Recover ammonia with simultaneous production of hydrogen employing bioelectrochemical systems (BES).

• Grant number: 24/12971-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Adalgisa Rodrigues de Andrade
• Grantee: Luiz Felipe Venezuela Cabanas
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/07992-0 - Towards Zero Impact Agriculture: bio-NAno architecTUres for ammonia REcovery - NATURE, AP.R

Abstract

The project under development aims to explore the potential of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) in recovering ammonia present in agricultural waste. During the scientific initiation project, a microbial electrode will be prepared for application in BES using the microbial fuel cell (MFC) system. The focus of the study lies on the recovery of ammonia, a high-value-added compound used in the production of fertilizers and other industrial products. Variables of the MFC system will be investigated such as: applied external resistance, residence time, type of biofilm used in order to optimize ammonia recovery and in favorable cases the simultaneous formation of hydrogen at the cathode. Furthermore, the products formed during the operation of the MFC will be analyzed.The results of this study have the potential to significantly contribute to the development of sustainable technologies for the treatment of industrial effluents. Ammonia recovery through BES can represent an ecologically viable and economically attractive alternative compared to conventional treatment methods, in addition to providing high value-added products at the cathode (H2). This is part of the research project Fapesp/2023/07992-0 in the cooperation agreement/CNR- Consiglio Nazioanalle delle Ricerche.