Question 1

What is the main aim of the project?

Accepted Answer

To develop a universal, low-cost electrified biotrickling filter (ETB) for the treatment of sulfur-containing liquid and gaseous waste streams, to study microbial electrochemical heterogeneity (stratification) within the system, and to establish design guidelines for future microbial electrochemical technologies (MET).

Question 2

What are the key methodologies and experimental approaches being used?

Accepted Answer

Operation of lab-scale ETBs combining anodic oxidation (e.g. S²⁻ to S⁰) and cathodic reduction (e.g. SO₄²⁻ to S⁰), single granule electrochemical analysis using the eClamp, microbial community sequencing, and development of a tailored potentiostat in collaboration with Sciospec Scientific Instruments GmbH (SCIO)().

Question 3

What specific hypothesis is being tested?

Accepted Answer

That microbial and electrochemical stratification within ETBs can be controlled and optimized to improve sulfur compound removal and overall reactor performance.

Question 4

What type(s) of culture or model systems will be used to test the hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Lab-scale electrified biotrickling filters operated with sulfur-containing liquid and gaseous waste streams.

Question 5

What are the expected outcomes of the research?

Accepted Answer

A functional ETB prototype (TRL 4), detailed understanding of microbial electrochemical  heterogeneity, a validated potentiostat design, and clear design criteria for MET configurations.

Question 6

What are the main challenges or risks associated with the project?

Accepted Answer

Understanding and managing functional and microbial heterogeneity, ensuring effective integration of anodic and cathodic processes, and validating the scalability and reliability of low-cost components.

Question 7

Who are the key collaborators involved?

Accepted Answer

Wageningen University f()or getting acquainted with MET-based sulfur removal; SCIO ()for the development of circuit boards for customized potentiostats; and AERIS ()Tecnologías Ambientales S.L. for conducting a techno-economic analysis of ETBs for sulfur species treatment.

DC4

THE SUPERVISORS

THE CANDIDATE