swine manure. The adopted electric condition (MPPT vs fixed resistance) was more relevant than the fluid dynamics in shaping the MFC microbiome. MPPT control positively affected bacterial abundance and promoted the selection of putatively exoelectrogenic bacteria in the MFC core microbiome (Sedimentibacter sp. and gammaproteobacteria). These differences in the microbiome may be responsible for the two-fold increase in power production achieved by the MPPT-MFC compared to the Ref-MFC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lluis Bañeras
- Molecular Microbial Ecology Group, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Sebastià Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Daniele Molognoni
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (D.I.C.Ar.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Albert Vilà-Rovira
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Elena Hernández-del Amo
- Molecular Microbial Ecology Group, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Maria D. Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jesús Colprim
- LEQUiA, Institute of the Environment, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|