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Closing the nitrogen loop in groundwater with biohybrid technologies.
Linjie Zhou1, Biao Li1, Jianhua Guo2
1Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
Trends in Biotechnology
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Nitrate in groundwater can be a valuable nitrogen source. Biohybrid systems can convert nitrate to ammonium using microbial and electrochemical methods, but face challenges in scaling up and economic viability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Biotechnology
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Nitrate in groundwater is often viewed solely as a contaminant.
- However, it can also serve as a crucial nitrogen source for various applications.
- Current remediation methods for groundwater nitrate are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of biohybrid technologies for converting groundwater nitrate into valuable ammonium.
- To identify the key challenges hindering the practical application of these technologies.
Main Methods:
- Coupling microbial processes with renewable electrochemical or photochemical energy.
- Investigating biohybrid systems for nitrate-to-ammonium conversion.
Main Results:
- Biohybrid technologies demonstrate potential for nitrate valorization.
- Successful conversion of nitrate to ammonium is achievable.
Conclusions:
- Groundwater nitrate should be reconsidered as a nitrogen resource.
- Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges in scalability, microbial stability, material-microbe integration, process engineering, regulatory compliance, and economic feasibility for widespread adoption.
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