Electro-assisted groundwater bioremediation: Fundamentals, challenges and future perspectives. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Wen-Wei; Yu, Han-Qing
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 196(2015)
• Page Start: 677
• Page End: 684
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: In-situ bioremediation -- Stimulation -- Electrode -- Microbial ecology -- Electrokinetic enhancement; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.07.074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Challenges of groundwater bioremediation are identified. Main routes of electro-assisted bioremediation of groundwater are summarized. Potential applications and challenges for organics, metals and nitrate removal are highlighted. Knowledge gaps for application and future research directions are discussed. Abstract: Bioremediation is envisaged as an important way to abate groundwater contamination, but the need for chemical addition and limited bioavailability of electron donors/acceptors or contaminants hamper its application. As a promising means to enhance such processes, electrochemical system has drawn considerable attention, as it offers distinct advantages in terms of environmental benignity, controllability and treatment efficiency. Meanwhile, there are also potential risks and considerable engineering challenges for its practical application. This review provides a first comprehensive introduction of this emerging technology, discusses its potential applications and current challenges, identifies the knowledge gaps, and outlooks the future opportunities to bring it to field application. The need for a better understanding on the microbiology under electrochemical stimulation and the future requirements on process monitoring, modeling and evaluation protocols and field investigations are highlighted.