Application of ZIF-8 nanocomposite membrane in microbial desalination cells for simultaneous heavy metal removal and biofouling prevention.

Microbial desalination cells (MDC) syndicate the advantage of physical separation by using membranes to create conditions required for Bioelectrochemical processes for the treatment of various domestic and industrial wastewater, while simultaneously desalinating saline water and generating bioenergy. However, since the introduction of this technology, heavy metal removal has been a challenge, and membrane fouling has become a major bottleneck limiting the optimum performance and efficiency of this technology. This study incorporated the use of ZIF-8 nanocomposite membrane via phase inversion mechanism in MDC for simultaneous heavy metal removal and membrane biofouling prevention.

Comparative Studies of Recirculatory Microbial Desalination Cell-Microbial Electrolysis Cell Coupled Systems.

The recirculatory microbial desalination cell-microbial electrolysis cell (MDC-MEC) coupled system is a novel technology that generates power, treats wastewater, and supports desalination through eco-friendly processes. This study focuses on the simultaneous efficient removal of Fe and Pb in the MEC and ammonium ions in the MDC. It also evaluates the performances of dual-chambered MEC (DCMEC) and single-chambered MEC (SCMEC), coupled with MDC with Ferricyanide as catholyte (MDCF) in heavy metals (Pb and Fe) removal, in addition to the production of voltage, current, and power within a 48-h cycle.

Macro problems from microplastics: Toward a sustainable policy framework for managing microplastic waste in Africa.

Microplastic pollution is a ubiquitous and emerging environmental and public health concern in Africa due to increased plastic production, product and waste importation, and usage. While studies on the environmental monitoring and characterization of microplastics demonstrated the urgent need for a drastic reduction in plastic waste generation, the effectiveness of the various regulatory and policy interventions implemented or proposed in Africa countries remains poorly understood. We critically examined policies, legislations, and regulations enacted to control microplastic pollution in Africa to develop a sustainable, harmonized framework for the coordinated reduction of plastic waste generation across Africa.

Assessing the factors influencing the performance of constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell integration.

Constructed wetland coupled microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) systems integrate an aerobic zone and an anaerobic zone to treat wastewater and to generate bioenergy. The concept evolves based on the principles of constructed wetlands and plant MFC (one form of photosynthetic MFC) technologies, of which all contain plants. CW-MFC have been used in a wide range of application since their introduction in 2012 for wastewater treatment and electricity generation.

Performance of Exoelectrogenic Bacteria Used in Microbial Desalination Cell Technology.

The tri-functional purpose of Microbial Desalination Cell (MDC) has shown a great promise in our current scarcity of water, an increase in water pollution and the high cost of electricity production. As a biological system, the baseline force that drives its performance is the presence of exoelectrogens in the anode chamber. Their presence in the anodic chamber of MDC systems enables the treatment of water, desalination of seawater, and the production of electrical energy.