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Interfacing anaerobic digestion with (bio)electrochemical systems: Potentials and challenges
Jo De Vrieze1, Jan B A Arends1, Kristof Verbeeck1
1Center for Microbial Ecology & Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Gent, Belgium.
Water Research
|October 2, 2018
Summary
Combining anaerobic digestion with bioelectrochemical systems enhances waste treatment and resource recovery. This hybrid approach offers improved process control, nutrient recovery, and biogas quality, though economic viability is case-specific.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a century-old technology for organic waste stabilization and energy recovery.
- A bio-based economy necessitates advanced treatment for increasing organic waste volumes and diversity.
- Resource recovery of nutrients and organic matter is crucial for sustainable waste management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the benefits of integrating (bio)electrochemical systems (BES) with anaerobic digestion.
- To evaluate the impact of microorganism-electrode interactions on hybrid system performance.
- To distinguish promising hybrid AD-BES technologies for full-scale application.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hybrid anaerobic digestion and (bio)electrochemical systems.
- Analysis of benefits in process monitoring, control, stabilization, nutrient recovery, effluent polishing, and biogas upgrading.
- Evaluation of microorganism-electrode interactions and their effect on process performance.
- Assessment of operational costs and economic potential for full-scale implementation.
Main Results:
- Hybrid AD-BES technologies offer enhanced process monitoring, control, and stabilization.
- Significant improvements in nutrient recovery, effluent polishing, and biogas upgrading are achievable.
- Microorganism-electrode interactions create unique niches influencing overall process efficiency.
- Economic feasibility is highly dependent on specific applications and engineering challenges.
Conclusions:
- Combining anaerobic digestion with (bio)electrochemical systems presents a complementary approach for advanced waste treatment and resource recovery.
- The synergistic effects offer potential for enhanced performance across multiple waste treatment objectives.
- Further research and engineering solutions are needed to overcome challenges for widespread, cost-effective full-scale implementation.
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