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Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
High current generation coupled to caustic production using a lamellar bioelectrochemical system
Korneel Rabaey1, Simone Bützer, Shelley Brown
1Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia. k.rabaey@uq.edu.au
Environmental Science & Technology
|May 8, 2010
Summary
Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) can now produce caustic solutions at liter scale. This technology shows economic viability for wastewater treatment and resource recovery.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrochemistry
- Sustainable Technology
Background:
- Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) offer potential for energy and product recovery from wastewater.
- Economic viability of BESs depends on high turnover rates and valuable product generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate caustic production using a liter-scale lamellar BES.
- To evaluate the system's performance in laboratory and field conditions.
Main Methods:
- A three-electrode, liter-scale lamellar BES was employed.
- Anode potential was fixed with external power supply for spontaneous current generation.
- Acetate was used as the electron donor in laboratory tests.
- The system was tested on brewery effluent in field conditions.
Main Results:
- Laboratory tests yielded up to 1.05 A and 3.4 wt% caustic concentration with 61% efficiency.
- Field tests on brewery effluent achieved currents up to 0.38 A.
- Weekly fluctuations in performance were observed due to operational changes.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to demonstrate liter-scale caustic production using BESs in both lab and field.
- The value of the produced caustic justifies the energy input, indicating economic potential.
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