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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery

Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery

Published on: January 22, 2015

Nutrient removal in an electrically enhanced membrane bioreactor.

V Wei¹, J A Oleszkiewicz, M Elektorowicz

¹Department of Civil Engineering, University of Manitoba, 15 Gillson St, Winnipeg Manitoba, R3T 5V6, Canada. wei@cc.umanitoba.ca

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research

|December 4, 2009

Summary

A novel electrically enhanced membrane bioreactor (EMBR) system efficiently removes pollutants, including phosphorus, without pH adjustment or added carbon. This wastewater treatment innovation shows high removal rates and low energy consumption.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Environmental Engineering
Electrochemistry

Background:

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are increasingly adopted for wastewater treatment due to stricter environmental regulations.
Conventional MBRs often require additional processes for nutrient and phosphorus removal.
No prior research has combined nitrification, denitrification, and electrochemical phosphorus removal within an MBR system.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and evaluate a novel electrically enhanced MBR (EMBR) system.
To assess the simultaneous removal of ammonium-nitrogen, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen, and ortho-phosphorus.
To determine the energy efficiency and impact on microbial growth.

Main Methods:

A novel EMBR system was designed and operated using synthetic wastewater.
Electrochemical phosphorus removal was integrated into the MBR process.
A control MBR was run in parallel for comparison.
Key performance indicators including pollutant removal rates and power consumption were measured.

Main Results:

Complete elimination of ammonium-nitrogen was achieved.
High removal efficiencies were recorded: 94.3% for COD, 77% for total nitrogen, and 86.6% for ortho-phosphorus.
Power consumption was determined to be 0.22 kW/m³.
An applied voltage gradient of 1.82 V/cm did not negatively impact microbial growth.

Conclusions:

The EMBR system effectively removes key wastewater pollutants, including phosphorus, without requiring pH adjustment or external carbon sources.
The system demonstrates significant potential for achieving high nutrient and phosphorus removal efficiencies.
The EMBR technology offers a promising, energy-efficient solution for advanced wastewater treatment.