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Photosynthetic microbial fuel cell with polybenzimidazole membrane: synergy between bacteria and algae for wastewater removal and biorefinery

Here, we demonstrate a very efficient simultaneous approach of bioenergy generation from wastewater and added-value compounds production by using a photosynthetic microalgae microbial fuel cells (PMFC), based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) composite membrane as separator. The use of PBI was proved to be...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Angioni, S., Millia, L., Mustarelli, P., Doria, E., Temporiti, M.E., Mannucci, B., Corana, F., Quartarone, E.
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Elsevier 2018
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5968083/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29862335
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00560
Descripción
Sumario:Here, we demonstrate a very efficient simultaneous approach of bioenergy generation from wastewater and added-value compounds production by using a photosynthetic microalgae microbial fuel cells (PMFC), based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) composite membrane as separator. The use of PBI was proved to be very promising, even more convenient than Nafion™ in terms of energy performances as well as cost and sustainability. This polymer is also easily autoclavable, so allowing a re-use of the separator with a consequent beneficial cost effect. Two PMFCs were investigated: 1) Pt electrocatalysed and 2) Pt-free. They were operated as microbial carbon capture (MCC) device under continuous illumination, by using a domestic wastewater as anolyte and Scenedesmus acutus strain in the catholyte. The Pt-based cell allowed to generate higher volumetric power density (∼400 mW m(−3)) after more than 100 operating days. This resulted in an improved wastewater treatment efficiency, determined in terms of normalised energy recovery (NER > 0.19 kWh kg(COD)(−1) in case of Pt). The CO(2) fixation of the PMFC-grown microalgae leaded to a high accumulation of added-value products, namely pigments and fatty acids. A significant quantity of lutein was observed as well as a relevant amount of other valuable carotenoids, as violaxanthin, astaxanthin and cantaxanthin. The lipids were even excellently accumulated (49%(dw)). Their profile was mainly composed by fatty acids in the range C(16-18), which are particularly indicated for the biofuel production. These results demonstrate the feasibility and the implemented sustainability of such PMFCs as a great potential technology for the wastewater treatment and the simultaneous production of valuable products.