Electrochemical removal of microalgae with an integrated electrolysis-microbial fuel cell closed-loop system
30/05/2019
Abstract
In this work, an electrolysis process was integrated with the microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology as a sustainable way to treat algal contamination in water systems. A combined closed-loop system was developed in which the electrolysis unit was coupled with a cascade of miniature single chambered air-cathode MFCs. The integrated system led to a 20% reduction of the electrical energy requirement of the electrochemical reactor. Our approach provides a sustainable alternative to current algal removal systems that is chemical-free and has the potential to be energy-neutral.

Reference:
Monasterio S., Mascia M., Di Lorenzo M., Electrochemical removal of microalgae with an integrated electrolysismicrobial fuel cell closed-loop system. Separation and Purification Technology, 183(2017), 373-381. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1383586616318500