Review
Environmental Sciences
Shuyao Wang, Ademola Adekunle, Vijaya Raghavan
Summary: This review discusses the applications of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) in metal removal and recovery from wastewater and contaminated soil, as well as evaluates their performances. It also provides a detailed analysis of key parameters to facilitate a better understanding of their development and suggests strategies for scaling up their specific application fields. Furthermore, it reveals future interventions to improve the performances of multifunctional BES in metal removal and recovery.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bahaa Hemdan, Vijay Kumar Garlapati, Swati Sharma, Sudipa Bhadra, Shivani Maddirala, K. M. Varsha, Vineela Motru, Pranab Goswami, Surajbhan Sevda, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
Summary: Metals in industrial effluents pose a significant threat to the global environment due to their high toxicity, but innovative technologies like bioelectrochemical systems show promise in sustainable metal recovery. These technologies offer a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution compared to traditional physical and chemical methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Linjie Gao, Dong Wei, Sherif Ismail, Zhibin Wang, Amro El-Baz, Shou-Qing Ni
Summary: In this study, a single chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was used as an influent device for a partial nitrification-sequencing batch reactor (PN-SBR), achieving integrated COD removal and partial nitrification. After 80 days of operation, the nitrite accumulation rate reached 93%, while the COD removal efficiency was 56%. The study also revealed the microbial interaction between MFC and partial nitrification, providing a new strategy for stable ammonia and nitrite supply for mainstream anammox plants.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Masapogu Yellappa, J. Annie Modestra, Y. V. Rami Reddy, S. Venkata Mohan
Summary: The study designed a polyaniline functionalized activated carbon composite as a capacitive anode in microbial fuel cells, which showed superior power output and COD removal efficiency compared to other anodes. The hybrid electrodes have higher specific capacitance and lower charge-transfer resistance, making them a potential capacitive anode for enhancing bio-electrocatalytic activity and reducing Ohmic losses.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Miriam Cerrillo, Laura Burgos, Ernesto Serrano-Finetti, Victor Riau, Joan Noguerol, August Bonmati
Summary: The combination of hydrophobic membranes and microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) is effective in recovering ammonia from anaerobically digested pig slurry, offering a suitable technology for the treatment of high strength wastewater such as livestock manure.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Antonio Castellano-Hinojosa, Alejandro Gonzalez-Martinez, Clementina Pozo, Jesus Gonzalez-Lopez
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review of the diversity and potential relationships of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) and non-electrochemically-active microorganisms (non-EAMs) in microbial electrochemical technologies (METs). The results showed that both EAMs and non-EAMs are highly diverse in METs and play important roles in efficient energy production and other treatment processes.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiao-Li Yang, Qi Wang, Tao Li, Han Xu, Hai-Liang Song
Summary: Bioelectrochemical characteristics play a critical role in antibiotics removal and ARGs control in microbial fuel cell (MFC). The current intensity has a stronger effect on the system than the anode potential. Appropriate regulation of bio-electrochemical characteristics is essential for improving electricity generation and controlling ARGs.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haonan Wang, Peng Chen, Shixuan Zhang, Jiwei Jiang, Tao Hua, Fengxiang Li
Summary: The study demonstrated that pyrene can be effectively degraded in single-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs), but the addition of pyrene reduces the electrical performance of MFCs and suppresses power output. Additionally, the proportion of Alcaligenes and Stenotrophomonas in the anodic microbial community increases with the increase in pyrene concentration, potentially explaining the high degradation rate of pyrene.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Md Tabish Noori, Dayakar Thatikayala, Deepak Pant, Booki Min
Summary: The implicit interaction between electroactive microbes and solid electrodes plays an important role in bioelectrochemical systems, especially in the development of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for converting low-value waste streams into bioelectricity. The metabolism of interacted microbes with electrodes is influenced by the microenvironment at the electrodes, which in turn affects the current response. This phenomenon has been extensively studied and utilized for selectively detecting heavy metal ions (HMIs) using MFCs.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chi-Wen Lin, Lidia Kristia Alfanti, Yu-Shen Cheng, Shu-Hui Liu
Summary: The study developed a plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) that utilizes root exudates to enhance voltage output and copper removal. The PMFC was found to be almost twice as effective as the traditional sediment microbial fuel cell in removing copper.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Nan Jiang, Jialing Song, Mengying Yan, Yuan Hu, Miaomiao Wang, Yanbiao Liu, Manhong Huang
Summary: A self-supporting electrode (FeCo-MOF/CNFs) combining iron cobalt bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (FeCo-MOFs) with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) was used as an anode in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The FeCo-MOFs enhanced graphitization degree and electrical conductivity, resulting in excellent electrocatalytic performance and biocompatibility. The hierarchical porous structure of FeCo-MOF/CNFs facilitated rapid electron transfer and attachment of electroactive bacteria, leading to considerable power generation output and direct electron transfer catalytic current density.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Md Tabish Noori, Chizoba I. Ezugwu, Yunhai Wang, Booki Min
Summary: This research focuses on synthesizing novel amine-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts to improve the oxygen reduction reaction in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for bioenergy recovery from organic wastes. The study demonstrates the successful synthesis of MOF nanoparticles with similar structure integrity and shows that the NH2-UiO-66(Zr/Ni) catalyst outperforms other catalysts in terms of ORR peak current, charge transfer resistance, and diffusion coefficient. The research suggests that NH2-UiO-66(Zr/Ni) can be used as an efficient catalyst for large-scale MFCs.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Nan Jiang, Manhong Huang, Jincheng Li, Jialing Song, Shengyang Zheng, Yanan Gao, Mengyu Shao, Yulin Li
Summary: The combination of ZIF-67 and electrospinning polyacrylonitrile membrane to create ZIF-67/CNFs composite cathodes showed excellent ORR performance in MFCs, with high output voltage and maximum power density. Additionally, it exhibited great pollutant removal efficiency, making it a promising choice for MFC cathodes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Thanh Ngoc Dan Cao, TsingHai Wang, Yong Peng, Hsien-Yi Hsu, Hussnain Mukhtar, Chang-Ping Yu
Summary: Photo-assisted microbial fuel cells (photo-MFCs) are a promising system that utilizes the synergistic interaction between light and microorganisms to treat wastewater and generate renewable energy. This review provides a systematic overview of recent advances in photo-MFCs, including the introduction of specific photosynthetic microorganisms, discussion of the fundamentals and configurations of photo-MFCs, and exploration of materials used for photoelectrodes and their fabrication approaches.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wilgince Apollon
Summary: This article introduces the latest advancements in the design, operation mode, and electricity and fuel production capacity of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). MFCs can generate sustainable energy from wastewater and waste materials, reducing environmental pollution and energy consumption and treatment costs. However, the implementation of MFCs still faces challenges and further efforts are needed to achieve commercial viability.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mariana Rodrigues, R. Jensen Lund, Annemiek ter Heijne, Tom Sleutels, Cees J. N. Buisman, Philipp Kuntke
Summary: Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants and plays a crucial role in agriculture. However, the nitrogen cycle between agricultural input and wastewater content has been disrupted. Recent research has shown that nitrogen can be recovered from wastewater using an electrochemical system combined with a gas permeable membrane. The recovered fertilizers were tested on spinach and radish crops, and it was found that they significantly improved crop growth, indicating their potential as an alternative to commercial fertilizers.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Federico Ferrari, Maite Pijuan, Sam Molenaar, Nick Duinslaeger, Tom Sleutels, Philipp Kuntke, Jelena Radjenovic
Summary: This study investigated ammonia recovery from the centrate of an anaerobic digester. The pilot plant operated with a bipolar-electrodialysis setup coupled to liquid/liquid membrane contactor modules. The results showed that a higher load ratio and continuous current application led to higher ammonia removal efficiency. However, scaling and fouling of the ion exchange membranes limited the operation of the pilot plant. Additionally, the recovered ammonium sulfate product contained traces of a common substitute for legacy PFAS, highlighting the need for careful selection of equipment components to ensure product safety.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joao Pereira, Sam de Nooy, Tom Sleutels, Annemiek ter Heijne
Summary: Optimizing bio-electrochemical systems requires a better understanding of electro-active biofilms. Existing methods, though valuable, are often destructive. Non-destructive visual techniques offer opportunities to supplement the characterization of electro-active biofilms, enabling monitoring studies to complement destructive techniques.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
S. Georg, A. T. Puari, M. P. G. Hanantyo, T. Sleutels, P. Kuntke, A. ter Heijne, C. J. N. Buisman
Summary: This research presents an integrated BES and HRES system for ammonium recovery, combining the advantages of both systems to achieve high removal efficiency at low energy input. The HRES compensates for BES instability, resulting in overall high removal efficiency of 89-95%, but with an increased energy demand of 5.2-10.2 MJ/kgN.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Catarina Simoes, Barbara Vital, Tom Sleutels, Michel Saakes, Wim Brilman
Summary: This study investigated a multistage reverse electrodialysis system and found it to have stable gross power densities and high energy efficiencies when fed with natural waters. The behavior of ions differed between stages, and the presence of biofilm and microorganisms had an impact on system performance. The study emphasized the importance of minimizing pumping power losses.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Barbara Vital, Tom Sleutels, M. Cristina Gagliano, Hubertus V. M. Hamelers
Summary: Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) is a promising technology for electricity production, but membrane fouling can affect its energy yield. Pre-treatments, such as the use of a dual media filtration system, can effectively prevent fouling and improve performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mariana Rodrigues, Sam Molenaar, Joana Barbosa, Tom Sleutels, Hubertus V. M. Hamelers, Cees J. N. Buisman, Philipp Kuntke
Summary: A bipolar electrodialysis (BP-ED) pilot plant was used to treat diluted urine and achieve a high NH4+ removal efficiency by controlling the effluent pH. The plant removed up to 88% of NH4+ from urine.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Margo Elzinga, Desiree de Haan, Cees J. N. Buisman, Annemiek ter Heijne, Johannes B. M. Klok
Summary: Stimulated by the desire for a Net Zero energy economy, there is a growing demand for renewable fuels. However, the production of toxic waste streams during the transition from fossil fuels to renewable fuels is often ignored. These waste streams consist of thiols and ammonia, as well as benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). This opinion article provides an overview of the expected waste streams, their characteristics, the challenges in developing resource recovery technologies, and the untapped opportunities to recover valuable nutrients.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rieks de Rink, Dandan Liu, Annemiek ter Heijne, Cees J. N. Buisman, Johannes B. M. Klok
Summary: This study investigates the sensitivity of stored charge in sulfide oxidizing bacteria (SOB) towards oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and establishes a model to optimize the biotechnological desulfurization process.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Fatima Dargam, Erhard Perz, Stefan Bergmann, Ekaterina Rodionova, Pedro Sousa, Francisco Alexandre A. Souza, Tiago Matias, Juan Manuel Ortiz, Abraham Esteve-Nunez, Pau Rodenas, Patricia Zamora Bonachela
Summary: This paper describes the work carried out in the Horizon 2020 project MIDES to develop a low-energy system for producing safe drinking water. The focus is on supporting operational decisions for desalination plants using a microbial-powered approach, from process modeling and simulation to plant monitoring and automated control. The work utilizes IPSEpro for process modeling and simulation, and DataBridge with machine learning techniques for automated control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaofang Yan, Dandan Liu, Johannes B. M. Klok, Sanne M. de Smit, Cees J. N. Buisman, Annemiek ter Heijne
Summary: We achieved high ammonium oxidation rates at bioanodes by introducing low levels of oxygen and identified the rate limiting step and pathways of ammonium oxidation. The study demonstrated a significant improvement in ammonium oxidation rates under microoxic conditions compared to anoxic conditions. The formation of hydroxylamine was found to be rate limiting in ammonium oxidation, and the dominant end-product was dinitrogen gas. This work provides important insights into the application of bioelectrochemical systems for ammonium removal in wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rikke Linssen, Annemiek ter Heijne
Summary: In biodesulphurisation processes, sulphide oxidising bacteria (SOB) can release electrons through sulphide shuttling, thereby generating current while removing sulphide. The kinetics of current production by sulphide shuttling bacteria and abiotic sulphide are highly similar.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mariana Rodrigues, Malgorzata Roman, Annemiek ter Heijne, Tom Sleutels, Emile R. Cornelissen, Arne Verliefde, Cees J. N. Buisman, Philipp Kuntke
Summary: The presence of organic micropollutants (OMPs) can affect nutrient recovery systems. Combining an electrochemical system with membrane stripping can achieve total ammonium nitrogen (TAN) recovery from wastewater. Cation-exchange membranes and a hydrophobic gas-permeable membrane are essential components of these processes to separate OMPs from recovered products. This study provides a detailed description of the transport mechanism of a broad group of OMPs during electrochemical ammonium recovery, showing that positively charged OMPs have the highest removal and transport towards the concentrate.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Joao Pereira, Guanxiong Wang, Tom Sleutels, Bert Hamelers, Annemiek ter Heijne
Summary: This study found that proton accumulation affects both the produced current and growth of electro-active biofilms. The use of a 50 mM buffer concentration resulted in the highest current and thickest biofilms. A model was developed to identify buffer limitations and estimate diffusion rates in the biofilms.
Article
Microbiology
Joao Pereira, Yuniki Mediayati, H. Pieter J. van Veelen, Hardy Temmink, Tom Sleutels, Bert Hamelers, Annemiek ter Heijne
Summary: This study investigates the electron balance of bioanodes under intermittent anode potential regimes. The use of a transparent non-capacitive electrode and intermittent anode potential resulted in the diversion of electrons to planktonic cells and the accumulation of electrons in the form of soluble extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).