Merging microbial electrochemical systems with conventional reactor designs for treating wastewater

Abstract

Microbial electrochemistry or electromicrobiology has emerged as a new subdiscipline of the biotechnology based on the study of the interactions between microbial living cells and electrodes. The catalytic properties of these microorganisms are very versatile and a diversity of fields can benefit from these systems known collectively as Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs). These technologies have emerged as novel systems that fill well within the recently recognized water-energy nexus by reason of their attractive applications in wastewater treatment and water desalination. However, the implementation of METs in real-world applications depends upon the resolution of microbial, technological and economical challenges. To date, METs have been understood as devices in which the catalysis is located at the electrode interface due to the need of microbial attachment forming a biofilm. The need of optimizing this interaction is the main challenge of the field, and has been mainly focused on improving the reactor and electrodes design, in addition to achieving better extracellular electron transfers mechanisms. In this thesis, we have explored new scenarios and strategies for overcoming the technological bottlenecks of METs in the wastewater treatment applications.