Reviewing microbial electrical systems and bacteriophage biocontrol as targeted novel treatments for reducing hydrogen sulfide emissions in urban sewer systems

Microbially induced concrete corrosion (MICC) is a costly, and ongoing problem affecting the infrastructure of water utilities worldwide. Traditionally MICC has been treated with chemicals and physical techniques that inhibit the release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), preventing sulfuric acid formation and the consequent corrosion. However, these methods require continual dosing and monitoring to ensure process efficiency and prevent undue costs. This review focuses on recent research into two potential novel treatments for MICC: re-engineering the sewer sulfur cycle by removing sulfide using electrodes in microbial electrical systems as an alternative electron acceptor and; altering the microbial community using targeted bacteriophage biocontrol to reduce specific sulfide-producing bacteria. These novel treatments hold the potential to reduce water utilities reliance on continual chemical dosing providing a long-lasting treatment I believe necessitates further laboratory and field-trial investigation.