Bioelectrochemical anaerobic sewage treatment technology for Arctic communities

From National Research Council Canada

DOIResolve DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8390-1
AuthorSearch for: 1 ; Search for: 2 ; Search for: 1 
Name affiliation
  1. National Research Council Canada. Energy, Mining and Environment
  2. National Research Council Canada. Construction
FormatText
TypeArticle
Journal titleEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research
ISSN0944-1344
1614-7499
Subjectbioelectrochemical; anaerobic; psychrophilic; microbial electrolysis cell; wastewater
Abstract
This study describes a novel wastewater treatment technology suitable for small remote northern communities. The technology is based on an enhanced biodegradation of organic carbon through a combination of anaerobic methanogenic and microbial electrochemical (bioelectrochemical) degradation processes leading to biomethane production. The microbial electrochemical degradation is achieved in a membraneless flow-through bioanode–biocathode setup operating at an applied voltage below the water electrolysis threshold. Laboratory wastewater treatment tests conducted through a broad range of mesophilic and psychrophilic temperatures (5–23 °C) using synthetic wastewater showed a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) removal efficiency of 90–97% and an effluent BOD5 concentration as low as 7 mg L−1. An electricity consumption of 0.6 kWh kg−1 of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removed was observed. Low energy consumption coupled with enhanced methane production led to a net positive energy balance in the bioelectrochemical treatment system.
Publication date
PublisherSpringer
Terms of use
LanguageEnglish
Peer reviewedYes
NPARC number23001482
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Record identifier5591d626-e003-4a5b-ba57-227883c9f9f9
Record created2017-02-17
Record modified2017-04-05
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