Article | REF: IN406 V1

Bacterial batteries: clean energy with dirty water

Author: Naoufel HADDOUR

Publication date: November 10, 2021

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ABSTRACT

Reducing the energy consumption of urban and industrial wastewater treatment plants is a real issue for the development of the future sustainable city. This article discusses bacterial battery technology that could help treatment plants become self-sufficient in energy. The principle of operation and the first development steps of this emerging technology are described. The production of electrical energy from wastewater and the potential for exploiting bacterial batteries in treatment plants are then developed, before concluding on the prospects offered by this new technology.

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AUTHOR

  • Naoufel HADDOUR: Senior Lecturer - Ampère Laboratory, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Ecully, France

 INTRODUCTION

Key points

Sector: Water treatment

Degree of technology diffusion: Emergence

Technologies involved : Bacterial cells

Applications: Water treatment, waste-to-energy, renewable energy

Contact: [email protected]

Wastewater treatment plants consume large quantities of energy, most of which is purchased from the network, even though wastewater contains more energy in chemical form than is required for its own treatment. The energy potential of wastewater can be judiciously exploited by new technologies such as bacterial cells to reduce the energy consumption of treatment plants. These can convert organic matter in wastewater directly into electricity, using bacteria as biocatalysts. This innovative technology has been attracting growing interest since the 2000s, and has great potential to help limit the operating costs of wastewater treatment plants, and even lead to plants with a positive energy balance.

This article presents bacterial cell technology as applied to wastewater treatment in wastewater treatment plants. It discusses the theoretical and practical principles of this technology, and compares its performance with competing technologies. The methodology to be followed, from laboratory to industrial scale, is also presented, outlining the reactor architectures and materials used. Examples of industrial pilots are given, illustrating the different implementation options and the costs involved. Finally, the outlook for this technology is discussed in the context of a new generation of wastewater treatment plants.

At the end of the article, readers will find a table of the notations used.

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Bacterial cells: clean energy from dirty water