Sequential solid entrapment and in situ electrolytic alkaline hydrolysis facilitated reagent-free bioelectrochemical treatment of particulate-rich municipal wastewater.

We introduce here a novel process for the treatment of particulate-rich wastewater. A two-stage combined treatment process, consisting of an electrolysis filter and a bioelectrochemical system (BES) configuration was designed and evaluated to remove particulate and soluble organic matter from municipal wastewater. The system was designed such that the electrolysis step was used as a filter, enabling physical removal and in situ alkaline hydrolysis of the entrapped particulate matter.

Assessing the suitability of sediment-type bioelectrochemical systems for organic matter removal from municipal wastewater: a column study.

This study examines the use of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) as an alternative to rock filters for polishing wastewater stabilisation ponds (WSPs) effluent, which often contains soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) and suspended solids mainly as algal biomass. A filter type sediment BES configuration with graphite granules (as the surrogate for rocks in a rock filter) was examined. Three reactor columns were set up to examine three different treatments: (i) open-circuit without current generation; (ii) close-circuit - with current generation; and (iii) control reactor without electrode material.

A bio-anodic filter facilitated entrapment, decomposition and in situ oxidation of algal biomass in wastewater effluent.

This study examined for the first time the use of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) to entrap, decompose and oxidise fresh algal biomass from an algae-laden effluent. The experimental process consisted of a photobioreactor for a continuous production of the algal-laden effluent, and a two-chamber BES equipped with anodic graphite granules and carbon-felt to physically remove and oxidise algal biomass from the influent. Results showed that the BES filter could retain ca.