Article
Agricultural Engineering
Na Zhao, Dawei Liang, Xiaohu Li, Shujuan Meng, Hong Liu
Summary: Using low-cost hydrophilic porous materials like NWC and PVDF as alternatives to PEM in MEC is crucial for preventing methane evolution and ensuring stable hydrogen production. The NWC-MEC and PVDF-MEC showed improved hydrogen production rates and more stable performance compared to PEM-MECs over a 30-day operation period. Furthermore, the results of anodic microbial community analysis indicated effective inhibition of methanogen growth in NWC-MEC and PVDF-MEC within 30 days.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mukesh Sharma, Pranjal P. Das, Trishla Sood, Arun Chakraborty, Mihir K. Purkait
Summary: The PVDF-based, GO and CA membrane prepared in this study showed enhanced proton conductivity values and performance in microbial fuel cells applications, with the incorporation of functionalized graphene oxide and cellulose acetate contributing to improved physicochemical properties and water uptake ability. The WCA-3 membrane demonstrated superior efficiency for wastewater treatment and energy extraction using MFC, surpassing other membranes in terms of columbic efficiency, COD removal efficiency, and power density.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nalin Samarasinghe, Nicole Longtin, Sandun Fernando
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a pure culture of Methylococcus capsulatus microbial fuel cell in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell in whole-cell and enzymatic modes. The impact of time and mediators on the microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was studied and a mathematical model was used to predict and explain the fuel cell's performance and details. The results showed that the fuel cell generated higher voltage and power density in the whole-cell mode compared to the enzymatic mode without an external mediator.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yu Seung Kim
Summary: As fuel cells and electrolyzers demand higher performance and durability, the design of polymer electrolytes is evolving with a focus on increasing ionic concentration. This review highlights recent advancements in the use of high ionic concentration polymer electrolytes in electrochemical devices, summarizing synthetic approaches, performance benefits, challenges, and prospects. The goal is to explain the working principles of these electrolytes in high-performing fuel cells and electrolyzers, while also generating interest in utilizing these materials in tackling tough scientific challenges in emerging fields.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Irene Bavasso, Maria Paola Bracciale, Francesca Sbardella, Debora Puglia, Franco Dominici, Luigi Torre, Jacopo Tirillo, Fabrizio Sarasini, Igor Maria De Rosa, Wenbo Xin, Luca Di Palma
Summary: This study investigated the use of self-made membranes based on PES with sulfonated Fe3O4 in H-Type Microbial Fuel Cell system. The incorporation of 10 wt% sulfonated Fe3O4 in PES resulted in membranes with superior properties, including an OCV and Coulombic efficiency of 868.09 mV and 29.58%, respectively. The maximum power and current densities were improved by 270% and 117% compared to Nafion 117.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Shams Forruque Ahmed, M. Mofijur, Nafisa Islam, Tahlil Ahmed Parisa, Nazifa Rafa, Awais Bokhari, Jiri Jaromir Klemes, Teuku Meurah Indra Mahlia
Summary: Bio-electrochemical systems, particularly microbial fuel cells (MFCs), have emerged as promising alternatives for conventional fuel energy. This review paper provides insights into the applications, substrate selection, and design factors influencing the performance of MFCs. While MFCs have shown efficiency in wastewater treatment and electricity generation, their commercial-scale application is hindered by microbiological, electrochemical, and technological limitations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jeehoon Shin, Mingyu Son, Sun- Kim, Shin Ae Song, Duck Hyun Lee
Summary: Efficient catalyst layer design is crucial for the performance and stability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Gradient multilayer design can increase efficiency and improve performance.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruggero Rossi, Gahyun Baek, Bruce E. Logan
Summary: The study developed a vapor-fed MEC design to enhance hydroxide ion transport to the anode without using a liquid catholyte, achieving record-high current density and H2 production rate. This innovative approach demonstrated higher and more stable performance compared to liquid-fed cathodes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jonathan Ramirez-Nava, Mariana Martinez-Castrejon, Rocio Lley Garcia-Mesino, Jazmin Alaide Lopez-Diaz, Oscar Talavera-Mendoza, Alicia Sarmiento-Villagrana, Fernando Rojano, Giovanni Hernandez-Flores
Summary: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are electrochemical devices focused on bioenergy generation and organic matter removal using membranes as separators. There are various membranes or separators available for MFCs, including NF-117 membrane, but one of the challenges is the high cost. Research efforts should be increased to develop more economic membranes with favorable properties for satisfactory cell performance.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Narangarav Terbish, Srinivasa R. Popuri, Ching-Hwa Lee
Summary: The study found that the nanocomposite membranes prepared by incorporating nano-clay montmorillonite into a chitosan matrix showed promising performance in microbial fuel cells, including high power density and improved wastewater treatment efficiency.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Baubek Spanov, Bas Baartmans, Oladapo Olaleye, Simone Nicolardi, Natalia Govorukhina, Manfred Wuhrer, Nico C. van de Merbel, Rainer Bischoff
Summary: We have developed a method using pH gradient cation-exchange chromatography to reveal the charge heterogeneity of stressed trastuzumab at the subunit level. This approach can be used for charge variant analysis of therapeutic antibodies with two or more modification sites in the Fab region.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Sadhasivam Thangarasu, Tae Hwan Oh
Summary: This paper summarizes the development and optimization of PPO-based cation exchange membranes in different types of fuel cell systems, focusing on the physicochemical properties of membrane materials and fuel cell performance. Additionally, the application of PPO-based membranes in redox flow battery systems is also outlined.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Sadhasivam Thangarasu, Tae-Hwan Oh
Summary: Cellulose-based membranes have attracted attention as ion exchange membranes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells and alkaline fuel cells. The focus of research is on enhancing their functional properties and reducing production costs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
In -Ho Kim, Dae-Kwang Lim, Yeon Namgung, Hohan Bae, Jun-Young Park, Sun-Ju Song
Summary: In this study, the electrochemical and transport properties of a perovskite-type proton conductor BZCYYb5311 were evaluated. The material showed high proton conductivity and exceptional chemical stability. It exhibited a proton conductivity of 98% compared to ionic conductivity at 600°C. The maximum power density in fuel cell mode and current density in electrolysis mode were calculated, indicating the potential of BZCYYb5311 as a fuel cell material.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Leticia Souza, Regina Antonio, Dachamir Hotza, Claudimir Carminatti, Tatiana Pineda-Vasquez, Elise Watzko, Ana Paula Pezzin, Diego Duarte, Derce Recouvreux
Summary: In this research, a membrane made of BNC and LIG crosslinked by CA was developed. SEM and FTIR analysis confirmed the entrapment of LIG in BNC nanofibers. TGA testing showed that BNC/LIG membranes have better thermal stability compared to pure BNC membranes. The titration tests indicated good ion exchange capacity of the BNC/LIG membrane. When used as a PEM in an MFC, BNC/LIG membrane achieved a maximum power density of 18.5 mW m(2). Therefore, BNC/LIG membranes show great promise as alternative PEMs in microbial fuel cells.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Su Yan, Ka Yu Cheng, Maneesha P. Ginige, Christina Morris, Xiao Deng, Jian Li, Shaokun Song, Guanyu Zheng, Lixiang Zhou, Anna H. Kaksonen
Summary: A two-stage biological fluidized bed process with ORP feedback dosing of ethanol was developed to sequentially remove selenate, nitrate, and sulfate from wastewater, while recovering high-purity elemental selenium Se-0.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Jonovan Van Yken, Ka Yu Cheng, Naomi J. Boxall, Aleksandar N. Nikoloski, Navid Moheimani, Marjorie Valix, Anna H. Kaksonen
Summary: This study evaluated a novel two-step process for biological lixiviant generation to facilitate base metals leaching from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). The first step involved biologically oxidizing waste sulfur to produce biogenic H2SO4, while the second step involved biologically oxidizing the acidified effluent to produce ferric iron. The recovered biolixiviant was then used for base metal leaching from PCBs.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Ka Yu Cheng, Tharanga Weerasinghe Mohottige, Maneesha P. Ginige, Anna H. Kaksonen
Summary: Alumina is produced from bauxite ore using the Bayer process, but the presence of organics in Australian bauxite ore hampers the process. Oxalate is a key organic impurity that needs to be removed from the Bayer liquor. Microbial bioreactor treatment is a promising method for oxalate removal, although current bioreactors have some limitations. This study provides an overview of biotechnical processes for treating alkaline oxalate-containing liquor and proposes perspectives for further research.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shaokun Song, Maneesha P. Ginige, Ka Yu Cheng, Tianhao Qie, Christopher S. Peacock, Anna H. Kaksonen
Summary: The distribution of biogas in headspace and gas collection devices is often assumed to be identical in batch experiments for evaluating biohydrogen potential. However, this assumption has been examined for the first time and a model for biogas distribution has been developed and validated. The results showed a difference of 5% to 30% in biogas concentration between headspace and gas collection unit. This measurement error in batch experiments has led to inaccurate reporting of biohydrogen purity and negative impacts on industry operations and regulatory compliance.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tharanga N. Weerasinghe Mohottige, Maneesha P. Ginige, Anna H. Kaksonen, Ranjan Sarukkalige, Ka Yu Cheng
Summary: This study proposed and validated the application of a dual-chamber bioelectrochemical cell as an add-on unit for an aerobic bioreactor to facilitate reagent-free pH-correction, organics removal, and caustic recovery from alkaline and saline wastewater. The results showed that the BES concurrently removed the majority of the influent organics and reduced the pH, enabling caustic production at a lower electrical energy demand compared to conventional chlor-alkali processes. The proposed application of BES holds promise to improve the environmental sustainability of industries in managing organic impurities in alkaline and saline waste streams.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Arya Van Alin, Melissa K. Corbett, Homayoun Fathollahzadeh, M. Christian Tjiam, Andrew Putnis, Jacques Eksteen, Anna H. Kaksonen, Elizabeth Watkin
Summary: The adsorption behavior of micro-organisms during the initial attachment stage affects biofilm formation. Factors such as available attachment area and surface properties impact microbial attachment. This study investigated the initial attachment behavior of Klebsiella aerogenes on monazite and explored the role of extracellular DNA (eDNA). The ratio of planktonic and sessile subpopulations (P:S ratio), eDNA production, surface properties, particle size, available attachment area, and initial inoculation size were tested. The results showed that attachment occurred preferentially on larger particles, and decreasing the inoculation size or increasing the available area further promoted attachment. The presence of eDNA hindered bacterial attachment by creating repulsive interaction with bacteria.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Jonovan Van Yken, Naomi J. Boxall, Ka Yu Cheng, Aleksandar N. Nikoloski, Navid Moheimani, Anna H. Kaksonen
Summary: This study evaluated the economic feasibility of an integrated bio- and hydrometallurgical process for extracting and recovering base and precious metals from electronic waste. A preliminary techno-economic analysis was conducted to examine the potential costs and profitability of the proposed process. The findings suggest that the process is profitable under optimized conditions and can address challenges associated with e-waste processing.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Su Yan, Ka Yu Cheng, Tsing Bohu, Christina Morris, Line Lomheim, Ivy Yang, Maneesha P. Ginige, Elizabeth Edwards, Guanyu Zheng, Lixiang Zhou, Anna H. Kaksonen
Summary: Oxidation reduction potential (ORP) feedback-control by ethanol-dosing has been proven effective in a two-stage fluidized bed reactor (FBR) process for removing selenate, nitrate, and sulfate from wastewater and recovering high-purity elemental Se. This study investigated the impact of ORP conditions on microbial community composition and found that high ORP and elevated sulfate significantly altered microbial communities in FBR1. Selenate reducers were affected by ORP above -360 mV or -440 mV, while nitrate reducers remained unaffected.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natalia Malinowski, Sergio Domingos, Jason Wylie, Matthew J. Morgan, Suzanne Metcalfe, Tom Walsh, Warish Ahmed, Anna H. Kaksonen, Geoffrey J. Puzon
Summary: This study investigated the presence and abundance of free-living amoebae (FLA) and amoeba-resistant bacteria (ARB) in chlorinated drinking water storage tanks in Western Australia. FLA and ARB were detected in tanks with free chlorine residuals above 0.5 mg/L, indicating the need for continued surveillance and risk management.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yinping Xiang, Meiying Jia, Rui Xu, Jialu Xu, Lele He, Haihao Peng, Weimin Sun, Dongbo Wang, Weiping Xiong, Zhaohui Yang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the non-antibiotic pharmaceutical carbamazepine on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during anaerobic digestion. The results showed that carbamazepine induced the enrichment of ARGs and increased the abundance of bacteria carrying these genes. It also facilitated microbial aggregation and intercellular communication, leading to an increased frequency of ARGs transmission. Moreover, carbamazepine promoted the acquisition of ARGs by pathogens and elevated their overall abundance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Weixin Zhao, Tianyi Hu, Hao Ma, Dan Li, Qingliang Zhao, Junqiu Jiang, Liangliang Wei
Summary: This review summarizes the effects and potential mechanisms of biochar on microbial behavior in AD systems. The addition of biochar has been found to promote microbial colonization, alleviate stress, provide nutrients, and enhance enzyme activity. Future research directions include targeted design of biochar, in-depth study of microbial mechanisms, and improved models.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Christina Karmann, Anna Magrova, Pavel Jenicek, Jan Bartacek, Vojtech Kouba
Summary: This review assesses nitrogen removal technologies in reject water treatment, highlighting the differences in environmental impacts and economic benefits. Partial nitritation-anammox shows potential for economic benefits and positive environmental outcomes when operated and controlled properly.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wei-Hao Huang, Ying-Ju Chang, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: This study modified pinecone biochar with layered double hydroxide (LDH) to enhance its adsorption capacity for heavy metal and phosphate ions. The LDH-biochar showed significantly improved adsorption capacities for Pb2+ and phosphate, and a slight increase for Cu2+ and Co2+. The LDH layer enhanced the adsorption through various mechanisms.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chao Song, Fanfan Cai, Shuang Yang, Ligong Wang, Guangqing Liu, Chang Chen
Summary: This paper developed a machine learning model to predict the biochemical methane potential during anaerobic digestion. Model analysis identified lignin content, organic loading, and nitrogen content as key attributes for methane production prediction. For feedstocks with high cellulose content, early methane production is lower but can be improved by prolonging digestion time. Moreover, lignin content exceeding a certain value significantly inhibits methane production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sang Min Lee, Ju Young Lee, Ji-Sook Hahn, Seung-Ho Baek
Summary: This study successfully developed an efficient platform strain using Yarrowia lipolytica for the bioconversion of renewable resources into adipic acid, achieving a remarkable increase in production level.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sefkan Kendir, Matthias Franzreb
Summary: This study presents a novel approach using magnetic separation to efficiently harvest freshwater microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris. By combining pH-induced calcium phosphate precipitation with cheap natural magnetite microparticles, harvesting efficiencies up to 98% were achieved in the model medium.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ishaq Kariim, Ji-Yeon Park, Wajahat Waheed Kazmi, Hulda Swai, In-Gu Lee, Thomas Kivevele
Summary: The impact of reaction temperature, residence time, and ethanol: acetone on the energy compositions and yield enhancement of biocrudes was investigated. The results showed that under appropriate conditions, biocrudes with high energy and low oxygen content can be obtained, indicating a high potential for utilization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiyue Zhang, Xiyao Li, Liang Zhang, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: Intermittent aeration is an innovative approach to enhance nitrogen removal in low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio municipal sewage, providing an efficient strategy for the continuous plug-flow AOA process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xu Yang, Mahmoud Mazarji, Mengtong Li, Aohua Li, Ronghua Li, Zengqiang Zhang, Junting Pan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of magnetite on the nitrogen cycle of pig manure biostabilisation. The addition of magnetite increased N2O emissions and decreased NH3 emissions during composting. It also increased the total nitrogen content but should be considered for its significant increase in N2O emissions in engineering practice.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Ty Shitanaka, Haylee Fujioka, Muzammil Khan, Manpreet Kaur, Zhi-Yan Du, Samir Kumar Khanal
Summary: The market value of microalgae has exponentially increased in the past two decades, thanks to their applications in various industries. However, the supply of high-value microalgal bioproducts is limited due to several factors, and strategies are being explored to overcome these limitations and improve microalgae production, thus increasing the availability of algal-derived bioproducts in the market.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Martin Kerner, Thorsten Wolff, Torsten Brinkmann
Summary: The efficiency of using enriched CO2 from flue gas for large-scale production of green microalgae has been studied. The results show that the use of membrane devices and static mixers can effectively improve the CO2 recovery rate and maintain the suitable pH and temperature during cultivation, achieving a more economical and sustainable microalgae production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rui Ma, Ji Li, Rd Tyagi, Xiaolei Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the microorganisms capable of using CO2 and CH4 to produce PHAs, illustrating the production process, factors influencing it, and discussing optimization techniques. It identifies the challenges and future prospects for developing economically viable PHAs production using GHGs as a carbon source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Bing Wang, Peng Zhang, Xu Guo, Xu Bao, Junjie Tian, Guomin Li, Jian Zhang
Summary: The addition of zeolite in the co-composting of chicken manure and straw significantly reduced the emissions of ammonia and N2O, and increased the nitrate content. Zeolite also promoted the abundance of nitrification genes and inhibited the expression of denitrification genes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rohit Dey, Franziska Ortiz Tena, Song Wang, Josef Martin Messmann, Christian Steinweg, Claudia Thomsen, Clemens Posten, Stefan Leu, Matthias S. Ullrich, Laurenz Thomsen
Summary: This study investigated the operation of a 1000L microalgae-based membrane photobioreactor system for continuous secondary wastewater treatment. The research focused on a green microalgae strain called Desmodesmus sp. The study aimed to understand key trends and optimization strategies by conducting experiments in both summer and winter seasons. The findings showed that maintaining low cell concentrations during periods of light inhibition was beneficial for nutrient uptake rates. Effective strategies for enhancing algae-based wastewater treatment included cell mass recycling and adjusting dilution rates based on light availability.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
