Hybrid bioelectrochemical process enables hierarchical C, N, and P utilization towards negative carbon emission wastewater treatment.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42660933.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-76009-1.
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Abstract
Bioelectrochemical system (BES) can provide sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment through lower energy consumption, reduced carbon emissions, and nutrient capture and reuse. Herein, we propose a hybrid bioelectrochemical assembly (HBA)-centered purification-power-cultivation process to achieve hierarchical C, N, and P metabolism, graded power generation, and reusable water production. The hybridization of abiotic and biotic cathode BESs in HBA enables hierarchical C metabolism, with effluent COD directly meeting the Class Ⅲ surface water standard. The customized water-permeable biofilm separators sequentially create anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic zones within HBA, enabling complete N removal. Subsequently, the P-rich tailwater of HBA is channelled into a hydroponic irrigation system for P utilization, ultimately producing reusable clean water. Notably, a high power density of 0.43 W m<sup>-2</sup> is obtained, and this process achieves a net carbon emission of -0.413 kg-CO<sub>2</sub> m<sup>-3</sup>. This study presents a prototype for sustainable wastewater purification, particularly in low-resource areas with carbon emission reduction and carbon neutrality targets.