A Multiple Reaction Modelling Framework for Microbial Electrochemical Technologies

Abstract

A mathematical model for the theoretical evaluation of microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) is presented that incorporates a detailed physico-chemical framework, includes multiple reactions (both at the electrodes and in the bulk phase) and involves a variety of microbial functional groups. The model is applied to two theoretical case studies: (i) A microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) for continuous anodic volatile fatty acids (VFA) oxidation and cathodic VFA reduction to alcohols, for which the theoretical system response to changes in applied voltage and VFA feed ratio (anode-to-cathode) as well as membrane type are investigated. This case involves multiple parallel electrode reactions in both anode and cathode compartments; (ii) A microbial fuel cell (MFC) for cathodic perchlorate reduction, in which the theoretical impact of feed flow rates and concentrations on the overall system performance are investigated. This case involves multiple electrode reactions in series in the cathode compartment. The model structure captures interactions between important system variables based on first principles and provides a platform for the dynamic description of METs involving electrode reactions both in parallel and in series and in both MFC and MEC configurations. Such a theoretical modelling approach, largely based on first principles, appears promising in the development and testing of MET control and optimization strategies.

Microbial electrolysis cell as an emerging versatile technology: a review on its potential application, advance and challenge

“…Many inorganic pollutant substances such as nitrate, perchlorate, phosphorus and sulfur can be degraded in the MEC . Nitrates and sulfate are the focus of this section.…”

“…Many inorganic pollutant substances such as nitrate, perchlorate, phosphorus and sulfur can be degraded in the MEC. [97][98][99][100][101] Nitrates and sulfate are the focus of this section. Nitrate has been found in groundwater worldwide and is commonly removed using physical techniques, chemical techniques, photocatalytic degradation or electrodeionization.…”