Examining current trends and future outlook of bio-electrochemical systems (BES) for nutrient conversion and recovery: an overview

Nutrient-rich waste streams from domestic and industrial sources and the increasing application of synthetic fertilizers have resulted in a huge-scale influx of reactive nitrogen and phosphorus in the environment. The higher concentrations of these pollutants induce eutrophication and foster degradation of aquatic biodiversity. Besides, phosphorus being non-renewable resource is under the risk of rapid depletion. Hence, recovery and reuse of the phosphorus and nitrogen are necessary. Over the years, nutrient recovery, low-carbon energy, and sustainable bioremediation of wastewater have received significant interest. The conventional wastewater treatment technologies have higher energy demand and nutrient removal entails a major cost in the treatment process. For these issues, bio-electrochemical system (BES) has been considered as sustainable and environment friendly wastewater treatment technologies that utilize the energy contained in the wastewater so as to recovery nutrients and purify wastewater. Therefore, this article comprehensively focuses and critically analyzes the potential sources of nutrients, working mechanism of BES, and different nutrient recovery strategies to unlock the upscaling opportunities. Also, economic analysis was done to understand the technical feasibility and potential market value of recovered nutrients. Hence, this review article will be useful in establishing waste management policies and framework along with development of advanced configurations with major emphasis on nutrient recovery rather than removal from the waste stream.

Automated summary

In recent years, there has been significant interest in nutrient recovery, low-carbon energy, and sustainable bioremediation of wastewater. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies have high energy demands and nutrient removal is costly. Bio-electrochemical system (BES) is considered a sustainable and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment technology that can recover nutrients and purify wastewater by utilizing the energy in the wastewater. This review comprehensively discusses the potential sources of nutrients, the working mechanism of BES, and different nutrient recovery strategies to explore upscaling opportunities. Economic analysis was also conducted to assess the technical feasibility and potential market value of recovered nutrients. Therefore, this review article is valuable for establishing waste management policies and frameworks, as well as developing advanced configurations with a focus on nutrient recovery rather than removal from the waste stream.