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Updated: May 10, 2026

Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
Oxalate degradation in a bioelectrochemical system: reactor performance and microbial community characterization
1IRTA, GIRO Joint Research Unit IRTA-UPC, Torre Marimon, E-08140 Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona, Spain. august.bonmati@irta.cat
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to investigate the feasibility of using oxalate at the anode in a continuous reactor. Complete oxalate removal was observed, albeit at a maximum coulombic efficiency of 33.9±0.4%. At the cathode side, there was an increase in pH from 8 to 11 showing production of caustic. Analysis of the microbial community demonstrated a clear shift during reactor start-up, resulting in enrichment of microorganisms belonging to Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Mollicutes, and β and γ-Proteobacteria. Methane was produced throughout the experiment; Archaea belonging to the Methanosarcinacea, Methanomicrobiaceae and Methanosaetaceae were identified as key representatives.
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