Ricerc@Sapienza

A fully biological Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) aimed at biogas upgrading has been operated under different operating conditions in order to enhance CO2 removal from a synthetic biogas. Specifically, CO2 reduction into CH4 occurred at the MEC biocathode with the oxidation of organic substrates in the anodic chamber partially sustaining the energy demand of the process. In the cathode chamber, methane formation was the main driver of current generation which, in turn, sustained alkalinity generation and related CO2 sorption.

The present study shows the results of an experimental survey conducted over 34 months on 76 full-scale Wastewater Treatment Plants located in central Italy with the aim to determine the influent and effluent concentrations of 13 Organic Micropollutants belonging to the class of illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals and steroids. The survey focused on a large set of plants differing for the main characteristics (e.g. treatment capacity, type of lay-out).