Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
09:50
Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
Phosphate recovery as struvite within a single chamber microbial electrolysis cell
Roland D Cusick1, Bruce E Logan
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Bioresource Technology
|January 4, 2012
Summary
This study demonstrates a novel method for simultaneous hydrogen gas and struvite production using microbial electrolysis. This energy-efficient process achieved high yields and proved effective for nutrient recovery and clean energy generation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) offer potential for sustainable energy and resource recovery.
- Struvite precipitation is a key process for phosphate removal and nutrient recovery.
- Concurrent production of hydrogen and struvite requires optimized reactor design and operating conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an energy-efficient method for simultaneous hydrogen gas and struvite production.
- To evaluate the performance of a microbial electrolysis struvite-precipitation cell (MESC) with different cathode materials.
- To determine the impact of operating parameters on hydrogen and struvite yields and energy efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a single-chamber microbial electrolysis struvite-precipitation cell (MESC).
- Employed stainless steel 304 mesh and flat plates as cathode materials.
- Analyzed phosphate removal, struvite crystallization, hydrogen production rates, and energy efficiencies.
- Verified struvite formation using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).
Main Results:
- Phosphate removal ranged from 20% to 40%, with mesh cathodes showing higher efficiency.
- Struvite crystals were successfully formed and accumulated on the cathodes.
- Hydrogen production rates were unaffected by struvite accumulation.
- Struvite crystallization and hydrogen production rates depended on applied voltage and cathode material.
- High overall energy efficiencies (73 ± 4%) were achieved, independent of applied voltage.
Conclusions:
- MESCs provide an effective and energy-efficient approach for concurrent hydrogen and struvite production.
- The choice of cathode material significantly influences phosphate removal efficiency.
- This technology holds promise for sustainable resource recovery and clean energy generation.
Related Concept Videos
01:21The Phosphorus Cycle
Unlike carbon, water, and nitrogen, phosphorus is not present in the atmosphere as a gas. Instead, most phosphorus in the ecosystem exists as compounds, such as phosphate ions (PO43-), found in soil, water, sediment and rocks. Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient (i.e., in short supply). Consequently, phosphorus is added to most agricultural fertilizers, which can cause environmental problems related to runoff in aquatic ecosystems.
01:25Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation and immobilization of uranium in contaminated environments through four main pathways: bioreduction, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization. These mechanisms reduce uranium’s toxicity and prevent its migration through groundwater systems, offering sustainable approaches for in situ bioremediation.Bioreduction of UraniumBioreduction is driven by anaerobic bacteria such as certain strains of Geobacter and Shewanella, which use...