Method to produce a synthesis product, e.g. methane utilizing methanogenic microorganisms in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) by applying a separated nutrient feeding strategy

Plain-English summary

Problem

How can microplastics and similar contaminants be removed from wastewater?

Solution

refers to a method to produce methane or at least one other synthesis product by methanogenic microorganisms in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), while applying a separated nutrient feeding supply in a discrete or a continuous manner.

Key novelty

Electrochemical treatment is reinforced by front-page matches on electrolysis, duct.

Applications

Contaminant removalWastewater polishingElectrochemical cleanupEnclosure cooling

Relevant search intents

electrolysisduct

Claims preview

1 . A method to produce methane during the methane production phase or at least one other synthesis product by methanogenic microorganisms in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), the method comprising the steps: i. providing a MEC, comprising an anode, a cathode, and a culture of methanogenic microorganisms in a suitable liquid aqueous electrolytic culture medium; ii. culturing the methanogenic microorganisms in a continuous process; iii. supplying electrons from the anode to the cathode of the MEC and contacting the methanogenic microorganisms with said electrons; iv. contacting the methanogenic microorganisms with at least one inorganic carbon source; v. contacting the methanogenic microorganisms with a sulfur source, or with a nitrogen source and a sulfur source, by separately supplying at least one of the nitrogen source and the sulfur source in a discrete or a continuous manner into the culture medium, thereby continuously controlling and regulating the concentration of the supplement source in the culture medium to maintain the nitrogen source concentration in the culture medium to be at a given amount of 0.005 to 0.2 M, or the sulfur source concentration in the culture medium to be at a given amount of 0.1 to 100 mM; vi. collecting methane, a methane enriched gas composition, or at least one other synthesis product from the MEC. 2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the MEC comprises at least: (a) a first chamber containing the cathode and the culture of the methanogenic microorganism in the culture medium; and (b) a second chamber containing at least the anode. 3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein step v. further comprises: that the nitrogen source concentration in the culture medium is maintained to be at a given amount of 0.02 to 0.2 M, or between 0.01 to 0.02 M or the sulfur source concentration in the culture medium is maintained to be at a given amount of 10 to 80 mM, or between 15 to 30 mM.

Linked approaches

Electrochemical treatment

Electrochemical processes that separate or degrade contaminants in water.

Directed airflow

Air-channeling systems that improve cooling efficiency in enclosed devices.

Method to produce a synthesis product, e.g. methane utilizing methanogenic microorganisms in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) by applying a separated nutrient feeding strategy

Plain-English summary

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