Process validation of integrated bioelectrochemical and membrane reactor for synchronous bioenergy extraction and sustainable wastewater treatment at a semi-pilot scale

• Published in: Biochemical engineering journal 2019-11, Vol.151, p.107309, Article 107309
• Main Authors: Nakhate, Pranav H., Patil, Hrushikesh G., Shah, Vidit, Salvi, Tanmay, Marathe, Kumudini V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioelectrochemical membrane reactor; Microbial fuel cell (MFC); Net positive energy; Sustainability; Up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB)
• ISSN: 1369-703X; 1873-295X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2019.107309

[Display omitted] •UASB + MFC + Membrane sequential system developed at a semi-pilot scale.•High PD of 10.3 wm−3 and CD of 23.9 Am−3 achieved in UASB + MFC segment.•91.3% COD and 54.43% TDS reduction achieved during the sequential operation.•Self-sustainable system with high potential industrial application. Continuous mode semi-pilot scale bioelectrochemical and membrane-integrated system was developed for simultaneous bio-electricity generation and synthetic wastewater treatment. The bioelectrochemical component consisted of a holistic blending of Up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and microbial fuel cell (MFC), whereas hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was incorporated in a series. A maximum power density of 10.3 Wm−3 and current density of 23.9 Am−3 was engendered during the course of bio-electrochemical operation. 91.3% COD and 54.43% TDS reduction was achieved during the integrated operation. Hydraulic retention time (HRT) and substrate concentrations were the prominent factors in the bio-electrochemical segment and coagulation/flocculation used prior to hollow fiber filtration. The voltage output was linearly associated with COD reduction and this could be strategized to develop a bioelectrochemical based biosensor to measure real-time COD in the wastewater treatment plant. A Kinetic study was carried out for an entire integrated system, wherein, theoretical and experimental current generation was linearly correlated. Theoretical net energy produced at a prior stage (0.096626 kW h/m−3) surpasses the overall energy consumed in an integrated system and the inconsistent methane production could further be enhanced with modified reactor conditions. Nevertheless, this cost-effective effluent treatment approach could be a supportive guide to develop a self-sustainable wastewater treatment strategy.