Article
Environmental Sciences
Su-Hao Chen, Zheng-Tao Li, He-Ping Zhao
Summary: Bioelectrochemical system is a promising approach for enhanced bio-dechlorination, but the mechanism of electron transfer in the dechlorinating consortium is still controversial. In this study, bioelectrochemical systems with cathode potential settings at -0.30 V were used for trichloroethylene reduction. The results showed that electrostimulation significantly improved the dechlorination rate and enriched electroactive and dechlorinating populations on the cathode. Metagenomic and qPCR analyses revealed that direct and indirect electron transfer played important roles in the dechlorination process. Overall, this study provides insights into the mechanisms of dechlorination enhancement in bioelectrochemical systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aryan Samadi, Azadeh Kermanshahi pour, Graham Gagnon
Summary: Bioelectrochemical degradation is an effective method for providing electron acceptor to microorganisms. This study developed a two-chamber bioelectrochemical reactor and investigated the potential for enhancing the degradation of 1,4-dioxane. The results showed that the degradation efficiency was improved by increasing dissolved oxygen concentration and microbial activity at low potentials.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanqiang Tang, Jiafeng Chen, Zhixing Xiao, Zheming Liu, Lei Xu, Qingdong Qin, Yuqiao Wang, Yan Xu
Summary: This study investigates the use of solid-phase redox mediators to enhance extracellular electron transfer in a bioelectrochemical system. The results show that biochar and humin greatly accelerate the dechlorination of 2,4,6-TCP. Different mediators also stimulate different electroactive bacteria.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lingyu Meng, Naoko Yoshida, Zhiling Li
Summary: Bioelectrochemical dechlorination using organohalide-respiring bacteria is a promising technique for remediating contaminated groundwater. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of pre-augmented Dehalococcoides culture in achieving full dechlorination. The addition of Dehalococcoides cells before operating the bioelectrochemical system significantly improved the dechlorination performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Francisca Navarro-Fuentes, Mark Andrew Keane, Xiong-Wei Ni
Summary: This paper presents the successful multiphase catalytic hydrogenation of 3-butyn-2-ol over Pd/Al2O3 catalyst in a continuous oscillatory baffled reactor (COBR) for over 12 hours. The catalyst stability and attrition were examined, showing no loss of catalyst during the operation and a slow deactivation rate, indicating significant advantages over batch operation.
ORGANIC PROCESS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Feng He, Ye Yu, Wubo Wan, Liyuan Liang
Summary: The study demonstrates that applying AC EMF can significantly enhance the dechlorination rate of TCE by S-mZVI(bm) particles, leading to reduced generation of chlorinated intermediates compared to water-bath heating, offering a promising approach for remediating chlorinated hydrocarbons in contaminated groundwater.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xueqi Chen, Caihua Bai, Zhiling Li, Di Cao, Yunxia Zu, Zimeng Zhang, Guanshu Zhao, Jun Nan, Hongcheng Wang, Bin Liang, Aijie Wang
Summary: The combination of slow-release organic carbon sources and bioelectrochemical dechlorination system can improve dechlorination efficiency, control organocarbon release, and achieve simultaneous pollution removal and resource recovery in chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminated field.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingjing Zhan, Xinqi Yang, Xiujuan Zhang, Yuxin Wang, Xiyun Cai, Hongkun Chen
Summary: A biological precipitation method was developed to prepare S-nZVI with the in situ formation of ferrous disulfide on the surface of nZVI by sulfate-reducing bacteria. The obtained BP-S-nZVI particles showed excellent performance in TCE degradation without the need for harmful chemical sulfidating agents, making the preparation process more environmentally friendly.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
S. G. Luo, C. C. Chien, Y. T. Sheu, F. Verpoort, S. C. Chen, C. M. Kao
Summary: In this study, modified gamma-poly-glutamic acid (m-PGA) was developed for continuous substrate supplement and pH control in bioremediation of TCE-contaminated groundwater. Results showed that m-PGA could enhance TCE dechlorination efficiency and achieve TCE removal through physical adsorption and dechlorination mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lurong Yang, Jason P. Hnatko, Jack L. Elsey, John A. Christ, Kurt D. Pennell, Natalie L. Capiro, Linda M. Abriola
Summary: This study explores the influence of subsurface heterogeneity on microbial reductive dechlorination (MRD) and evaluates the suitability of microcosm-derived rate parameters for modeling complex heterogeneous systems. The results show that using microcosm-derived rate parameters in modeling can effectively predict the dechlorination process in aquifer cells and reveal spatial variations in methane generation associated with regions of longer residence times. Model sensitivity analysis suggests that natural dissolved organic carbon plays a crucial role as a fermentable substrate under electron donor limiting conditions, providing reducing equivalents for MRD.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Pan Zhang, Dan Zhang, Jipeng Dong, Guanghui Chen, Jianlong Li
Summary: This review discusses the synthesis mechanisms, influencing factors, and future research directions of silicone polymers.
ORGANIC PROCESS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Bhim Sen Thapa, Taeyoung Kim, Soumya Pandit, Young Eun Song, Yasamin Pesaran Afsharian, Mostafa Rahimnejad, Jung Rae Kim, Sang-Eun Oh
Summary: This review provides an overview of electroactive microorganisms (bacteria, microalgae, and fungi) acting as microbial electrocatalysts, and their exo- and endo-electron transfer mechanisms in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). These microorganisms convert organic and inorganic compounds to electricity and biochemicals, ultimately optimizing and advancing bioelectrochemical techniques.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng Hou, Xinbai Jiang, Na Li, Zhenhua Zhang, Qian Zhang, Jinyou Shen, Xiaodong Liu
Summary: This study evaluated the technical feasibility, system stability, microbial biodiversity, and underlying mechanism of a Fe2O3 nanoparticle-coupled anaerobic system treating 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) wastewater. The results showed that the Fe2O3-coupled system had higher removal efficiencies for 4-CP and total organic carbon (TOC) compared to the control system. Fe2O3 nanoparticles promoted the enrichment of specific microbial species and enhanced the electron transfer ability and conductivity of anaerobic sludge, leading to improved 4-CP biodegradation performance.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abhispa Bora, K. Mohanrasu, T. Angelin Swetha, V. Ananthi, Raveendran Sindhu, Nguyen Thuy Lan Chi, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi, A. Arun, Thangavel Mathimani
Summary: Hydrogen gas has great potential as an environmentally friendly and efficient vehicle fuel. The production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources, such as biohydrogen produced from biomasses and wastes, is becoming a viable option. Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are a promising bioelectrochemical system for hydrogen production, combining microbial and electrochemical processes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miroslav Brumovsky, Daniel Tunega
Summary: Sulfidation is a promising method to enhance the selectivity and longevity of ZVI in water treatment, but its effects on the reactivity with target contaminants are still unclear. In this study, density functional theory was used to investigate the reaction mechanisms of TCE dechlorination on sulfidated ZVI surfaces. The results show that sulfidation inhibits the dechlorination of TCE by ZVI, but has positive effects under corrosion conditions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Federico Aulenta, Matteo Tucci, Carolina Cruz Viggi, Jan Dolfing, Ian M. Head, Amelia-Elena Rotaru
Summary: Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) via electrically conductive minerals can accelerate the anaerobic oxidation of petroleum hydrocarbons at contaminated sites, paving the way for the development of more effective bioremediation approaches.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Federico Aulenta, Enza Palma, Ugo Marzocchi, Carolina Cruz Viggi, Simona Rossetti, Alberto Scoma
Summary: By testing the oil-spill snorkel system, it was found that it can enhance the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in deep-sea sediments, reduce sulfide concentration, and regenerate sulfate. This approach is crucial for petroleum decontamination in the deep sea environment characterized by low metabolic activity.
Article
Microbiology
B. Matturro, M. Majone, F. Aulenta, S. Rossetti
Summary: The study conducted a combined analysis of kinetic and specific biomass parameters on dechlorinating consortia enriched on PCE, TCE, and cis-1,2-DCE, with Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) representing a significant portion of the bacterial population. The correlation between active Dhc cells or tceA gene copies and maximum RD rates was found to be useful for predicting increases under controlled conditions, while the use of gene transcripts as biomass parameters did not show reliable correlations with kinetic performances. This provides valuable insights for further modeling of the RD process.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Carmela Maria Montone, Benedetta Giannelli Moneta, Sara Elsa Aita, Federico Aulenta, Chiara Cavaliere, Andrea Cerrato, Stefano Fazi, Aldo Lagana, Valerio Paolini, Francesco Petracchini, Susy Piovesana, Anna Laura Capriotti
Summary: An untargeted approach using UHPLC-HRMS/MS was employed to analyze contaminants in surface water, with optimized SPE conditions for 30 target compounds. River water samples near Rome were analyzed, resulting in identification of 241 compounds, mainly pharmaceuticals, by matching tandem mass spectra with mass spectral library.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arcangelo Celeste, Mariarosaria Tuccillo, Antonino Santoni, Priscilla Reale, Sergio Brutti, Laura Silvestri
Summary: The study introduces a cobalt-free overlithiated LRLO material with outstanding practical specific capacity and high current rates, prepared through a simple synthesis method. This represents a significant advancement in battery material development towards improved performance and better environmental impact.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Shixiang Dai, Benjamin Korth, Laura Schwab, Federico Aulenta, Carsten Vogt, Falk Harnisch
Summary: This study compares the performance of one-chamber and two-chamber reactors in sulfate reduction for the treatment of wastewater. The results show that sulfate reduction with high electron recovery efficiency can be achieved in two-chamber reactors, while no sulfate reduction occurs in one-chamber reactors. Microbial community analysis reveals the involvement of specific microorganisms in sulfate reduction and sulfide re-oxidation.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Barbato, Enza Palma, Ugo Marzocchi, Carolina Cruz Viggi, Simona Rossetti, Federico Aulenta, Alberto Scoma
Summary: The impact of piezosensitive microorganisms in underwater environments exposed to increasing hydrostatic pressure is underestimated. A bioelectrochemical system can enhance alkane oxidation capacity in sediments, while the metabolism of acetyl-CoA is highly impacted by pressure increase. The application of the system can alleviate the stress on piezosensitive microorganisms and promote hydrocarbons oxidation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Patricia Leitao, Matteo Tucci, Carolina Cruz Viggi, Henri Nouws, Anthony S. Danko, Federico Aulenta
Summary: This study applied natural magnetite and hematite for the first time to accelerate the reductive dechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane. It was found that low concentrations of magnetite significantly increased the rate of dechlorination, while hematite did not show a noticeable stimulating effect. Higher concentrations of iron oxides actually resulted in a weaker effect.
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. Crisafi, F. Smedile, M. M. Yakimov, F. Aulenta, S. Fazi, V. La Cono, A. Martinelli, V. Di Lisio, R. Denaro
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential risk for human and animal health caused by the improper disposal of disposable medical masks, which serve as suitable substrates for the colonization, persistence, and spreading of pathogens. The study also strengthens the understanding of the role of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the colonization and modification of fossil-based plastics in the marine environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bin Lai, Jens Kroemer, Federico Aulenta, Hui Wu, Pablo Ivan Nikel
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matteo Tucci, Simone Colantoni, Carolina Cruz Viggi, Federico Aulenta
Summary: The impact of soluble (AQDS) and insoluble (biochar) quinone-based redox mediators on the kinetics of H-2-fueled biological methanation was investigated. Results showed that the presence of AQDS significantly increased the kinetics of H-2 consumption and CH4 generation, while the use of biochar had a negative effect on the biomethanation process.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carolina Cruz Viggi, Matteo Tucci, Marco Resitano, Valentina Palushi, Simona Crognale, Bruna Matturro, Marco Petrangeli Papini, Simona Rossetti, Federico Aulenta
Summary: This study found that adding electrically conductive materials (ECMs) can accelerate the anaerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbons in contaminated soil, especially the addition of magnetite nanoparticles or biochar particles can improve the removal efficiency of total petroleum hydrocarbons. However, chemical analysis showed that only partial bioconversion occurred and longer treatment times may be required for complete biodegradation. Molecular biological analysis further confirmed the presence of various microorganisms and functional genes involved in hydrocarbon degradation.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Bruna Matturro, Maria Letizia Di Franca, Barbara Tonanzi, Carolina Cruz Viggi, Federico Aulenta, Magda Di Leo, Santina Giandomenico, Simona Rossetti
Summary: This study successfully cultivated microbial consortia capable of removing PCBs under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The selection of bacterial communities differed depending on the oxidative or reductive conditions imposed. Oxygen conditions favored bacteria specialized in hydrocarbon oxidation, while anaerobic conditions favored dechlorinating bacteria.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carolina Cruz Viggi, Matteo Tucci, Marco Resitano, Simona Crognale, Maria Letizia Di Franca, Simona Rossetti, Federico Aulenta
Summary: The study presented a method for treating synthetic groundwater containing toluene and TCE in a bioelectric well, where microbial oxidation of toluene generated electric current to facilitate reductive dechlorination. Further process optimization is needed to maximize the efficiency of toluene degradation and current generation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matteo Tucci, Alessandro Milani, Marco Resitano, Carolina Cruz Viggi, Ottavia Giampaoli, Alfredo Miccheli, Simona Crognale, Bruna Matturro, Simona Rossetti, Falk Harnisch, Federico Aulenta
Summary: Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) show promise for groundwater remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PH). However, the degradation mechanisms are not well understood. This study analyzed the degradation of toluene, a model PH, in a bioelectrochemical reactor. The results revealed a syntrophic pathway involving different microbial populations for the degradation of toluene. Hydrocarbon degraders converted toluene into metabolic intermediates, which were further converted by fermentative bacteria into volatile fatty acids (VFA) and possibly H2. These compounds were then used as substrates by electroactive microorganisms forming the anodic biofilm. The increase in intermediate concentration did not result in a current increase as toluene degradation was faster.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)