Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:24
Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetland Design for Wastewater Treatment
Published on: May 2, 2025
Modular stacked bioelectrocatalytic-triphasic constructed wetland for continuous wastewater treatment
Vaibhav Nailwal1, Boda Ravi Kiran1, Triya Mukherjee1
1Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, 201002 Ghaziabad, India.
Bioresource Technology
|June 21, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a modular Bioelectrocatalytic Treatment (BET) reactor that enhances wastewater treatment by integrating electrodes into existing infrastructure. The system efficiently removes pollutants and recalcitrant compounds, offering a scalable solution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Conventional wastewater treatment faces challenges with system complexity and infrastructure compatibility.
- Electro-biogenic processes offer potential but require integration solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a modular, plug-and-play Bioelectrocatalytic Treatment (BET) reactor for intensifying wastewater treatment.
- To assess the system's ability to regulate redox conditions and enhance pollutant removal in existing infrastructure.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a modular stacked SS316L electrode assembly into a continuous-flow BET reactor.
- Electrochemical characterization of bioelectrode maturation and electron-transfer activity.
- Continuous operation and performance evaluation of the BET reactor for pollutant removal.
- Analysis of microbial community structure using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Downstream integration with a constructed wetland for tertiary polishing.
Main Results:
- The BET reactor demonstrated enhanced electro-biocatalytic activity with peak currents of 3.8 mA and power densities of 11.78 mW m-2.
- High removal efficiencies were achieved: 88% for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), 89% for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), and 88% for Total Organic Carbon (TOC).
- Significant reductions (84-88%) in nutrients like nitrate, sulphate, and phosphate were observed.
- GC-MS analysis confirmed substantial removal of recalcitrant organic compounds.
- 16S rRNA sequencing revealed electrode-driven shifts in microbial community structure and function.
- Downstream wetland integration further improved effluent quality.
Conclusions:
- The modular BET reactor is a scalable and energy-efficient solution for upgrading conventional wastewater treatment plants (STPs) and effluent treatment plants (ETPs).
- The system enables in-situ redox regulation, promoting electro-stimulated bioelectrocatalytic activity.
- The technology facilitates significant pollutant removal and tertiary polishing, addressing limitations of existing infrastructure.
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