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Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
Treatability studies on different refinery wastewater samples using high-throughput microbial electrolysis cells
Lijiao Ren1, Michael Siegert, Ivan Ivanov
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 212 Sackett Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Bioresource Technology
|April 10, 2013
Summary
High-throughput microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) effectively treated refinery wastewater, achieving high contaminant removal. Acclimation with domestic wastewater improved performance, demonstrating MECs
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Refinery wastewater presents complex treatment challenges due to variable characteristics.
- Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) offer a promising bioelectrochemical approach for wastewater treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the treatability of diverse refinery wastewater samples using high-throughput microbial electrolysis cells (MECs).
- To assess the impact of anode acclimation on MEC performance for refinery wastewater treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-throughput microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) for treatability studies.
- Tested various de-oiled and non-de-oiled refinery wastewater samples, including stabilization lagoon and stripped sour wastewater.
- Investigated the effect of pre-acclimating the anode with domestic wastewater.
Main Results:
- A de-oiled refinery wastewater sample (DOW1) yielded optimal results: 2.1±0.2 A/m² current density, 79% COD removal, and 82% headspace BOD removal.
- Performance varied significantly across different wastewater types, with some samples failing to produce appreciable current.
- Anode acclimation with domestic wastewater enhanced electricity production, organic removal, and reduced startup time.
Conclusions:
- High-throughput MECs are effective for assessing the treatability of diverse refinery wastewaters.
- Wastewater characteristics significantly influence MEC performance.
- Anode acclimation strategies can optimize MEC efficiency for industrial wastewater treatment.
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